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Offering a flameless and safe alternative to burning scented candles, wax warmers allow captivating fragrances to permeate your home environment and remove unwanted odors. Insert wax melts or tarts into the warmers and enjoy an abundant variety of scents, including floral, spice, vanilla, fruity, and fresh aromas.
The best wax warmer options not only function as fragrance sources, but they also add to the home decor with their attractive designs, colors, and materials. Additionally, many wax warmers emit soft lighting to enhance the ambience of the home. Read on to find the best wax warmer for your cozy abode.
- BEST OVERALL: CANDLE WARMERS ETC Midas 2-in-1 Fragrance Warmer
- BEST BUDGET: CANDLE WARMERS ETC Pluggable Fragrance Warmer
- BEST CERAMIC: ASAWASA Ceramic Electric Wax Melt Warmer
- BEST METAL: ARVIDSSON Electric Wax Melt Warmer
- BEST GLASS: EQUSUPRO Glass Electric Essential Oil Warmer
- BEST COMPACT: CANDLE WARMERS ETC. Illumination Fragrance Warmer
- MOST VERSATILE: SALKING Electric Wax Warmer
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Wax Warmer
Electric wax warmers consist of heat-resistant containers that feature heat sources along with heat-resistant bowls that hold wax melts. The heat causes the wax tarts to melt, and the melting action releases fragrance into the air.
Much like essential oil diffusers, wax warmers are available in an abundance of materials, colors, shapes, and designs. With a plethora of appealing choices on the market, shoppers may choose the best wax warmer to complement their home decor as well as serve versatile functions in the home. Just ahead is information about wax warmers to assist you in the selection process.
Size and Capacity
Electric wax warmers are designed to take up minimal space on tabletops, countertops, and shelves throughout the home. Many units feature cylindrical shapes with diameters ranging from 4 to 6 inches. The average height of a wax warmer ranges from 5 to 7.5 inches.
Plug-in wax warmers operate directly at standard electrical outlets. They are most effective when plugged into wall outlets located above the countertops in kitchens and bathrooms to remove unwanted smells. These wax warmers range in size from approximately 2.5 inches to 3.5 inches in diameter and 3.5 inches to 5 inches in height.
Wax warmers include heat-resistant bowls or dishes where users place wax melts. Typical wax-melt cubes weigh 0.5 ounce and measure approximately 1 inch wide by 1.5 inch long. The melting dishes in many wax warmers will hold two or three wax-melt cubes.
Material
Electric wax warmers offer the advantage of flame-free, soot-free, and smoke-free fragrance release for the home environment. They’re made from heat-resistant, fireproof materials, and they offer a safe alternative to burning scented candles.
Every wax warmer contains a heat source for melting the scented wax. Therefore, they’re constructed from metal, ceramic, and high-strength glass. Even a wax warmer with a wooden outer shade includes heat-resistant metal adjacent to the heat source.
Regardless of the materials from which wax warmers are constructed, their melting bowls and exterior surfaces do become hot while they are in use. For this reason, wax warmers should be placed out of reach of children and pets in a living space, bathroom, or bedroom. To avoid burns, adults should allow several hours of cooling time after use before handling a wax warmer.
Power Source
Electric wax warmers operate on 120-volt household electricity from standard outlets. Most wax warmers feature rolling on-off switches built into their electrical cords. However, some models plug directly into wall outlets. Each wax warmer works via a heat source from either a heating element or a light bulb.
Some electric wax warmers utilize inner heating elements beneath a warming plate, similar to the warming plate that holds the pot on a coffee maker. In some designs, users have the option to place unlit, scented container candles on the warming plate as well as utilizing the melting bowl for wax tarts.
Other units employ light bulbs to heat wax melts and simultaneously give off light for the home. Typical bulbs range from 25 watts to 40 watts with luminous intensities ranging from 120 to 150 lumens.
Aesthetic
Although wax warmers serve the utilitarian purpose of releasing fragrance into the air, they simultaneously serve the aesthetic purpose of contributing to the home decor. Choose from myriad shapes, colors, and designs constructed from a variety of heat-resistant materials. For an extra aesthetic punch, choose a wax warmer that doubles as a cozy night-light.
