How to Make an Emergency Candle from a Can of Crisco
You’ve probably all seen this. It’s one of the most popular Hacks being shared around on the Internet and Pinterest.
So does it work?
Yes, it does. You can stick a wick down into the center of a tub of Crisco and light it and it will burn—for a long time. But there are some things to consider. We’ll discuss this aspect in a moment.
Why does it work?
Now this is the enlightening history behind the product called Crisco. Back in the day, the meat industry was making it expensive to purchase lard and tallow, which was used in the process of making candles and soap. Proctor & Gamble got the ingenious idea that they would make a product from plant oils that would stay in a solid form and be cheaper than lard or tallow so they could save money making candles and soap. (Yep – they weren’t even trying to make a food product!). They used a new process called hydrogenation. Without getting technical, this is done by bubbling hydrogen through the vegetable oil at high temperatures, a process that allows it to be solid at room temperature.
About that time, electricity was born & the candle business tanked.
Proctor & Gamble needed another use for their Crisco product, so Vegetable Shortening was born and touted as a healthy alternative to meat-based products!
Of course it’s not really made from vegetables. It was originally made from cottonseed oil. In fact the name Crisco was derived from the term Crystalized Cottonseed Oil. And the high heat processing destroys any nutrients, like vitamin E and omega-3 essential fatty acids. The plant-based seed and grain oils they use today are highly processed and commonly genetically modified. So Crisco was quite possibly the first Imitation Food put on the market (how proud they must be)—and spurred on the invention of yet another imitation food—Margarine.
So, we’re back to the Emergency Candle from a Can of Crisco idea.
Let’s talk about those ‘cans’ for a moment. If you check it out, they aren’t metal at all. They are made from foil-lined cardboard tubes. So if you do stick a wick down into one and let it burn for hours, and the hot oil reaches the sides of the container, you’ve just created a fire hazard.
So here’s the deal. If you’ve burned your last candle and the flashlight batteries have all just died…or if you find yourself lost in the woods and you come across a cabin you can shelter in and need some heat or light. Go ahead and make a candle out of that old tub of Crisco. Don’t worry—it never goes bad. Follow the usual precautions, keep an eye on it and don’t let it burn unattended. Or better yet, scoop out some of the product and put it in a metal container and add a wick. You should be fine. Just don’t cook with it! Ha Ha
Being outside in nature is the most basic part of who I am. Besides gaining knowledge about wildlife, I learn lessons about who I am, and surprise myself about what I am capable of achieving. Nature continually inspires me. It is a part of all my writings, no matter the genre or subject matter. 
I have seen dollar tree taper candles used as a wick in the center of the crisco container. That’s a quick and inexpensive fix.
Thanks Tamara – that’s an excellent idea! I love it. Thank you so much for taking the time to share it here!
I’m trying it now. WTH taper. It only last a week
I like buying the wicks with the metal foot. I can just fill my 1-cup size glass candle containers with unmelted Crisco (wannabe) and press down with a spoon to pack it. I use hemostats (or needle-nosed pliers) to press the wick through the center of the soft oil, then gently massage the oil to fill the void. Takes very little time, and burns many hours. In a small space, even 1 candle like this holds back the chill. The Crisco seems to burn cleanly, with no detectible smoke, and only very faint “coooking oil” odor, except when blown out. I now keep a popsicle stick inside the candle jar, and extinguish the candle by drawing oil up against the wick. This cools the wick quickly so there is no smoke or awful smell. Also, “hemp wick” is very handy for lighting all kinds of things, like pilot lights or candles. Shaping the end to a hook works when you can’t tilt the candle to light it.
Best wishes to all.
Thank you I’m going to give it a try
The wick is what causes soot buildup or lots of smoke. If you really want to use this to heat a small space it should be burned in a convection heater with an outside vent, this blows heated air into the room without blowing anything from the area with the burning candle, that gets vented outside. There’s a great YouTube tutorial by a father and son team who show a very easy way to build one.
Do it all the time
I am wondering if you can use generic Crisco if it would work the same anybody know?
Yes, but scoop it out into a metal can. The generics and even the Crisco are in paper wax not metal. I use #10 cans left over from storage food and use 4 dollar store candles. Fill the cans to desired level and then I poke 3 or 4 candles into the middle about an inch to inch and a half apart. You can also turn this into a greenhouse warmer with some added holes and an inverted terra cotta pot over the top. Google it, it’s a common post everywhere.
If you put 2 or 3 wicks together (to form one wick) the flame will not go out as easily as a single wick does.
What if the shortening goes rancid? Can you still use it and will it give off an odor?
