Candle guide
The best candles for a candle warmer lamp
Almost any jar candle works, but wide jars, soft waxes and good fragrance oils work best. Here is how to pick one and what to avoid.
What to look for
A wide, open jar
The bulb warms the surface, so a wider surface releases more scent. Narrow, tall glasses hold the scent in. Jars up to the clearance of your lamp are fine; check this in how to choose a candle warmer lamp.
Wax type
- Soy and soy blends soften at gentle temperatures and are the easy all-rounder. Our soy candles are a good start.
- Coconut and vegetable blends release scent readily and cover many price points.
- Beeswax melts at a higher temperature (around 62 to 65°C), so it responds more slowly and gives a lighter fragrance, but many people love it. See beeswax candles.
- Paraffin works too, and usually carries scent strongly.
A good fragrance load
Scent comes from the oils mixed into the wax. A candle that smells strong cold, when you sniff the unlit jar, will smell good under a lamp. A candle that smells faint cold will stay faint.
A real container
The candle must be in a heat-safe jar, tin or ceramic dish. Never put a candle with a thin plastic cup under a lamp.
Scent families that work well
- Vanilla, amber and sandalwood: warm and rounded, and popular in winter.
- Lavender and eucalyptus: calming and clean, good for evenings.
- Cinnamon, orange and spice: comforting and festive.
- Cherry blossom, jasmine and rose: soft florals for living rooms and hallways.
Looking after the candle
- Take the lid off before warming and put it back afterwards to keep the scent in.
- Switch off after a few hours to stop the top layer drying out.
- Re-centre the jar now and then so the whole surface softens.
- Keep unused candles somewhere cool and out of sunlight.
Looking for a gift instead? See the candle warmer lamp gift guide. Or browse all scented candles; buy one with a lamp and the candles are 20% off.
Candles that suit a warmer lamp
Questions people ask
What type of candle works best with a candle warmer lamp?
A scented candle in a wide, open jar or tin with a good fragrance load. Soy and soy-blend waxes soften at lower temperatures and give off scent readily. Very hard waxes need more warmth.
Can I use any candle with a warmer lamp?
Almost any container candle, as long as it fits under the shade and has its lid off. Avoid pillar candles, candles without a container, and anything with a plastic or very thin outer cup.
Do I need to remove the wick?
No. Leave the wick in place and unlit. It does no harm.