Consider the home decor scheme, and choose a wax warmer accordingly. For example, some wax warmers resemble vintage lanterns, emitting light from antique Edison bulbs as well as fragrance from melting wax tarts. Other models offer a sophisticated, modern aesthetic with metallic accents and sleek shapes. Still other colorful wax warmers complement a bohemian decor vibe.
Wax warmers are available in a variety of colors. Units constructed from metal, glass, and ceramic are rendered in many metallic and nonmetallic hues. Some glass units feature painted designs reminiscent of Venetian glass, while others resemble multicolored stained glass.
Versatility
A large variety of wax warmers are available on the market, offering different types of versatility. Some models feature warming plates where users can place unlit, scented container candles. As the wax in the containers melts, these jar candles release lovely fragrances without burning the wicks and creating soot or smoke.
These types of wax-warming units are versatile because they also include small dishes or bowls where users can place wax melts or tarts. After the melting bowls are positioned atop the warming plates, the scented wax tarts melt to a liquid state, releasing fragrance into the air.
Another type of versatility involves lighting. Many wax warmers rely on low-wattage light bulbs to provide the heat that melts the wax tarts. These types of wax warmers double as night-lights, emitting gentle light that contributes to a peaceful home ambience.
Our Top Picks
The list of top picks consists of high-quality units in a variety of sizes, shapes, designs, materials, and versatility that complement a variety of home decors and represent an array of known manufacturers. Read on for a collection of attractive choices constructed from ceramic, glass, metal, and wood. Also included are versatile wax warmers that derive heat from light bulbs as well as heating elements.
Best Overall
CANDLE WARMERS ETC Midas 2-in-1 Fragrance Warmer
Place an unlit scented candle on the warming plate or add your favorite wax melts to the included warming dish. Either way, this candle warmer sends a relaxing or invigorating fragrance wafting throughout the home while eliminating worries about flame, soot, and air pollutants.
This tabletop electric candle warmer from CANDLE WARMERS ETC gives off a sophisticated, modern vibe with a touch of glam from the metallic accent. Versatile and elegant, this candle warmer can accommodate a container candle weighing up to 10 ounces, placed directly on the warming plate. Alternatively, users can place wax melts in the removable pot and set it atop the warming plate for melting.
The cylindrical unit measures 4 inches in diameter and about 5 inches in height. The 36-inch-long electrical cord includes an on-off roller switch.
Product Specs
- Size: 5.5 by 5.5 by 3.5 inches
- Wax Capacity: 10 ounces
- Material: Ceramic
Pros
- Tabletop design
- Removable pot for cleaning melted wax
- 36-inch long electrical cord with on-off roller switch
- Comes in multiple colors and shapes
Cons
- May take some time to heat up
Best Budget
CANDLE WARMERS ETC Pluggable Fragrance Warmer
Without sacrificing tabletop or countertop space, users can enjoy the pleasurable scents emanating from this plug-in candle warmer. It plugs into either vertical or horizontal household electrical outlets, adapting with a quick rotation of the plug base.
The unit is attractively designed with a silver-finish filigree outer covering over the interior NP7 warming bulb. Filtered light from the bulb gives off a gentle glow as wax tarts melt in the included bowl atop the bulb. With its classic and contemporary appearance, this plug-in wax warmer complements many decor styles.
Available at an economical price point, this unit from CANDLE WARMERS ETC is a nice alternative to burning scented candles. The melting tarts in the warmer emit lovely fragrances without the hazards of open flame, soot, or air-polluting gasses.
Product Specs
- Size: 4.3 by 2.7 by 2.7 inches
- Wax Capacity: Unlisted
- Material: Metal
Pros
- Warming bulb design; emits a light glow
- Contemporary design; silver-finish filigree outer covering
- Adjustable plug base
Cons
- No wax capacity listed
Best Ceramic
ASAWASA Ceramic Electric Wax Melt Warmer
A wax warmer can be decorative as well as useful. Made from durable ceramic, this wax warmer offers lovely color as well as an artistic repeating geometric pattern on its exterior.
