So, if you’re interested in exploring a new way to fill your space with delightful aromas, keep reading to discover the benefits of using an electric candle warmer.

What Is A Candle Warmer?

A candle warmer is a “wickless” way to experience the fragrance of a candle. Candle warmers consist of a tray or removable wax dish that sits on top of a heating element. The heating element can be a light bulb directly underneath a warming bowl or tray, or it can be a flat plate you set a small bowl or dish on. Fragrance is then released by putting wax crumbles or wax melts into a bowl placed on the warmer. Simply plug the warmer in the wall, flip the switch, and warm the wax cubes.

Some may call them electric candle warmers, wax warmers, warmer lamp, or electric candle. Regardless of their title, they all serve the same purpose which is to heat wax.

After the wax is warmed, the fragrance is then disbursed into the room, just like with traditional candles.

What Are Pro’s And Cons Of A Candle Warmer?

As with everything, personal style and preference come into play when deciding whether to use a candle warmer or to light scented candles with a flame. Here are some of the pros and cons I see as a person who uses both.

Pros of A Candle Warmer

Flame danger –

Flame danger is one of the biggest pros of using a warmer lamp vs burning traditional candles. Forgetting to blow out a candle before you leave the house can be detrimental should the candle malfunction or an open window cause the flame to jump onto a combustable material.

Candle fires cause 2% of house fires in the US and 3% of home fire deaths, 6% of home fire injuries and 4% of direct property damage to homes. Thirty seven percent of these fires were started in bedrooms, and 10% of these fires happened when someone fell asleep.

These percentages compute to an average of 20 reported home fires started per day by candles. Even more crazy is that 60% of these fires were started by something combustable catching fire that was placed near a candle.

On the bottom of every candle is a candle safety warning label which CLEARLY states to not burn a candle near any combustable material.

When burning traditional scented candles, the candle must be blown out before leaving the house. It is not safe to leave a burning candle unattended. In the situation you forget to blow the candle out before you leave house, you must turn around and blow it out.

The great thing about candle warmers is that they typically have a timer which allows you to set the amount of time the warmer is on. If a person puts in some wax melts, sets the timer, and then for some reason, forgets to turn the warmer lamp off when they leave, no worries. It will automatically shut off on its own in the allotted time.

Air Quality

Not all waxes and fragrances are non toxic. If you are burning candles in your home that are not “clean” and could use potentially toxic ingredients, then the air quality in your home could be polluted.

Using a candle warmer with wax melts, rather than an open flame candle releases less toxins into the air than when burning. Additionally, there is no smoke associated with using wax melts in a candle warmer, which is the perfect solution for someone with allergies or air sensitivities.

Longevity

Fragrances last longer in wax melts, and crumbles than in traditional candles. Fragrance oil is not burned off when using a wax warmer like it is when burning candles with wicks. Therefore the aroma of the fragrances from wax melts in candle warmers lasts much longer.

Cons Of A Candle Warmer

no visible flame

The main disadvantage of using candle warmers, and wax melts instead of burning a traditional candle is that there is no visual flame. Candle flames create a cozy feel, and can be associated with the following:

1. Ambiance: The warm glow of a lit candle can create a cozy and relaxing atmosphere which is perfect for unwinding after a long day. Additionally, it can set the mood for a special occasion.
2. Aesthetics: The beauty of a flickering candle flame can be captivating and add a decorative element to any space. Candles are sleek, stylish and come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. This makes them a versatile and customizable option for any home decor.
3. Rituals or Religions: For many people, lighting a candle and letting it burn can be a meditative or spiritual practice, offering a sense of calm, symbolism, and focus.
4. Sense of warmth: Burning can provide a sense of warmth, emotionally and physically. It can be a source of comfort during cold or dark evenings, or when dealing with stress and anxiety.
5. Flickering effect: Light from the flickering flame of a candle can create a dynamic visual effect that can be mesmerizing and relaxing to watch.

The visual flame of a burning candle can create a multi sensory experience that engages a person’s sight, and smell. Not having the flame can be a major deterrent for people who are less worried about the smell and burn candles for the reasons listed above.

Different Types Of Candle Warmers

There are a few different types of candles warmers available on the market. In my opinion, some work better than others, and I have tried them all! Depending on your style, and decor you have going on in your room, one may suit your fancy more than the other.

