Crowd Pleasers Top Ten Tikis

February 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Because I’m a huge fan of tiki torches I spend a lot of time looking at the different types and styles. Below are some of my personal favorites that are popular with the masses. If you can’t find what you’re looking for below I recommend looking at Amazon’s large selection.

solar tiki torchesThe solar tiki torch pictured on the right is one of the best selling tikis on the Internet. This tiki comes in a pack of four and it’s sold at Amazon (the best place to buy these lights in my humble opinion).

This particular torch is very popular for three reasons: 1. The solar light actually flickers making it look like a real flame. 2. It’s made of bamboo which is much more durable than the cheap plastic ones. 3. It doesn’t require you to purchase oil or deal with fire.

Solar units are becoming increasingly popular because they are extremely easy to maintain. Simply place them where you want them, forget about them, and enjoy the cozy light they put off.

wind resistant tiki torchSome people want a real open flame. If you’re the fire-loving type, then take a look at my next option.

The torch pictured on the left is a real fan favorite because the actual flame generated is five times larger than what your average tiki produces. This one is specially crafted for those of you who like a nice cozy flame.

The experts have nicknamed this the “Wind Fighter” because it stays lit in the wind. I think we all know how annoying it can be to have your flame go out on you with a little wind.

carved statue guysThe picture on the right doesn’t do these torches credit. These are fashioned after the traditional tiki carved statues that are so famous in tropical parts of the world. Although these are made out of plastic, they look like they are made out of some dark wood.

These specific tikis are very entertaining as homeowners like to place them around swimming pools to create a tropic ambience.

Keep in mind that these little carved lights are actually solar lights. This means that you don’t have to worry about fuel and flames.

classic light typePictured on the left you have the classic but still popular look. These torches are usually purchased in bulk for large parties, weddings, or other special events.

The specific torch on the left measures about five feet tall (this is pretty standard for the classic version). The cheapest place I’ve seen to purchase these online is Amazon. They are a bit bulky so keep in mind that you will likely have to pay some shipping fees.

colorful bucket torches

These little buckets on the right aren’t usually what people have in mind when looking for tikis, but recently they are gaining popularity. Their simplicity is very appealing because you don’t have to set them up on a pole (you simply place them on a wall, table, or stand and enjoy them).

Each of these buckets is filled with a citronella wax that has a pleasant smell when burned and helps drive away mosquitoes.

These little buckets are cute and festive. I highly recommend you try them out on the 4th of July or any summer day that you are feeling patriotic.

hanging torchThe hanging flame you see on the left is another unique approach. This flame is actually an electric light with a silk cloth. There is a fan that blows the cloth around making it appear like an open flame.

These types of torches can be used both indoors and outdoors. They are often used for Halloween parties or church plays. There are a bunch of these lights on Amazon (I selected the one with the highest reviews).

kona stone approachFor those of you who liked the statue approach above here’s another option that uses an actual open flame (pictured on the right).

This tiki is very well put together and it’s heavy duty. Perfect for those of you who want the true mask statue ambiance without having to travel thousands of miles.

high qualityThe lamp on the left is probably the nicest torch I’ve ever seen. The base alone for this lamp is 14 pounds (the total lamp weighs about 23 pounds). This is obviously more of a permanent fixture than your average bamboo tiki.

This bad boy comes with a double wick setup that allows the flame to be larger and more wind resistant.

The pole is made out of an aluminum alloy material that is built to last a long time (and it’s very weather proof). This torch isn’t for everyone, because of it’s price, but it’s a perfect fit for those of you looking for something really nice that will fit in the backyard and emit a warm glow all summer long.

bronze metal lookThe set of two on the right is another high quality option that isn’t quite as expensive. These lights are made out of stainless steel and iron (very good against corrosion). They have a bronze finish around them which makes them absolutely beautiful when lit up.

These tikis stand over six feet tall, are about four inches around, and weigh in at eleven pounds each.

modern lookThe torches on the left provide a modern romatic approach to an ancient custom. These offer a very polished but inviting look when placed appropriately.

