Affinati vs PF Candle Co: Which Candle Brand Is Better? (Honest Review)
When shopping for premium candles, two names often come up for very different reasons: Affinati and PF Candle Co. Both brands operate in the soy-based candle space, both emphasize clean burning, and both have loyal followings—but they appeal to very different types of customers.
This in-depth comparison breaks down scent quality, throw strength, burn performance, ingredients, aesthetics, value, versatility, and overall experience to answer one question honestly:
If you’re choosing between Affinati and PF Candle Co, which brand delivers more for your money—and for your home?
Let’s find out.
Brand Philosophy & Identity
Affinati: Elevated, Expressive, and Performance-Driven
Affinati is built around luxury performance—not just minimalism. The brand focuses on:
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Bold, room-filling scent throw
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Layered fragrance pyramids (top, middle, base notes)
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Premium soy-blend wax formulations
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High-end aesthetics that feel intentional, not trendy
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A wide product ecosystem (3-wick candles, single wicks, reed diffusers, body care, accessories)
Affinati candles are designed to define a space, not quietly disappear into the background.
PF Candle Co: Minimalist, Trend-Driven, and Subtle
PF Candle Co is known for:
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A West Coast minimalist aesthetic
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Simple, often single-note or lightly blended fragrances
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Muted scent throw
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Neutral branding that works well for gifting or decor
Their candles are intentionally restrained—appealing to customers who prefer subtle fragrance and design-forward simplicity.
Wax, Ingredients & Clean Burning
Affinati Wax & Materials
Affinati uses a premium soy-blend wax, engineered to:
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Hold higher fragrance loads
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Burn clean and evenly
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Deliver stronger cold and hot throw
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Reduce tunneling in larger formats
Wicks are selected per vessel size (including 3-wick configurations) to ensure full melt pools and consistent performance.
Affinati products are:
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Paraben-free
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Phthalate-free
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Designed for performance, not just appearance
PF Candle Co Wax & Materials
PF Candle Co primarily uses:
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100% soy wax
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Cotton wicks
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Simpler fragrance blends
While clean-burning, pure soy wax can struggle with scent throw, especially in larger spaces. This results in:
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Lighter hot throw
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Better performance in small rooms
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Less impact in open-concept homes
Scent Complexity & Fragrance Design
Affinati: Multi-Layered, Intentional Fragrance Profiles
Affinati scents are built like fine fragrance—not air freshener.
Each candle features:
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Top notes for immediate impact
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Middle notes for body and balance
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Base notes for depth and longevity
Examples include:
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Smoky woods layered with warm amber
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Gourmand blends balanced with spice and woods
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Fresh profiles grounded with musks or resins
This results in evolving scent experiences that feel rich, complex, and upscale.
PF Candle Co: Minimalist, Linear Scents
PF Candle Co fragrances are intentionally simple:
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Often single-note or lightly paired blends
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Designed to be unobtrusive
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More “background ambiance” than centerpiece fragrance
While this appeals to scent-sensitive users, it can feel underwhelming for buyers seeking luxury impact.
Scent Throw: Cold Throw vs Hot Throw
Affinati Performance
Affinati candles are known for:
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Strong cold throw (you smell it before lighting)
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Powerful hot throw that fills rooms
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Excellent performance in large spaces and open layouts
This makes Affinati ideal for:
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Living rooms
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Open-concept homes
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Entertaining
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Statement spaces
PF Candle Co Performance
PF Candle Co candles:
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Have pleasant cold throw
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Offer soft hot throw
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Perform best in:
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Bedrooms
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Small offices
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Bathrooms
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In larger spaces, scent presence can fade quickly.
Candle Formats & Versatility
Affinati’s Product Range
Affinati offers a complete home fragrance ecosystem:
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Single-wick candles
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3-wick 17 oz candles for maximum throw
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Wooden wick options
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Reed diffusers
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Whipped soaps & body lotions
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Accessories (matches, wick trimmers)
This allows customers to layer scent throughout the home—a key luxury differentiator.
Shop Affinati Wooden Wick Candles
PF Candle Co’s Product Range
PF Candle Co focuses mainly on:
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Single-wick candles
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Incense
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Limited home fragrance extensions
The lineup is cohesive but narrower, limiting how deeply customers can build a scent experience.
Aesthetic & Design Philosophy
Affinati: Intentional Luxury
Affinati’s design leans:
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Clean but elevated
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Modern yet warm
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Premium glass vessels (clear, frosted, or specialty)
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Balanced branding that feels timeless, not trendy
Affinati candles look intentional whether styled alone or grouped.
PF Candle Co: Minimalist Trend Appeal
PF Candle Co excels at:
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Neutral tones
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Earthy, California-inspired visuals
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Instagram-friendly simplicity
However, the aesthetic can feel overexposed after years of market saturation.
Burn Time & Efficiency
Affinati Burn Experience
Thanks to optimized wax blends and wick sizing:
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Even melt pools
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Reduced tunneling
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Longer usable burn time
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More consistent scent release
Especially in 3-wick formats, Affinati offers exceptional efficiency.
Shop Affinati Original Candles
PF Candle Co Burn Experience
PF Candle Co candles burn cleanly but:
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Can tunnel if not carefully maintained
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Deliver lighter scent over time
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Offer less dramatic performance in larger vessels
Price vs Value
Affinati: Premium Value
While Affinati may appear similarly priced—or slightly higher in some formats—you get:
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More wax per candle
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Stronger scent throw
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More complex fragrance design
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Larger format options
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Multi-product ecosystem
Cost per hour of enjoyment is often lower.
PF Candle Co: Paying for Aesthetic
PF Candle Co pricing largely reflects:
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Brand recognition
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Design appeal
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Minimalist positioning
For buyers prioritizing scent strength and versatility, value can feel limited.
Who Should Choose PF Candle Co?
PF Candle Co is a good fit if you:
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Prefer very subtle fragrance
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Are scent-sensitive
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Want minimalist decor accents
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Primarily burn candles in small rooms
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Value aesthetic over performance
Who Should Choose Affinati?
Affinati is ideal if you:
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Want strong, room-filling scent throw
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Appreciate layered, luxury fragrance profiles
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Burn candles in medium to large spaces
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Prefer premium performance over trends
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Want candles that define your space
Final Verdict: Affinati vs PF Candle Co
Both brands serve a purpose—but they are not equals.
PF Candle Co succeeds as a minimalist lifestyle candle brand.
Affinati succeeds as a performance-driven luxury fragrance brand.
If your priority is:
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Impact
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Depth
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Longevity
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Value
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A complete home fragrance experience
👉 Affinati is the clear winner.
TL;DR
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Scent Throw | Affinati |
| Fragrance Complexity | Affinati |
| Large Room Performance | Affinati |
| Product Variety | Affinati |
| Minimalist Aesthetic | PF Candle Co |
| Subtle Fragrance | PF Candle Co |
| Overall Value |
Affinati |
Read More:
1. Strongest Candle Brands | Bold, Room-Filling Scents
2. Are Bath & Body Works Candles Toxic? Safe Alternatives
3. Why You Should Not Buy Yankee Candles: A Cleaner Candle Alternative