When searching for a candle, consumers have many options; two being Yankee and Old Virginia Candles. Each brand is unique in that it has its advantages and disadvantages. While there is no clear cut winner, depending on consumer preference, either Yankee Candle or Old Virginia Candle will appeal to a customer’s needs.
Yankee Candle – This brand of candle seems to be the more visible of the two. Some advantages of Yankee Candle are: the availability of Yankee Candle outlets (for lower priced and hard to find scented candles), size, variety, corresponding warm oil room fresheners, and portable car jars perfect for enjoying your favorite scents on the go. While all of this seems favorable about Yankee Candle, they do have some major disadvantages. First, the large, 22oz jars are hard to light when there are less than half of the contents remaining. These candles always have remnants that need to be melted and combined with another candle, or thrown away. Next, the jar really does not have a handle. One must either grab the jar around the middle, or else pick it up by the lid, which frequently becomes unsecured. If not careful, this can result in a dropped and result in a broken candle. Finally, Yankee Candles have a tendency to emit black smoke and a dust like substance when burning. When used in an area that has white colored counters, the black dust and soot accumulates, or is blown throughout the air.
Old Virginia Candles – Old Virginia Candles, on the other hand, have both good and bad attributes. The most positive quality about Old Virginia Candles is the realistic smell; especially in the fruited scents. In my opinion, Old Virginia Candles are the best smelling candles on the market. Another positive aspect of Old Virginia Candles is their portability. Unlike Yankee Candles, Old Virginia’s Farm Grown Candles have a metal handle which allows them to be transported easily, especially if they are in use or still hot after extinguishing the flame. Old Virginia Candles also have a metal lid with a plastic under piece that is firmly secured. With respect to wicks, Old Virginia’s consumers are presented with a choice: traditional wick or wood wicks, which burn cleaner and produce less soot. Wood wicks also make an authentic crackling sound. While all of these features seem impressive, Old Virginia Candles are more expensive than Yankee Candles and are not on sale as frequently as their competitor, Yankee. They are also harder to come by, and one must pay full price when purchasing retail, as the candles are not sold in outlet mall centers. Also, Old Virginia Candles are not available in liquid oil potpourri plug ins or in automobile air fresheners. They do, however, are easily accessorized with unique candle toppers which make displaying easy. Candles with matching toppers are available at a discount as the scent of the month.
Now that we have compared both the advantages and disadvantages, when it comes to choosing between the two, consumers have to base their selection off of desired scent, budget, type of candle needed, and household size. Both Yankee Candles and Old Virginia Candles come in a variety of scents, but while Old Virginia Candles are the strongest, Yankee Candle is the most versatile, with the candles, gift sets, plug ins, room fragrance, and automobile air fresheners. As for budget, Yankee Candles are available at select outlet mall locations; however Old Virginia Candles frequently offer a promotional shipping and candle of the month on their site. Finally household size is important as to which candle brand to choose. If you have small children, Old Virginia’s Farm Grown Candles would work best, due to the fact that Old Virginia’s products which contain the least amount of glass. Likewise, should you have any pets, children, or breathing problems, the wood wick would be a better choice over the traditional metal one.
In the end, both Yankee and Old Virginia Candles are great products, just choose the one that is best for either you or as a gift, taking into consideration all you have learned here today, and your recipient will be pleased.
