Investing in one of the best candle warmers is a great idea if you're a little worried about burning candles with a flame. You want the ambiance, the fragrance, and the aesthetic of the candle, but without the worry of whether it’s going to start a small unattended fire.
This is why we love candle warmers. These clever little devices use a warming bulb to melt the wax, which then emits the smell of the candle throughout your space without a flame or any smoke or soot. You still get the glow of the bulb but you also get a timer so there’s never the concern about whether or not your candle is burning indefinitely.
We rounded up nine of the best candle warmers including stylish and unique options. See what to look for when shopping for this home fragrance option.
9 of the best candle warmers we're loving
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Wondering how to use one of the best candles in a safer way? A candle warmer may be the perfect solution. Using a warming lamp instead of an open flame is a great way to care for candles and may even make them last longer.
Here's exactly how it works, according to candle expert Tay Baker, Owner of Claranda Tay Candles Co. "Candle warmers work by gently heating the wax from below, melting it to release the fragrance without the need for an open flame. This method allows the scent to disperse evenly and continuously," explains Baker.
See our pick of the top options, highly rated by customers.
Prices were correct at the time of publishing.
Price: $29.99
This minimalist candle warmer lamp comes with a light wood base and a clear shade that blends with any decor style. There’s fluting on the shade that gives it just a touch of interest, and there are other shade options if you want a look that leans more amber or you prefer a flower shape to your shade. Don’t want to think about turning it off? There are two, four, and eight-hour timer options.
Price: $30
Looking for a candle warmer lamp that resembles a work of art more than a practical device? This sculptural and modern candle warmer is not only affordable but striking. You can turn this on at various levels depending on how bright you want the light and how quickly you want the scent to spread. It fits various types of candles.
Price: $145
Doco makes some of the most interesting candle warmer lamps on the market, and this lily-shaped candle warmer is no exception. This candle warmer is designed to symbolize happiness, goodness, purity, and freedom — what more could you want when sending good vibes and good scents into your home? The base is from wrought iron so there’s no need to worry about this tipping over.
Price: $99.99
The charming, nostalgic look of this candle warmer lamp makes it a cute addition to your room, whether you love the cheerful cherry red, soothing matcha green, brilliant blue, or minimalist ivory. You can use this as a candle warmer or just a darling lamp. It all depends on what you’re looking for that day. This has a dimmer so you can decide what level of glow you’re looking for, and it gives off just a bit of heat (perfect for a cold day).
Price: $25.99
The graceful lily of the valley glass shade and sweeping metal pole give this candle warmer lamp a look that feels perfectly antique-inspired. It looks as if it belongs in a vintage Victorian room — but a hip one with cool girl style. This dimmable lamp can be set on a 2, 4, or 8-hour timer so you’ll never worry about leaving it on. It also gives off the loveliest glow so you can leave it on as a nightlight when you’re trying to channel hygge ambiance.
Price: $39.98
The rich, warm wood base of this candle warmer lamp gives it a zen, modern aesthetic that’s perfect in any space. Whether you have an eclectic living room that needs a minimalist addition or you have a traditional office that is asking for a candle warmer that doesn’t look like a candle warmer, this is it. It gives off the loveliest glow, and reviewers rave about how well it throws fragrance.
Price: $35.98
This candle warmer lamp has a sculptural look with its bulbous glass globe and sleek metal arm. It is both dimmable and comes with a timer, so you can tailor it to exactly how you want to burn a candle at the moment. There’s no soot or smoke to worry about, and you can walk away knowing that it’s going to turn off exactly when you want it to. The white globe gives it a soft, peaceful glow.
Price: $30.99
If you love a modern style living room, then this is the candle warmer lamp for you. The black iron body and shade appear as if they came right out of a modern art museum gallery, and it will throw your candle fragrance far and wide without so much as a whiff of soot or smoke. The triangular shade and round base add to its artful appearance by giving it a geometric look. The dimmer switch lets you control how fast you want the wax to melt.
Price: $27.99
The bold design of this candle warmer lamp resembles something between a modern art piece and a pour-over coffee carafe (in the best way!). It comes in black, bronze, white, or wood, and it makes for a striking conversation piece when guests don’t yet realize what exactly it’s for. It has both a dimmable option and a timer so you can adjust it to exactly what you want.
What to look for in a candle warmer
Like the diffuser vs candle debate, there are tons of candle warmers on the market these days, so there are a few things to consider. First, price. There are some incredibly sleek candle warmers on the market in the $100-$200 range, but there are also countless candle warmers in the $25-$50 range. You can splurge, you can save, it’s up to you.
Typically, you’ll want to look for a candle warmer that uses between 15 and 25 watts. This keeps it super efficient. If you look for a warm white bulb, that’ll mimic the glow of a candle. “My personal favorites are the ceramic and glass models that complement any decor while doubling as night lights,” says Melanie Summers, Professional Organizer and Owner, I Speak Organized. “You can find aesthetically pleasing options that are both functional and stylish.”
Lastly, look for a candle warmer with a timer to totally alleviate the stress over it running too long. After all, if you've invested in a gorgeous fragrance, like one of these celeb-approved candles, you'll want to make the most of it.
Where to buy candle warmers
Beyond these nine candle warmers, which are all favorites of ours, you can find dozens of candle warmers to choose from at these major retailers.
FAQs
Do candle warmers evaporate wax?
Candle warmers do not evaporate the wax like a traditional lighting-the-wick method. When you burn the wick, the candle uses the wax as fuel. But, when you use a candle warmer, the wax melts, and the scent will gradually dissipate into the air.
Can you put a candle on a wax warmer?
In theory, you could use chunks of a candle on a wax warmer, which is a device that melts wax and then emits a fragrance into the air. That’s not ideal, however, even if it could work. Instead, use a candle warmer, which is designed to actually accommodate the jar of a candle.
Candle warmers can be the perfect solution if you find burning candles with a flame a bit stressful. But that's not to say they're totally mess-free. If you find you have spilled a melting candle, don't panic. There are plenty of ways to remove candle wax from clothes for an easy clean-up.