apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

You've got to be kidding, right? After all of the negative comments on Vessel's Candela product on Apartment Therapy?

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/test-lab/candela-rechargable-candles-in-the-test-lab-003467

I admit I've been burned by Vessel, twice now, once just by buying a set of Candelas and again by ordering batteries since mine died after the initial 5 minutes of use. I got charged for the batteries but never received them. You should see the email I got from Vessel - it's a one-liner with absolutely no customer service.

My experience alone should be enough of a warning, but there are many others who commented on that thread with the same problems.

It looks like one of those "Do Not Disturb/Please Clean the Room" signs from a cheap motel.

It also does not look very bright. If it is going be priced in the same way their other products are, it is ridiculously expensive as well. Full retail on their Luau 50 watt is $249.00. Absurd.

By the way, this product is NOT yet available, contrary to the original blog post above.

I don't know if the one I have was an early-production exception (I received it in a press kit when they first launched it), but the lantern part just doesn't work very well. We eventually stopped using it at all, an left the nightlight in place, but the lantern dies so fast, and lets off so little light, that it was just too bulky to keep hanging on the wall.

It's a shame because I loved the idea, especially since we lost power pretty often this year.

I own a Guardian, and I love it... for being in my bathroom as a night light and so that I don't blind myself if I have to find something in the bathroom when waking in the middle of the night. I don't think the thing is bright enough for a successful outdoor light.

I go into Vessel's store in Boston on a regular basis. They haven't had the Guardian for over 9 months now, and I think it has to do with them coming out with an updated model.

McGowan, does yours still shed light? Mine was ok for a couple months and then just faded out.

we got one about 4 years ago and keep it in the bathroom.. works well and it makes night time bathroom runs much easier, bright enough to see by but not super bright...

Yes, my Guardian still sheds light. I make a habit of keeping it of the charger for the rest of the night every time I use it. I've had it for over a year now and have had no problems.

I have to agree with Pipsqueak -- it puzzles me that AT keeps blogging about Vessel. Do you guys review archives before posting? The majority of people I know (in the flesh and virtually) who have had any of their products are NOT fans. Despite the products appealing looks, they do not shine well or hold up over time.

Future blogging might at least MENTION the fact that ATers aren't unanimously enraptured by this company's work. Perhaps it might encourage Vessel to work a bit harder at addressing some of their QC problems (I certainly never got any response to my inquiries to their website).

This is weird, because I got a set very early on and it crapped out on me. Was in Boston for a long weekend, went to the store to ask about batteries and why it crapped out, and they were closed, during their posted business hours. It's in an annoying area in Boston, too. Near a vast wasteland of asphalt if I remember. But then my mom gave me her set and it works amazingly. New production line? Who knows. When it works, I love it. When I'm in the center of an asphalt pit, I know I'm in Boston. i kid, though. I love Boston.

I received this as a gift a little over a year ago and my Guardian works very well! It's actually great for new moms. I use this for midnight feedings and diaper changes. It's just enough light that it's not a shock to my eyes or to my little one.

http://www.boston.com/yourlife/home/articles/2006/01/19/seeing_the_light/

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 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!