Rechargeable tealights are a sustainable and practical alternative to traditional battery-operated tealights. You no longer need to replace batteries, and modern models can often last 100 to even 350 burning hours on a single charge.
But how exactly does charging work? And what should you pay attention to in order to keep the battery in good condition for as long as possible?
In this guide, we explain step-by-step how to properly charge rechargeable tealights, what the charging time is, and which systems exist.
Want to view different models right away? Then also check out our collection rechargeable tealights with charging station
How do rechargeable tealights work?
Rechargeable tealights contain a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Instead of using disposable batteries, you simply recharge the lights via a charging station.
Depending on the model, multiple tealights can be charged at the same time.
This makes them ideal for example:
- ambient lighting in the living room
- table decoration during dinners
- restaurants and hospitality
- holidays such as Christmas or Easter
Because you can recharge the lights repeatedly, they are more sustainable and cost-effective in the long run than battery-operated tealights.
Step-by-step: charging rechargeable tealights
Charging rechargeable tealights is simple.
1. Place the tealights on the charging station
Place the tealights correctly on the charging station. Depending on the system, the lights either click magnetically into place or make contact via small charging pins.
2. Turn off the tealights
For most models, it is advisable to switch the tealight to the off position before charging. This prevents the battery from using power during charging.
3. Connect the charging station to power
Plug the adapter into a power outlet. Charging will start automatically. Many rechargeable tealights (including those from KENN®) have a charging indicator that shows whether charging is in progress.
4. Wait until the battery is fully charged
Most rechargeable tealights are fully charged and ready to use after a few hours.
Different charging systems for rechargeable tealights
Not all rechargeable tealights use the same charging system. For example, at KENN® there are two different systems: a premium magnetic charging station and a classic charging station with charging pins.
There are also cheaper rechargeable tealights of lower quality that do not work with a central charging station. These models often need to be charged one by one via separate USB cables that are plugged directly into each tealight. This can be less practical, especially when you want to charge multiple tealights at the same time.
That’s why most quality sets use a charging station that can charge multiple tealights at once, which is faster, clearer, and more user-friendly.
GlowPro™ rechargeable tealights (magnetic charging station)
The KENN® GlowPro™ rechargeable tealights use a magnetic charging station. This causes the tealights to click automatically into place when you put them on the charging station. This makes charging faster and easier.
Each tealight has its own charging indicator:
🔴 red = charging
🟢 green = fully charged
Once the light turns green, charging automatically stops thanks to the built-in overcharge protection. The average charging time for GlowPro™ tealights is around 3 to 4 hours.
Standard rechargeable tealights (with charging pins)
In addition to the GlowPro™ series, the KENN® range also includes entry-level rechargeable tealights. These work with a charging station with charging pins. The contact points under the tealight connect with the pins in the charging station.
These models also indicate the charging status through the tealight itself:
🔴 red = charging
🟢 green = fully charged
As with premium models, charging automatically stops when the battery is full. The average charging time for these models is around 4 to 6 hours.
Important: always use a 5V adapter
For safe charging, it is important to use the correct adapter. Always use a 5V USB adapter of about 5W to 10W, such as a standard phone adapter.
Do not use fast chargers or adapters with higher power (such as 18W, 20W, or higher). These are designed for fast charging technology and can deliver unnecessarily high power, causing extra heat during charging, which can wear out the batteries faster.
A standard 5V adapter of 5W or 10W ensures that rechargeable tealights charge safely, steadily, and without overheating.
How long do rechargeable tealights burn after charging?
The burn time of rechargeable tealights depends on the model, battery capacity, and chosen brightness setting.
With the KENN® GlowPro™ rechargeable tealights – our premium series with magnetic charging station – you can expect an exceptionally long burn time:
KENN® GlowPro™ burn time
- High brightness: 100+ hours
- Medium brightness: 200+ hours
- Low brightness: up to 350 hours
Thanks to efficient LED technology and larger battery capacity, these tealights are ideal for intensive use, for example for ambient lighting at home or in hospitality.
In addition to the GlowPro™ series, there are also entry-level rechargeable tealights from KENN®. These have a smaller battery and therefore a shorter burn time.
KENN® Entry-level models burn time
- High brightness: 40+ hours
- Medium brightness: 80+ hours
- Low brightness: up to 120 hours
These models are also suitable for daily use but logically need to be charged more often than the premium GlowPro™ series.
Can rechargeable tealights run out without use?
Yes, but this happens slowly. Just like with other rechargeable batteries, a battery can lose a little bit of energy over time.
For example, if you only use the tealights during holidays, you may need to recharge them briefly before use.
Common mistakes when charging
To avoid problems, it is good to avoid these mistakes.
- Poor contact with the charging station: If the contact points are dirty, the tealight may sometimes not charge properly.
- Leaving tealights on a disconnected charging station: With some systems, this can slowly drain the battery.
- Using a fast charger: Always use a standard 5V 5/10W adapter to avoid unnecessary power delivery.
Frequently asked questions about charging rechargeable tealights
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How long does it take to charge rechargeable tealights?
This depends on the model. On average, charging takes 3 to 6 hours.
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How often should you charge rechargeable tealights?
With normal use, many people charge their tealights once every few weeks. This depends on how often you use them.
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Can you overcharge rechargeable tealights?
The KENN® rechargeable tealights are equipped with overcharge protection. This means charging automatically stops once the battery is fully charged.
Although overcharging is not possible, we recommend for optimal battery life not to leave the charging station connected unnecessarily long when the tealights are fully charged.
Also always use a standard 5V adapter of about 5W to 10W and not a fast charger, so the tealights can charge safely and steadily.
- Using a fast charger: Always use a standard 5V 5/10W adapter to avoid unnecessary power delivery.
Summary
Charging rechargeable tealights is simple: place the lights on the charging station, connect the adapter, and let them charge for a few hours.
Afterwards, they can often burn for 100 to up to 350 hours, depending on the model and brightness setting.
