TIKI Citronella Candle 2-Pack – 7-Inch White Wax Bowl with Concrete Finish – Outdoor Decorative Candles for Patio, Deck, Garden, Backyard & Camping

What stands out

I’m a sucker for outdoor gear that does double duty, and TIKI’s 7-inch citronella bowls hit a sweet spot: they’re decor-forward table pieces that actually pull their weight during bug season. Over several evenings on my patio and a weekend of car camping, I used the two-pack in a few configurations—end-to-end on a six-seat table, flanking lounge chairs, and spaced around a small deck. They consistently added a clean, modern look and a warm, steady flame while taking the edge off mosquito pressure.

These are not gimmicky novelty candles. Each bowl feels substantial, with a concrete-look finish that reads like stone without the brittleness or chalkiness of actual concrete. The footprint is wide and low, so they don’t tip easily or skate around when a gust hits. The white wax presents well and, when lit, throws a strong, visible flame that reads as intentional lighting rather than a tiny tealight.

Design and build quality

The design is deliberately simple: a 7-inch bowl, white wax, and a minimalist TIKI mark that doesn’t scream branding. The finish blends into most tabletops—from powder-coated metal to teak—so it looks like part of your setup rather than a seasonal add-on.

A few practical touches I appreciated:
- Weight and stability: The bowls are heavy enough to shrug off typical backyard breezes. I never had one budge on a windy afternoon.
- Weather tolerance: The exterior shrugs off light rain and morning dew without staining or flaking. That said, they don’t ship with lids, so you’ll want to keep them covered or bring them in when you’re not using them. Standing water will puddle on the wax, and debris inevitably finds its way in.
- Easy to clean: If you run the wick too long or burn in a draft, expect a faint soot ring on the inner lip. A damp cloth or melamine sponge takes it right off.

One nitpick: I wish TIKI included simple snap-on covers. A lid would keep the bowls cleaner between uses and protect the wax in summer heat. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it would elevate the day-to-day experience.

Setup and usability

There’s no assembly—just place, trim the wick to about a quarter inch, and light. Because the wick sits recessed when the wax level drops, a long-reach lighter is helpful, especially after the first few burns.

For best results, placement matters:
- Position bowls upwind of your seating so the citronella vapor drifts through your space.
- Use both at once for a small patio, spacing them 4–6 feet from where people are sitting. On a larger deck, consider a third bowl or pair these with a fan to push air outward.

In terms of ambiance, they punch above their weight. The flame is broad and steady enough to create a centerpiece glow, and the white bowl makes the light feel crisp rather than hazy. If you’re hosting, these look more expensive than they are—a nice bonus.

Performance: repellency and scent

No candle creates a bug-free force field, but these make a noticeable difference. On typical summer evenings with light breeze, mosquitoes were content to hover a bit farther out, and the random ankle-biter became a rarity. In higher-pressure situations—near standing water or in absolutely still, humid air—the bowls help, but you’ll likely want to layer protection (a low-profile fan, repellent lotion, or additional candles around the perimeter).

The citronella scent is present but not overpowering. It leans fresh and lemony, and it dissipates quickly once you snuff the flame. If you’re sensitive to fragrance, this is a plus; if you equate strong scent with strong performance, be aware these don’t blast your space with a heavy aroma. In my use, repellency correlated more with placement and airflow than with perceived scent strength.

Burn time and maintenance

TIKI rates each bowl for up to 30 hours, and that’s realistic if you manage the wick and avoid windy conditions. Across multiple sessions, I averaged roughly 25–30 hours per bowl. A taller flame looks dramatic but eats wax faster and increases soot; keep the wick trimmed to maximize burn time and minimize residue.

A few maintenance notes:
- Trim the wick before each lighting. Aim for 1/4 inch to reduce smoking.
- Keep debris out. If ash, leaves, or bugs accumulate on the surface, cool the wax and pick them out to maintain a clean burn.
- If rain sneaks in, let any water evaporate before relighting, or gently wick moisture away with a paper towel.
- Store in shade. Direct, intense sun can soften wax in most candles; keeping these under cover extends their life and keeps the surface tidy.

Safety and wind behavior

The bowls feel secure outdoors, even when a gust kicks up. The flame remains stable rather than sputtering wildly, which helps with both comfort and soot control. As always, keep them on a heat-resistant surface with at least a foot of clearance from fabric, greenery, or railings, and avoid moving them while lit. A snuffer or metal lid (from another candle) is cleaner and safer than blowing them out.

Value and alternatives

As a two-pack, these are competitively priced for what you get: durable, weather-tolerant bowls that double as decor and functional ambient lighting. If you primarily want light with mild repellency, these strike a great balance. If your priority is maximum mosquito control, other strategies scale better:
- A small oscillating fan to push air outward (shockingly effective within a few feet).
- Additional TIKI options like table torches with citronella/eucalyptus fuels for a taller flame and broader dispersion.
- Personal repellents for high-pressure environments, especially near water.

That said, the bowls are a strong middle ground—easier and cleaner than torch fuel, less visually intrusive than devices, and far nicer-looking than metal buckets of wax.

Who they’re for

• Outdoor entertainers who want centerpieces that also make evenings more comfortable.
• Renters or homeowners who want a low-commitment, no-fuel solution that looks good on a table or side rail.
• Car campers who want a stable, reusable candle at the picnic table. They’re a bit heavy for backpacking but perfect for drive-in sites.

Who should look elsewhere:
- Anyone dealing with severe mosquito swarms near marshes or lakes who expects complete relief from one or two candles. You’ll need a layered approach.
- Folks who want a set-and-forget solution that can live outside uncovered. Without lids, you’ll do minor upkeep.

The bottom line

After several weeks of use, I’m impressed by how well these TIKI citronella bowls balance form and function. They’re stable, weather-friendly, and genuinely attractive on a table. The flame is strong, the burn time aligns with the “up to 30 hours” claim, and they noticeably reduce mosquito annoyance when you place them thoughtfully. The main shortcomings—no included covers and occasional soot if you let the wick run long—are easy to manage with basic care.

Recommendation: I recommend these. They’re a tasteful, practical upgrade for patios and campsites that need ambient light and moderate mosquito relief. If you pair them with smart placement and a bit of airflow, they pull more than their weight—and look good doing it.