What Is A Scented Wax Melter Called?
What is a Scented Wax Melter?
A scented wax melter, also sometimes called a wax warmer, is a device that is used to melt scented wax in order to fill a room with fragrance. It typically consists of a base unit that plugs into an outlet and provides heat, and a dish or plate on top that holds the wax. Unlike candles, wax melters do not have a wick that is lit with a flame. Instead, the device gently heats and melts wax cubes or tarts, which release fragrance into the air as they turn from solid to liquid (Devonwick).
The way a scented wax melter works is simple. The user places a wax melt cube, tart, or blob of wax into the dish atop the heated base unit. As the wax heats up and liquefies, its fragrant essential oils are released into the air via evaporation. The wax does not burn or get used up. Once the wax cools and hardens again when the melter is turned off, it stops emitting fragrance but can be reused. Just turn the melter back on to melt and re-release the scent as desired (Devonwick).
Unlike burning a scented candle, which diminishes over time, melting scented wax allows the wax to be reused over and over again. All that is required is occasionally topping up the quantity of wax. This makes wax melters a more cost-effective way to keep rooms smelling nice than buying new candles (Wikipedia).
Other Common Names
Scented wax melters go by many other common names, including:
- Wax warmer
- Fragrance warmer
- Wax melts warmer
- Candle warmer
- Aroma warmer
- Oil burner
- Potpourri burner
- Scented oil warmer
- Scented oil burner
- Essential oil warmer
These all refer to electric devices that heat wax or oils to release fragrance into the air. While they may be called “warmers” or “burners”, they do not actually produce a flame or smoke. The heat from the lightbulb is just enough to melt wax or warm oils to disperse the scent.
History
Scented wax melts first emerged in the late 20th century as an evolution of candle-making. According to Heaven Scent by Joanne, scented wax melts were originally created by candlemakers (known as chandlers) who were looking for uses for leftover wax after pouring candles. The chandlers realized that melting scented wax could fragrance a room without needing an open flame.
While candles had been used for centuries dating back to ancient civilizations, it wasn’t until the late 1900s that electric wax warmers were invented. As explained on the Vita Mia Lifestyle blog, electric wax warmers allowed for a flameless, convenient method of scenting a space with melted wax. These wax warmers grew in popularity over the late 20th century. Wax melts offer the scented experience of candles without concerns over open flames, smoke, or mess from wax pooling.
Since their emergence, scented wax melts have continued to evolve in popularity and variety. There are now countless fragrance options and styles of melts and warmers. Wax melts make it easy to quickly scent any room or space in a clean, customizable way. The development of wax melts created a new method of home fragrance without the limitations of traditional candles.
How Scented Wax Melters Work
Scented wax melters work by heating up wax cubes or melts to release their fragrance into the air. The wax melter contains a small heating element that gets warm when plugged in or turned on. This heating element is usually a light bulb, ceramic plate, or hot plate made of metal or stone.
The scented wax cubes or melts are placed on top of the heating element, either in a dish, tray, or directly on the warmer. As the heating element warms up, it slowly melts the wax. This melting process causes the fragrance oils infused within the wax to evaporate into the air.
Unlike candles where the wax itself burns, the wax in melters simply liquefies to allow the fragrance to be released through heating. The wax is not burned or consumed. Once the wax cools and hardens again, it stops releasing scent. The wax can be reheated multiple times to continue letting off fragrance.
The warmer allows you to control the scent level. Turning up the heat melts more of the wax and increases fragrance intensity. Turning it down or off stops the melting process and scent diffusion when desired. The wax also cools and hardens again when the unit is off.
Using an enclosed wax melt warmer helps concentrate and contain the evaporated fragrance oils for more effective scenting. Wax melters are designed specifically for heating scented wax safely and releasing delightful fragrances into any room.
Types of Scented Wax Melters
There are several main types of scented wax melters available:
Electric Wax Melters
Electric wax melters use a light bulb or heating element to melt wax. They plug into an electrical outlet and come in styles like a basic open dish, a model with a lamp cover, or one encased in a ceramic housing.[1] Electric melters heat wax gradually and consistently to fill a room with fragrance.
Tea Light Warmers
Tea light wax melters utilize the heat from a tealight candle placed underneath a dish to melt wax. These simple, affordable melters come in styles like basic metal plates or decorative ceramic holders. Tea lights provide ambient heating that can subtly scent a space.
Candle Warmers
Candle warmers safely heat candles to release their scent. They come in electric and non-electric styles, like trays that sit atop a candle to absorb and disperse fragrance.[2] Candle warmers prevent issues like soot and burnt-out wicks.