Hi Donna. Thanks for reading and your question. Here’s my honest thinking on this. Since the only way I’d ever burn Crisco is if it was a dire emergency and I needed light, but had no candles, at that point I’d not worry about it being rancid. But I don’t think it being rancid would affect how it burned. I don’t remember it having much order when I did my experiment, so I don’t think it being rancid would be much of an issue. Of course you’d still want to use good ventilation, just as you would with burning candles. So perhaps it would work just fine. The next time I discover a can of Crisco has gone rancid, I’ll try it and see if there is an unpleasant odor.
It becomes a poison in your air and I would definitely not use it unless you’re using it outdoors 🤕🧐
I don’t think it’s that bad. It has a lot of bacteria in it so if you cooked with it you could get food poisoning, but not by air
Totally unscientific. Spoiled items (garbage) are traditionally burned (incinerated) to purify the environment. The flames sterilize the burned substance. This is not hoodoo.
No it doesn’t. It is safe to use.
Can you use mica powder in crisco candles
In reading this and another site for stoLindaking up, It occurred to me, we all need to have several small fire extinguishers around, one in every room that might have something that could start a fire. But also a cautionary, that if a candle does indeed start a fire, do not point the extinguisher at the candle itself, as that can scatter burning wax, oil, or whatever, and start additional small fires. Direct it at the circumference of the fire.
Linda – a most excellent thought! Thank you for pointing that out!
I followed a YouTube video and scooped some Crisco into a glass jar and microwaved it on defrost for a few minutes so that it liquified and all the air pockets went away. Then let it cool I the fridge to resolidify.
What do you suggest to use as a wick? I tried a birthday candle stuck in the middle but once it burned down to the top of the Crisco layer, the flame was very low. I also tried braided cotton twine dipped in wax but that eventually turned itself out.
Should I use a thicker cotton rope or maybe a shred of cotton tshirt twisted up and shoved down the center of the Crisco in the jar?
Ray – I used some commercially-made candle wicking that I just happened to have on hand- left over from making candles at home. I would think that would be your best option if you are indeed liquifying the Crisco and pouring it into a container. You could add the wicking (along with the little metal tab to weight it to the bottom) before you pour in the liquid. That way the wick goes all the way to the bottom and should last the entire time you are burning it. You can purchase the little metal tabs at the store when you buy the wicking. They are found in hobby stores like Michael’s and Hobby Lobby. In an emergency situation, which is the only reason I’d ever use Crisco for a candle, the birthday candle or homemade wick should work. You’d probably just have to put in new ones after each usage – when it’s cooled and is solid again. Hope that answers your question. Thanks for reading and commenting!
I just used a thin candle and it burned all night but for some reason went out so I relit it and it is still burning
For the candle I used all purpose 5” household candles. Basically emergency candles.
Good question!
I just tried it………
Same exact results!
Ray, that sounds like Pam @RoseRedHomestead on YT. I would not substitute rope for wick. and I sure wouldn’t go cheapo and fool with some potential fire-hazard like shreaded tee-shirts! Just use the conventional beeswax tapers, cut to fit down in the glass Bell jar, not a single tiny birthday candle with a too-slim wick.
Make sure you have several large boxes of Arm&Hammer Bicarbonate of Soda at hand, if you have no extinguisher. You cannot toss water on a grease fire; it must be smothered. Water spreads a grease fire everywhere!
use a tapered candle
Couldn’t you just wrap foil around the Crisco container? I could even think of some fun designs to create with the foil container 🙋🏽♀
Hi Judy, Thank you for reading and commenting. I’m not sure if the foil on the outside would keep the inner cardboard from getting too hot and maybe catching on fire. But if it did catch fire, perhaps the outer foil would contain it safely? I really have no idea. Interesting point, though.
…Thanks Kerry, “Yes” the Light I liked your comment made me smile ….stay safe this winter I plan to sew and do crafts …I think we should always crack a window here and there if it’s cold but change out our in home air just to stay healthy Everyone
Can you reuse the oil once it firms again or is it a one time use? Thanks!
Hi Jen – The oil will eventually burn away, but in between times it will cool and harden again – like a candle does. So yes, it can be used multiple times. Thank you for reading the blog and taking the time to comment – much appreciated!
Here’s a suggestion. Transfer the Crisco from the manufacturer’s container to an equivalent sized sauce pan and add wick(s) as you do so. The “candle” is now in a fireproof metal container – which has a handle to use for safe movement of the “candle,” as well as a lid to smother the flame – a safe way to put it out.
Great idea Dale – thanks!
