Modern Digital By Kalia

If your burn testing looks like lighting one candle, watching it for a few hours, and deciding “it seems fine,” you’re not testing.

You’re observing without documentation.

Luxury candles are not approved based on memory or impressions.

They’re approved based on recorded performance standards.

And if your results aren’t repeatable, your formula isn’t controlled.

Section 1: Why Most Burn Tests Fail

Most makers:

• Change multiple variables at once
• Don’t document flame height objectively
• Don’t record hot throw consistently
• Don’t track room temperature
• Don’t isolate root causes

The result?

Inconsistent batches.
Confusion.
Random wick changes.

Luxury requires discipline.

Section 2: What Professional Burn Testing Actually Looks Like

Professional burn testing includes:

• Controlled pre-test setup
• Documented environmental conditions
• Timed burn sessions
• Standardized evaluation terms
• Root cause identification
• Clear pass/fail approval criteria

Not opinion.
Data.

Section 3: The Missing Piece — Standardized Data Entry

Here’s what most candle makers don’t have:

A structured burn session log.

Instead of typing random notes like:

“Flame kinda high.”

Luxury testing uses standardized dropdown categories like:

Low / Medium / High flame
Light / Medium / Strong hot throw
Specific wick behavior classifications

This eliminates emotional interpretation.

And once you remove emotion, you gain repeatability.

Section 4: Approval Is Not Vibes

A candle should only be approved when it meets performance standards such as:

✔ Stable flame
✔ Acceptable melt pool formation
✔ No excessive soot
✔ No overheating
✔ Balanced hot throw

If it fails?

Retest.

Luxury brands do not release “almost good enough.”

Section 5: Why This Method Includes an Excel Evaluation Framework

Burn testing without structured documentation is incomplete.

The Luxury Burn Testing Method includes:

• Manual work instruction
• Structured burn procedure
• Standardized Excel burn session log
• Controlled dropdown performance indicators
• Root cause identification guidance
• Final approval framework

Because luxury performance must be repeatable, not remembered.

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start testing like a production brand, the full Luxury Burn Testing Method gives you the structured system behind disciplined candle approval.

Access the Manual + Excel Burn Testing Worksheet here.

FAQ Section

How long should I burn test a candle?

Each session should be timed and controlled. Most initial sessions run 2–4 hours or until a full melt pool forms, without exceeding safe burn limits.

Should I test multiple wick sizes at once?

No. Only one variable should be adjusted at a time to isolate root cause accurately.

Do I need to document room temperature?

Yes. Environmental consistency affects performance data.