Ceramic and Potpourri Warmers
Ceramic and potpourri warmers often use a tea light or low-watt light bulb to gradually heat a terra cotta pot or decorative ceramic warmer filled with wax cubes or scented oils. These warmers can function as stylish home décor in addition to scenting a space.
Melts vs. Candles
Scented wax melters and candles both provide fragrance, but they have some key differences. The main difference is that wax melts don’t require a wick or flame to release fragrance. The wax simply melts from the heat of the warmer, dispersing the scent into the air.
According to SwoonWorthyScents, this gives wax melts some advantages over candles:
- Wax melts produce stronger, more consistent fragrance since all the wax is melted at once.
- No need to worry about wick issues like tunneling or smoking.
- Melts are more economical – you can turn them off and re-melt.
- Melts eliminate issues like soot on walls or the fire hazard of an open flame.
On the other hand, PurcellandWoodcock notes candles provide visual ambiance with the flickering flame. The experience of blowing out candles can also be nostalgic for some people.
In summary, wax melters provide stronger, safer fragrance without the drawbacks of wicks or flames. But candles offer visual appeal and a more traditional experience.
Benefits of Using Scented Wax Melters
Scented wax melters offer several benefits compared to traditional scented candles:
They are generally considered safer than candles because there is no open flame. With candles there is a risk of fire, but wax melts are heated indirectly so there is less chance of accidental fires (source).
Wax melts tend to distribute fragrance more evenly compared to candles. The heated wax produces fragrance as it slowly melts over several hours. Candles can burn unevenly or pool wax, affecting fragrance throw.
Wax melts are reusable. The wax can be emptied and replaced when it hardens again after cooling. Candles are single-use. Reusing wax melts helps reduce waste.
Over time, wax melts can be a more cost-effective choice compared to frequently replacing candles. The melter hardware can be used for years whereas candles burn up (source).
Wax melt warmers allow you to switch fragrances easily by changing melts. With candles, you are stuck with the same scent until it burns out.
By allowing fragrance without a flame, wax melters can be safer to use around children and pets.
Fragrance Oils
Fragrance oils are concentrated oils that are formulated to provide strong scents. They are made by blending natural extracts, artificial fragrances, and carrier oils to produce complex aromas. Fragrance oils are popular for use in scented wax melters because they offer more fragrance options compared to candles.
When choosing fragrance oils for wax melters, it’s important to pick an oil that is intended for use in wax warmers and melters. The oil should say “for wax warmers” or “for potpourri” on the label. General fragrance oils can contain chemicals that are unsafe to heat. Using the wrong oils can be a fire hazard.
Reputable brands such as ScentSationals offer a wide variety fragrances that are specially formulated for wax melter use. Their oils provide strong scents and are designed not to lose potency when heated in a wax warmer.
It’s also important to avoid mixing multiple fragrance oils together or adding oils directly to melted wax, as this can cause the oils to separate. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use and care.
Safety Tips
Like any open flame or heated device, scented wax melters do come with some safety concerns to be aware of. Here are some tips for using your wax melter safely:
Don’t leave a wax melter unattended for long periods of time. It’s best to blow out the candle or turn off an electric melter if you’re leaving the room for an extended time according to this source.
Place your wax melter on a stable, level surface away from anything flammable. Have a 36 inch clearance from drapes, furniture or other objects according to this post.
Avoid sleeping with a wax melter on. The heat could be a hazard, especially for electric models you may forget about.
Supervise children and pets around lit wax melters. The hot wax could spill and cause burns.
Allow the wax melter to fully cool before moving it or touching the melted wax. The wax itself can remain hot and liquid for a period of time after blowing out the flame.
Make sure your wax melter is U.L. certified if electric. Only use the recommended wattage light bulb.
Never leave a burning candle or wax melter unattended. Always blow it out before leaving your home.
With some basic safety precautions, scented wax melters can be used safely and easily in your home.
Popular Brands
Some popular brands of scented wax melters include:
Scentsy – This brand offers a wide variety of scented wax bars, warmers, and diffusers. Scentsy is one of the most well-known brands in the wax melting world (https://scentsationals.com/collections/wax-warmers).
Yankee Candle – Known for their candles, Yankee Candle also has a line of electric and candle warmers to melt their famous tarts (https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/home-lifestyle/decorating-ideas/g37596565/best-candle-warmers/).
Sensaria – This brand offers beautiful ceramic and glass warmers along with fragranced wax cubes (https://scentsationals.com/collections/wax-warmers).
Walmart – The retail giant offers a surprisingly wide variety of budget-friendly plug-in and candle warmers under its Mainstays brand (https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/home-lifestyle/decorating-ideas/g37596565/best-candle-warmers/).
Better Homes & Gardens – This brand from Walmart offers elegant ceramic warmers and matching wax cubes in cute shapes and prints.