The ASAWASA electric wax warmer provides the versatility of using either candles or tarts. The 4-inch-diameter warming plate accommodates an unlit scented container candle. Alternatively, the included removable dish holds wax tarts. Either method melts the scented wax to exude lovely fragrances that permeate the home atmosphere. Operating on 120-volt, 13-watt electrical power, this wax warmer includes a 43-inch electrical cord with an on-off roller switch.
Ceramic is an ancient material that has been used for thousands of years and is prized for its heat-resistant properties. In addition to its attractive appearance, this ceramic wax warmer offers safety from fire hazards. However, users should not touch the hot ceramic after use until it has cooled for several hours. The unit should be placed where children and pets cannot touch the ceramic wax warmer while it is hot.
Product Specs
- Size: 3.9 by 3.9 by 3 inches
- Wax Capacity: 1 ounce
- Material: Ceramic
Pros
- 43-inch power cord with an on-off roller switch
- Removable dish to remove wax
- Heat-resistant ceramic construction
Cons
- Needs to cool for several hours before touching or moving
- Limited wax capacity
Best Metal
ARVIDSSON Electric Wax Melt Warmer
Add style to the home decor while infusing the air with an appealing fragrance. This cylindrical wax warmer features a removable dish that sits atop an E12 25-watt Edison light bulb. Heat from the bulb melts wax tarts in the dish to emit favorite scents into the air.
The ARVIDSSON electric wax warmer operates on 120-volt, 25-watt electrical power. It includes two antique Edison-style light bulbs with base type E12. The luminous intensity of each bulb is 150 lumens, and the color temperature is 2700K (warm white). Made of metal and high-strength glass, the cylindrical unit measures 5.7 inches in diameter and stands 7 inches tall.
This wax warmer does not accommodate scented container candles, as it does not feature a warming plate. The melting dish for scented tarts is easy to remove for cleaning. Additionally, this wax warmer serves as a convenient and attractive night-light.
Product Specs
- Size: 7 by 5.8 by 5.7 inches
- Wax Capacity: 4 wax cubes
- Material: Metal
Pros
- Removable dish for cleaning
- E12 25-watt bulb design; emits a warm white glow
- Also acts as a night light
- Bulbs included
Cons
- Does not accommodate scented candles
Best Glass
EQUSUPRO Glass Electric Essential Oil Warmer
Reminiscent of Venetian glass, this wax warmer from EQUSUPRO is manually painted in lovely, swirling colors. Users can insert scented wax tarts or essential oils in the glass bowl that sits atop the warmer. The bowl is removable for cleaning.
Plug in this electric warmer to enjoy a gentle glow of light along with pleasurable, favorite scents that permeate the air. It operates on 120-volt, 25-watt electrical power and includes an electrical bulb for warming the wax or essential oils. The round unit measures 4.7 inches in diameter and stands 5.9 inches tall, with an in-line power switch on the electrical cord.
When in use, the glass exterior of the wax warmer is hot. For this reason, users should keep the unit out of reach of children and pets. Additionally, it’s essential that users allow the unit to cool completely before removing the glass bowl for cleaning.
Product Specs
- Size: 4.7 by 4.7 by 5.9 inches
- Wax Capacity: 3-4 wax cubes
- Material: Glass
Pros
- Removable bowl for cleaning
- Works with wax or essential oils
- Bulb included
- Fast heating speed
Cons
- Can be very hot when in use; keep away from children and pets
- Should not be kept on for long periods
Best Compact
CANDLE WARMERS ETC. Illumination Fragrance Warmer
With a contemporary brushed-chrome exterior, this electric wax warmer adds style to kitchens, living rooms, bathrooms, or any interior locations where users want to enjoy a soothing fragrance. The outer casing features accent holes that allow soft light from the halogen warming bulb to shine through. With this feature, the wax warmer doubles as a cozy night-light.
A removable dish sits atop the unit to hold scented wax tarts that release favorite fragrances into the air. With no open flame, soot, or polluting emissions, the wax warmer offers a safe and appealing alternative to burning scented candles. The cylindrical metallic wax warmer measures 5.13 inches in diameter and 6.88 inches in height. It weighs 1.85 pounds.