Candle Warmer Type #1 – Top Down Candle Warmer Lamp

The top down electric candle warmer typically looks like a lamp with either a fabric or glass shade. A light bulb pointed straight down produces heat on a candle that sits on the lamp base. One can find a shade that fits the decor of their home, and it can be quite stylish if chosen correctly.

In my opinion, the con of using a lamp shade as a candle warmer is that unless you are using a candle with a shallow bowl, only the top of the candle melts. When the scented wax in the candle no longer smells, a person has to dispose of the melted wax on top of the candle to allow the heat from the lamp to get to the unmelted wax at the bottom of the candle.

Candle Warmer Type #2 – Plate Style Warmer

The plate style warmer is a flat plate that warms to a specific temperature. The candle vessel or bowl of wax melts or crumbles sits on top of the warmer. When the wax melts melt, the fragrance is distributed into the air.

The con of using a plate warmer is that the cheap ones don’t have a temperature regulator or auto shut off. If the candle being warmed is made from cheap glass there is a potential for it to crack if the warmer gets too hot. This would cause hot candle wax to spill everywhere. Although much better than a fire, it would be quite a pain to clean up!

This being said, many amazing high quality candle warmers on the market can double as mug warmers! They have auto shutoffs and temperature regulation features. Many of them are very sleek and stylish and also have USB connections so you can charge your phone using the same device!

Candle Warmer Type #2 – 2 in 1 Candle Warmer

This type of candle warmer is very stylish, popular, and a best seller. There are many of them on the market today ranging in price from $7 – $75.00. Undoubtedly there is a style to fit any type of home aesthetic.

2 in 1 electric candle warmers are available in a couple different styles. They are called 2 in 1 because the electric wax warmer serves two different purposes.

Option 1 – This style of scented wax warmer serves as a both a source of light and a candle warmer.

You will have your light style warmer with a shallow dish sitting on top of a bulb in a decorative container which warms the wax.

Option 2 – This style of candle warmer serves as both a flat plate warmer and also a bowl styler warmer.

It will typically have a flat base like the plate style candle warmer. Placing a candle in a jar or tin on top of the electric plate will warm the vessel, and release the scent.

It also comes with a bowl that sits on top of the warming plate. The bowl is meant to be filled with either wax melts or wax crumbles. The heat from the plate warms the bowl, which then heats the scented wax, releasing the fragrance.

Conclusion

There is no right or wrong way to experience fragrance or create ambiance in your environment. I use both candle warmers with wax melts, and traditional scented wax candles. To each his own.

I believe the moral of the story is if you are going to chose to burn traditional candles, make sure to do it safely. Don’t be the person that adds negatively to the candle fire statistics!

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In addition to my candle shop where I push eco friendly, non toxic ingredients, I am Nutrition Business Consultant for HSN Mentoring, and a real estate transaction coordinator. I’m a mom and a blogger on a mission to help the females in the world become confident, live a healthy lifestyle, accomplish great things and feel hot!

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Good candles are not cheap! If you are a lover of the the flame then this blog post is for you! In this blog post we will teach you how to not burn money by properly caring for your newly purchased candle.

What Is Candle Burning?

Candle burning is the act of lighting a candle and allowing it to burn for a period of time. This practice can serve a variety of purposes, including for lighting, decoration, creating ambiance, or for religious or spiritual rituals.

Candles can be made from different types of wax, such as beeswax, soy wax, paraffin wax, and others. They may also come in different shapes, sizes, colors, and scents, depending on their intended use. Some candles are specifically designed for aromatherapy, and are infused with essential oils to promote relaxation and other therapeutic benefits.

In some spiritual or religious traditions, candle burning is used as a form of prayer or meditation, where the flame of the candle is thought to represent the presence of a higher power or symbolize the power of the person’s intentions. The act of lighting a candle can also be used to mark a special occasion or to honor the memory of a loved one.

Why Is Learning How To Properly Burn A Candle Important?

Properly burning a candle is important for several reasons, including:

1. Safety: If a candle is not burned properly, it can pose a fire hazard. For example, if there is a dangerously large flame, or if the candle is placed near open windows and flammable objects, it can cause a fire. By following proper candle-burning practices, such as keeping the wick trimmed and placing the candle on a stable surface away from flammable objects, you can minimize the risk of accidents.
2. Efficiency: Burning a new candle properly ensures that it will last longer and burn more evenly. This means that you can get the most out of your candle, and enjoy its fragrance or ambiance for a longer period of time.
3. Aesthetics: Properly burning a candle can also enhance its aesthetic appeal. For example, if the wick is trimmed to the right length, the flame will be the right size and the candle will burn more evenly, creating a more pleasing visual effect.
4. Scent throw: Properly burning a scented candle can also improve its scent throw, or the amount of fragrance that is released into the air. By allowing the candle to burn for the recommended amount of time, you can ensure that the wax melts evenly and that the fragrance is released more effectively.

