The basics
What is a candle warmer lamp?
A candle warmer lamp is an electric, flameless lamp that uses heat from an overhead halogen bulb to warm a scented jar candle from the top down. The softened wax releases its fragrance into the room without the wick being lit, so there is no flame, smoke or soot.
What is a candle warmer lamp?
A candle warmer lamp is an electric, flameless lamp that uses heat from an overhead halogen bulb to warm a scented jar candle from the top down. The softened wax releases its fragrance into the room without the wick being lit, so there is no flame, smoke or soot.
Most are small table lamps with a 35 to 50 W bulb, and many add a dimmer or an automatic timer. Candle warmer lamps are also called candle lamp warmers, wax melt lamps or flameless candle warmers.
They are different from a wax melt burner, which heats loose wax from below.
How does a candle warmer lamp work?
- Switch on. The halogen bulb above the candle gives off light and heat.
- The surface warms. The heat reaches the top layer of wax.
- The wax softens. Most container waxes soften at roughly 45 to 65°C.
- Fragrance is released. The scent oils evaporate and spread through the room.
- Switch off. The wax sets again and the candle is ready for next time.
The bulb is both light and heater. It sits above the candle and warms the surface. Most container waxes begin to soften at roughly 45 to 65°C, so the bulb only has to bring the top layer into that range. The fragrance oils in the wax then evaporate into the air. Nothing burns, so there is no flame, smoke or soot. For the full detail, read how candle warmer lamps work.
What do you need to use a candle warmer lamp?
- The lamp, plugged into a mains socket.
- A scented candle in a heat-safe jar or tin, lid off. See the best candles for a warmer lamp.
- The right bulb. Most lamps use a GU10 halogen bulb, and many arrive with one fitted. See our bulb guide.
What are the benefits of a candle warmer lamp?
- No open flame, smoke or soot.
- The candle lasts much longer, because the wax is softened rather than burned.
- No tunnelling, because the whole surface warms evenly. See candle tunnelling explained.
- A soft lamp glow at the same time.
- Pence to run: roughly 5p for four hours with a 50 W bulb. See the running cost guide.
Are there any downsides?
- The scent is gentler than a lit candle, so very large rooms may need a bigger jar.
- It needs a plug socket.
- The bulb and shade get hot, so use a stable surface and a timer. See are warmer lamps safe?
- There is no real flame flicker.
Who is a candle warmer lamp for?
It suits anyone who loves scented candles but wants fragrance without a flame: homes with children or pets, rented flats and halls where candles are banned, and people tired of soot marks and tunnelled jars. It also makes an easy gift. See how it compares with a normal candle, or browse our candle warmer lamps.
Popular candle warmer lamps
Questions people ask
What is a candle warmer lamp?
A candle warmer lamp is an electric, flameless lamp that uses heat from an overhead halogen bulb to warm a scented jar candle from the top down. The softened wax releases its fragrance into the room without the wick being lit, so there is no flame, smoke or soot.
What is the difference between a candle warmer lamp and a wax melt burner?
A wax melt burner heats wax from underneath, usually with a tealight or small electric plate. A candle warmer lamp heats from above and is designed for full-size jar candles, so you keep the candle rather than melting it away.
Do you need a special candle for a candle warmer lamp?
No. Almost any scented candle in a heat-safe jar or tin works, as long as it fits under the shade with the lid off.
Are candle warmer lamps worth it?
For people who love scented candles but want no flame, smoke or soot, and want each candle to last longer, yes. If you want a real flame or have no socket nearby, a normal candle is better.