Even if you’ve used and enjoyed tiki torches for years, we bet there’s something here you didn’t already know. Scroll down and learn more about the torches that have kept our love affair with sultry summer evenings burning bright. Do you have other questions not listed here? Just ask us here at tikitorchbargains.com and we’ll get your answer.

Where do I find reasonably priced and high quality torches?
Right here. We’ve gathered access to the best sites for your shopping convenience - - - no, really, we have! And our readers tell you all about their experiences with the sites they’ve done business with – pretty much unedited (well, you know, the Forces-That-Be may require some oversight for *&#$* language).

After you’ve checked out your options here, you can also check out your local home and garden center or hardware store – even some grocers now carry yard paraphernalia. And you’ll know a good bargain when you see it because you’ve educated yourself here first!

I’ve heard of bamboo tiki torches. What other kinds of tiki torches are available?
Actually, there are so many available that we have to ask a question back: what’s your style? Because today your choices are just incredible. Tiki torches are made from a variety of materials – copper, brass, steel, glass, ceramic, bamboo, and others – and now there are several different types of fuels too – traditional oil torch, propane, electric or even solar.

With unique designs and colors available you’ll have a great time sifting through the selections and finding that perfect design to complement your outdoors.

Oh – that reminds us: you can actually use some tiki torches inside: the newer electric and battery-operated models don’t have a flame so they’re safe anywhere!

I have oil tiki torches. What kind of oil should I use?
The most popular type of oil used is Citronella. It smells great and is a natural insect repellant. Other oils can be used, but it’s best to check your local home and garden center for the best scented oils to use in your torches. And don’t forget to check the manufacturer’s recommendations!

How do I add fuel to my tiki torch?
Follow the directions that come with your particular tiki torch, or if you don’t have them follow these general suggestions.
Before we start, one important point: buy only approved tiki torch fuel – never use kerosene, gasoline, or any other flammable material (unless recommended by your tiki torch manufacturer).

So now: to fill your tiki torch with fuel, unscrew the metal flame guard and wick from the fuel container. Fill up your torch to the fill line. If there is no fill line, leave at least half an inch between the fuel and the top of the container. Screw the flame guard and wick back on and you’re ready to go! (How easy can it get?)

What kind of tiki torch wicks should I use?
Tiki torch wicks are most commonly made from fiberglass or cotton. One of the benefits of fiberglass tiki torch wicks is they stay lit better through rainy and/or windy conditions. They also rarely need replacing — you can’t burn down a fiberglass wick! They could, however, eventually need to be replaced due to contamination, poor fuel, or long exposure to heavy storms.

But it’s okay to use another kind like a cotton wick. These wicks do burn down and have to be replaced so it’s a good idea to check them before your backyard party starts. Always have a few extra tiki torch wicks and some extra fuel on hand, just in case your party goes far into the night.

What about propane tiki torches?
Propane tiki torches are really great because they don’t have a wick and the flame burns steady all night long, even with strong winds! You can set the height of the flame with a master adjusting valve, creating a light dimming effect or a higher flame for a large party. When you run out of propane fuel, it’s even easier than oil because you just replace the canister. Propane also tends to last longer than the oil tiki torches so you won’t do it as often.

What kind of tiki torch is best for a windy area?
If you happen to live in a place that has steady, strong breezes, then a propane torch is your best bet. The flames from a propane torch burn steadier and longer. You might also consider an electric, solar or battery-operated tiki torch, or a torch where the flame is enclosed in glass.

How do you get tiki torches to stand up straight?
Great question! Some of us don’t notice something a little off kilter, but some of us straighten the frames at the doctor’s office. So for all you frame straighteners, follow these steps.

1. Cut a PVC pipe about 12 inches long (you’ll find this in most plumbing departments).
2. Dig a hole in the ground just a little larger around than the pipe and insert the pipe into the ground.
3. Fill in around the pipe with dirt or small gravel to make it steady, then compact it well.
4. Insert the stem of the tiki torch into the pipe. While you add dirt to the pipe hold a level on the tiki torch to keep it straight. Be sure to move the level around the sides so it’s straight from every direction. (Little advice: it helps to have two people for this step.)
a. You could also fill the pipe with concrete – a bag of Quick Crete from the local hardware or home & garden center will be the easiest.
Voila! Your tiki torch will be perfectly straight!

I don’t want to do all that work. Any other suggestions?
Oh, yeah! How about a table top tiki torch? These models work the same as the traditional in-ground variety, they’re just shorter with stable bases to set and stay on your table top, deck, even set on the ground.

Or how about a rail mounted tiki torch? Most of them are really easy to install: slide the hardward onto your deck rail and tighten the nut. That’s it!

There are also tiki torches built like floor lamps: they don’t get put in the ground, but they’re set on the ground – or floor, or deck, or patio, or . . . .

How do I take care of my tiki torches?
It takes very little time and effort to maintain your torches so they last for many seasons. To clean the torches, just use mild soap and water to get rid of the film and grime that collect on them. Keeping the accrued dirt and dust off of the torches will also help prevent accidents throughout the season. Check the oil containers and torches occasionally for leaks and cracks to avoid future mishaps.
At the end of the season store them in an upright position to prevent spills and cracks. Better yet, remove the fuel and store it in a separate plastic container away from heat sources. Then you can lay your torches down for storage – be sure to protect them from potential scratching and dents.

Do you have any safety tips or advice?
You bet! And the best advice is: use common sense. Keep them away from flammable objects like trees, patio furniture and overhangs, and keep them out of the way of innocents – like kids and pets. Check for cracks and leaks regularly and keep the torches clean and repaired.

When you store your tiki torches it’s best to drain the fuel and store it separately in a plastic container – away from any heat source, of course. Then you can store your torches upright or lay them down.

If you have a fire phobia don’t worry, you can still light up your night: consider electric, battery-operated or solar tiki torches. There’s no flame at all, and still great light!

You mean I can go green with solar tiki torches?
Yes! So what are the benefits and disadvantages? The first benefit is that there is no fire danger associated with solar tiki torches: there’s no flame so they’re very safe. They are also very easy to set up – you just stick them in the ground, the same as you would a regular torch. There are no extra wires or anything.

Many of the solar tiki torches have dusk to dawn sensors, so you don’t even need to turn them on and off. Also solar tiki torches give a soft, warm lighting so they’re as enjoyable as traditional tiki torches.

Any disadvantages? The main problem with solar tiki torches, according to some, is the light. The light is usually dimmer and doesn’t flicker like regular tiki torches – it’s a steady glow like a light bulb. And if there isn’t any or enough sunlight, well, it will be dark times in your yard, so you should consider backups.

How did tiki torches jump from the islands to the US?
The first tiki torches began to appear in the US in the 1930’s and 1940’s. After World War II they became quite popular because many soldiers wanted things to remind them of their times on the islands. After Hawaii became the 49th state in the 1950’s tiki torches and other island décor began to appear in restaurants and backyards throughout the United States.

Why are they called tiki torches?
Another good question, but no clear answer. Tiki torches were first used in the South Pacific islands. The word “tiki” comes from Polynesia and has a few different meanings. Tiki can mean “the first man” or it can mean a small carving that represents ancestors. So take your pick . . . or feel free to create your own story at your next backyard gathering!