Candle Terminology 101: What Is Scent Throw?

Many candlemakers and candle companies use the term “scent throw” in their descriptions, marketing, and general content. But what does it mean? And why, as a customer or a candlemaker, do you care? It sounds like one of those useless buzzwords corporations use to sell products, like “holistic” or “superfood.”

But scent throw is a very real thing—in fact, it’s one of the most important factors people should (and do) consider when they buy candles. They just don’t know there’s a name for it.

So what is scent throw? In short, it’s how strong a candle’s scent is. But there are actually two different types of scent throw, and both are equally important. Keep reading to learn more.

What’s Cold Throw?

Have you ever walked into a candle store and felt bowled over by a hundred different candle scents at once? That’s cold throw. It’s the scent that a candle has when you haven’t even lit it yet.

But why is it important? People buy candles so that, when you light them, the scent fills the room. That’s the vital part, right? But how do you judge if you’ll like the fragrance in the first place?

That’s right; you stand in the candle aisle in Walmart, take the tops off of every jar, and sniff every single version of Pumpkin Spice Latte you can find until you come to the one you want. So it’s cold throw that attracts customers and sells candles.

What’s Hot Throw?

As the name might suggest, hot throw is the scent of a candle after you light it, as it melts, so this is what people remember when they burn candles.

As the candle melts, the fragrance evaporates into the air, and that’s what the user smells. And, believe it or not, that scent that you smelled in the Walmart aisle is actually just the beginning. After you light your candle, those sharper top notes that hooked you in the cold throw start to burn off. They give way to headier, richer middle and base notes that linger in the air and wrap you up like a warm sweater.

So if cold throw is what sells a candle, it’s hot throw that fosters happy (and returning) customers.

What Contributes to Scent Throw?

There are several factors that contribute to optimal scent throw—the type of wax, the size and shape of the container, the type and amount of fragrance in the wax, the temperature at which fragrance was added, and the curing period. Also, probably a dozen other things.

For example, the larger the candle’s surface—and consequently, the wax pool—the stronger the scent throw will be. So a candle that’s taller than it is wide might have a slightly weaker scent throw than one with the opposite proportions. A candlemaker might combat this by increasing the fragrance load (the ratio of fragrance to wax) or using a different wax. Although I make 100% soy wax candles, paraffin can provide a stronger scent throw, so some candlemakers may choose to use a paraffin or paraffin blend wax instead.

In the same vein, different types and brands of wax have various melting points, and melting point can affect scent throw. Soy waxes with lower melting points don’t get as hot as those with higher melting points (makes sense, right?), and the hotter the wax gets, the better the hot throw will be. So waxes with higher melting points often release scent a little more effectively.

There are also factors that a candlemaker can’t account for. For example, room size will be a significant factor. No matter how much fragrance you put into it (and there is a limit), a tiny candle will not have a strong enough scent throw to fill a large room. Air flow within the room can also carry away scent so that it doesn’t seem as strong.

In Conclusion

It’s not an exact science. Sometimes, a candle with spectacular cold throw might not be as strong once you light it, or a candle you can barely smell when it’s just sitting on shelf might fill the room once the wax starts to pool. Candlemaking is an art form that requires a little chemistry, a lot of patience, and a ridiculous amount of experimentation to perfect.

But with the right blend of patience, persistence, and quality ingredients, the result is a candle with a strong fragrance throw right out of the jar that continues to provide a beautiful, rich, robust scent for hours as it burns.

If you’re looking for custom scented candles with beautiful scent throw, check out our build-your-own candle page, where we’ll make a candle to your exact specifications. You’ll choose your favorite cup, scent, and wax color, and your custom candle will arrive at your home within three weeks. Or, if you’d like to enjoy your candle sooner, check out our ready-to-ship teacup candles.