Is it an electric or tea-light wax burner? A great wax burner combines functionality, safety, and aesthetics to create a pleasant and long-lasting fragrance experience. Here's a look at the key features to consider:
Functionality:
- Heat source: There are two main types - electric and tea light. Electric burners offer consistent heat, while tea light burners are more portable and both can have a decorative appeal. Consider how you'll use it and your preference for heat source.
- Heat control (electric only): Some electric burners allow you to adjust the heat, giving you more control over the scent throw (strength) and how quickly the wax melts.
- Dish size and design: The dish should be large enough to hold a decent amount of wax melt and be deep enough to prevent spills. A wider dish allows for a larger melt pool (melted wax area) which can impact scent throw.
Safety:
- Material: Look for burners made from heat-resistant materials like ceramic, glass, or metal. Stay away from plastic burners as the can melt under the heat.
- Spacing (tea light burners): In tea light burners, there should be a safe distance between the tealight flame and the wax dish. This prevents overheating and potential fire hazards. With a tea-light burner you should have approximately 9cm between candle and the melt. If it is any closer you risk increasing the temperature which can cause the scent to burn off quicker. Shallower burners or more suited to scented oils.
Aesthetics:
Wax burners come in a wide variety of styles and designs. Consider your décor and choose one that complements your space. Some burners even have built-in lights for an extra touch of ambience.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind:
- Ease of cleaning: Look for burners with removable dishes for easier cleaning of melted wax.
- Size: Choose a burner that fits your space and the size of your wax melts.
By considering these factors, you can find a wax burner that perfectly suits your needs and creates a delightful ambiance in your home.
Is an electric burner better than a tea-light burner?
There's no single "better" option, as both electric and tealight burners have their pros and cons. It really depends on what your priorities are for using a wax burner. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:
Electric Burner:
Pros:
- Safety: No open flame, making it ideal for homes with pets or children.
- Convenience: Easy to use, just plug it in and turn it on. No need for matches or refills apart from the wax melt itself.
- Consistent Heat: Provides a steady heat source for even wax melting and fragrance release.
- Adjustable Heat (in some models): Allows you to control the intensity of the scent.
Cons:
- Limited Placement: Needs to be near an outlet.
- Weaker Initial Fragrance Throw: May not have as strong a scent throw initially compared to a tealight burner.
- Less Ambiance: Doesn't have the flickering candlelight effect.
Tealight Burner:
Pros:
- Stronger Fragrance Throw: Heats up faster and can produce a more powerful initial burst of scent.
- Portable: No cords, so you can use it anywhere.
- Ambiance: Creates a cosy atmosphere with the flickering candlelight.
- Often More Affordable: Generally less expensive than electric burners.
Cons:
- Safety: Has an open flame, so requires more caution and supervision.
- Less Consistent Heat: The heat can fluctuate as the tealight burns, affecting fragrance release.
- Requires Refills: Needs constant replacement of tea lights.
- Not Adjustable: No control over heat intensity.
Here's a quick decision guide:
- Choose electric if: Safety is a top concern, you prefer consistent fragrance and heat, or you value convenience.
- Choose tealight if: You prioritize a strong initial scent throw, want a portable option with a flickering flame for ambiance, or you're on a budget.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to consider your priorities and preferences. You might even find that having both types of burners gives you the flexibility to enjoy the benefits of each! I personally have both and I would say we use the tea-light burner more.
Needless to say we have a few dotted around the home and I'd say the tea-light is the more popular option, purely because it can go anywhere and your not restricted by the socket placement. We also enjoy the flickering flame and I think you get longer out of the wax melt as your restricted by the length of the tea-light burn time. If I put the electric burner on I tend to leave it on longer than it needs to be but I do like the glow from the electric burner and if I remove the wax it can double as a lovely lamp. Both of them look stunning when on and I do enjoy the patterns shone onto the surrounding surfaces from both.