Say goodbye to the old days of lighting candles with a wick—today's trending practice is using candle warmer lamps to melt them.
In this post, we'll guide you step by step on how to use a candle warmer lamp.
What Is a Candle Warmer?
A candle warmer uses a halogen bulb to generate heat, which gently melts the wax in a controlled and balanced way. This allows the fragrance to diffuse more cleanly, without the smoky odor that comes from burning a wick. That's why candle warmers are considered a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative, ideal for households with children or pets—no open flames required.
How to Choose a Candle Warmer Lamp?
Candle warmer lamps come in various designs, often incorporating materials like metal and wood. Metal finishes can add a sleek, modern aesthetic, while wood elements offer a softer touch and help keep the lamp surface cooler. So, which one should you choose when both have their pros and cons? And what else points should you take into consideration? Read on to find answers.
Pros and Cons of Metal Lamp Shades
Most candle warmer lamps feature a metal shade because metal dissipates heat more effectively. Thanks to this advantage, metal lamps can accommodate bulbs with up to 50 watts of power, making it easier to melt popular jarred candles.
Another benefit is that metal shades are more durable under heat over time. However, when the lamp is set to its brightest level, the surface can become too hot to touch. Using candles with a lower melting point can help mitigate this issue.
Pros and Cons of Wood Lamp Shade
Wooden lamp shades create a warm, cozy ambiance but don’t dissipate heat as efficiently as metal. Because of this, wood-based lamps usually require a bulb with less than 35 watts, which means it takes longer to melt the candle and release the fragrance. If a candle has a higher melting point, it may not melt properly at all. That's why it's important to check customer reviews and consult candle retailers before making a purchase.
Additionally, wood can expand and contract with changes in humidity and temperature, which could cause the shade to crack over time. If durability is a priority, wooden shades may not be the best option.
Keep An Eye on the Distance Between the Bulb and the Base
With the wide variety of designs on the market, the distance between the bulb and the base can differ significantly across brands. Some lamps have a distance of only 7 cm, which makes them suitable for small candles, but candles taller than 7 cm won’t fit.
Since most candle jars are between 12 and 15 cm high, a distance of 14 to 16 cm between the bulb and the base is generally preferred. If you have a shorter candle jar, you can place a small wood slice underneath to raise it to the proper height.
If the bulb is too far from the candle’s surface, you may need to turn the bulb to its highest brightness to melt the wax, which increases electricity consumption and makes the light too harsh on the eyes.
Marble vs. Wooden Base
Candle warmer lamps typically come with either marble or wooden bases. Wooden bases make the lamp lightweight but can be unstable and prone to tipping over. Additionally, wood surfaces can be tricky to clean if candle oil drips onto them. Marble bases, while heavier, provide more stability and are easier to clean.
Check the Switch Design
Some candle warmer lamps have basic on-off switches, while others come with more advanced switches that allow you to adjust the brightness. These switches can either be inline or built into the base as knobs.
A simple on-off switch is not recommended because, once the wax has melted, you can dim the light to conserve electricity while still enjoying the candle’s scent. Prolonged exposure to a bright light can also strain the eyes.
Switch knobs on the lamp base are often the best option. They allow you to easily adjust brightness or turn the lamp on and off, while also adding a touch of style to the lamp’s design.
Other Thoughtful Features
Some candle warmer lamps come with additional features, like built-in USB ports that can charge your phone, tablet, power bank, or wireless headphones. Having an extra USB port within easy reach while enjoying the candle’s fragrance is a convenient and enjoyable bonus.
How to use a candle warmer correctly?
When using a candle warmer, there are two important things to keep in mind:
No Open Flame Required
This is crucial. Since candle warmer lamps use a halogen bulb to melt the wax and release its fragrance, there’s no need to light the candle with an open flame. In fact, doing so would be dangerous, as it could cause a fire hazard with a burning candle placed under the heating bulb.
Remove Exhausted Candle Wax
Unlike traditional candles, where the wax evaporates as it burns, candles used with warmers will maintain the same wax level unless you manually dispose of it. When you notice the fragrance fading, it’s time to remove the top layer of wax, which has already been depleted. This will allow the next layer to release its scent.
Here’s a tip for disposing of the used candle wax: pour it onto a sheet of newspaper, let it dry for a few seconds until it hardens, then toss it in the trash. Never pour melted wax down the toilet, as it can lead to clogs.
Benefits of using candle warmers
Using a candle warmer lamp eliminates the need for an open flame, reducing the risk of fire hazards, especially when a lit candle is left unattended.
Another benefit is that candle warmers prevent tunneling, which happens when a candle burns unevenly and creates a hollow tunnel in the wax. With a candle warmer, you can fully melt the wax, allowing the entire candle to release its fragrance and avoiding wasted wax.