How to Enjoy the Aroma of Scented Candles Without Burning Them

Many years ago, I received a cherry-scented candle and a coffee warmer from one of my aunts for Christmas. This confused me because I wasn't a coffee drinker back then, so I was unsure why I was gifted a coffee warmer. But, what confused me even more was that the candle and the coffee warmer were wrapped up together.

My aunt must have noticed the puzzled look on my face as she quickly explained that you can enjoy the aroma of a scented candle without a flame if you put it on a coffee warmer and let it melt.

I must have been living under a rock because I'd never heard of enjoying candles this way. Plus, it's much safer than having an open flame.

The idea of this intrigued me, so as soon as I got home I gave it a try. Sure enough, after about 15 minutes, the aroma of warm cherries started to fill my home!

Over the years, I've tried many different sizes and scents of candles on the warmer. In this article, I'll share what I've learned and what works best.

The Coffee Warmer

If you're like me, then you already own many candles. So, first I'll touch on the coffee warmer.

The warmer that I have is designed to keep coffee, soup, or other beverages hot. It is imperative to use one that's designed for keeping liquids hot and not one for cooking. Most coffee warmers for home use keep the liquid between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. There's no need to use a warmer that gets hotter than this.

Tips:

• Purchase a warmer that has non-skid pads on the bottom for added safety.
• I recommend using only an electric warmer. They have USB warmers, but I can't vouch for these and can't recommend them for warming candles.

Sizes and Types of Candles

First and foremost, you should always use candles in glass containers. Plastic containers will melt and ruin the warmer.

Second, I would not suggest using a candle that is more than 12 oz. in size. The smaller the candle, the faster it will heat up and release the aroma into your home. Personally, I've found that any candle 4 oz. and smaller is ideal.

Note:It usually takes about 15-30 minutes before the candle is melted enough to start releasing the scent.

Last, stay away from scents that you find particularly strong. When you melt a candle on a warmer, the aroma is much stronger than if you were to burn it. Personally, I find vanilla to be the best. I also have a cherry and a pumpkin spice candle. The pumpkin spice is too strong for me. I do melt it on the warmer from time to time, but can only let it go for about an hour before the aroma gets too strong for my liking.

Let's Get Started

1. If your candle has a lid, remove the lid and set aside.
2. Plug up the coffee warmer and set the candle onto the warming plate.
3. In about 15-30 minutes your house will start to fill with the aroma from the candle.
4. When you're done with your candle, simply unplug or turn off the coffee warmer. Do not put the lid back on your candle until it has completely cooled.

Safety Tip: Most manufacturers do not recommend leaving a warmer on for days at a time. So please be sure to read the operating and safety instructions before use.

© 2017 Cleo Addams

Cleo Addams (author) from USA on July 25, 2020:

@Pradeep K

Yes, I have found that it does extend the life of the candle. In fact, I've not had to throw any out since I've been using this method. There has been a little evaporation of each candle, but not much. And, the scents are still strong.

Pradeep K on July 22, 2020:

Awesome idea! Would this also make the candles last much longer, making them reusable multiple times with their scent intact as well?

Cleo Addams (author) from USA on January 18, 2018:

@Dora Weithers: Thank you for the comment.

Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on January 17, 2018:

I love candles and I've got plenty. Thanks for this article which I find very helpful and will certainly follow your suggestion.

Cleo Addams (author) from USA on December 30, 2017:

@RTalloni

Thank you for the comment! And, Happy New Year to you as well.

RTalloni on December 30, 2017:

Nicely done all round! I've been meaning to give this a try because I wondered how it would work. Thanks much for the info. Now I do not have to experiment but can simply use mine with confidence. Happy New Year to you and yours!