The timer feature of these candles is great for an enclosed centerpiece like I have. I turned it on once, and I don't have to worry about trying to open up the lantern that I have it in. I turned it on during the day, so it would come on while I'm up and turn off in the evening. You can turn it on what ever time that suits you and it will turn itself off in 6 hours and then turn itself back on the next day. Easy Peasy. The batteries come in them and there are 8 so you can use them until they die and then replace them with another, or purchase new batteries and keep rotating them.