A tealight is a candle in a thinmetal or plastic cup so that the candle can liquefy completely while lit. They are typically small, circular, usually wider than their height, and inexpensive. Tealights derive their name from their use in teapot warmers, but are also used as food warmers in general, e.g. fondue. One benefit they have is that, unlike taper candles, they don't drip. Tealights are a popular choice for accent lighting and for heating scented oil. Tealights may be set afloat on water for decorative effect. Because of their small size and low level of light, multiple tealights are often burned simultaneously. Longer-burning tealights may be called nightlights. They also lit for religious purposes.
Varieties
Tealights can come in many different shapes and sizes, small and large, as well as burn times and scents. However, tealights are commonly short and cylindrical, approximately in diameter by high, with white unscented wax. A standard tealight has a power output of around 32 watts, depending on the wax used. When used in batches of fifty or more, such as at a party, the two criteria most desired are "least amount of smoke" and being long-lasting.
Cup design
The wick is tethered to a piece of metal to stop it from floating to the top of the molten wax and burning out before the wax does. Tealights have been protected under several patented designs. In some cases, the standard tealight metal cup has been replaced with a clear plastic cup, sometimes made out of polycarbonate plastic. The clear cup allows more light to escape the holder. However, the metal cups are much more common.
Holders
When not placed on a tray, tealights are placed in a special holder, which may be pierced or have partly clear walls "so light can shine through." From small pockets of glass, metal, ceramic, and other materials to larger, more elaborate tea light lamps, holders come in a wide range of styles, colours, and shapes. They have an appropriately sized cup to use a tealight candle, either scented or unscented. Discount stores, gift stores, and home decor stores often carry an array of holders for these small candles.
Electrical
Electric tealights have become increasingly popular as newer technology becomes available. They can feature incandescent or LED bulbs, the latter becoming the preferred format as LEDs become more-efficient and brighter. They can come in many different colours to set a mood, match a decor or augment the container's design. Some can also simulate a moving flame with various mechanical or electronic animations.
Safety
Their use may be mandated by safety regulations, such as in hospitals. Electric tealights are much safer than a flame-based tealight, and can be left unattended as there is no open flame or heat to worry about. This allows them to be placed inside freestanding lace structures, or in candle holders made from paper, wood or other flammable materials. They can also be made much smaller to fit where a large flamed-based tealight cannot. Electric tealights are not useful as a source of heat, so they are not suitable for chafing dishes or other food warmers.
Jewish
Tea lights are used by Jewish travelers and by those who host them for Friday nights and Jewish Holidays.