Most people use tuna fish cans to put the shortening in. They’re still made of metal. They punch holes in the lid for the wick to be inserted thru. Some tie the wicks to a soda tab, then thread the wick thru the holes. The lid is then placed in the can and the shortening is put in. The YouTube video I watched had 4 wicks and could be used similar to a steno can for cooking or heating. Just need to be careful with any open flame.
I built mine on a cinder block base with red bricks surrounding my metal container, I left gaps for air intake, for safety I laid a brick across the top. It heated my 300 ft room when the temperature was 23° outside. At one point I had to remove my sweatshirt. I was amazed at this emergency heater option. Just amazed. But again, I sheltered it with a brick facing because I do have kitty cats. Thank you for posting this it was informative, educational, and effective @}~>~~
Or, you can purchase empty paint cans and lids at Lowe’s or Home Depot – all metal – and store them with the cans of Crisco and wicks you are stashing for an emergency. Better yet, you can go ahead and make your emergency Crisco ‘candles’ up in the paint cans ahead of time and store a product ready to go. Put the lids on to keep them dust out and use the lids later to smother the flame.
It really does work! I am testing it now to see how long it will last. Highly recommend to put it into a metal container of some sort instead of leaving it in the cardboard jar it came in.
Stay safe, warm, and in the light.
Thanks for sharing, Kerry – and please do let us know your results!
Took my Crisco brand new paint cans cut in half fill them up packed it in put three candles in each pot used him as a light and heater source for my hippie candle heaters these lasted for 10 to 15 days clean them up repack them and did it again and yes they’re in a metal can I’m a microwave-safe plate inside a 10-inch skillet for safety I can let them burn day and night and don’t worry about fire what do you think I’m on my third year doing it live in rural Nevada so it helps
I would not use glass; the heat can cause it to break – it’s happened to me before.
I would recommend any candle container be placed in at least one additional sturdy metal container container (old pots/pans work well), and place on a metal surface, such as a stove-top or other fire/heat resistant surface like stone. Make sure to keep pets away.
That’s a good piece of wisdom, xTimesAYear (and what an informative thread Julie Bates ~ thank you) ….that or transfer it to a large coffee can, remove its the label, and mark the lid identifying the contents. Pair with a large clay saucer from a planter to keep the hot tin from leaving burn circles.
I wondered if you knew if you could add dried flowers or herbs, such as lavender to the Crisco when melted? Do you think it would burn okay. I cannot handle most scented candles. They are usually overwhelming to me. I have several raised herb and flower beds and some of the flowers and leaves dry with a nice mild scent. I wondered if they could be added after pouring the melted Crisco into a jar and giving it a swirl? Just didn’t know how it all might burn. Do you have any thoughts? Thanks for the article. I think I will give it a try.
Hi Julie. You bring up a good question. Although I’ve been gifted commercially made candles that had decorative flowers or leaves on the outer rim of the candle, I wouldn’t recommend doing this with homemade candles. I was once given a homemade candle made wth flowers and leaves in it. As the candle burned down, the hot wax touched the leaves and flower petals and burst into flame. If I hadn’t been right there to extinguish the flames it could have easily caused a major fire! I personally think using Crisco as a candle should be for emergency use only, when regular candles aren’t available. But, it’s good knowledge to have as a back-up plan. Thanks for taking time to comment here – much appreciated.
Thank you for your reply. A flurry of activity around here prevented me from reading all of my emails right away, so I am just now getting back to you. Upon further reflection, I came to the same conclusion; not to put flowers or leaves into the Crisco and only using Crisco as a backup candle. Now, I am doing a bit of research to see if I can just use my dried flowers and herbs in conjunction with a Scentsy-type set up, letting the light bulb beneath to heat up and open up the natural oils/scents. I do really appreciate your reply and advice/caution. It’s good to be able to talk with others who have traveled the path beforehand. Blessings to you.
It’s great to hear from you, Julie. And I think that sounds like an excellent plan. I’ve often thought about using essential oils like that, but haven’t tried it yet. I’d be interested in hearing how it goes. I appreciate your comments and questions. I love hearing what others are doing or thinking about. So many great ideas out there if we all just share, right? Blessings to you as well and Thanks again for getting back to me!
I made one today and just lit it. I wanted to see how long it would burn and if it would catch fire. Well it has burned out after hour and a half.
Hi Cathy. Thanks for sharing your experience with using crisco as an emergency candle. Good to know a time frame for how long one might burn.
Wick size of burn?
Is it possible to replace the Crisco with pure Lard or Tallow instead? To take hydrogen out of the equation? Since that’s what they used for candles for many many years? Would it burn cleaner/longer?