They are a higher quality build (made of stainless steel) and will cost a bit more than plastic or bamboo.

The one thing that really sets these apart from other torches is their Scandinavian design that makes them more environmentally friendly. These burn a cleaner, greener oil (vegetable oil) than traditional torches and don’t put out as much smoke.

Conclusion

Hope you found something you liked. If not, I recommend you take a look here at Amazon’s huge selection of tikis.

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Buying Tiki Torches

February 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Tiki is actually a huge stone or wood carving that originated in the Central Eastern Polynesian cultures. These carvings mark the boundaries of sacred sites. In most Polynesian cultures, tikis are still used for their sacred sites; but to the rest of the world, they make great party decorations.Tiki torches have recently become a wonderful addition to parties or even just your backyard layout. They exude such an exotic vibe; people cannot resist getting one of them.

If you want to read more about the history and proper usage of these torches then keep on reading. If you are looking for some great deals on the best tikis available then you should click here to read this post on the top ten tiki torches available for purchase.

Basically, these torches can be divided in to two major parts: the outer part and the flame itself. For most tiki torches, the outer part is made up of bamboo. However, because of their popularity and our innate desire to continually improve things; they are now made using various kinds of materials. The usual things you will see in the market right now are stainless steel, brass, and copper. Although these materials are obviously sturdier than bamboo, many people still prefer to go for the old fashion bamboo because it gives a more exotic look. The bamboo torches are closer to how the authentic tiki torches looked like. Moreover, bamboo torches are cheaper than the rest.

A row of tiki torches.

Flames are cool.

The other significant part of this type of torch is its flame. To give out a flame you will need two things: the wick and the oil. More often than not, the tiki torches you buy in stores already come with wicks. If you ask me, it is best that you only buy torches that come with wicks, not only for economic reasons but more importantly for your safety. It is tricky to set-up the wick yourself because if you position it incorrectly it may cause a lot of trouble. If you are forced to do it, just make certain that you only expose about half an inch of the wick. Also, if you come in contact with the oil, make sure you wash your hands first before lighting up your torches.

Another important component of your tiki torches is the oil. You can actually use any kind of oil but the most commonly used type is the paraffin oil. The main reason why a lot of people like it is the fact that it is odorless and for most occasions harmless. However, if you want to add pizzazz to your party you can use scented oils. There is vanilla based, citrus scents, and the like. The most commonly employed scent, however, is citronella. Citronellas are known bug repellants and since you will be using these tiki torches outdoors it will not hurt to have something that will help you ward off mosquitoes.

You can buy tiki torches in just about all major hardware stores in your area, and even online. Online buying can be a bit risky because they will have to ship your items. That is why if you want to go down that route, make sure you are buying from a reputable online store. Check their years of experience and also make sure that they have unquestionable customer service just in case your tiki torch is shattered when you receive it.

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Working with Tiki Torches

February 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Back in the day, tiki torches were actually used as people’s main source of light. Of course that was the time when people needed to literally hunt for food and people would kill for a starbucks (alright the latter was a tad too dramatic but you get my point). Nowadays, however, tiki torches are used to improve the ambiance of a party or a romantic dinner. People also usually use these if they want their parties to feel exotic or tropical.

One of the best points about these torches is the fact that they are generally inexpensive.

Two bamboo torches

Bamboo Tiki Torches

There are some with elaborate designs and they can be a bit pricey; but even the ones that fall within your tight budget are already enough to evoke a wonderful vibe in your backyard. Traditional tiki torches are made up of bamboo. There are also torches that are made up of ceramic, metal, and other more durable materials. If you ask me, however, the traditional ones are the best if you are aiming for a primitive island look. If it is any consolation, even those torches that were made from bamboo can last for three to four months in your backyard; depending on how bad the weather is.

