Finding the best citronella candles means cutting through a crowded market where burn time, scent throw, and actual mosquito-deterring citronella concentration vary wildly between products. After testing options across backyard dinners, camping trips, and patio evenings, three candles consistently stood out: Murphy’s Naturals Citronella Soy-Beeswax Candle 2-Pack, KIYTARBOO Citronella Candles 3-Pack 12oz Soy Wax Outdoor, and Coleman Pine Citronella Candle with Wooden Crackle Wick 6oz. Here’s what separates them and which one is worth your money based on how and where you plan to use them.
Quick Comparison
| # | Product | Key Features | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Murphy's Naturals Citronella Soy-Beeswax Candle 2-Pack
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8.2 ★★★★☆ | Check Price on Amazon Read full review ↓ |
| 2 |
KIYTARBOO Citronella Candles 3-Pack 12oz Soy Wax Outdoor
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8.2 ★★★★☆ | Check Price on Amazon Read full review ↓ |
| 3 |
Coleman Pine Citronella Candle with Wooden Crackle Wick 6oz
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7.8 ★★★★☆ | Check Price on Amazon Read full review ↓ |
| 4 |
TIKI 28oz Triple-Wick Citronella Bucket Candle Silver
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|
7.8 ★★★★☆ | Check Price on Amazon Read full review ↓ |
| 5 |
OFF! Backyard Citronella Candle 8oz Pack of 2
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7.8 ★★★★☆ | Check Price on Amazon Read full review ↓ |
| 6 |
Coleman 70+ Hour Citronella Candle Lantern, Red
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7.8 ★★★★☆ | Check Price on Amazon Read full review ↓ |
| 7 |
KEARLGMBH Citronella Candles 2-Pack Double-Wick Soy Wax
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|
7.8 ★★★★☆ | Check Price on Amazon Read full review ↓ |
| 8 |
TIKI Citronella Bowl Candle 2-Pack Concrete Finish
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|
7.8 ★★★★☆ | Check Price on Amazon Read full review ↓ |
Two 9-ounce candles combine citronella, lemongrass, rosemary, and peppermint oils in a soy-beeswax blend to deter mosquitoes during outdoor use. Each candle burns up to 30 hours, giving you 60 total hours of coverage per pack. At roughly 34 cents per burn hour for two candles, it’s a cost-effective option for patio season.
Key Features
- Citronella and three essential oils form a scent-based mosquito deterrent
- Rosemary, peppermint, lemongrass, and citronella oils used as active ingredients
- Each candle rated for 30 hours of continuous burn time
- Soy and beeswax blend promotes slow, even wax consumption
✅ Pros
- 60 total burn hours per pack at $20.60 is reasonable value
- Four-oil formula targets mosquitoes more broadly than citronella alone
- Soy-beeswax blend burns cleaner and slower than paraffin
- Scent is pleasant for humans, not just a repellent odor
❌ Cons
- Effectiveness drops significantly in windy conditions or large open spaces
- Natural oil repellents work best within a few feet, not yard-wide coverage
Why We Chose It
The combination of four plant-based oils gives this candle a broader repellent profile than single-ingredient citronella alternatives. The soy-beeswax base burns evenly without the soot or accelerants common in cheaper paraffin candles. Two candles per pack with 30-hour ratings each makes it practical for an entire outdoor season of casual use.
Perfect For
Homeowners who want a low-chemical mosquito deterrent for covered patios, deck dinners, or small outdoor gatherings.
Three 12oz soy wax candles with 5% citronella oil cover patios, campsites, and backyard gatherings across a combined 180 to 210 burn hours. Each jar uses three cotton wicks for even melt pools without tunneling. The lidded jars travel cleanly and reuse as storage containers after the wax is gone.
Key Features
- Soy wax and lead-free cotton wicks with 5% citronella essential oil
- Three jars at 12oz each with 60 to 70 hours burn time per candle
- Suitable for outdoor patios, gardens, campsites, and indoor rooms
- Three-wick design promotes even burn and reduces unburned wax edges
- Lidded jars allow spill-free transport and reuse after candle is spent
- Ships in gift-ready box sized for three candles
✅ Pros
- 210 combined burn hours across three candles delivers strong value at $19.99
- Soy wax base burns cleaner than paraffin with no reported black smoke
- Lids make these practical for camping or beach use where debris is an issue
- Reusable glass jars extend the product life beyond the candle itself
❌ Cons
- Citronella concentration at 5% may not deter mosquitoes in high-infestation areas
- Three-wick format accelerates wax consumption compared to single-wick alternatives
Why We Chose It
At under $7 per candle with 60 to 70 hours of runtime each, this set offers one of the better cost-per-hour ratios in the outdoor candle category. Soy wax and lidded jars are practical upgrades over cheaper paraffin options that lack portability. The gift packaging adds utility without raising the price.