Overall, properly burning a candle can help you get the most out of your candle, both in terms of safety, longevity and enjoyment.

The Top 5 Candle Care Tips

Now that we know the what and the why, let’s get into our top five tips so you can keep your lit candles burning properly.

Tip #1 – Monitor Burn Time

Many people don’t realize that candle burn time matters. In fact, the first burn is the most important one. Burning your candle 3-4 hours on the first burn will promote an even burn, and help prevent something candle makers call tunneling.

Tunneling typically happens when a candle is not burned long enough during each burning session, or when the wick or wicks are too small for the diameter of the jar.

It’s typical for reputable candle makers to spend months testing their candles for proper wick size and burning qualities. Candles purchased from She Said Candle Co. and many other reputable candle companies will not tunnel if burned properly.

To prevent tunneling:

• Burn your candle for 3-4 hours on the first burn. This will ensure that the melt pool reaches close to the edge of the vessel. Keep in mind that some candles, like ours, are made from coconut wax. Coconut wax candles typically take 3-4 burns before they reach a full melt pool. If burning a coconut wax candle, it should reach full melt pool by 1/2 way down the jar, if not a bit sooner. Candles made from other various types of wax will reach a full melt pool on the first burn if burned correctly. A “melt pool” is the hot wax melted in the center of the jar. When the liquid wax reaches the edge of the candle container, that is considered a full melt pool. Some people call this a “wax pool”.
• Each subsequent burn should be at least 1 1/2 – 2 hours. The purpose of this is to allow the candle to burn long enough to create a melt pool as close to the edge of the jar as possible if using coconut wax. Again, candles made with other wax types will reach a full melt pool sooner than 3-4 burns if burned properly.

Tip #2 – Check The Wick Before Each Burn

How efficiently a candle burns depends a lot on the wick. There are other factors however this is a big one.

Wick Length is important

A candle burns very well with a wick length of approximately 1/4″.

Any shorter and the wick won’t have enough length or “power” to fuel the candle properly for an even burn. It may even “drown” out from the density of the fragrance oil and wax.

Wicks longer than 1/4″ could cause a high flame generating a lot of heat. Candle flames are typically 1-2inches in height. The accepted height of a candle flame according to the ASTM is 3″. We prefer the height of our flames to be no taller than 1-1 1/2 inches.

Trim the wick to the proper length when re lighting to prevent unsightly soot, prevent smoking, and help maintain that steady flame. Additionally, a proper length wick ensures the burn time of your candle reaches its full potential.

Carbon Build Up aka. mushrooming

Carbon build up – aka “mushrooming” is caused by wax not being burned as fuel fast enough by the flame. The excess wax not burned causes carbon balls or hang up at the top of the wick. Sometimes this is caused due to a wick that is too large, or it can also be caused by a candle burning for longer than four hours when the wick hasn’t been trimmed.

If you notice carbon build up on your wick, after the flame is extinguished, carefully trim the build up off. Make sure the wick trimmings do not fall in the candle.

Tip #3 – Burn Candle Away From Drafts And Fans

Making sure your candle is in a still air environment is important for a few reasons.

• Anytime a wisp of air hits your candle, it causes the flame to blow sideways and jump around. When this happens smoke and soot shoot out from the flame. Sometimes this can’t be avoided. For example when someone walks by quickly, sometimes air will hit the flame and cause it to flutter. This situation cannot be controlled, however placing the candle in front of a window or fan can be.
• If you have an uneven flame, this will surely cause an uneven burning candle.
• A flapping flame is dangerous and could ignite something flammable near by causing something to catch fire.
• Keeping your candle away from moving air will also prevent hot wax from blowing out of the jar.

Wrap Up

Now that you know the 3 top tips for candle burning, our hope is that you put this info to use. By following this candle care, moving forward, your favorite candles will burn evenly and for a long time.

It may seem like a lot “to do” for one little candle, however, candles aren’t cheap so giving them a little love to get the most out of them is something I am happy to do!

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