Tiki torches are extremely low maintenance – something I know you will love about them. To most of us, time is money. Even though we want to make our homes look sleek all the time, we do not want to spend a lot of our time doing it, right? That is what is great about tiki torches: you buy them, secure them in place, and you are good to go. In a matter of minutes, you can transform your own backyard to Bora Bora or the Caribbean.

There are just a few things you need to remember about these torches if you do not want to burn down your backyard and your entire house. Because you are working with real live flame, you have to put the torch in a strategic location; and by strategic I mean away from anything that catches flame easily. Also, you have to make sure that the torches are firmly anchored to the ground so that they do not tip over easily. Moreover, buy only quality tiki torches because if you do not, all your security precautions will be put to waste. Lastly, when you are storing these tiki torches make sure you store them upright if they still have oil in them; I do not need to spell that out for you right?

Setting up tiki torches in your home is one of the best ways to have a smashing backyard. Just remember the few tips I have lined up for you and it should be safe to use these torches.

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Tiki Torches – Your Party Décor of Choice

February 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Consider having a tiki torch around during nights when the weather is perfect for a romantic dinner for two on the patio. The torches will bring out an exotic and relaxing feeling; the one you get when you are out vacationing in the Bahamas or some tropical island. These tiki torches are very easy to find, use, and maintain. You can even make one yourself, although I highly discourage it as they can be a little dangerous if not properly set-up. Plus, they are extremely affordable too so you don’t even have to worry about your budget. In this article I will share some things you have to know before using one of these torches.

First and foremost, never ever forget that even though tiki torches are super attractive and decorative they still have fire – a live and burning flame. You know what they say about fire, when you play with it, you get burned. Therefore you have to make sure that your torches are situated in areas wherein there are no nearby flammable materials. Also, you have to keep them away from children as tiki torches will definitely trigger their curiosity. You really do not want to trigger children’s curiosity with fire because that will end really badly. Lastly, make sure that the torches are secured on the ground, tipping them over is a dinner date gone badly.

Secondly, invest in a good quality lamp and oil. Cheap oil may serve the same purpose but

Tiki torch oil

Buy good oil for your torches.

it honestly gives out too much black smoke. One, that is majorly unattractive; and two, it is difficult to clean up the mess after the party. Get the no smoke oil, or at the very least the low smoke type. This type of oil may be a tad bit more expensive but it will all be worth it in the end. Trust me; you would not want to inhale black smoke all night because that is just a major party pooper.

Thirdly, if you want to go all out with the tiki torches go for scented oils. My personal favorites are the citronella based oils; they are very calming and soothing. Also, they can serve as your mosquito repellant. If there is one thing I hate about the outdoors, it definitely has to be the mosquitoes. Luckily, they hate the smell of citronella just as much as I hate them.

Lastly, most tiki torches come with wicks so you might want to make sure they are a part of the package. Basically, without the wick your torches will be nothing because it is the thing that absorbs the oil and “creates” the flame (in one way or another). You may be forced to change the wicks yourself if you bought a durable tiki torch. In doing so, make sure you position the wick properly. Do not expose too much of it as it will create a fire instead of a flame. It is best to expose about half an inch only in order to create a nice flame.

Having tiki torches is probably one of the best ways to add flavor to a party. Just make sure you are extra cautious in using them and I am certain nothing will go wrong.

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Solar Tiki Torches – What More Can You Ask For?

February 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Tiki torches will give any backyard or patio a character that screams Caribbean. Personally, I believe that a Luau party without tiki torches is not a Luau party at all. Even though a lot of people want to have one of these torches in their backyard, these torches are often tricky to install; and not to mention dangerous. Remember that you will be dealing with wicks, oil, and above all, open flame. You make one wrong move and your house can go down in flames. Alright, I went a little overboard there and became too emotional. You won’t really burn down you house, but if you always have kids running around it is best to take extra precautions.

