After reviewing several brands, we nominated Bolsius White Dinner Dripless Taper Candles as our Top Pick for the best dripless taper candles. We liked that they featured a braided cotton wick which creates a more even flame, along with the fact that each of the 10 candles in this set can burn for up to 7.5 hours.
To create our list of recommendations, we focused on the following criteria: material, burn time, the number of candles, smokeless vs. smoke, scented vs. unscented, and style. We know that some people may be particular about paraffin versus beeswax-based candles, just as they may prefer an unscented candle over one that is scented. And finally, we wanted to provide an array of options that gave people the ability to match their candles with their home or event decor. Keep reading to learn more about high-quality dripless taper candles available for purchase.
Top 4 Best Dripless Taper Candles
#1 Bolsius White Dinner Dripless Taper Candles
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: Smokeless dripless candles with a sturdy braided cotton wick and the endurance to burn for up to 7.5 hours.
- Braided cotton wick
- Each candle burns for up to 7.5 hours
- A pack of 10 white candles
- Made from paraffin wax which isn’t ideal for eco-conscious shoppers
Candles are a great way to set the mood. And if you’re stocking up for a holiday dinner or special event, you’ll like this option from Bolsius. This set of 10 smokeless dripless candles is a perfect way to start building your candle collection. But do note that these are made from paraffin wax, which means that for the candle to be dripless, it does contain additives. So, eco-conscious shoppers might not feel comfortable buying paraffin-based candles.
However, we do like that each candle can burn for up to seven and a half hours. The sturdy braided wick is also made from 100% cotton, which means that you’ll get less smoking and the wick won’t fall into the melted wax as long as you keep it properly trimmed.
#2 Royal Imports Unscented Taper Candles
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: An elegant 12-pack of hand-dipped, unscented taper candles with a classic, smokeless design. Perfect for creating a warm, ambient setting at any gathering or event.
- Hand-dipped for a high-quality finish
- 7-hour burn time
- Cotton core wick for a clean, smokeless burn
- May produce minimal drips if exposed to drafts
Royal Imports’ Unscented Taper Candles provide the kind of sophisticated ambiance that enhances any table setting, from formal dinners to casual gatherings. This 12-pack is made from high-quality paraffin wax and boasts a hand-dipped finish, adding a touch of elegance. With a sturdy cotton core wick, each candle offers a clean, smokeless burn that minimizes interruptions, allowing you to enjoy the mood without constant maintenance.
While these candles are designed to be dripless, it’s worth noting they perform best in draft-free settings. With up to 7 hours of burn time, they’re ideal for long dinners, and the classic white design pairs effortlessly with any décor. If you’re looking for reliable, high-quality candles that deliver on both appearance and function, these make an excellent choice. For those who love a cozy ambiance, consider pairing these candles with the best decorative lights.
#3 Karma Delights Beeswax Dripless Taper Candles
Award: BEST FOR ENVIRONMENT
WHY WE LIKE IT: A colorful set of hand-rolled beeswax taper candles that are perfect for the environmental set that wants to enjoy their candles without a guilty conscience.
- Smokeless burn is great for people with sensitivities
- Made from 100% natural beeswax
- Available in a variety of colors
- Shortest burn time at just 3.5 hours per candle
If you’re completely opposed to paraffin, then you know that beeswax is considered the best type of wax for dripless taper candles because they are clean burning as opposed to a standard taper or other wax candles. These beeswax taper candles from Karma Delights are the perfect solution. This colorful set of candles is made from 100% beeswax and lightly filters the smoke.
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While these candles have the shortest burn time of any of the candles we’re highlighting at three and a half hours per candle, their reduced ecological impact makes them a smart option. We also like that this 14-pack comes with five individual sets that are each different colors. Each unscented candle measures nine inches tall and can fit into candle holders that measure either ¾ or ⅞ of an inch wide.
#4 Hyoola 12 Pack Tall Dripless Taper Candles
Award: BEST FOR EVENTS
WHY WE LIKE IT: A 12-pack of 12-inch tall taper candles that are perfect for special occasions, romantic dinners, or any time where you want to set the mood.
- Classic white color that blends with any decor scheme
- 10 hour burn time
- Includes pure cotton wick for more even glow
- Made of 100% paraffin wax
Candles are the perfect accent for creating a festive, relaxed, or romantic mood. We included this 12-pack of dripless taper candles from Hyoola because they feature an excellent burn time. At 10 hours per candle, your dripless taper candles should be able to last through even the longest dinner or holiday party.
Again, this is another 100% paraffin wax option, so eco-conscious buyers might not want to pick these. However, we do like that the wick is made from 100% cotton which guarantees a more even flame. Plus you have a choice of lengths. While the 12-inch candles can burn for up to 10 hours, the 14-inch candles can burn for 12 hours, and the 10-inch candles can burn for eight hours. If you need seating for your room, try reading our guide to the best loveseat.
How We Decided
Dripless taper candles are a popular option for frequent and occasional fans of candles. To create our guide, we focused on the following features — material, burn time, the number of candles, smokeless vs. smoke, scented vs. unscented, and the style. We focused on a selection that included five paraffin recommendations and two beeswax picks.
Burn times can vary between brands so it’s always best to do your homework before making a selection. Through our research, we found options that burned between three and a half to 10 hours. Although we did note that while good quality beeswax candles are known for burning as long as eight hours, the most we could find was a six-hour beeswax candle.
Quantity is also important — especially if you plan on frequently using candles. For the most part, the majority of our recommendations featured a range between 12 to 14 candles in a pack. Likewise, almost all of them promised a smoke-free experience.
While the scent is important for some people, others may prefer a scent-free experience. So, we made it a point to highlight if a candle was scented. And finally, we understand that candles can serve as an extension of your decor or party theme. So, if a brand offered color variations we included that in our review.
Best Dripless Taper Candles Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Factors to Consider
- Material
Candles are usually made from a few popular types of materials: paraffin, soy, or beeswax. While paraffin candles tend to be cheaper, for them to be dripless additives must be added. Soy and beeswax have naturally higher melting points, but for some people, soy can still be questionable because of the potential for carcinogens to be released as the candle burns. For purity concerns, beeswax candles are your best bet as they have a naturally higher melting point, and — as long as the candle is properly maintained — are less likely to emit harmful substances when burned. - Burn Time
No one wants a candle that burns down to nothing in a matter of an hour or two. So, consider the total burn time for each candle by opting for tapered candles made from higher quality wax. A good wax will burn more slowly, often lasting as long as 8 hours. Also, make sure that the candles you pick burn consistently with a flame that can hold the traditional golden glow. - Wick
The quality of the wick will also impact how much your candles smoke when you light them. Look for options that feature wicks made of higher quality cotton which is less likely to release as much smoke as cheaper wick options. - Quantity
How many taper candles are going to come in the set? Tapered candles are normally sold in sets with even numbers. The most common choices are 2, 4, 12, or 16 candles in a set. If you frequently light candles, then you’re going to want to look for options that offer more candles in the package. However, keep in mind that features such as the length of the candle or if it’s scented versus unscented can also impact the overall cost. - Smokeless vs. Smoke
Some people don’t like it when candles leave soot smudges. If this sounds familiar, then opt for a smokeless candle made from options like organic beeswax. - Scented vs. Unscented
Not everyone likes scented candles, but a good scented candle can act as a form of aromatherapy. Look for scents that appeal to you and that linger even after you blow out the candle. - Style and Design
Tapered candles are a great way to enhance the ambiance of any space — even without being lit. While this is going to depend on your aesthetic preferences, you can look for varying colors or even candles with printed designs on them.
