The Best Hanukkah Menorahs: Buying Guide & Top Picks
Our guide to the best Hanukkah menorahs, from classic silver and tree of life designs to LED and kids menorahs.
The menorah is the heart of Hanukkah. Each night for eight nights, families gather to light one more candle, say the blessings and place the menorah where its glow can be seen from the window. Choosing the best hanukkah menorahs comes down to style, size, materials and whether you want real candles, an electric option or a playful menorah for the kids. This year Hanukkah begins at sundown on Friday, December 4 and ends on December 12.
Below the product table you will find our three favorite menorahs, a buying guide, styling ideas for the home, safety tips and answers to common questions.
Our Top 3 Hanukkah Menorahs at a Glance
These three cover a beautiful centerpiece for most homes, a classic budget menorah and a dramatic statement piece. All are in the product table above.
Best for Most Homes: The Dreidel Company Tree of Life Menorah
The tree of life design is one of the most loved menorah styles, and this antique silver version has a 4.8 star average from more than four hundred Amazon buyers. It costs around $40.
- Large 11 inch design that makes a real centerpiece on a mantel or windowsill.
- Antique silver finish with a branching tree that looks lovely lit or unlit.
- Fits standard Hanukkah candles, so refills are easy to find.
The trade off is that the detailed branches take a little more care to clean wax from. It is best for families who want a meaningful, decorative menorah they will use for years.
Best Value: Traditional Classic Geometric Menorah
This silver plated geometric menorah is a simple, elegant choice at a friendly price. It has more than two thousand ratings and a 4.6 star average, and it costs around $18.
- Classic 9 inch size that suits most tables and windowsills.
- Silver plated finish with clean geometric lines.
- Fits standard Hanukkah candles sold in most stores.
The drawback is a lighter build than heavier brass or stone based menorahs, so place it on a stable surface. It is ideal for first apartments, college students or as a second menorah for a child.
Best Splurge: Zion Judaica Extra Large Candle Menorah
For a statement piece, this extra large antique gold menorah stands 21 inches tall and 16 inches wide. It has a 4.6 star average on Amazon and costs around $100.
- Dramatic size that commands attention in a front window or entryway.
- Antique gold finish with a traditional look.
- Designed for candles, keeping the classic ritual of lighting each night.
The downside is size, since it needs a deep windowsill or a sturdy table. It suits larger homes and families who host Hanukkah gatherings.
How to Choose the Best Hanukkah Menorahs
Hanukkah menorahs come in many styles and materials. Here is what to look at before you buy.
Style and Color Palette
Silver and gold finishes feel traditional, while copper, enamel and hand painted designs add color and personality. Choose a style that matches your home so the menorah feels like part of your decor during the holiday.
Size and Placement
Measure the windowsill or table where you plan to light. A classic 9 inch menorah fits most spaces, while larger pieces need more depth and clearance from curtains.
Materials and Quality
Brass, silver plated metal and stone bases are sturdy and stable. Hand painted enamel menorahs are beautiful but need gentle cleaning. Check that the candle cups are evenly spaced so the flames do not melt neighboring candles.
Indoor vs Outdoor Use
Most menorahs are made for indoor use near a window. Candle menorahs should never be placed outdoors in wind, and outdoor displays are better served by weather rated electric decorations.
Lights and Power
Electric LED menorahs like the Dreidel Company Traditional LED menorah run on batteries or USB power, which makes them handy for dorms, hospitals and homes with small children. Many families keep a candle menorah for the blessings and an LED menorah for the window.
Storage and Reuse
A good menorah lasts for decades. Store it wrapped in a soft cloth inside a box, and remove wax before putting it away so it is ready next year.
Candles and Refills
Standard Hanukkah candles fit most traditional menorahs, and a full box usually covers all eight nights including the shamash, the helper candle used to light the others. Colorful candles are popular with kids, while white or blue candles give a calmer, more classic look. If you choose an oil menorah, pick one designed for oil cups so the flames burn evenly.
Types of Hanukkah Menorahs
Here is how the options in our table compare.
Traditional
The Zion Judaica Sleek Designers menorah in polished gold works with candles or oil. The Last Minute Complete Hanukkah Menorah Kit includes a 9 inch menorah, 44 candles and a handbook, which is helpful for new households.
Modern and minimalist
The geometric silver plated menorah offers clean lines that suit modern homes, and the Dreidel Company copper tree of life menorah on a stone base blends natural materials with a contemporary look.
Rustic and farmhouse
The brass finish tree of life menorah has a warm, vintage feel that pairs well with wood tones. The Matashi hand painted enamel menorah and the Dreidel Company pomegranate menorah add color for those who love decorative pieces.
Light up options
The Dreidel Company Traditional LED electric menorah and the Rite Lite Go mini electric menorah are flame free choices. For kids, the Dreidel Company wooden menorah has removable colorful candles so children can join the nightly ritual safely.
Styling Ideas for Hanukkah
A menorah can anchor your holiday decor in several rooms.
Entryway and Porch
Tradition encourages placing the menorah where it can be seen from outside. A front window near the entry is ideal, with a flame free LED menorah if the window is near curtains.
Living Room and Mantel
A tree of life menorah on the mantel looks beautiful surrounded by blue and silver decor, dreidels and a few framed family photos. Keep the area below clear of flammable items.
Dining Table
Place the menorah on a heat resistant tray in the center of the table for family dinners. Add a bowl of chocolate gelt and a few dreidels for a festive look.
Are Hanukkah Menorahs a Good Holiday Gift?
Yes. A menorah is a meaningful gift for newlyweds, new homeowners, college students and anyone starting their own traditions. The top rated hanukkah menorahs in our table include classic, modern and kid friendly designs, so there is a good fit for every person on your list.
For more holiday ideas, see our guide to the best hanukkah gifts.
Safety Tips Before You Buy
Choose a menorah with a stable base and evenly spaced candle cups. Always place it on a heat resistant surface, away from curtains and decorations, and never leave lit candles unattended.
Use a drip tray to catch wax, and keep matches and lighters out of reach of children. For homes with toddlers or pets, consider an LED menorah in the window and light candles only under close supervision.
FAQs
Quick answers to common questions about menorahs.
When should you put up Hanukkah menorahs?
Most families set out the menorah before the first night of Hanukkah, which begins at sundown on December 4 this year.
How do you keep Hanukkah menorahs looking good year after year?
Remove wax gently after each use, wipe the menorah with a soft cloth and store it wrapped in a box away from moisture.
Are battery operated Hanukkah menorahs worth it?
Yes, for windows, dorms and homes with small children. Many families use an LED menorah alongside a traditional candle menorah.
How do you store Hanukkah menorahs after the holidays?
Clean off wax, wrap the menorah in soft cloth or bubble wrap and store it in a labeled box with your Hanukkah candles.
When should you buy Hanukkah menorahs for Hanukkah?
Buy in November so the menorah arrives well before the first night, and check Amazon's shipping estimates during the holiday rush.
Final Thoughts
The best hanukkah menorahs combine meaning, beauty and safety. The Dreidel Company tree of life menorah is our top pick for most homes, the classic geometric menorah is the best value and the Zion Judaica extra large menorah is the standout splurge. Compare prices in the product table above and choose the menorah that will light up your family's celebrations for years.
