Oil candles for restaurants: Which burn time should you choose?

Oil candles for restaurants are a practical solution when tables need to have a calm and uniform light expression. They are easy to handle in daily operations, and they are available with different burning times, so the restaurant can choose a solution that suits opening hours, table layout and routines.

The right burning time is not only about how long the candle can burn. It is also about how often the staff needs to change the candle, how many tables need to be prepared, and whether the candles are used every day, for evening service or at special parties.

Why use oil candles in restaurants?

Oil candles are popular in restaurants, cafes, hotels and for events because they provide a candlelight effect without requiring much work in everyday life. When the restaurant uses the same type of oil candle in the same candlesticks, the expression becomes calm and consistent across all tables.

This is especially an advantage in restaurants with many table settings. The staff can quickly set up the candles, replace them as needed and maintain the same visual style throughout the entire service.

Oil candles can also be a good solution if the restaurant wants candlelight, but at the same time wants to make handling easier than with many different types of candles.

Burning time is about the restaurant’s operation

When choosing oil candles for restaurants, you should start from the operation. The longest burning oil candle is not always the best choice. It depends on how the restaurant uses the candles.

If the candles are only lit for evening service, a shorter burning time may be enough. If the restaurant has long opening hours, many companies or wants fewer replacements, a longer burning time may be an advantage.

It may also be relevant to consider whether the candles should be changed every day or whether they can last for several service periods. A fixed routine makes it easier for the staff and reduces the risk of half-used candles on the tables.

Which burning time is suitable for which situation?

As a starting point, restaurants can choose the burning time based on how long the candles typically need to be lit at a time.

For general restaurant operations, 8-12 hours is often a practical solution because the light fits a typical service period. For hotels, companies and places with many candles, a longer burn time may make more sense because there are fewer replacements in everyday life.

High flame or regular flame?

Some oil candles are available with a high flame. This may be relevant if the light is to be more visible in the candle or to give a clearer, more vivid expression on the table.

A regular flame is well suited for discreet and classic table lighting, where the light should support the atmosphere without taking up too much space. A high flame can be a good choice in larger candles, glasses or table arrangements, where the flame may otherwise seem too low.

The choice therefore depends on both the restaurant, the candle and the atmosphere desired at the table.

Choose oil candles according to candle and table

Burning time is important, but the oil candle must also fit the candle or glass that the restaurant uses. The light must be stable, and the flame must be visible without dazzling the guests.

On small restaurant tables, it is often an advantage to have discreet candle holders that do not take up too much space. There should still be room for glasses, plates, cutlery and serving.

If the restaurant uses tall glasses or closed candle holders, you should be aware of whether the flame is too hidden. Here, an oil candle with a higher flame may be relevant. For low candle holders, a regular flame is often enough.

Make the choice easy for the staff

For restaurants, it is an advantage to choose one fixed type of oil candle for the fixed candle holders. This makes purchasing, storage and training simpler.

When the staff knows which type of oil candle to use, table preparation is faster. It also makes it easier to reorder in time and keep track of consumption.

A fixed solution also gives a more uniform look in the restaurant. All tables get the same light, the same flame height and the same visual atmosphere.

Buy oil candles for restaurants at Egelys

At Egelys you will find oil candles with several burning times for restaurants, cafés, hotels, parties and events. The range makes it possible to choose a solution that suits both table layout, opening hours and daily operations.

You will also find candle holders so that oil candles can be used safely and give a unified look to the tables.

With the right burning time, the restaurant gets a solution that both creates an atmosphere for the guests and makes the work easier for the staff.