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What is a Candle Warmer?

Shannon Kietzman
Shannon Kietzman

A candle warmer is a device that heats up and melts scented candles without the use of a flame. Rather, the warmer is plugged in and heats the candle through electrical power. There are several advantages to this method to enjoy scented candles rather than burning them.

First, the scent produced by a candle within a candle warmer is pure and crisp, because there is no burning soot to interfere with it. This also means there is no smell afterwards, such as the smell that is created when a burning candle is extinguished. The device also ensures the entire candle is used, because there is no burning through the middle of the candle, which is common when candles are burned by a flame. In addition, the very bottom portion cannot be easily burned and, therefore, is often thrown away. A candle warmer also uses the candle more slowly, which means it will last longer.

Woman with a flower
Woman with a flower

A candle warmer is also an environmentally friendly alternative to burning candles. Since fire is not involved, there is no soot or smoke byproducts. Not only is this better for the environment, but it is also better for the user’s health. For this reason, the device is more often used in aromatherapy sessions than a candle with a wick.

The warmer is also safer to use than burning a candle with a wick. There is no need to worry about it being accidentally knocked over and starting a fire. This means scented candles can continue to be warmed even when the user leaves the room or the home, because there is no concern about starting a fire.

In addition, since the candle does not need to be lit, there is no possibility of burning oneself when getting the candle started. Instead, only a simple button needs to be pushed in order to turn the unit on.

Usually, a candle warmer includes a small built-in fan. This helps to spread the aromatic scent of the candle throughout the room. These fans are designed to be quiet so they do not disturb the user.

Discussion Comments

anon950345

And let's not forget the big one: the candle lasts forever!

golf07

As much as I understand the reason for candle warmers and know that in many situations it is better than not having a candle at all, I still love to burn my candles.

I think I have a scented candle in almost every room of my house. I have used the candle tart warmers but miss the really strong fragrance when I just use a warmer. It is important to remember to always blow them out when you leave the house or are going to be out of the room for more than a few minutes.

SarahSon

Candle warmers are much safer than lighting a regular candle. I know that several places only allow you to use a candle warmer and do not allow the candle to burn. I do understand the safety reasons for this and have used candle warmers in my home too.

I have found that candle warmers do not put off as much scent as they do when you actually burn the candle. You still get a little fragrance, but not nearly as much. I found that I don't use my electric candle warmer as much as I thought I would for this reason alone.

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      Woman with a flower