Candela Rechargable Candles in the Test Lab

2005_8_vessel table.jpg Product: Candela rechargable candles
Designer: Duane Smith and Stefane Barbeau
Price: $49 - $400

Rating: Strong Recommend*

We were skeptical of these little plastic rechargable battery operated lights until we used them. First, we found them extremely attractive and practical for clients who have babies and strange nighttime habits, now, we have found them terrifically useful outdoors in the country.

At the house we share with friends in the summer, we have been using the industrial strength 10 lamp system this summer for getting around in the dark, lighting up dinner tables and taking into the outdoor shower at night (!!).

They are easy to use, cast a really nice light and have totally replaced all the plastic flashlights that required new batteries every few weeks.

Downsides? The 10 lamp system is pricey and you do have to be careful with them as we have broken one bulb already. The functionality and the charging have been good this first season, but we don't have any long term experience. If anyone does, let us know. MGR

*Rating System:
Strong Recommend
Recommend
No Comment
Stinks

Comments (3)

Hi Everyone. This is OXO Good Grips writing. Yes, OXO. Really. You might be happy to know that we recently took over Candela products and have been working on making several improvements including switching to LED lights on all products and developing some additional shapes to add to the collection. We're also making the Guardian light up on both sides and most products will be available at a lower cost to you than before. We are working very had to ensure the charge lasts for at least eight hours and are covering it with a 3-year warranty (one year on the battery, but you'll be able to get any replacement parts you need on www.oxo.com). You'll start seeing OXO Candela products this fall in stores. If anyone has any additional comments to share, please feel free to e-mail us at suggestionbox@oxo.com. We promise, we're listening!

Ok, I bought these about 2005 and they totally suck. despite charging them for the allotted 12 hours and running them to completion.. They STILL die after about 20 minutes- AND -the switching mechanism fries to the point where placing them on the charging base will turn them ON instead of off. I have sent them back to Vessel twice, only to get WORSE performance from the newer ones.
I asked customer service about getting them ALL replaced including the base, and i was rudely denied!!! They basically replaced 2 candelas while letting the warranty run out- forgoing total replacement. No matter how cool these things look- They use cheap chinese NiCad AA bundles which is the primary culprit- but bad customer service is the reason I will never buy a Vessel product again.

These are now sold by 0X0, we've had two sets for two years and their batteries are going strong. We use them nightly.