“In commemoration of the miracle, we light a menorah (or a candelabrum) with nine branches,” says Rabbi Willie Balk, an academic advisor for students at Yeshiva University. “We began with two candles and add an additional candle from left to right for each night of the holiday.” To find the best menorahs, we researched a variety of picks, keeping in mind each pick’s dimensions, materials, and lighting method. We also consulted Rabbi Balk for additional insight. Overall, the best menorah is the Via Maris Trace Chanukiah. Made by a brand with a Jewish founder, the steel design is offered in a variety of colors and has a minimal look that’ll work in any space. Here are the best menorahs. Keep in Mind: It’s more expensive than other styles. The chanukiah is offered in various colors: cloud, midnight, clay, sand, noir, and sage. Although it’s more expensive than some other styles, it’s easy to care for the piece and keep it in good condition. The chanukiah, which can be wiped down with a soft cloth, features nine removable candle cups, so you can individually remove candle wax from each one. The curbed base offers steady support to the unit, so you won’t have to worry about leaving it unattended while the candles are lit. Plus, it’s specifically designed in a way that makes it easy to hold and move candles throughout, so you can safely use it. Price at time of publish: $165 Dimensions: 10.8 x 4.88 x 10.51 inches | Material: Steel | Lighting Method: Wax candles Keep in Mind: It has a minimal style, so it’s not ideal if you prefer a more decorative option. The menorah has a sleek, minimal design, which is worth keeping in mind if you prefer a more decorative pick. That being said, this menorah certainly lets your Hanuakkah candles shine bright and be the centerpiece each night. Price at time of publish: $15 Dimensions: 7.75 x 2.38 x 5.88 inches | Material: Aluminum alloy | Lighting Method: Wax candles Keep in Mind: You’ll have to use oil cup candles. With this menorah, you’ll be able to choose between either a vibrant, multicolor option or a neutral, smokey style. Unlike some other styles, this pick uses oil cup candles, so you’ll need to make sure you have those on hand for the holiday. Although this style is more expensive than other options, part of what makes it one of the best menorahs is that you can use it in more ways than one. Once the holiday’s over, you can add a fresh flower to each candle holder and use it as a vase. Price at time of publish: $410 Dimensions: 13.5 x 1.5 x 4 inches | Material: Acrylic | Lighting Method: Oil cup candles Keep in Mind: It doesn’t come with the necessary batteries, so you’ll have to purchase them separately. Instead of traditional Hanukkah candles, this menorah is operated through a button located at the base. It’ll start with the central candle, and then each press of the button will light another candle on the menorah. The menorah, which is less expensive than other styles, can be powered through either a USB cord or batteries, so you can choose which works best for your home. It comes with a four-foot USB cord however you’ll have to purchase the batteries separately. Price at time of publish: From $25 Dimensions: 13 x 3.25 x 11.5 inches | Material: Plastic | Lighting Method: LED bulbs Keep in Mind: It’s more expensive than other styles and you’ll have to keep track of small pieces. The menorah is a bit of an investment compared to other styles, however, the customizable nature makes it as if you’re getting multiple styles for the price of one. The set comes with nine magnetic candleholders—a taller, silver one for the central candle and eight other multicolor ones—that can be rearranged to your liking. Just keep in mind that you’ll have to keep track of the small pieces, as it doesn’t come with any extras in case you lose one. Price at time of publish: $319 Dimensions: 3.5 x 5.5 inches | Material: Stainless steel and anodized aluminum | Lighting Method: Wax candles Keep in Mind: It doesn’t have the traditional arched look, so it depends on your preferences. The two-part menorah includes a walnut base and a marble slab that holds the candles. If you’re concerned about the white marble getting dirty, keep in mind that you can remove that portion and run it under warm water, making it easier to remove any leftover colorful wax. Unlike some other options, this menorah doesn’t have the traditional curved design. However, the flat, linear design may make it easier to store in a cabinet between the holidays. Price at time of publish: $105 Dimensions: 11 x 0.75 x 3.5 inches | Material: Marble, wood | Lighting Method: Wax candles Keep in Mind: The transparent design may easily show fingerprints and scratches. It’s worth noting that the transparent design may show scratches and fingerprints more easily than some other styles. Luckily, all you have to do is wipe it with a soft, clean cloth to keep it in good condition between uses. Price at time of publish: $60 Dimensions: 11.25 x 1.1 