Capri Blue Volcano Pura vs. Candle: Does the Scent Live Up to the Original Hype?

When it comes to iconic home fragrances, Capri Blue Volcano ranks somewhere near the top of the “cult following” list. You know the one – that distinctive bright blue jar with the unmistakable scent that greets you when you walk into Anthropologie. It’s practically the unofficial scent of fashionable retail.

But here’s the thing: as much as I love the original Capri Blue Volcano candle (and trust me, I’ve burned through more than I care to admit), there’s something to be said about having that beloved scent continuously diffusing throughout your home without the worry of an open flame. Enter: the Pura smart diffuser and its Capri Blue Volcano fragrance option.

The big question on everyone’s mind, though? What does Capri Blue Volcano Pura smell like compared to the candle? Is it a true representation of the original, or just another disappointing dupe? As someone who’s been testing home fragrances for years and has a particular soft spot for this specific scent, I decided to dive deep into this comparison to give you my honest take.

The Original Capri Blue Volcano Candle: What Makes It Special?

Before we can compare the Pura version to anything, let’s first establish what makes the original Volcano candle so beloved. If you’ve never experienced it, Capri Blue describes Volcano as a “tropical medley of sugared oranges, lemons, and limes, redolent with lightly exotic mountain greens.”

In my experience, that’s a fancy way of saying it smells like the perfect balance of citrus and sweetness. It’s bright and energizing without being overpowering or artificial. There’s a certain complexity to it – that hint of “mountain greens” gives it an earthy undertone that prevents it from veering into air freshener territory.

The original candle has incredible throw (that’s candle-speak for how far the scent travels), making it perfect for larger spaces. Walk into any Anthropologie store, and you’ll immediately understand the appeal – it’s citrusy without being too tart, sweet without being cloying, and somehow manages to smell both clean and luxurious at the same time.

I’ve had friends walk into my home and immediately ask, “Is that the Anthropologie candle?” It’s that distinctive.

My First Impression of Capri Blue Volcano Pura

When I first got my hands on the Capri Blue Volcano Pura refill, I was skeptical. I’ve been burned before (no pun intended) by scent duplications that failed to capture the magic of the original.

Upon opening the Pura vial, I immediately detected that familiar Volcano scent – that bright, citrusy top note was unmistakable. But would it translate when diffused through the Pura device? That’s the real test.

I popped the vial into my Pura device (I have the Pura 4, which automatically detects the fragrance – super convenient), and within about 30 minutes, my living room started to fill with that signature Volcano aroma. My first impression: surprisingly accurate!

The initial burst had all those citrus notes I love from the candle – the sugared oranges, lemons, and limes were all present and accounted for. But I noticed something interesting: the Pura version seemed to emphasize the brighter, more citrus-forward notes compared to the candle, which has a slightly more complex burn experience.

Capri Blue Volcano Pura vs. Candle: A Side-by-Side Comparison

After living with both the Pura version and the candle for several weeks (yes, I had them going simultaneously in different rooms because I’m dedicated to this research), I noticed some distinct differences worth mentioning. Let’s break it down:

Scent Profile Differences

The Pura version of Volcano is remarkably similar to the candle, but there are subtle differences:

• Citrus Notes: The Pura version leans heavier on the citrus elements. The orange and lime notes seem more pronounced than in the candle.
• Sweetness Level: While both have that signature “sugared” quality, the Pura fragrance reads slightly sweeter to my nose.
• Complexity: The candle develops more complexity as it burns. You get those “mountain greens” notes more distinctly with the candle, whereas they’re more subtle in the Pura version.
• Evolution: This is where the biggest difference lies. The candle scent evolves as it burns – a natural process as different fragrance oils release at different temperatures. The Pura maintains a more consistent scent profile throughout.

What does Capri Blue Volcano Pura smell like compared to the candle? In essence, it captures about 85-90% of the original magic, with a slightly brighter, more citrus-forward interpretation.

Scent Distribution and Intensity

Here’s where the Pura really shines. One of my favorite things about the Pura device is the ability to control the intensity of the fragrance. On its highest setting, the Volcano Pura can easily fill a large open-concept living space similarly to how the candle does.

The big advantage? Consistency. The candle’s throw tends to strengthen as it burns and pools, then gradually diminishes as it nears the bottom. The Pura maintains whatever intensity level you’ve set it to.

I find myself usually keeping my Pura at a medium setting for the Volcano scent – it provides enough fragrance to notice when you enter the room without becoming overwhelming. For reference, my living room is about 400 square feet, and at this setting, the scent is noticeable but not dominating.

Longevity Comparison

This is a major consideration when comparing value. The standard 19oz Capri Blue Volcano candle boasts about 85 hours of burn time. In my experience, it’s closer to 70-75 hours with proper burning practices.

The Pura fragrance vial is advertised to last up to 350 hours on the lowest setting. At medium intensity (which is my preferred setting for this scent), you can expect around 175-200 hours. At the highest setting, expect closer to 120 hours.

