The idea of turning a common household item like a can of Crisco shortening into a functional candle might sound like something straight out of a survivalist handbook or a quirky DIY project. But is it actually possible? And more importantly, is it safe and effective? Let’s delve into the science, practicality, and potential pitfalls of using Crisco as an emergency or alternative light source.
Understanding Crisco: More Than Just Shortening
Crisco isn’t just a staple for bakers looking for the perfect pie crust. It’s a vegetable shortening, primarily composed of hydrogenated vegetable oils, often soybean or palm oil. Hydrogenation is a process that converts liquid oils into a solid or semi-solid state at room temperature. This process contributes to Crisco’s high fat content, which is the key factor making it potentially combustible.
The chemical composition of Crisco, rich in triglycerides, makes it similar to other fats and oils used as fuel sources. This similarity is why it can, under the right circumstances, be burned to produce light.
The Science Behind Burning Crisco
Any substance that burns requires three elements: fuel, oxygen, and heat. This is known as the fire triangle. In the case of a Crisco candle, the Crisco itself acts as the fuel. The wick provides a pathway for the melted Crisco to travel upwards, where it’s exposed to oxygen. Introducing heat, usually from a lighter or match, initiates the combustion process.
The heat vaporizes the Crisco, breaking down its molecules into smaller, gaseous components. These gases then react with oxygen in the air, producing heat and light. The sustained heat then melts more Crisco, creating a self-sustaining cycle as long as there’s fuel and oxygen available.
Turning Crisco into a Functional Candle: The Process
Creating a Crisco candle is surprisingly simple. Here’s a breakdown of the basic steps:
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Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need a can of Crisco, a wick (cotton string, a shoelace, or even a tightly rolled piece of paper will work), and something to support the wick (like a paperclip or small piece of cardboard).
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Prepare the Wick: The wick is crucial for drawing the melted Crisco upwards. Ensure your wick is absorbent and stands upright.
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Position the Wick: Place the wick in the center of the Crisco can. Use the paperclip or cardboard to keep the wick standing upright and prevent it from falling into the Crisco. You want a portion of the wick exposed above the Crisco surface.
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Light the Wick: Use a lighter or match to ignite the exposed portion of the wick. It may take a few attempts for the wick to catch and sustain a flame. Patience is key.
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Observe and Adjust: Once the flame is established, monitor it closely. If the flame is too small, the wick may not be drawing enough fuel. If the flame is too large, it could produce excessive smoke or soot. Adjust the wick height as needed.
Wick Selection: A Critical Factor
The type of wick you use significantly impacts the performance of your Crisco candle. A thin, absorbent wick will draw fuel more efficiently, resulting in a steady flame. Experiment with different materials to find what works best. Cotton string is often a good starting point.
Ensuring a Stable Flame
A stable flame is essential for a reliable light source. If the flame flickers excessively or goes out frequently, try adjusting the wick or ensuring there’s no draft affecting the candle.
Safety Considerations: Burning Crisco Responsibly
While a Crisco candle can be a useful emergency light source, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. Here are some important considerations:
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Supervision is Key: Never leave a burning Crisco candle unattended. Keep it within sight and monitor it regularly.
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Flammable Materials: Keep the candle away from flammable materials such as curtains, paper, and clothing.
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Stable Surface: Place the candle on a stable, heat-resistant surface to prevent it from tipping over.
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Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent the buildup of fumes.
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Children and Pets: Keep the candle out of reach of children and pets.
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Extinguishing the Flame: Extinguish the flame properly by smothering it with a non-flammable object or using a candle snuffer. Never use water, as this can cause the hot Crisco to splatter.
Potential Hazards and Mitigation
Burning Crisco, like any open flame, presents potential hazards. Splattering hot Crisco can cause burns. Excessive smoke can irritate the respiratory system. It’s essential to take precautions to minimize these risks.
Choosing the Right Location
The location where you burn your Crisco candle is critical. Opt for a well-ventilated area away from flammable materials. Avoid placing it near curtains, furniture, or other objects that could easily catch fire.
Performance: Brightness and Burn Time
A Crisco candle won’t provide the same level of brightness as a traditional candle or a flashlight. The light output is generally soft and diffused, making it suitable for illuminating a small area.
Burn time can vary depending on the size of the can, the type of wick used, and the ambient temperature. However, a standard can of Crisco can potentially burn for several days, providing a long-lasting emergency light source.
Factors Affecting Burn Time
Several factors influence how long a Crisco candle will burn. The size of the can directly impacts the amount of fuel available. The wick’s absorbency affects the rate at which Crisco is consumed. Environmental conditions, such as temperature and airflow, can also play a role.
Comparing Crisco Candles to Other Light Sources
Compared to traditional candles, Crisco candles may produce more smoke and soot. However, they offer a longer burn time and can be a more readily available resource in emergency situations. Flashlights provide brighter light but require batteries, which can eventually run out.
Beyond Emergency Lighting: Other Potential Uses
While primarily considered an emergency light source, a Crisco candle can also serve other purposes:
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Heating Small Spaces: The heat generated by the candle can provide a small amount of warmth in a confined space.
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Cooking: In a survival situation, the flame can be used to cook small amounts of food or boil water. However, ensure proper ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
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Signaling: The flame can be used as a signal for help, especially in remote areas.
Ethical Considerations and Waste Disposal
Consider the ethical implications of using food products like Crisco for non-food purposes, especially in situations where food scarcity is a concern. Dispose of the remaining Crisco and wick responsibly after use.
