Bulb guide
Candle warmer lamp bulbs: which to buy and how to change one
Most warmer lamps use a GU10 halogen bulb. The right wattage and type matter, because the bulb is the heater. Here is what to buy and how to swap one.
The right bulb for most lamps
The bulb is the heater, so it has to give off real warmth. The standard is a GU10 halogen spotlight, a 230 V bulb with two short pins that twist into the socket. Most warmer lamps take 35 to 50 W. Our replacement bulbs are all GU10 halogens suited to these lamps.
50 W, 35 W and mini bulbs
| Bulb | Heat | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| GU10 50 W | Strongest | The default for most lamps; fastest melt |
| GU10 35 W | Gentler | Lamps that recommend lower wattage, or softer wax |
| Mini (MR11) bulbs | Smaller | Only lamps made for that fitting |
Never use a higher wattage than the lamp states. The limit is on the lamp or in the instructions.
Why halogen and not LED?
LEDs are efficient, which is exactly why they do not work: they turn most power into light, not heat. A halogen bulb makes heat as a by-product, which is what warms your wax. Some listings call a bulb "50 W equivalent", which describes brightness, not heat, so be careful.
How to change a bulb safely
- Switch the lamp off and unplug it.
- Wait until the bulb is completely cool. Halogen bulbs stay hot for a good while.
- Press in and twist the old bulb anticlockwise to release it.
- Do not touch the new glass with bare fingers. The oils can shorten its life. Use a cloth or the packaging.
- Push in and twist clockwise until it stops, then plug in and test.
How many should you buy?
Buy one spare if you use the lamp daily. Multi-packs cost less per bulb and are a handy gift. If you buy a lamp, bulbs and candles in the same basket get 20% off. See the running cost guide for what each bulb costs to use.
Replacement bulbs
Questions people ask
What bulb does a candle warmer lamp use?
Most use a GU10 halogen spotlight bulb of around 35 to 50 W. Always check the maximum wattage printed on your lamp or in its instructions and never exceed it.
Can I use an LED bulb in a candle warmer lamp?
Usually not. LED bulbs make very little heat, so the wax barely softens. A halogen bulb is what gives the warmth.
How long does a bulb last?
Halogen spotlights are commonly rated for a couple of thousand hours, which is many months of evening use, but results vary. Keeping a spare is wise.