I Melted Every Yankee Candle Together Into A Giant Candle

Safiya Nygaard2 minutes read

Michael Kittredge created Yankee Candle in 1969, evolving into a prominent candle company with over 260 stores across America. A candle enthusiast collaborated with YouTubers to melt 223 Yankee Candle scents to create a giant "Franken Yankee" candle, receiving praise for its complex and pleasant aroma.

Insights

  • Michael Kittredge created the first scented Yankee Candle in 1969, sparking the company's inception, which has now expanded to over 260 stores across the US and Canada, establishing itself as America's largest candle manufacturer.
  • A collaborative effort between a candle enthusiast and YouTubers Evan and Katelyn resulted in the creation of a massive "Franken Yankee Candle" by melting and combining 223 unique Yankee Candle scents, showcasing a diverse array of fragrance categories and culminating in a complex and well-received aroma.

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Recent questions

  • What is the origin of Yankee Candle?

    Michael Kittredge created the first scented Yankee Candle in 1969 from melted crayons as a gift for his mother, leading to the birth of Yankee Candle.

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Summary

00:00

Creating Giant Frankencandle: A Yankee Candle Experiment

  • Michael Kittredge created the first scented Yankee Candle in 1969 from melted crayons as a gift for his mother, leading to the birth of Yankee Candle.
  • Yankee Candle has grown into a renowned candle company with over 260 stores in 43 US states and one in Canada, becoming the largest candle manufacturer in America.
  • The narrator, a candle enthusiast, decides to melt one of every Yankee Candle scent to create a giant Frankencandle.
  • The plan involves using all the wax from each candle to make a massive Frankencandle, with extra wax for a subscriber giveaway.
  • The narrator partners with YouTubers Evan and Katelyn, experienced in crafting and DIY projects, to execute the project.
  • They acquire 223 unique Yankee Candle scents from stores, websites, and eBay, organizing them into 11 scent categories.
  • The team melts the candles in ovens, ensuring the wax reaches a temperature between 140 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit to retain fragrance.
  • They extract the melted wax from the jars, starting with food-scented candles like Macintosh, fruity, citrus, berry, tropical, and apple fragrances.
  • Yankee Candle also offers savory scents like salsa and dairy scents like buttercream, adding variety to their collection.
  • The team successfully extracts wax from all 223 candles, preparing to pour them into a custom giant candle jar with the help of Evan and Katelyn.

11:34

Candle scents compared, from sweet to musky.

  • The scents of the candles were described, with some being compared to popcorn and Jelly Belly flavors.
  • The Freshly Tapped Maple scent was mentioned as being dominant.
  • Different categories of candles, such as drinks and sweet treats, were discussed, sharing common scent notes.
  • A GoPro accidentally fell into the candle vat.
  • Alcoholic scents in the drinks category were noted to be subdued.
  • Names of candles like Bunny Vanilla Cupcake and Warm Pineapple Upside-Down Cake were highlighted.
  • The overpowering scent of Chocolate Layer Cake was mentioned.
  • A variety of floral notes dominated the aromatherapy candles.
  • The In the Garden candles were described as intense smelling.
  • The beach candles were noted to have scents ranging from oceanic to musky and Old Spice-like.
  • Scene settings and destinations candles were discussed, focusing on places and events.
  • Abstract candles were mentioned to be conceptual, with a variety of fragrance notes.
  • Autumn candles were described as mostly apple or pumpkin scents.
  • Winter candles were noted for their woody and minty scents.
  • Christmas candles were highlighted as being numerous during the holiday season.

23:19

"Creating Franken Yankee Candle: A Festive Fusion"

  • The text discusses the enjoyment of Christmas candles, with a specific mention of Magical Bright Lights losing its scent over time.
  • Different holiday candle scents are described, including sweet cookies, fruity drinks, spicy zests, and balsam wreaths.
  • The process of creating a Franken Yankee Candle involves melting and mixing various Yankee Candle scents together.
  • The melted wax needed to be liquefied completely to ensure all flavors were combined.
  • Warming bands were used to melt the wax, but a giant spatula was also employed to break up the wax into smaller chunks for faster melting.
  • The presence of wicks in the wax hindered the melting process, leading to a need to remove them.
  • Evan volunteered to fish out the wicks from the wax using a heat-resistant glove and garbage bag.
  • A layer of unmelted wax under a false bottom caused a clog in the spigot, requiring further tools like a corkscrew and microfiber towels for insulation.
  • The unmelted wax was eventually extracted and melted in ovens to ensure complete liquefaction.
  • A custom-made giant candle jar, engineered by Evan and Katelyn, was used to hold the final mixed Franken Yankee Candle, weighing around 230 pounds.

34:40

"Creating Giant Candle 'Franken Yankee' with Experts"

  • Evan and Katelyn suspended 16 long wicks inside a giant candle, estimating a burn time of four weeks if all lit simultaneously.
  • The creation process of the giant candle is detailed in a video on their channel, involving testing and the use of a heat camera.
  • Despite encountering delays, the giant candle was eventually filled to capacity and named "Franken Yankee."
  • Initially expecting 35 gallons of wax, they ended up with 42 gallons, leading to extra candles for a giveaway and personal use.
  • After solidifying overnight, the candle required minor adjustments like covering sunken wax and applying a custom vinyl sticker.
  • The candle was successfully lit, revealing a complex scent profile with citrus, spicy, floral, woody, and sweet notes.
  • Experts and store staff praised the candle's layered scent, emphasizing its unique and pleasant aroma.
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