x 2.75 inches | Material: Crystal glass | Lighting Method: Wax candles Keep in Mind: It’s on the taller side, which could make it difficult to store. Unlike other menorahs, this style features a built-in tray at the unit’s base. The tray, paired with the model’s heavy material, makes for a sturdy menorah. Plus, The tray can serve as a holder for used matches and will catch dripping wax, so it won’t get on your countertop. The extra wax can be wiped off with a soft cloth, making maintenance easy. Just keep in mind that the menorah is on the taller side and the base adds a little extra height, so it may be difficult to store in some cabinets. Price at time of publish: $150 Dimensions: 11 x 3.5 x 11 inches | Material: Black cast iron | Lighting Method: Wax candles Keep in Mind: It’s fairly tall, which could make it hard to store. The menorah is a bit of an investment in comparison to other styles. However, the nickel plate design has a timeless style you’ll want to hold onto for years to come. Just be sure you don’t use any harsh cleaners, steel wool, or scouring pads as they can damage the piece. With a 10.5-inch height, the menorah is on the taller side compared to some other options. Although it’ll sit pretty on your countertop throughout the holiday, you’ll want to make sure you have a cabinet tall enough to store it between uses. Price at time of publish: $210 Dimensions: 12 x 4.5 x 10.5 inches | Material: Nickel plate | Lighting Method: Wax candles
What to Know About Menorahs Before Shopping
Style
Traditionally, a menorah has an elevated, curved look with candleholders for each candle. They’re often made with a gold or silver finish. However, there are a variety of options made in other shapes and materials as well. Whether you prefer a linear, marble style or a wooden mid-century design with an organic shape, you’ll be able to find a menorah that suits your style best.
Dimensions
The dimensions of your menorah are a key consideration, especially when it comes to both your counter space and storage options. Since the menorah will have several lit candles burning at once, you’ll want to make sure you have enough room to be placed in an isolated spot. If you have short and/or shallow cabinets, consider linear options that have a lower profile and can be rotated to fit however you see fit. If you’re able to store the menorah in a closer or a larger cabinet, however, you can opt for the more traditional, taller styles.
Material
Menorahs are offered in a variety of materials, like glass, metal, stoneware, or cast iron. Typically, you should avoid harsh cleaners on all materials and use a soft cloth to wipe off the extra wax. Overall, the best material for your menorah really comes down to your design preferences.
Lighting Method
Traditionally, menorahs are lit with wax candles that are made especially for the holiday. However, you may find that there are some menorahs that require you to use oil cup candles, which are filled with olive oil. If you don’t want to worry about live flames, however, there are also electric options as well.
Your Questions, Answered
How do you light a menorah?
Menorahs are lit from left to right. Each night, those celebrating start by lighting the central candle, known as the Shamash or helper candle. Once it’s lit, it’s used to light the number of candles that corresponds to which night of the holiday it is. In other words, on the third night of Hanukkah, you would like the central candle and three additional candles.
What’s the difference between a menorah and a chanukiah?
The terms menorah and chanukiah tend to be used interchangeably, though there is actually a difference between the two. A menorah references the lamp in the Hanukkah story and only contains seven candle branches, according to Rabbi Balk. They can be used as a lighting option all year round. “One should keep in mind that the eight spots for the candles/oil should be symmetrical, and the spot for the Shamas candle should be either a little above or below the other eight,” says Rabbi Balk. A Chanukiah, however, features nine branches, with one for the lighter candles and eight others for each night of Hanukkah. It’s designed to be used during Hanukkah specifically, though the term isn’t used as often.
Should you blow out Hanukkah candles?
When it comes to Hanukkah, there are specific oil cup candles and wax candles that are meant to be used during the holiday. Traditionally, you’re supposed to let them extinguish themselves, which should happen within an hour. Like any other open flames, however, you should not leave the candles totally unattended and should ensure they’re placed in a safe environment.
Who We Are
Jamie Weissman is a commerce editor for Better Homes & Gardens. To make this list she researched a variety of menorahs, keeping in mind each style’s dimensions, material, and lighting method. She also consulted Rabbi Willie Balk, an academic advisor for students at Yeshiva University, for additional information.
