The guide
Which candles suit a candle warmer lamp
The gold Maromamix birdcage sparkles when dimmed — melt your candle first at full brightness, then turn it down.
Size and shape
Wide, shallow jars melt evenly and fastest; very tall, narrow candles need a higher setting and patience. This lamp sits at a fixed height, so check that your jar leaves a couple of centimetres of air under the bulb.
Wax and fragrance
Soy and coconut blends melt at lower temperatures and fill a room easily; paraffin gives a stronger throw; beeswax needs more heat and gives a subtler scent. Heavily scented, well-poured candles reward the extra even melt.
Wax melts too
A shallow heatproof dish of melts works as well as a jar. Place it on the base, bring the bulb close, and switch off when the pool is clear of solids.