If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve stumbled hard into the scented candle craze that has taken over wallets around the world. Aside from being clinically proven to improve moods, scented candles offer an intangible sense of comfort and joy (at least in my experience). At this stage in the scented candle journey, I’ve finally taken the plunge and invested in a candle warmer.
After testing it out for a few weeks, here are some pros and cons that I’ve discovered which might be able to help you decide whether you should get one or not.
Pros
Less risk of burning your house down
As beautiful as candles are, they’re still extremely dangerous. An unattended flame in an enclosed space is a recipe for disaster, no matter how pretty. One of the main reasons I invested in a candle warmer is because I am an absolute klutz. The heat from most candle warmers comes from a warming bulb housed inside a lamp which slowly melts your candle from the top down. It’s safer than lighting a fire—at least for the most part.
No soot
If you have a lot of paintings, prints or other works of art at home, candle soot will be an issue in the long run. Burning a candle (yes, even soy or beeswax) will produce soot, which can damage or discolor works of art in your home. While I personally don’t have a Degas or an Amorsolo hanging on my wall, my paintings and prints still mean a lot to me and I’d rather keep them soot free.
You get the most out of your scented candle
If you traditionally burn a candle, the best way to get the most out of it is to make sure an even pool of wax forms during your initial burn. Having the heat source come from above the candle makes it so much easier to achieve an even melt pool, even if you have to turn your warmer off after a few minutes. Even if your wick is (annoyingly) off center, getting the even melt pool isn’t much of an issue.
Better scent throw (IMO)
Many people may fight me on this, but using a candle warmer has made my scented candles smell even better (and stronger) than when I used to light them. The wax melts at an even pace throughout the surface of the candle, which might be the reason they smell stronger faster. If you’re not a fan of overly strong smelling candles, other candle warmers come with a dimmer switch so you can control the amount of heat it receives.
No after-burn smell
One of the things I didn’t like about lighting scented candles is the smell they gave off when I blew them out. While this may be a con for certain people who do enjoy the smell, using a candle warmer eliminates the wick fumes from extinguishing the flame. Whether this is a pro or a con is completely up to you.
Cons
It’s expensive
A candle warmer is an investment. The good quality candle warmers that are effective and beautiful to look at start at around P2,500. If you’re an enthusiast, the cost may not be a big deal, but beginners who might fall out of love (gasp!) with scented candles should definitely consider the cost.
Your electric bill and your carbon footprint
If you’re conscious about your electric bill, your carbon footprint or both, skip candle warmers in general. Although they don’t add that much to your total electricity bill, it’s still another appliance that you’ll have to pay for. And the more electricity you use, the bigger your carbon footprint gets.
No gentle glow and crackle sound
The reason I fell in love with scented candles is the combination of the light and the distinct crackling sound they make (especially those with wood wicks). If those are make or break scented candle elements—aside from the scent, of course—getting a candle warmer may not be for you.
Not 100 percent fireproof
No matter what the activity, safety should always be the priority. While candle warmers may be safer than lighting a candle with a matchstick or an electric lighter, they’re still not 100 percent fireproof. Cheap, low quality candle warmers from online stores might actually be even more dangerous due to electrical shortage risks. You also run the risk of tripping on the wire and accidentally shorting it out if you’re not careful.
So should you get a candle warmer?
Personally, I would 100 percent recommend any candle enthusiast to invest in a candle warmer. While I do miss the crackling sound and the cozy flame from lighting my candles, I’ve come to prefer the convenience and benefits of using a candle warmer.
Again, your safety and preference should always come first. But if you’ve made it this far, I think you’ve already made your decision.