Product Specs
- Size: 4.5 by 4.5 by 6.2 inches
- Wax Capacity: Unlisted
- Material: Ceramic
Pros
- Brushed chrome exterior
- Accent holes; emits a soft glow
- Doubles as a night light
- Lightweight construction
Cons
- Not suitable for candles or essential oils
Most Versatile
SALKING Electric Wax Warmer
Constructed of heat-resistant metal and high-strength glass, this wax warmer from SALKING resembles an antique lantern. Remove the top cover for use, revealing the wax-melting cup. Heat from the antique Edison light bulb warms wax tarts in the cup to emit beloved scents while the glow of the Edison bulb functions as a warm light source.
The unit includes two 40-watt Edison light bulbs of product type ST38 with base type E12. They have a luminous intensity of 120 lumens and a color temperature of 2700K (warm white). An electrical cord with an on-off roller switch uses 120-volt electricity from standard outlets. Use this wax warmer as a night-light or simply to cast a soft glow in the home environment.
The cylindrical, lantern-shaped wax warmer measures 4.62 inches in diameter and stands 7.5 inches tall. SALKING includes four lavender-scented wax-melt cubes in the package for individuals to get started using their wax warmer right out of the box.
Product Specs
- Size: 9.8 by 6.1 by 6.0 inches
- Wax Capacity: 2 wax cubes
- Material: Metal and glass
Pros
- Edison lightbulb design; bulbs included
- Emits a warm white glow
- Electrical cord has an on-off roller switch
- Lavender-scented wax cubes included
Cons
- Pricey
- Does not accommodate candles
Our Verdict
One of the best options overall is the CANDLE WARMERS ETC wax warmer with its 10-ounce wax capacity, long power cord, and removable dish for cleaning. Alternatively, for a pop of color and a light amount of wax, the 1-ounce capacity ASAWASA wax warmer has a long electrical cord with an on-off roller switch. Both warmers come in multiple colors and designs to suit different spaces.
How We Chose the Best Wax Warmers
We researched the most sought-after types of wax warmers in their respective categories and discovered that the best models are determined by their size, power source, wax capacity, materials, warming type, and other special features included by select brands.
While searching for the best wax warmers on the market, the most popular type among users were ones with electrical cords for their portability and ease of use. While not as popular, wax warmers with a wall outlet power source are viable options to melt wax cubes and tarts as well as essential oils. No matter the type, each of the above options are all small and light enough to fit in any space and hold enough wax to produce a fragrant aroma wherever they are placed.
As for aesthetics, the above options are made of metal, ceramic, glass, and wood to match your home’s fixtures and rely on either a bulb or heating element to produce warmth. But, the bulbed options emit a light glow and can double as a night light if needed. Plus, select picks come with an on-off roller or toggle switch, wax cubes or bulbs included, or removable bowls for after-use cleaning.
FAQs
A wax warmer enhances the home environment by releasing alluring fragrances into the air from melting wax tarts or container candles. Additionally, some wax tarts function as air-cleaning agents to rid the atmosphere of unwanted odors. Many wax warmers offer the advantage of emitting soft light as well as fragrance. Combined with attractive designs, colors, and materials, wax warmers contribute to a charming and pleasant home environment. The answers to some frequently asked questions may be helpful as you get started with a new wax warmer.
Q: How do I choose a wax warmer?
Consider the type of material you want, such as ceramic, metal, or glass. Also consider whether you want the option of placing a scented container candle on the warming plate as well as melting wax tarts in a dish.
Q: How long will my wax warmer last?
Like any small electrical appliance, the longevity of a wax warmer depends on how frequently it is used and how well it is maintained. With proper care and use, a wax warmer unit should last about 5 years.
Q: Do I need to maintain my wax warmer?
The primary maintenance chore for a wax warmer consists of cleaning the used wax from the melting bowl. When the wax is hot and in liquid form, users may place cotton balls in the bowl to absorb the hot wax and then throw the cotton balls in the trash.
After the wax melts have cooled and hardened, removal is facilitated by placing the melting bowl in a freezer for 10 to 20 minutes. The cold wax will be released easily from the melting bowl for disposal in the household trash receptacle.