Product Review: Yankee Candle Illuma-Lid

As a former manager at a retail candle store, I can tell you that many candle retailers try to sell you all sorts of tools and accessories to go with your candle--many of which you do not really need. For example, candle snuffers to put out a burning candle are completely unnecessary; whereas a tool called a ''wick shipper'' is extremely handy for keeping the wick in jar candles neatly trimmed. Many retailers sell metal lids that fit on top of jar candles, claiming that they help the jar candle burn better. But do they really work?

The idea behind these metal jar lids is very simple. The lid redirects some of the heat from the flame back down into the jar (instead of allowing it to escape into the air above), which helps to melt more of the wax on the surface of the candle. This, in turn, allows the candle to burn completely and evenly without any "tunneling." Also, by placing a metal surface directly above the flame of the candle, any soot that is produced will collect on the bottom of the lid, instead of turning the jar and your walls black. Indeed, the simple act of using a metal lid when burning candles significantly improves their appearance and burn quality.

Traditionally, the problem with these metal jar lids has been that they lower the fragrance output of the candle by "trapping" some of the scent in the jar. Most people burn candles for the fragrance, so this is definitely not something you want to happen. Here's where the Yankee Candle Illuma-Lid comes in-this special lid is made with a "dome" shape at the top, which allows the fragrance to escape into the room. Now, you can use a metal lid for your jar candles without sacrificing the scent!

The other good thing about Yankee Candle Illuma-Lids is the fact that they can "fix" candles that have burned improperly in the past. If you have a candle that is "tunneling," or has lots of excess wax left on the sides, just burn the jar candle for a few hours with an Illuma-Lid on top and most of these problems will magically correct themselves. Illuma-Lids are available at all Yankee Candle retail stores, as well as other select retailers nationwide. An Illuma-Lid will cost $9.99, which is a great deal considering you can keep reusing it forever. If you've had problems burning jar candles in the past, head to your local Yankee Candle retailer and pick up an Illuma-Lid--you will be happy that you did.

(For more information about keeping jar candles looking and smelling great, read my Associated Content article about how to properly burn a jar candle.)