Can You Use Any Wax Melts In An Electric Burner?

What Are Wax Melts?

Wax melts, also known as wax tarts, are small pieces of scented wax that are melted in an electric burner, a wax warmer, or a Scentsy warmer to release fragrance into a room. Unlike candles which have a wick that is lit to release scent, wax melts rely on heat to melt the wax and disperse the aroma.

Wax melts come in a wide variety of different scents including floral, fruity, baked goods, seasonal, and masculine fragrances. Popular shapes for wax melts are squares, circles, and oval gems. The wax used is a soy wax blend that typically contains no dyes.

Compared to candles, wax melts have several benefits. They do not have an open flame making them safer to use around children and pets. Wax melts also provide stronger, more consistent fragrance than candles. Additionally, there is no soot or smoke produced from melting wax so they help keep your home cleaner.

Types of Electric Burners

Electric wax burners come in two main styles – open and enclosed. Open burners have exposed heating plates that the wax melt dish sits on top of. Enclosed burners fully surround the dish inside the unit. Enclosed burners help concentrate the fragrance, while open burners allow it to disperse wider. Safety features like auto shut-off are common in both styles.

Burners also vary in the number of wicks they can hold. Single wick burners only have space for one wax melt cup or tart. Multi-wick burners have spots for multiple wax melts or tarts, allowing you to combine scents. The number of wicks determines how many wax melts can be heated at once. More wicks means more fragrance output.

Look for burners with safety features like auto shut-off after a set time, cool touch exteriors, and overheating protection. These help prevent fires or burns. Check that your burner has adequate ventilation and doesn’t trap heat inside. Follow all manufacturer safety guidelines.

Factors That Affect Wax Melt Compatibility

Not all wax melts will work with every type of electric burner. There are a few key factors that determine if a particular wax melt will be compatible with your burner.

Wax Melt Shape and Size

The shape and size of the wax melt matters. Small, flat melts that lay flush in your burner’s dish are ideal. Large or oddly shaped melts may not heat evenly or fit properly in the dish.

Wick Configuration

Some melts have cotton or wood wicks embedded in them. Wicks are not necessary for electric burners and can actually pose a fire hazard if they get too hot. Wickless melts are safer and recommended.

Temperature Range

Wax melts are formulated to melt at different temperatures. Low-temp melts start melting around 120°F while high-temp melts may require 185°F or more. Make sure your burner can reach the needed temperature for the wax melt you want to use.

Recommendations By Burner Type

The type of electric wax burner you’re using can impact what kinds of wax melts will work best. Here are some recommendations for getting the most out of your wax melts based on your burner:

Open Burners

Open electric burners that are open on top and don’t fully enclose the wax melt are best suited for shaped or molded wax melts. Shaped wax melts allow more surface area to be exposed to the burner so the scent can disperse properly. Popular shapes are cubes, squares, and rounded discs. Avoid using wax melt clamshells or tarts in open burners as they won’t get sufficient heat exposure.

Enclosed Burners

For electric burners that fully enclose the wax tart or melt, small melt sizes are ideal. Look for wax melt clamshells that are an inch or less in diameter, or mini melt cubes. Large wax melts won’t fit properly or may get too hot and smoke in an enclosed burner.

Using Multiple Wicks

If your electric burner has space for multiple wax tarts or cubes, make sure to use melts of the same shape and size. This will allow them to melt and disperse fragrance at the same rate. Mixing melt sizes can lead to uneven heating and scent throw.

Safety Tips for Using Wax Melts

When using wax melts, it’s important to keep safety in mind. Here are some tips for safely enjoying wax melts in your electric burner:

Monitor Your Melts

Don’t leave melting wax unattended. Periodically check on the wax to make sure it’s melting properly and not overheating. If you notice any smoking or unusual odors, unplug the burner immediately.

Avoid Overheating

Wax can ignite if it gets too hot. Don’t let your wax burner exceed the recommended temperature setting. Follow all manufacturer instructions to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards.

Proper Placement

Position your wax burner at least 12 inches away from walls, furniture, curtains or other flammable items. Never place the burner on wood, cloth, or plastic surfaces. Opt for a heat-safe surface like stone, metal, or glass.

By monitoring your melts, avoiding overheating, and proper placement, you can safely enjoy the wonderful scents of melting wax in your electric burner.

Troubleshooting Issues

If you run into any problems using wax melts in your electric burner, there are some troubleshooting tips to try:

Fixing Weak Fragrance

If you notice the fragrance from your wax melt is weak, try these tips:

Make sure the wax melt is fully melted. It may take some time for the scent to fully disperse.
Move the burner closer to where you are sitting so the fragrance is more concentrated.
Use more cubes in the burner at once.
Try a wax melt from a different brand, as some have stronger scents than others.

Preventing Soot or Smoke

Soot or smoke can happen if the wax gets too hot. To prevent this:

Keep the burner on a low or medium setting and monitor the temperature.
Make sure not to overload the burner with too many cubes.
Use an appropriate sized burner for the space you are scenting.
Clean the burner regularly to prevent wax build up.

