What are the best scented candles?Having tested so many gorgeous scents, picking the best scented candle was no easy feat. Candles have come a really long way with blends of waxes, and perfume houses paying meticulous attention to the fragrances used. But, as soon as I unboxed Meadow Farm's smoked honey and orange candle, the scent flooded my nostrils without even taking the lid off, and I knew it would be a hit. For a table centrepiece, the Habitat confetti is everything you'd want a candle to be, while Daylesford’s herb garden candle with its savoury notes is perfect if you’re after something unique. What are the best scented candle accessories?I also tried out some of the very best candle accessories, which can make a big difference to the performance of the candles burning. I loved Emma Bridgewater's black toast small glass storm lantern (£100, Emmabridgewater.co.uk), which acts to shield the candle from gusts of wind and maintaining a steady flame – resulting in a more clean and even burn. The White Company ribbed domed glass candle holder (£50, Thewhitecompany.com) does a similar job, but can be used outside, thanks to its charcoal iron plate and slimmer air vent, and gives a beautiful golden glow. A snuffer and wick trimmer are essential for candle enthusiasts, so it’s well worth investing in a candle care set (£14, Dunelm.com) to keep your candles looking, and performing, their best. You’ll get a snuffer, wick trimmer and dipper – which doubles up as a pretty handy tool when you drop a bit of ash or debris stuck in wet wax.It wasn’t exactly a chore to have my home smelling like a flower field or bakery for the last few months – which was the result of testing the best scented candles.Typically, I had at least one candle burning every day, so I know exactly what makes a good one, and what’s worth the splurge. Throughout my testing process, I paid close attention to a few key factors:Design: A huge pull for any candle is its design. Some are understated in a simple glass jar, others are housed in elaborate ceramic designs, and then there are the big brand picks whose labels alone have shaped their iconic appeal. When testing, I made notes on how each candle looked on my mantlepiece or kitchen counter, and whether the vessel had any uses after I was finished burning. Scent: The most important part of any candle is undoubtedly the scent. If a candle looks great, and it’s affordable, but it lets off a scent you don’t love around your home, it’s not a winner. I kept track of first impressions of the scent of each candle, along with how it changed through the burning process, and whether it travelled well. Wick: Even a candle’s wick size can be crucial to the performance and safety of a candle. A candle’s wick shouldn’t flicker too much, and if the makers have chosen the right one, you’ll get a good, full melt (when burnt correctly), with no soot and none of that fire-burny-ashy smell. There are several options, including cotton wicks, wood wicks, 3-wick candles, and they all perform differently.Burning process: A great candle will have a clean burn – avoiding soot and smoke, and burn evenly down to the bottom without tunnelling. While the design and scent are really important, I also made sure that the best candles coped well through the burning process.Why you can trust IndyBest reviewsMollie Davies is a regular contributor to The Independent’s shopping section, IndyBest, having covered everything from the best Dubai chocolate to the newest kitchen gadgets. A self-confessed candle connoisseur, she’s always got a candle or two burning at home, so she knows what sets the best apart from the run of the mill. To find out which ones offer the best value for money, keep reading for her full review and verdict on the best scented candles.Want more home fragrance suggestions? We’ve rounded up the best plug-in air fresheners