Hand-Poured Beer Can Candles: How They're Made, Burn Tips and Gift Ideas
A hand-poured beer can candle is exactly what it sounds like: a real beer can, emptied, cleaned and filled with candle wax and a wick. It turns a can from a favorite brewery into something that lights up a game room, a patio or a man cave. Here is how we make ours in our Houston shop, how to get the best burn from one, and why they make such an easy gift.
How we make our beer can candles
Every candle starts with a recycled beer can. We open and clean the can, set a cotton wick in the center and hand-pour clean-burning wax so it sets evenly for a steady burn. Because each can is recycled, the labels, colors and little dents are all different, so no two candles look the same.
You can pick your can, including Texas favorites like Shiner Bock, Shiner Light, Lone Star, Saint Arnold Art Car, Karbach Crawford Bock and Native Texan, plus Bud Light, Busch Light, Coca-Cola and Dr Pepper. Or choose a random surprise can and let us pick.
Beer can candle burn tips
- First burn: let the candle burn until the melted wax reaches the edge of the can. This helps it burn evenly every time after.
- Trim the wick to about 1/4 inch before each burn to keep the flame steady and clean.
- Set it on a heat-safe surface. The metal can gets warm while it burns.
- Never leave a burning candle unattended, and keep it away from kids, pets and anything that can catch fire.
- When the wax is almost gone, stop burning it. Some people keep the empty can as a pencil cup or a planter.
Who loves a beer can candle?
- Beer lovers and homebrewers who would rather have a Shiner than a scented jar candle.
- Father's Day and birthdays: a fun gift for him under $20.
- Groomsmen and guys' trips: pick a can that fits each person.
- Housewarmings and game rooms: a conversation piece for the bar cart or patio table.
- Texans far from home who miss a cold Lone Star.
Want to build a bigger gift? Pair a candle with our Texas beer can bottle opener or a set of pint glass candles.
Beer can candle FAQ
Are beer can candles safe? Yes, when you burn them like any candle: on a heat-safe surface, away from anything flammable, and never left unattended.
Do they have beer left in them? No. Every can is emptied and cleaned before we pour the wax.
How much are they? Our beer can candles are $19.99 each.
Can I order several? Yes. Choose a different can for each one, or order random surprise cans for a party or a set of groomsmen gifts.