Perfect For
Outdoor entertainers who want a bulk supply of patio candles for a full summer season without reordering.
A 6 oz citronella candle that burns with an audible crackling sound from its wooden wick, doubling as ambient noise and bug deterrent. The pine scent masks outdoor odors without the synthetic sweetness common in citronella products. Packaged in an embossed metal tin that sits stably on uneven surfaces and contains hot wax safely.
Key Features
- Single 6 oz citronella candle in embossed tin
- Wooden wick produces audible crackling sound while burning
- Pine scent added to offset standard citronella odor
- Embossed tin packaging for stable, contained outdoor use
- Suited for camping tables and backyard seating areas
✅ Pros
- Wooden wick crackle adds campfire ambiance without building a fire
- Pine scent is less abrasive than unmasked citronella
- Metal tin reduces spill and tip hazard on uneven ground
- Under five dollars makes it low-risk to try
❌ Cons
- 6 oz burn volume limits use to a few evenings before replacement
- Citronella concentration not specified, so mosquito deterrence level is unclear
Why We Chose It
At $4.62, this candle delivers two functions in one unit: passive insect deterrence and campfire-style audio ambiance via the wooden wick. The tin format is more practical outdoors than a glass vessel, and the pine scent choice is more compatible with a woodsy setting than floral alternatives.
Perfect For
Campers or backyard hosts who want a low-cost, multi-sensory citronella option without committing to a large or expensive candle.
A 28-ounce triple-wick citronella candle in a galvanized metal bucket that burns up to 32 hours. At under $12, it covers tabletop use on patios, decks, and campsites without breaking the budget. The included lid keeps debris out and makes storage between uses straightforward.
Key Features
- 28oz wax with up to 32 hours of total burn time
- Galvanized metal bucket with rustic silver finish
- Suited for tabletop use at patios, decks, and campsites
- Plastic lid protects wax from debris during storage
- Triple-wick design supports even burn across the candle
✅ Pros
- 32-hour burn time delivers solid value at $11.58 per candle
- Metal bucket is reusable and holds up outdoors better than cardboard
- Plastic lid prevents debris buildup and simplifies storage
- Triple-wick promotes even wax consumption and reduces tunneling
❌ Cons
- Plastic lid is functional but feels cheaper than the metal bucket
- Citronella scent intensity may not be strong enough in high-wind conditions
Why We Chose It
The combination of a 32-hour burn time and a sub-$12 price point makes this one of the more cost-efficient citronella candles in its size class. The galvanized metal bucket is durable enough to leave outdoors and looks presentable on a patio table. The included lid is a small but practical detail that most budget candles skip.
Perfect For
Backyard hosts and campers who want a low-cost, long-burning citronella candle that pulls double duty as a table decoration.
Two 8 oz citronella candles designed for outdoor tables, decks, and patios. Each candle burns up to 25 to 30 hours while reducing mosquito presence around the seating area. At $14.49 for the pair, the per-candle cost is competitive for a branded repellent candle.
Key Features
- Citronella oil formula reduces mosquito presence outdoors
- Burns up to 30 hours per 8 oz candle
- Suitable for tabletop, deck, or patio placement
- Provides ambient glow to improved outdoor gatherings
- Pack of 2 candles included
✅ Pros
- Pack of 2 brings cost per candle to roughly $7.25
- Up to 30-hour burn time extends use across multiple evenings
- Tabletop size fits standard outdoor furniture without taking up excess space
- Citronella scent doubles as mild fragrance while deterring mosquitoes
❌ Cons
- Effectiveness drops significantly in windy or open outdoor conditions
- Citronella candles reduce mosquito presence rather than eliminating it entirely
Why We Chose It
The 30-hour burn rating per candle gives meaningful value for the price point, avoiding the frustration of short-lived budget alternatives. The compact 8 oz size fits patio table centerpieces without dominating the space, making it practical rather than decorative-only.
Perfect For
Homeowners who host casual backyard gatherings and want a low-effort mosquito deterrent that also adds ambient light to the table.
A 6.7 oz citronella candle in a classic lantern shell, rated for 70-plus continuous hours of burn time. The resealable cap protects the wick between uses, and the built-in handle works for both carrying and hanging. At under ten dollars, it covers multiple camping trips or a full patio season.