Mine too…..beginning to think this is a joke! I used Walmart brand Crisco…..hmmmmm
Wendy – when I did my experiment with the Crisco candle it did work fine for me, but I wonder if results might depend on what kind of (and quality) of the wick used. I make my own candles so I had high quality wicks on hand to use.
very interesting and i would like to try it [in glass of course] my question is it safe to burn indoors, in other words are there toxins released by burning it indoors, or is it as safe as any other candle
Hi Mike, that’s a good question. I don’t remember smelling a strong odor when I burned mine as a test (unlike a crayon when used as an emergency candle). But, I’d suggest always using it with good ventilation, just to be safe. Even commercial candles sometimes come on too strong for me when in an enclosed, small space. Thanks for reading the blog and commenting- much appreciated!
New studies claim paraffin wax puts out carcinogenic gas. It’s made from petroleum. That means people burning cheap candles may as well be smoking cigarettes! Could Crisco (made from cotton seed oil and hydrogen) really be worse than the stuff almost all candles on the market (except pure beeswax ) are made from? I doubt it!
Good point, Agatha but even if it’s no worse than the paraffin candles I’d still advise only using it as a last ditch survival tool, especially since it’s in a cardboard tub and not a metal or glass container – for safety reasons. Like you, I prefer to use soy or beeswax candles for normal home use, but sometimes when faced with an emergency situation we may not have a choice in what we have to use and may be forced to do the best we can. If needed I’d burn the other candles and use good ventilation. Thanks for taking time to comment – much appreciated.
The oils work amazingly! I layered putting in oils as I added the crisco. I tried lavender and sure enough it worked.
What a great idea! i hadn’t even considered this option. I was so intent on thinking of this as an emergency only situation that I failed to see the validity of using this in other ways. Thank you for the input, Kerry!
you are not supposed to use cardboard tub for the candle you use glass, I have seen people use tuna fish cans with birthday candles stuck in them.
I have the Butter flavored Crisco. Can I use that as also for making a candle??
Hi Loret – I didn’t know the answer to that excellent question so I did some research. From what I found, it seems to work just fine, and some people mentioned that they loved the buttery smell – so I’m guessing it performs just like the regular Crisco. Let us know if you try it, okay?
You answered many of the questions I had — and then some. Thanks.
So glad you found this helpful Hannah! Thank you for commenting – much appreciated!
Will burning Crisco as a candle fuel create soot?
Hi Bruce – I didn’t notice any soot residue, but I wasn’t using it in a small enclosure. Also I’d like to remind everyone that I recommend only using this as an emergency candle. Thanks for reading the blog and commenting – always appreciated!
No. trim the wick just like a candle.
How long did you burn your “test” candle?
Hi Karen – to be honest, it’s been such long since I did that “test’ run, I don’t remember exactly how long I let it burn. I’m thinking it was a couple of hours…just to make sure it stayed lit and didn’t cause a lot of smoke or fumes. As I’ve stated in other comments, I’d only use this in an emergency situation, or to save candles if in a more long-term scenario. Thanks for your read and comment!
Other candles are toxic
Can you use vegetable or soup cans? Is the metal strong enough?0
Metal would be fine, but I’d make sure it’s sitting on a surface that can handle the heat radiating from the hot metal – just as you would with any candle that is burning. Thanks for reading and commenting!
In making crisco candles in small wide mouth canning jar, can I use a birthday candle for a wick?
Cheryl – if you already have some on hand, I suppose they would work just fine — as long as they aren’t too tall for the jar. I’d say that’s rather clever!
Do not use glass jars for any Crisco candles. The glass can get to hot and explode. Also DO NOT BLOW YOUR CANDLES OUT …I don’t care if they are crisco or emerency candles. Always use some type of lid or an actual snuffer device. I’m nearly 73 years old and nearly burned my home down because blowing on a lit candle can blow liquid wax everywhere and it will all catch fire at one time.
Thank you, Jeannine for your timely and important reminder! I appreciate you taking the time to comment here. And your comment reminded me that I recently read about another way to put out a candle without blowing on it. I simply use something to push the top of the wick over into the liquid wax around it and it immediately puts out the flame with no smoke. Then I push the tip of the wick back up and it’s ready for the next time I want to light the candle. I’m also 73 and can’t believe I just learned of this method. Ha Ha
Also if you use regular cooking oil and a wick it makes a oil lamp and burn for hours . You need to use heat resistant terracota or glass . To avoid smoke and fast burning trim the wick . You can add some water to the oil it helps to make it last and keep the oil temperature lower .
As a precaution, I put the lamp in a little container with water .
You can make wicks out of cotton and you can make them float if you wish with a bit of corck .