wax-warmers-vs-oil-burners

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Choosing between a wax warmer and an oil burner can be confusing if you're new to home fragrance. While they look similar and both use a tea light candle to release beautiful scents, they're designed differently and work best with specific products. Here's everything you need to know to pick the right one for your home.

What's the Key Difference?

The main difference between wax warmers and oil burners is the distance between the tea light candle and the dish above. This might seem like a small detail, but it makes a big difference to how they work.

Wax Warmers

Wax warmers have a shorter distance between the candle and the dish, creating higher, more concentrated heat. This is essential for melting solid wax melts effectively and releasing their fragrance.

• Best for: Scented wax melts
• How to use: Simply place a wax melt in the dish and light the tea light below. No water needed.
• Benefits: Long-lasting fragrance, mess-free, wide variety of scents available.
• A note on wax melts: they come in a variety of wax types — soy, paraffin, coconut, and blended waxes are all common. Each has its own characteristics, so it's worth exploring what suits you best.

Oil Burners

Oil burners have a greater distance between the candle and the dish, providing gentler, more diffused heat. This prevents fragrance oils from overheating or burning.

• Best for: Fragrance oils or essential oils diluted in water
• How to use: Add water to the dish, then add a few drops of your chosen fragrance oil. Light the tea light and the gentle warmth will release the scent.
• Benefits: Customisable scent strength, works with essential oils, easy to clean

Dual-Purpose Warmers

Some warmers are designed to work with both wax melts and fragrance oils, giving you the flexibility to use whichever you prefer. These versatile options are perfect if you like to switch between wax and oils depending on your mood.

Tips for Best Results

• Always check whether your burner is designed for wax, oils, or both before use
• Never leave a burning candle unattended
• For oil burners, always remove the lid whilst in use and keep water in the dish to prevent damage
• Clean your burner regularly for the best fragrance throw

Ready to Find Your Perfect Burner?

You'll find them in our Fragrance collection. Return to Fragrances & Gifts