We all love the cozy vibe of a burning candle—the romantic ambiance and flickering flames. It’s been the classic way to enjoy scented candles, filling our homes with lovely aromas. But in 2001, candle warmers entered the scene, offering a compelling alternative for home fragrance.
While a lit candle offers that familiar ambiance, candle warmers have become popular for their flameless and longer-lasting fragrance experience. These characteristics instantly attracted
So, which is the better way to enjoy those delightful scents of scented candles? This candle warmer vs. burning candle debate is a hot topic in the home fragrance world.
To help you decide, we’ll explore both the benefits and drawbacks of burning and warming candles. We’ll look at everything from scent throw and safety to the overall experience and even the potential impact on your wallet.
What’s a candle warmer anyway?
Candle warmers are electric devices that release the fragrance of a candle without burning the wick. They work by gently heating the wax, causing the fragrance oils to evaporate and disperse into the air.
The first candle warmer was introduced in 2021. Interestingly, a candle warmer was designed and patented in 1949 by Peter Mueller-Muni. However, this device was not intended for fragrance diffusion like modern candle warmers. It was a small, portable food warmer that used a candle as its heat source.
Today, there are two main types of candle warmers: top-down candle warmers (also known as candle lamps) and bottom-up candle warmers (or candle warmer plates).
The top-down warmers resemble small lamps with a shade that directs the heat. They use a halogen bulb or a heating element positioned above the candle to melt the wax from the top down.
Bottom-up warmers, on the other hand, are simpler. They have a heating element or plate underneath the candle, warming it from below.
Advantages of Using a Candle Warmer
- Enhanced Safety: This is perhaps the biggest advantage. Since there’s no open flame, the risk of fire is significantly reduced. This makes them a great option for households with children, pets, or those who are simply concerned about fire safety.
- No Soot or Smoke: Burning candles can produce soot and smoke, which can stain walls and furniture and contribute to indoor air pollution. Candle warmers eliminate this issue, providing a cleaner way to enjoy fragrances.
- Longer Lasting Fragrance: Because the wax isn’t being consumed by a flame, the fragrance oils tend to evaporate more slowly, making the scent last longer compared to burning a candle. You get more out of your scented wax!
- Consistent Scent Throw: Candle warmers provide a more consistent and even scent throw because the wax is heated at a controlled temperature. With burning candles, the scent throw can fluctuate depending on the flame’s size and other factors.
Drawbacks of Using a Candle Warmer
- Dependency on Electricity: Candle warmers require an electrical outlet to function, limiting their placement options. You can’t use them during power outages or in areas without electricity.
- Potential for Scent Fatigue: Because the scent is released more gradually, you might become accustomed to it more quickly, leading to scent fatigue. This means you might not notice the fragrance as strongly after a while.
- Wax Residue: Over time, the fragrance oils in the wax will dissipate, leaving behind wax residue that needs to be cleaned out. This can be a bit messy, although there are easy ways to remove the used wax.
- Initial Cost: Candle warmers have an initial purchase cost, unlike matches or lighters for burning candles.
- Not Suitable for All Candle Types: Some candle warmers are designed specifically for jar candles or wax melts and may not be suitable for other types of candles like pillars or tapers.
Should We Burn Scented Candles?
Burning scented candles is a popular way to add fragrance to a space, but concerns about safety and air quality raise questions about whether it’s the best approach.
These concerns stem from the chemical processes of burning. Research has identified emissions like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), some of which are known carcinogens. However, the scientific community is divided on whether the typically low levels of these emissions pose a significant health risk.
For instance, a 2013 study indicated that burning candles can contribute to indoor air pollution, with emission levels varying based on candle composition. Further research in 2015 suggested that unlit scented candles can release toxins.
On the other hand, the National Candle Association in the U.S. asserts the safety of candles for home use. A 2021 study also suggested that emissions from burning candles are generally too low to pose a significant health risk in typical indoor environments.
In addition to indoor pollution, let us further explore the pros and cons of scented candles.
Advantages of Burning a Scented Candle
- Cozy Ambiance: The flickering flame creates a warm, inviting, and often romantic atmosphere that many find relaxing and enjoyable.
- Enhanced Relaxation: Like the comforting glow of a campfire, the flame of a burning candle can promote relaxation and a sense of well-being. A 2014 study supports this, highlighting the relaxing effects of the multisensory experience of fire.
- Strong Initial Scent Throw: When a candle is first lit, the flame quickly melts the wax and releases a strong burst of fragrance, which can quickly fill a room. This strong initial scent throw is a distinct advantage of burning scented candles.
Disadvantages of Burning a Scented Candle
- Indoor Air Quality Concerns: Burning candles, especially those made with paraffin wax, can release pollutants into your home’s air.
- Safety Hazards: According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in the U.S., candles were the second leading cause of bedroom fires, the fifth leading cause of living room fires, and the eighth leading cause of all home structure fire-civilian injuries.
- Soot and Smoke: Incomplete combustion of the wax can produce soot and smoke, which can stain walls and furniture, and contribute to respiratory issues.
What’s the best way to enjoy scented candles?
So, candle warmer vs. burning candle—which will it be? If safety and a consistently pleasant home fragrance are your top priorities, candle warmers are a clear winner. They offer a flameless, worry-free way to enjoy your favorite scents.
But if you simply can’t resist the charm of a flickering flame, you can still enjoy burning candles responsibly. Be a conscious consumer. Choose candles made from natural waxes like beeswax or soy and skip the heavily dyed ones to minimize potential health concerns.
