I sometimes use affiliate links in content. This doesn’t cost you anything but I may make a commission payment from anything you buy through these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions remain my own.
Wax warmers are a great way to add fragrance and ambiance to your home without the worry of wax dripping on your furniture or carpet. They work by heating wax bars, which melt slowly over time and release their pleasant aroma into the air.
This blog post will cover everything you need to know about wax warmers in order to make an informed purchase decision. We’ll talk about what they are, how wax melters differ from wax warmers, why they can be better than scented candles and more!
Table of Contents
What Are Wax Warmers?
Wax warmers are a fragranced wax melt that is a little like a candle but doesn’t have a wick so there’s no naked flame. This means they are ideal if you want to have the scent and look of a candle but without the risk of a flame burning – especially if you have pets or kids.
Where Did Wax Warmers Come From?
The idea to create wax warmers came from candlemakers. When they’d finished their candles, there were often small bits of wax left over. Rather than waste them, they made them into wax melts and the forerunner of wax warmers was created.
How Does a Wax Warmer Work?
Wax warmers are used with wax melts and this releases their fragrance as they start to melt. The cause of them melting can vary. Some wax warmers use a candle but there are also versions that use electricity so there’s no naked flame.
How long a wax melt lasts depends on the size of it, how much heat is applied and the room temperature. Some can last for short periods of a few hours while others can last as long as 10 hours if used for spells.
With some, you can pour the melted wax back into the warmer and heat it again although it may not be as scented as the first time around. Of course, you may be able to add a drop or two of essential oil on them to refresh the scent.
What are the Different Types of Wax Warmers?
There are a few basic types of wax warmer that you are likely to find in shops:
- Tea Light – these use tea lights to heat the wax melt. You can use unscented ones but scented ones but if you pick something with scent, aim for scent combinations that work together
- Electrical Outlets Plug-in – there are various styles that plug into the mains and heat up in different ways. Some types of electric warmer use a light bulb while others a heating plate
- Electric with Light Bulb – another option uses a light bulb to heat up the wax melt. This cuts out the need for a naked flame that would feature with a tea light
- Electric with Heating Plate – these warmers have a plate that warms up to melt the wax and can be easily turned on and off as needed
A lightbulb style electric wax warmer
A tea light heat source wax warmer
What Can You Put in a Wax Warmer?
What goes into the wax warmer depends on the model. Some uses wax melts or wax tarts, some even use a candle of some kind.
Can You Put Essential Oils In A Wax Burner?
The short answer is yes but with some caution. Remember, essential oils are oil so this means they are flammable. So if you are using an electric wax warmer, then adding some essential oils is safe. But if you are using a naked flame, it is best to avoid them, just to be safe.
What is the Difference Between a Wax Warmer and a Candle Warmer?
Some people use wax warmers and candle warmers as interchangeable terms but there are some differences. A wax warmer is designed to warm a small piece of scented wax while a candle warmer is used to heat a larger candle, sometimes one without a wick that wouldn’t burn otherwise.
An example of a candle warmer
Wax warmers are often electrical so there’s a reduced fire risk. Candle warmers however can have more purposes – some people even use them to keep a hot drink warm! A lot depends on the model and how it works.
Candles from candle warmers tend to have a shorter lifespan producing a scent than wax warmers.
Are Wax Melters the Same as Wax Warmers?
If you hear someone talking about a wax melter (as opposed to wax melts), this isn’t the same as wax warmers. Wax melters are industrial machines that melt wax on much larger scales to then create things like candles and soaps. So they aren’t something you’ll see around most homes.
Are Wax Warmers Safe To Use?
Like anything, wax warmers are safe to use if they are used correctly but there are always slightly issues with anything hot and melting.
Some people find they are sensitive to the heat and soot that comes when the wax melts, especially if the wax is made with paraffin. Soy and beeswax candles or melts are often a safer option.
If the warmer uses electricity rather than a candle, there’s less risk associated as there’s no naked flame. But if someone touches the surface, it will still be hot and wax is always a burn risk. So keeping them out of reach from children and pets is a safe bet.
Scenting your home
Creating a pleasant scent around your home is beneficial for a number of reasons and is simply nice. Wax warmers and their wax melts can be a great way to do this, especially with electric versions that don’t require a candle burning to work.