Conclusion: A Viable Emergency Solution, but Not a Replacement
A can of Crisco can indeed be used as a candle, providing a surprisingly effective and long-lasting emergency light source. However, it’s essential to understand the science behind it, prioritize safety, and be aware of its limitations. While not a replacement for traditional candles or flashlights, a Crisco candle can be a valuable addition to your emergency preparedness kit. Remember, responsible use and careful planning are crucial when utilizing alternative light sources. Always prioritize safety and be aware of the potential hazards associated with open flames.
The Environmental Impact of Using Crisco as a Candle
The environmental impact of using Crisco as a candle is complex and depends on several factors, including the source of the vegetable oil used to make the Crisco, the production process, and the disposal methods.
Hydrogenated vegetable oils, the primary ingredient in Crisco, are often derived from soybeans or palm oil. Soybean cultivation can lead to deforestation and habitat loss, particularly in regions like the Amazon rainforest. Palm oil production is associated with even more severe environmental concerns, including widespread deforestation, habitat destruction for endangered species like orangutans, and greenhouse gas emissions from peatland conversion.
The hydrogenation process itself also has environmental implications. It requires energy and can produce byproducts that contribute to air and water pollution.
The disposal of used Crisco can also pose environmental challenges. If disposed of improperly, it can contaminate soil and water sources.
However, it is essential to put these environmental concerns in perspective. The amount of Crisco burned in a candle is likely to be small compared to the overall consumption of vegetable oils for food and other industrial purposes. Nevertheless, it is important to be aware of the potential environmental impacts and to choose more sustainable alternatives whenever possible.
Can you really use a can of Crisco as a candle?
Yes, in a survival situation or as a novelty, a can of Crisco shortening can be used as a makeshift candle. The solid nature of the shortening allows it to burn for an extended period when a wick is introduced and lit. This method relies on the fat in Crisco acting as fuel to sustain the flame.
However, it’s important to note that using Crisco as a candle is not without its drawbacks. The burning process can produce a smoky flame and an unpleasant odor, especially compared to commercially produced candles. Furthermore, leaving a Crisco candle unattended poses a fire hazard due to the open flame and potential for spillage of melted shortening.
How long will a can of Crisco burn if used as a candle?
The burn time for a can of Crisco used as a candle is surprisingly long, often lasting for several days. A typical 16-ounce can can burn for approximately 40-45 hours, while larger cans will burn significantly longer. This extended burn time makes it a potentially valuable resource in emergency situations where light is needed for an extended period.
The actual burn time can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the wick, the ambient temperature, and any drafts in the room. A thicker wick will burn more Crisco and therefore shorten the overall burn time, while a thinner wick will conserve the Crisco and extend the burn time.
What kind of wick is best to use for a Crisco candle?
A cotton wick, such as those found in commercially produced candles, works best for a Crisco candle. You can repurpose wicks from old candles or purchase them from a craft store. The wick should be long enough to extend above the surface of the Crisco shortening but not so long that it becomes unstable.
Alternatively, you can improvise a wick using natural materials such as tightly rolled cotton balls, pieces of cloth, or even a sturdy string. The effectiveness of these improvised wicks will vary, and they may require more frequent adjustment or replacement. It’s crucial to ensure that the wick is securely embedded in the Crisco to prevent it from falling over or extinguishing itself.
Is it safe to use a Crisco candle indoors?
While a Crisco candle can be used indoors, it’s essential to exercise extreme caution and take appropriate safety measures. Due to the open flame and potential for dripping or spillage, a Crisco candle should never be left unattended. It should be placed on a non-flammable surface away from curtains, paper, or other flammable materials.
Adequate ventilation is also crucial when burning a Crisco candle indoors, as the burning process can produce smoke and odors. Ensure the room is well-ventilated to prevent the buildup of these byproducts. Never use a Crisco candle near flammable liquids or gases, and always keep a fire extinguisher or other fire suppression tools readily available.
Does a Crisco candle smell bad?
One of the drawbacks of using a Crisco candle is the potential for an unpleasant odor. The burning Crisco can produce a faint, greasy smell, which some people find objectionable. The intensity of the odor can vary depending on the quality of the Crisco and the ventilation in the room.
To minimize the odor, consider using a higher-quality Crisco or adding a few drops of essential oils to the melted shortening. However, be cautious when adding essential oils, as some oils can be flammable and pose a fire hazard. Ensure the oils are thoroughly mixed into the Crisco and used sparingly.
What are the advantages of using a Crisco candle in a survival situation?
In a survival situation, a Crisco candle offers several advantages. First, Crisco provides a readily available and long-lasting source of light, which can be crucial for navigation, signaling, and maintaining morale. A single can of Crisco can burn for several days, providing a reliable source of illumination when other options are unavailable.
Second, Crisco is a relatively safe and easy-to-use fuel source. It is less flammable than some other options, such as kerosene or gasoline, and it can be used with readily available materials to create a wick. Furthermore, Crisco is a food product, which means it has a secondary use as a source of calories if necessary, although it is not particularly palatable.
Are there any alternatives to Crisco for making emergency candles?
Yes, several alternatives to Crisco can be used to make emergency candles. Other solid vegetable shortenings, such as lard or tallow, can be used in the same way as Crisco. These fats have a similar consistency and burn properties, making them suitable substitutes.
Beeswax is another excellent alternative, although it is typically more expensive than Crisco. Beeswax candles burn cleanly and produce a pleasant aroma. Olive oil or other vegetable oils can also be used, but they require a different type of wick and a container to hold the oil. These oil-based candles tend to burn less brightly and for a shorter duration than Crisco candles.