EMERGENCY HEAT, Light & Cooking for 4 Months? Crisco Candle

DIY Crisco Candle for an Emergency

The host of Why Am I Green demonstrates a DIY Crisco candle intended to provide emergency light, cooking heat, and some radiant warmth during a power outage.

The host claims the candle can burn for a very long time, but gives inconsistent estimates. The video presents these as claims rather than demonstrating the full burn time.

How to Make and Use It

1. Fill a large, clean can—such as a No. 10 food can—about 80% full with Crisco or a similar cooking fat.
2. Gently warm the fat until it melts, then let it cool enough to hold candles in place.
3. Cut candles to fit, leaving the wicks exposed, and push them down into the fat. The host uses six candles to provide more heat.
4. Place a grill or wire rack over the can to support cookware. The host demonstrates cooking by frying an egg.

For longer use, cook only when needed and extinguish the candles afterward. The host also suggests varying which candle is lit so that one area does not burn down faster than the rest. Use one candle for light or several for more heat.

Radiant Heat and Safety

The host places a terracotta pot above the candle can, supported by bricks, to warm the pot and radiate heat into a small area. They caution that this setup will not heat an entire house.

This setup uses open flames and hot cookware. Ensure the area is ventilated, keep appropriate fire-safety equipment nearby, and use smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms. Follow appropriate fire-safety precautions.

Items Mentioned

• Crisco or similar cooking fat
• Candles, purchased at Walmart
• A No. 10 food can or an uncoated paint can
• A stove grate, barbecue grill, or cooling rack
• Bricks and a terracotta pot
• A fire extinguisher, fire blanket, and smoke/CO detector