Hot throw, cold throw?

When I first started making candles I had no idea what a 'hot or cold throw was'. It was only after much reading and research that I began to understand the importance and the challenges of creating both in the illusive 'perfect scented candle'.

In the world of candle making, "hot throw" and "cold throw" are terms used to describe two distinct phases of a candle's fragrance release:

Hot Throw:

Hot throw refers to the scent that a candle emits when it is burning and the wax is in its liquid form. This is the fragrance that fills the room when the candle is lit and the wax is melted. Achieving a strong and pleasing hot throw is a primary goal for candle makers. The hot throw is essential for creating the desired ambiance and scent experience in a room.

The hot throw of a candle is influenced by several factors, including the type and quality of fragrance oil used, the fragrance load (the amount of fragrance oil added to the wax), the candle's wick, and the container or vessel in which the candle is housed and the choice of wax. Achieving an optimal hot throw involves finding the right balance of these factors to ensure that the fragrance is released effectively when the candle is lit.

Cold Throw:

In contrast, the 'cold throw' refers to the fragrance a candle gives off when it is not burning. It's the scent that you perceive when you smell an unlit candle, either in its solid form or when it's in a storage container or on display. The cold throw provides a preview of the candle's fragrance and can help make informed choices when selecting a candle to purchase.

Balancing both hot and cold throws is crucial for creating a successful scented candle however this can be a bit tricky! A candle with a strong hot throw but a weak cold throw may not show off the best scent qualities of the candle, while a candle with a powerful cold throw may disappoint when it's actually burned if the fragrance oil, wax, wick and container combinations are not working in perfect harmony. Candle makers like me strive to find the right combination of fragrance oils, wick choices, and candle design to ensure that scented candles deliver a consistent and appealing scent experience both when unlit and in use.

So why is this so tricky?

The world of scented candles is a magical realm where art meets science. Crafting the perfect candle involves a careful balance of aesthetics and aromatics, making fragrance oils a pivotal component. However, choosing and testing fragrance oils can be a challenging process, requiring a delicate touch and keen sensibilities.

The first hurdle in selecting fragrance oils is the sheer abundance of choices. With an overwhelming array of scents, from classic vanilla and lavender to exotic spices and fruits, it's easy to become lost in the options and what may be a captivating aroma for one person could be off-putting to another. This is why Curdridge Candles stocks over 40 fragrance combinations and counting!

Once you've selected a fragrance, the next challenge arises during the testing phase. Candle making is as much an art as it is a science, and achieving the desired scent throw can be tricky. The potency of fragrance oils can vary as well as the density, and as mentioned the wax type, wick, and even the container play critical roles in scent distribution.

And while the challenges of achieving a great cold and hot throw in a scented candle can be challenging during the testing phases, it can be so satisfying, when finally, you have managed to create a scented candle that smells great in the container and has a lovely hot throw. And it's these luxury fragranced candles that captivate the senses and can uplift and transport our senses.