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100 Hour Candle vs 150 Hour — Power Outages Prep.

100 Hour Candle vs 150 Hour — Power Outages Prep.

If you've been researching emergency candles, you've almost certainly come across Sterno's 100-hour liquid paraffin candle. It's the category benchmark — reliable, widely available, and recommended by emergency preparedness guides across the USA and Canada. For years, 100 hours was simply what a long-burn emergency candle meant.

In 2026, that's no longer the ceiling. Caterpax has developed a 150-hour emergency liquid candle that burns 50 hours longer than Sterno's equivalent. For anyone who takes emergency preparedness seriously — or who needs long-lasting, clean candlelight for events — that difference matters.

Feature Caterpax Wick Fuel Sterno Gel Fuel
Burn time options 150 hours per candle 100 hours per candle
Burn time advantage +50 hours (50% longer) Category benchmark
Fuel type Liquid paraffin Liquid paraffin
Smoke / odour Smokeless and odourless Smokeless and odourless
Indoor safe Yes Yes
Pack options 4-pack, 6-pack, 8-pack Various
Best for Extended emergencies, long events Emergency prep
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Next article How Long Does Chafing Fuel Really Last? Sterno, Wick & Gel Compared

Which Pack Size Is Right for You?

  • 4-Pack (600 hours total): Right for most households keeping an emergency kit stocked. Four candles gives you over 25 days of continuous light — enough for any realistic power outage scenario with candles to spare.
  • 6-Pack (900 hours total): Suits larger households, families with children or elderly relatives who need reliable light, or anyone in a high-risk area for extended outages. Winter storm and hurricane preparedness essential.
  • 8-Pack (1,200 hours total): Built for serious preppers, community organisations, businesses with backup light requirements, or anyone who wants to be comprehensively stocked without reordering for years.

Keep Every Guest Happy from the First Plate to the Last

Hot food at a buffet comes down to three things: the right equipment, the right fuel, and the right setup sequence. A Caterpax chafing set gives you the first two in one box — the racks, pans, trays, lids, utensils, and 4-hour wick fuel cans you need for any event. Follow the setup steps above and every dish stays at serving temperature for the full duration.

Shop Chafing Buffet Sets

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Caterpax wick fuel safe to use indoors?

Yes. Caterpax wick fuel burns cleanly with minimal fumes, making it suitable for indoor use in well-ventilated spaces — restaurants, banquet halls, and home dining rooms.

Can I use Caterpax fuel in my existing chafing racks?

Yes. Caterpax fuel cans are designed to work with all standard wire chafing racks, including full-size 21x13" setups from any brand.

What is the difference between wick fuel and gel fuel?

Gel fuel (like Sterno's classic cans) burns as an open ethanol flame and gets very hot on the outside. Wick fuel burns through a wick, producing a steadier, more controlled heat with a cooler can surface and a resealable cap.

Does Caterpax offer bulk pricing for caterers?

Yes. Caterpax offers 15-pack and 30-pack options on 2-hour cans and 12-pack and 24-pack options on 6-hour cans, all at volume-friendly pricing. B2B enquiries are welcome via the website.

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