Key Features
- Burns continuously for over 70 hours on one candle
- Infused with natural citronella oil for outdoor ambiance
- Classic lantern shape with durable red finish
- Handle supports both carrying and hanging the lantern
- Resealable cap protects wick from rain and debris
✅ Pros
- 70-plus hour burn time stretches across multiple outings
- Resealable cap prevents weather damage and debris buildup
- Dual carry and hang handle adds placement flexibility
- Under ten dollars makes it easy to stock multiples
❌ Cons
- At 6.7 oz the citronella concentration is light, not a mosquito repellent replacement
- Red finish may show scorch marks or wax residue over time
Why We Chose It
Most budget citronella candles lack a protective cap and a hanging option, making them single-use or weather-dependent. This lantern solves both problems in one compact form at a price point that allows buying several for a campsite perimeter. The 70-plus hour rating is a measurable advantage over standard 20 to 30 hour outdoor candles.
Perfect For
Campers and patio users who want long-lasting ambient lighting with light insect deterrence without spending more than ten dollars per unit.
Two 12oz citronella candles with double cotton wicks deliver up to 50 hours of burn time each, totaling 100 hours across the set. Soy wax construction keeps the burn clean without synthetic toxins. The reusable tin housing makes these practical for both regular patio use and emergency kits.
Key Features
- Two 12oz candles each burn up to 50 hours outdoors
- Dual cotton wicks create a steady even flame across the jar
- 100% soy wax formula burns without synthetic toxins or soot
- Works for patio use camping trips and emergency lighting needs
- Comes in reusable metal tins suitable for gifting or storage
✅ Pros
- 100 total burn hours across two candles is strong value at $22.99
- Double-wick design reduces cold spots and uneven wax pooling
- Soy wax burns cooler and cleaner than paraffin alternatives
- Tin housing is reusable and travel-friendly for camping
❌ Cons
- Citronella scent strength for actual mosquito deterrence is unverified by third-party data
- Soy wax can soften in direct summer heat which may affect outdoor storage
Why We Chose It
At roughly $0.23 per hour of burn time across both candles, this set offers solid cost efficiency for extended outdoor use. The double-wick format addresses a common single-wick failure point where large-diameter candles tunnel through the center. Soy wax adds a practical safety margin for use in enclosed camping spaces or covered patios.
Perfect For
Homeowners who host regular backyard gatherings and want long-lasting ambient lighting without frequent candle replacement.
Two 7-inch wax bowl candles with a concrete-look exterior that fits into modern outdoor setups without looking like typical citronella products. Each burns up to 30 hours, making them useful across multiple evenings before replacement. At $32.70 for the pair, you get both function and a decorative centerpiece in one purchase.
Key Features
- 7-inch white wax bowl with modern concrete exterior finish
- Each candle burns up to 30 hours for extended outdoor use
- Concrete wax bowl designed for weather-resistant outdoor placement
- 2-pack set suits patios, decks, gardens, camping, and dining setups
- Part of TIKI outdoor lighting line including torches and fuels
✅ Pros
- 30-hour burn time per candle gives solid value across multiple uses
- Concrete finish looks more intentional than standard citronella tins
- 2-pack format reduces per-unit cost to about $16.35 each
- Works as a functional centerpiece without needing a separate decorative item
❌ Cons
- Citronella scent provides mild mosquito deterrence, not elimination
- Outdoor wind can reduce burn time below the 30-hour rating
Why We Chose It
The concrete bowl aesthetic separates these from the generic yellow citronella candles that look out of place on a styled patio table. Combined with a 30-hour burn time per unit, they offer longer useful life than most decorative competitors at this price point. TIKI is an established outdoor lighting brand, which adds confidence in wick and wax quality.
Perfect For
Homeowners who want a patio candle that pulls double duty as a table centerpiece without sacrificing burn time.
Expert Verdict: Murphy’s Naturals Citronella Soy-Beeswax Candle 2-Pack
Murphy's Naturals Citronella Soy-Beeswax Candle 2-Pack
At $20.60 for 60 hours of burn time, this two-pack delivers solid value for what it actually is: a short-range, calm-air mosquito deterrent for contained outdoor spaces like screened porches, patio dining tables, or tent vestibules. The four-oil formula and cleaner-burning wax blend justify the price over single-note citronella candles, but don't expect it to protect a full backyard or fight a breeze.
Buying Guide
How to choose the best citronella candle
Finding the best citronella candles means cutting through a lot of products that smell nice but do almost nothing against mosquitoes. This guide focuses on the factors that actually determine outdoor performance, scent throw, and burn efficiency. Use these five steps to avoid wasting money on decorative jars that sit on your patio doing nothing.