Even at the highest intensity, that’s still significantly longer than the candle. Plus, you’re not losing fragrance to an unattended candle burning when you leave the room – the Pura’s scheduling feature means you’re only using fragrance when you want to.

Why I’m Personally Loving the Pura Version

I’ve been a die-hard Capri Blue Volcano candle fan for years, but I have to admit – the Pura version has won a special place in my home fragrance rotation. Here’s why:

1. Safety and Convenience: As a mom with young kids and pets, I love that I can enjoy the Volcano scent without worrying about open flames, hot wax, or soot. I can even set it to run when I’m not home so I walk into a beautifully scented house.
2. Smart Scheduling: I’ve set my Pura to turn on the Volcano scent about 30 minutes before I typically arrive home from work. There’s something luxurious about walking into a home that smells amazing without any effort.
3. Adjustable Intensity: Some days I want a subtle hint of fragrance; other days (especially when entertaining), I want more impact. The Pura lets me adjust accordingly.
4. The Value Proposition: When I did the math, the Pura refill actually works out to be more economical per hour of fragrance than the candle, especially when using the scheduling features.

While I’ll never completely give up my beautiful blue jar candles (they double as décor, after all), the Pura has become my everyday Volcano delivery system.

The Best of Both Worlds: How I Use Both in My Home

If you’re like me and love the Volcano scent, you might be wondering if you should choose between the candle and the Pura version. My answer? Both have their place!

Here’s how I incorporate both into my home:

• Everyday Ambiance: The Pura Volcano runs on a schedule in my main living areas, providing consistent background fragrance.
• Visual Appeal + Fragrance: When entertaining or during special occasions, I’ll light the actual Volcano candle for both the scent and the ambiance of the flickering flame.
• Kitchen Refresh: The Pura is perfect in the kitchen where cooking odors can compete with fragrances. The adjustable intensity means I can dial it up after cooking fish or dial it down when I want just a hint of freshness.
• Bedtime Routine: I have another Pura device in my bedroom with a different nighttime scent, but sometimes I’ll swap in Volcano when I want that fresh, clean feeling before bed.

Tips for Getting the Most From Your Capri Blue Volcano Pura

If you’re convinced to try the Pura version of this iconic scent, here are some tips I’ve discovered for maximizing your experience:

1. Location Matters: Place your Pura in areas with some air circulation. Putting it directly behind furniture or in a very enclosed space limits the scent distribution.
2. Try the Alternating Feature: One of my favorite Pura features is the ability to alternate between two scents. Try pairing Volcano with a complementary fragrance like NEST’s Grapefruit (another citrusy winner) or something more grounding like Brooklyn Candle Studio’s Santorini for an interesting progression throughout the day.
3. Adjust Based on Season: I find I prefer the Volcano scent at a higher intensity during summer months when it complements the season, and at a lower setting during fall and winter when I tend to rotate in warmer scents.
4. Use the Schedule Smartly: Rather than running it continuously, try scheduling Volcano to run during the hours you’re most likely to be in that space. This extends the life of your fragrance vial significantly.
5. Try Both Placements: The Pura device can be rotated to emit fragrance from either the top or bottom of the outlet. I’ve found that for Volcano specifically, the upward emission seems to distribute the citrus notes more effectively in my space.

Is Capri Blue Volcano Pura Worth It?

After extensive testing and living with both versions of this iconic scent, here’s my verdict on what Capri Blue Volcano Pura smells like compared to the candle: it’s remarkably faithful to the original, with a slightly brighter, more citrus-forward profile that maintains its character throughout its use.

Is it identical? No – there are subtle differences that discerning noses will detect. The candle has a slightly more complex evolution as it burns, with those “mountain greens” notes becoming more pronounced over time. The Pura version maintains a more consistent scent profile that emphasizes the bright, citrusy top notes.

Is it worth it? Absolutely. At around $18 for a Pura refill that lasts significantly longer than the $36 candle, the value proposition is clear. Add in the safety aspects, smart features, and consistency, and it’s a no-brainer for everyday use.

That said, there’s still something special about the ritual of lighting a Capri Blue candle, watching that blue jar glow, and experiencing the full complexity of the scent as it burns. For special occasions or when I want both fragrance and ambiance, the original candle still holds a special place in my home.

For anyone wondering what Capri Blue Volcano Pura smells like compared to the candle they know and love, I can confidently say you won’t be disappointed. It captures the essence of what makes Volcano special – that perfect balance of citrus brightness and subtle sweetness – while offering a whole new level of convenience and smart functionality.

Whether you’re a long-time Volcano devotee or new to the fragrance, the Pura version offers an excellent way to keep your space consistently scented with this beloved fragrance – no matches required.

Still not sure if a Pura diffuser is worth the investment? Or looking to get a free Pura device? Check out our comprehensive guides!

Have you tried both the Capri Blue Volcano candle and the Pura version? I’d love to hear your thoughts on how they compare in your experience!