Why do some candles create "tunnel" when lit and others don't?

Its the wick size. It has to be the right size to make a flame big enough to create a wax pool all the way out to edges of the candle.

Joseph Jr. I used to earn a healthy side line living from making candles. I saw a lot of what you're seeing too. Still do.

It's the wicks. One size *Doesn't* fit all. One needs to use a thicker wick with a thicker candle. *Why* so many 'candle makers' still try to save cents on the cost of thicker wicks, and just lose repeat sales because they sell crap that pisses people off? I'll never know. But, that's what's going on.

Stearin, an additive to the petroleum wax used in most candles today, also helps a candle burn 'better'. Slower and more evenly. But, the right thickness of wick is the bottom line.

If ye Buying candles that 'Tunnel'? Stop buying from that supplier. If ye Making them? Sort ye wicks out.

Loads of defunct candle wax? Heh. Why not learn to make ye own? It's not difficult ~ bit messy, perhaps! But, what better way to get great candles that won't let ye down? Google + Local 'Craft / Hobby Shop' ye could end up with a nice little side line of ye own ;-)

Different kinds of wax, and size of jars require different kinds or sizes of wicks. Like the others have said, burn the candle all the way to the edges the first time you burn it. The wax will gain a memory.

Secondly if you get a bad candle from a candle company let them know so they can fix the problem, also maybe you can get a discount off the next one. However if you keep getting bad candles, I would switch companies you buy from.

Check out my candles. They are soy, so they burn cooler, and cleaner. www.alteredsense.com

Dripless candles of more than 2-inch diameter create hollows in their centers as they burn.