What Is a Candle Warmer? Are Candle Warmers Better Than Burning Candles?
What is a candle warmer? A candle warmer is a lamp or hot plate that melts the top of a candle from above or below, so you get the fragrance without lighting the wick. It works like an electric wax melt burner, which melts wax melts in a dish instead of a candle.
A candle warmer is an electric device that melts a candle's wax with gentle heat instead of a flame, releasing its fragrance without lighting the wick. Most use either a heated plate under the jar or a lamp that shines down from above. In this guide we explain what a candle warmer is, how it works, whether candle warmers are safe and whether they're better than burning candles, plus an alternative that many people find gives a stronger scent.
What Is a Candle Warmer?
A candle warmer is a flameless way to enjoy a scented candle. Rather than burning the wick, it warms the surface of the wax until it melts and releases its fragrance into the room. There are three main types:
- Candle warmer lamp: a lamp-style warmer with a bulb that sits above the candle and melts the wax from the top down. These are the most popular type in the UK.
- Candle warmer plate: a flat heated plate you stand your candle jar on, which warms the wax from underneath.
- Plug in candle warmer: a compact warmer that plugs straight into a wall socket, usually designed for small amounts of wax.
How Does a Candle Warmer Work?
A candle warmer uses a low, steady heat from a bulb or a warming plate to melt the top layer of wax. As the wax melts, the fragrance oils in it are released, scenting the room without a flame, smoke or soot. Because the wick is never lit, the wax isn't burned away. It simply melts and sets again each time you switch the warmer off.
Are Candle Warmers Safe?
Candle warmers remove the open flame, which is why many people choose them, but they are still electrical devices that get hot. To use one safely:
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions and maximum use time.
- Place it on a flat, stable, heat-resistant surface, away from curtains and anything flammable.
- Switch it off when you leave the room, go out or go to sleep. Don't leave it on all day or overnight.
- Don't touch the jar, plate or bulb while it's hot.
- Keep it out of reach of children and pets.
Are candle warmers safe for cats and dogs?
No flame means no risk of a curious pet knocking over a lit candle, but the warmer and the melted wax still get hot, and some animals are sensitive to strong fragrance. Keep any warmer well out of reach, make sure the room is well ventilated and always let your pet leave the room if they want to. If your pet has breathing problems, check with your vet first. Read our guide Are Wax Melts Safe for Cats and Dogs? for more advice for pet owners.
Are Candle Warmers Better Than Burning Candles?
It depends on what you want from your home fragrance. Here's how they compare:
| Candle warmer | Burning candle | |
|---|---|---|
| Flame | No flame | Open flame |
| Smoke and soot | None | Some, especially if the wick isn't trimmed |
| Scent strength | Softer, more subtle | Stronger once a melt pool forms |
| Ambience | Lamp glow | Real flickering flame |
| Power | Needs electricity | No power needed |
Do candle warmers make candles last longer?
Usually, yes. Because the wax is melted rather than burned, it isn't used up in the same way. Bear in mind that the fragrance will gradually fade over many hours of warming, even if there's still plenty of wax left in the jar.
Do candle warmers work?
They do, but the scent is often gentler than a burning candle, particularly in a large room. If you love a strong scent that fills your home, you may find a candle warmer a little too subtle.
The Alternative: Wax Melts and Electric Wax Melt Burners
If you like the idea of a flameless candle warmer but want a stronger scent, an electric wax melt burner is well worth a look. It works in a similar way to a candle warmer lamp or plate, but it's designed for wax melts, which are made purely for fragrance. Many of our electric burners light up just like a candle warmer lamp, and our plug in electric wax melt burners fit neatly into a wall socket.
- Stronger scent: wax melts release their fragrance quickly and fill larger rooms.
- Change scents easily: pop out the cooled wax and try something new whenever you like.
- Long lasting: our long lasting wax melts give hours of fragrance from each piece.
- Huge choice: from sweet and fruity to fresh and floral, browse our strong wax melts.
Can you use a wax warmer as a candle warmer?
No. An electric wax melt burner is designed to warm wax melts in its dish, not to hold a candle jar. Never stand a candle on a wax burner, and only use each product as its instructions describe.
Which Is Best for You?
Choose a candle warmer if you want a gentle, flameless way to enjoy a candle you already own. Choose a burning candle if you love the glow of a real flame. Choose wax melts and an electric burner if you want a strong, long-lasting scent with no flame and lots of fragrances to try.
Final Thoughts
Candle warmers are a simple, flameless way to scent your home, and they can help your candles last longer. If you want a stronger fragrance and more variety, wax melts with an electric wax melt burner are often the better choice. Explore our electric wax melt burners and hand-poured soy wax melts, with free UK delivery on orders over £45.