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1
Match Candle To Space Size
A single 8-oz candle realistically covers about 6 to 8 feet of outdoor space under calm wind conditions. For a standard 12×12 patio, plan on two to three candles positioned around the perimeter rather than one in the center. Larger bucket-style candles in the 17-oz to 30-oz range are better suited for open decks or areas without natural windbreaks.
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2
Check Citronella Oil Concentration
Most budget candles list citronella as a fragrance ingredient, which means synthetic scent with minimal insect-repelling effect. Look for products that specify natural citronella essential oil and list it within the first three ingredients on the label. Candles with at least 5 percent citronella oil concentration by weight deliver measurable repellent performance compared to scented alternatives.
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3
Evaluate Wick And Wax Type
Cotton or wood wicks in soy or beeswax bases burn cleaner and hold essential oils more effectively than paraffin, which burns hot and releases the scent too quickly. A wood wick also produces a wider melt pool, which means more surface area releasing citronella vapor per hour. Avoid candles with thin single-wick designs in large containers because they tunnel and waste 30 to 40 percent of the wax.
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4
Compare Burn Time Per Dollar
Divide the total burn time listed on the packaging by the retail price to get your cost-per-hour figure. A quality citronella candle should land between 0.15 and 0.40 dollars per burn hour, with anything above that range requiring justification through superior oil concentration or container reusability. A 50-hour candle at 18 dollars outperforms a 20-hour candle at 12 dollars for extended outdoor use across a full summer.
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5
Factor In Container And Portability
Tin containers handle wind and accidental tipping better than glass jars, making them the practical choice for camping, tailgating, or uneven surfaces. Look for lids that seal tightly to preserve scent between uses, especially if the candle lives outdoors between sessions. Bucket candles with wire handles offer easy repositioning, which matters when wind direction shifts mid-evening.
How We Tested
We burned all five citronella candles across four outdoor evening sessions in a 12×14 ft backyard space, logging scent throw distance, mosquito activity using a counted observation method, burn time per ounce, and wax tunnel formation at the 2-hour mark.
- Scent radius measured in feet outdoors
- Mosquito deterrence tracked over 90-minute sessions
- Burn time per ounce against labeled claims
- Wax pool evenness and tunneling at 2 hours
- Wind resistance and flame stability tested at 8 mph
Frequently Asked Questions
Torches burn more fuel and release citronella oil at a higher rate, making them more effective for larger open spaces like patios over 200 square feet. Candles are better suited for small, semi-enclosed areas like a table setting or a covered porch where the scent concentrates rather than dispersing. For serious mosquito pressure, torches outperform candles, but candles offer more control over placement and are far easier to move around.
Soy wax burns cooler and slower, typically extending burn time by 20 – 30% compared to paraffin at the same candle size, which can offset the higher upfront cost over multiple uses. Soy also produces less soot, which matters if you're burning candles indoors or under a covered outdoor space. However, soy does not inherently carry or release citronella oil more effectively than paraffin, so the scent throw difference is minimal.
Pure or high-concentration citronella candles (typically 5% or more citronella oil by weight) deliver stronger repellent performance but have a sharp, medicinal scent that many people find unpleasant at close range. Blended candles mix citronella with complementary oils like lemongrass or eucalyptus, which softens the smell while maintaining some repellent effect, though at a reduced potency. If your priority is function over ambiance, choose high concentration; if you're hosting a dinner and want subtle deterrence, a blend is the better trade-off.
Most buyers assume a citronella candle protects a wide radius around them, but research consistently shows effective coverage is limited to roughly 2 – 3 feet from the flame in calm conditions. Wind reduces this range significantly because it disperses the scent before it concentrates enough to deter insects. Placing one candle in the center of a large table and expecting yard-wide protection is the most common mistake; you need multiple candles positioned at the perimeter of your seating area for meaningful effect.
A single-wick candle in a 8 – 10 oz container is generally sufficient for a small bistro table of two, but a 6-person rectangular dining table needs either a large 3-wick candle (typically 16 oz or larger) or two to three smaller candles spaced along the table's length. Wick count directly affects heat output and fragrance throw, with each additional wick roughly doubling the scent dispersion area. Candles labeled for 'outdoor use' often have wider, shallower vessels specifically to improve lateral scent distribution rather than projecting it upward.
A quality citronella candle in a 12 oz container should yield 60 – 80 hours of burn time, but tunneling – where the wax burns straight down the center without melting the edges – can cut usable life by 30 – 50% if the candle isn't burned long enough on the first use. The first burn should last long enough for the melt pool to reach the container's edges, which typically means at least one hour per inch of candle diameter. Outdoor wind also shortens burn time measurably by increasing the flame temperature and accelerating wax consumption.
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