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Halo Table Torch - metal and glass table torch lamp with flame spinning in low light of sunset with a luxury pool setting in the background

🔥 Choosing the Right Fuel: Citronella vs. NO SMOKE™

Aug 06, 2024

Choosing the Right Fuel: Citronella vs. NO SMOKEâ„¢

We get this question all the time — and while the explanation is simple, the details matter. Our torches are designed around the natural characteristics of these two fuels to give you the cleanest burn, the best flame performance, and the most enjoyable outdoor experience possible.

Choosing your fuel comes down to understanding how each one behaves and what kind of atmosphere you want to create. Both are available in our NO SMOKEâ„¢ and Citronella fuel offerings.

Before we break it down, here’s the big picture:

We’ve done exhaustive research to source the cleanest-burning fuels available anywhere (excluding highly flammable ethanol-based biofuels). While those flames may look good, the safety tradeoff isn’t worth it. They burn too hot and too unpredictably, and we do not recommend using them in HaloFire torches.

We can’t guarantee performance with any non-HaloFire fuel — but we can guarantee that our fuels are fair-market priced, clean-burning, optimized for each torch design, and always ship free.

Citronella vs. NO SMOKE™ — The Breakdown

1. Smoke + Soot

CITRONELLA
Made from essential oils, so it naturally produces smoke.
Expect some soot residue on the glass — normal and easily wiped away. When used with the Spinner correctly, soot collects at the top edge of the glass, keeping your flame view clear.
View our Citronella fuel here: Citronella Torch Fuel.

NO SMOKEâ„¢
Oil-free formulation = no smoke and no soot.
The cleanest burn available with a liquid torch fuel.
View NO SMOKEâ„¢ here: NO SMOKEâ„¢ Fuel.

2. Flame Size + Brightness

NO SMOKEâ„¢
Lower flammability creates a soft, elegant flame ideal for intimate or dining settings. In breezy conditions, the flame naturally brightens and grows — a unique behavior of this fuel.

CITRONELLA
Produces a bigger, brighter flame visible even in daylight. Perfect for dramatic outdoor scenes and high-visibility settings.

3. Wick-Ability + Torch Compatibility

CITRONELLA
Thinner fluid = excellent wicking.
Best for deeper chambers like the Vortek: Vortek Torch.

NO SMOKEâ„¢
Thicker fluid, slower wicking.
Ideal for shallow chambers such as BIG Revo, Lotus, and Gator Bowl.
Shop NO SMOKE: NO SMOKEâ„¢ Torch Fuel.

NO SMOKEâ„¢ can be used in Vortek, but only half the chamber will draw. Expect about a **1-hour session**.

4. Spinner vs. Halo Ring

  • NO SMOKEâ„¢ → Halo Ring
  • CITRONELLA → Spinner

Vortek running Citronella uses both at once for an amplified flame effect.

5. Aroma

CITRONELLA has its classic scent — ours is formulated to be gentler and less pungent.

NO SMOKEâ„¢ is entirely unscented.

Which Fuel Should You Choose?

  • Big flame, brightness, mosquito control → Citronella
  • Clean burn, no soot, luxury ambiance → NO SMOKEâ„¢

Both are available in our fuel collection: NO SMOKEâ„¢ | Citronella

Play safe,
Armando

Armando Feore