How then will you be able to enjoy tiki torches without the aforementioned hassles? The answer is very simple – solar powered tiki torches. The solar powered gadgets (lights, cars, etc.) started even before The Inconvenient Truth went public; and luckily for us Luau party lovers we can now have tiki torches that are powered by the sun. They may not look as authentic as bamboo torches, but they serve the same purpose and can hype up a party nonetheless.

There are a couple of advantages to using solar tiki torches and one of them is security. I have said this before and I will say it again, solar powered torches are the safest way to exude a tropical vibe in your parties. Remember that a traditional tiki torch works with oil and flame; and should you accidentally tip one over it can cause a lot of trouble. There are also moments when you will need to change the wicks yourself, and 50% of the time you are bound to get your new dress soaked in kerosene. It has happened to me before; it can definitely happen to you too.

A solar tiki torch.

These solar torches have the panel on top to catch the sun's energy.

The other thing I love about solar tiki torches – and I know you would love it too – is thefact that they are cheap (as in inexpensive). Alright, I have to say that when you buy them they are more expensive. In the long run, however, you will be saving tons of money from free energy. Remember that you will no longer need to buy wicks and oils because solar powered torches light up using solar energy. Moreover, solar tiki torches generally last longer than the other types of tiki torches.

Lastly, no one can go on talking about the benefits of solar tiki torches without mentioning their positive environmental effects. It takes a lot of fossil fuels to come up with the oil that makes these torches light up; and we all know what that means – pollution. With solar torches, however, you will be a lot kinder to the environment. They do not cause pollution, and they surely maximize our natural resources.

These are just few of the benefits one can get from solar tiki torches. They will totally complete your luau party without being harsh to the environment and without burning your home down.

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5 Ways to Utilize Your Tiki Torches Safely

February 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Over the years, tiki torches have gained popularity in the United States and even in other countries. That is why in this article, I will share some tips on how to use these torches safely, how to select the best ones to suite your needs, and what their advantages and disadvantages are. Before I even get started, there is one thing I need you to remember about them – they have real fire; with that said, let us get started.

For most people, the major reason why they love tiki torches is the natural flame they emit. The flame simply creates an atmosphere of exotic romance and cozy heat; it feels like having a mobile fireplace if you ask me. We just have to admit that despite the advances in technology (and don’t get me wrong, I love my microwave oven and coffee maker), some things are better left as they were. The dancing shadows created by the flame exudes a calming, and at the same time magical feeling. Whenever I see them in parties, I am reminded of summer camps and how fun they were.

However, because we are dealing with real flame that can actually burn down the tallest of

Two tiki torches.

These torches have real flames. Caution is advised.

buildings, we have to be extra careful in dealing with these torches. Here are some tips that can help you prevent burning down your home:

1.       Set up tiki torches away from flammable materials – It would not make a lot of sense to place cheap tiki torches next to a curtain or a stack of papers. Your first priority should always be fire safety; the concept of these torches is to provide a celebration and a warm cozy feeling, not a burning hot night.

2.       Set up your oil burning torches properly – I am quite certain that your torches came with user manuals; go ahead and read them. These torches are more intricate than they appear to be and one piece that is out of place may send firefighters to your place in seconds.

3.       Use the appropriate tiki torch oil – Don’t even think that the oil used for these torches is equivalent to what you use for your car and use the suggested oil only. Doing otherwise could be detrimental to your health and home.

4.       Quality on top of everything – I know it is super tempting to buy the cheapest tiki torches that are a few dollars cheaper than most of the other torches; but before you do that, think of how much you paid for your house. Also, try not to make these torches yourself and leave it to the experts.

5.       Keep them away from children – Over the years, I have noticed that children are pretty much like fireflies – they are attracted to everything that glows. That is why you should position the torches in such a way that the children cannot reach them. If you have to create fences around the tiki torches (or the children) to keep the kids from potentially tipping them over; do it!

These are just some of the ways that you can maximize the use of your tiki torches safely. Remember, these torches are fun and attractive but they can be party poopers as well if they start burning down your house.

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