Cleaning Wax Spills

If wax spills or overflows in your burner:

Let the wax completely cool and harden before attempting to remove it.
Use a plastic or rubber scraper to chip off spilled wax.
For tough spills, place the entire burner unit in the freezer for an hour or so. The wax will pop right off.
Clean any wax residue with baking soda and a damp cloth.

Storing Wax Melts

Properly storing your wax melts is important for preserving the shelf life and keeping the fragrance fresh. Here are some tips for storing wax melts:

Wax melts can last 1-2 years if stored properly. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Heat can cause the scent oils to break down more quickly. Store wax melts around room temperature, ideally between 60-75°F.

Keep wax melts in an airtight container to prevent the fragrance from dissipating. Glass jars or metal tins with tight lids work best. You can also use zip top bags. Squeeze out excess air before sealing to minimize air exposure.

Avoid storing wax melts near strongly scented products like essential oils or candles, as they can absorb those scents. It’s best to keep wax melts in their own dedicated storage container.

Don’t keep opening the storage container frequently, as this allows the fragrance to escape each time. Only open when needed to prolong scent life.

Store wax melts away from direct sunlight and areas with temperature fluctuations. A cool, dark place like a cupboard or closet is ideal for storage.

With proper storage, wax melts can retain their scent for over a year. But if you notice the fragrance seems weaker, it may be time to replace them with a fresh batch.

Making Your Own Wax Melts

Making your own wax melts at home is a fun DIY project that allows you to customize scents and shapes. Here are some tips for creating wax melt recipes, adding fragrance, and molding techniques:

Wax Melt Recipes

The base of most homemade wax melt recipes includes beeswax, soy wax, paraffin wax or a combination. Beeswax and soy wax are natural options. Paraffin wax is commonly used for its high melting point. Popular recipe ratios are:

2 parts beeswax to 1 part soy wax
2 parts paraffin wax to 1 part soy wax
An equal blend of all three waxes

You can customize the wax base by adding other ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter or essential oils.

Adding Fragrance

Fragrance oils are commonly used to scent homemade wax melts. Use .5 to 1 ounce of fragrance oil per pound of wax. Stir thoroughly to incorporate. Essential oils can also be used at a ratio of around 1 teaspoon per pound of wax.

Molding Techniques

Silicone molds make molding wax easy. You can find ones shaped like flowers, hearts, geometric shapes and more. Simply pour the melted wax into the mold cavity then pop out the shape once fully set. Another option is using a muffin tin lined with silicone liners or parchment paper cups.

Get creative with layering colors and scents. Make sure to fully clean molds between uses so scents don’t mix together. Storing homemade wax melts in an airtight container will help maintain the scent.

Popular Brands of Wax Melts

When shopping for wax melts, there are many popular brands to choose from. Here are some of the top sellers:

Scentsy

Scentsy is one of the leading brands in wax melts and wax warmers. They offer a wide variety of scents and have a strong following of loyal customers. Scentsy wax melts are higher quality and tend to be more expensive than other brands.

Yankee Candle

Yankee Candle is another major player in the wax melt space. They have an enormous scent collection and their wax melts are very affordable. The wax melt quality is decent but some reviewers find they don’t last as long as more premium brands.

Wax Welts

Wax Welts is a smaller artisanal brand that hand-pours their wax melts in small batches. Their exotic and unique scents have earned them rave reviews. However, their prices are on the higher end.

When deciding which brand to buy, take into account your budget and scent preferences. Reading reviews can also help determine if a particular brand has good quality wax that provides a strong scent throw. Testing out a few sampler packs can help you discover your new favorite wax melt brand.

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about using wax melts in electric burners, along with expert answers:

What’s the difference between a wax melt and a wax tart?

Wax melts and wax tarts are very similar – both are made from soy wax or paraffin wax and contain essential oils for fragrance. The main difference is that wax melts come in small chunks or cubes that you place in a warmer, while wax tarts come in a tart-shaped mold that goes directly in the warmer.

How do I know if a wax melt is compatible with my burner?

Check the specifications of your electric burner to see the recommended melt size and shape. Standard warmers fit cubes that are about 1 inch wide. If your melts don’t fit the shape of the dish, try breaking them into smaller pieces before melting.

Why won’t my wax melt completely?

If your melts aren’t fully melting, the burner may not be getting hot enough. Check that your burner is plugged in, turned on, and heated up for at least 5 minutes before adding melts. The wax should completely pool within 15-20 minutes. If not, your burner may need to be replaced.

How can I make my wax melts last longer?

Only melt a few cubes at a time, don’t overload the dish. Keep the burner on a low-medium setting, high heat can burn up the wax too quickly. Make sure to trim the wick of your melts so the entire cube melts evenly. And store any unused melts in an airtight container to preserve freshness.

Is it safe to leave my wax burner on overnight?

It’s generally not recommended. Electric burners can pose a fire hazard if left on unattended for too long. Use caution and common sense – don’t place your burner near flammable items, keep out of reach of children and pets, and make sure to turn it off before leaving the room or going to sleep.