How Do Tiki Torches Work?

Setup Tiki torches are typically about 5 feet tall, with a fuel reservoir and wick at the top. They may be cheap models made of bamboo or more expensive, sturdier models, made of aluminum. People typically use them in the garden or yard, pressing the shaft of the torch into the dirt. Others may balance tiki torches in a bucket of sand and use the torches to illuminate the deck. A typically tiki torch can burn for a few hours. Fuel Most tiki torches have a top made of woven bamboo or straw. The interior is comprised of a plastic bottle that has a metal top. A cord extends from this bottle top down into the fuel of the tiki torch. The cleanest type of fuel for tiki torches is paraffin oil. Others use citronella oil because it is effective at repelling mosquitoes. You light the exposed portion of the wick and the flame burns through the exposed wick and draws fuel from the oil. Maintenance Tiki torches are often used for parties and then forgotten but they can be used repeatedly. Use ...  more