Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
If you're a bacon lover who hates wasting good grease, this project is for you. Not only is bacon fat an amazing cooking ingredient, but it can also be transformed into a long-burning, surprisingly clean-smelling emergency candle. Plus, it smells great (though it’s not as strong as you might expect).
Bacon fat candles only require only a few basic materials, and they burn longer than you’d think. This tutorial comes from the YouTube channel Finding Self Reliance. You can see the video and instructions below.
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What You’ll Need
- Bacon grease (strained to remove meat bits)
- A container (glass jar, tin, or mug)
- A wick (cotton string, t-shirt strip, jute twine, or a twisted paper towel)
- Pencil or stick (to hold the wick in place while pouring)
Optional:
- Clove hitch (for tying the wick)
- Microwave (for melting hardened grease)
Step-by-Step: How to Make a Bacon Grease Candle
Step 1: Cook and Save Your Grease
Fry up some bacon and pour the leftover grease into a jar. Strain it through a fine mesh or coffee filter to remove food bits. You can save up grease over time by storing it in a glass jar with a tight lid.
Step 2: Melt the Grease
If your bacon grease has solidified, gently warm it in the microwave until it becomes pourable. Be careful not to overheat.
Step 3: Prepare the Wick
Cut a piece of twine, string, or cloth long enough to reach the bottom of your jar, with a few inches extra at the top. Tie the top end around a pencil and balance the pencil across the top of the jar, so the wick hangs down the center.
Tip: To secure the wick, try a clove hitch knot. It holds well and looks tidy.
Step 4: Pour the Grease
Slowly pour the melted grease into your jar, making sure the wick stays centered. Leave a little space at the top.
Let it cool at room temperature, or place it in the fridge to speed up the solidifying process.
Step 5: Trim and Light
Once the grease has fully set, trim the wick to about ½ inch above the surface. Light it like a regular candle.
How Well Does It Work?
Surprisingly well. The candle burns cleanly with very little smoke and no overpowering bacon smell. It can easily last several hours. One test showed a 2+ hour burn with minimal fat consumption.
Bonus Tip: Use a jar with a lid to snuff the candle by starving it of oxygen. No smoke, no mess.
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