What Lasts Longer Wax Melts Or Candles?

Both candles and wax melts are popular home fragrance options, but there are some key differences between the two. Many people wonder what lasts longer – candles or wax melts? In this article, we’ll define what wax melts and candles are, compare how long they typically last, look at other differences like scent throw and safety, and outline the pros and cons of each. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of the duration and uses for candles versus wax melts to decide which option may work best in your home.

Table of Contents

What Are Wax Melts?

Wax melts are a scented wax product used to fragrance homes. As defined by Cambridge Dictionary, wax melts are “scented blocks of wax that are melted in an oil burner to produce a pleasant smell.” The wax melt is placed in a wax warmer, which gently heats the wax until it liquefies and releases its aroma into the air. The wax itself does not have a scent, but is infused with fragrant oils during the manufacturing process.

Wax melts offer an alternative to traditional scented candles. They provide fragrance without the need for an open flame. The warming method allows the wax to be reused over and over again until the fragrance fades. According to The Glow Co, wax melts release scent quickly and efficiently, making them ideal for scenting large areas or creating an instant aromatic ambience.

What Are Candles?

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a candle is defined as “a usually molded or dipped mass of wax or tallow containing a wick that may be burned (as to give light or heat or scent or in worship or magic or for celebration)” (Merriam-Webster). At its core, a candle is a fuel source (typically wax or tallow) combined with a wick which allows the fuel to be burned in a controlled manner.

Candles work by using the wick to draw up the melted wax via capillary action. As the wick burns, it vaporizes the wax above it, which is then combustible. The heat of the flame melts the wax pool around the wick, allowing the process to continue as the candle is burned (Cambridge Dictionary). This capillary action and melting process is what makes candle wicks crucial to proper candle functioning.

In terms of heating methods, most modern candles apply conduction by direct burning of the wick which heats the surrounding wax. The wax then disperses scent and provides ambient lighting while burning.

How Long Do Wax Melts Last?

The typical burn time for a wax melt is 4-6 hours. However, there are several factors that can affect how long wax melts last:

Type of wax – Soy wax melts tend to last longer, around 6-8 hours, while paraffin wax melts may only last 3-4 hours. Soy wax has a higher melting point which makes it last longer (source).

Wax melt size – Larger wax melts with more surface area will naturally last longer than smaller or mini melts. A 2-3 ounce melt can provide fragrance for up to 8 hours.

Wax melt quality – Higher quality wax with more fragrance oil will provide scent for longer vs poor quality wax with little oil.

Warmer temperature – If the wax melt warmer runs too hot, it can burn up the wax faster. Keeping it at a lower temp helps wax melts last longer.

Room size – Wax melts will last longer in smaller spaces vs larger open rooms where fragrance can dissipate.

In summary, high quality soy wax melts, 2-3 ounces in size, used in a moderately heated warmer in a small to medium size room, can provide fragrance for 6-8 hours typically.

How Long Do Candles Last?

The typical burn time for a standard candle is between 20-40 hours. However, there are many factors that affect how long a candle will last before it expires:

Candle Wax Type – Paraffin candles tend to burn for 20-30 hours, while soy and beeswax candles can burn for up to 40 hours due to their density and oil content. Gel candles have an even longer burn time of up to 80 hours.

Wick Type – Larger wicks and wooden wicks burn faster, while smaller or cotton wicks extend the burn time. Proper wick sizing is important for optimal burn time.

Jar vs. Pillar – Pillar candles tend to burn faster than jars, as their entire surface is exposed to air. The jar helps insulate and concentrate heat in jar candles.

Burn Time per Use – Burning a candle for longer periods per use will shorten its lifespan versus shorter burns. A 4 hour burn uses more wax than four separate 1 hour burns.

Proper Care – Allowing the wax pool to form completely on each burn, trimming wicks regularly, and allowing candles to fully solidify between uses helps maximize burn time.

Additives – Fragrances and dyes can alter burn properties. Unscented and undyed candles tend to burn longer. Large candles over 1 lb will burn 60 hours or more.

In summary, with optimal wick size and intermittent burning, a high-quality candle can provide 20-40 hours of burn time before expiring. Proper care also prevents wasted wax.¹

Comparing Duration

When comparing the duration of wax melts versus candles, wax melts tend to last significantly longer.

A single wax melt cup can provide fragrance for 6-8 hours or more, while the typical scented candle may only provide 4-6 hours of fragrance when burned. So in total burn time, a single wax melt can outlast a single candle.^[1]

This extended duration is due to how wax melts are heated and released into the air slowly over several hours through an electric wax warmer. The wax melt only loses a small amount of fragrance each hour. With a burning candle, the fragrance is released more quickly as the candle continuously burns down.

When you factor in size, wax melts also tend to provide more hours of scent per ounce than similarly sized candles. A 2-ounce wax melt cup might provide 12-15 hours of fragrance, while a 2-ounce candle often only provides 4-6 hours when burned. So ounce for ounce, wax melts tend to offer more total hours of fragrance.

However, very large candles can still provide more total hours of scent than a single wax melt due to their greater amount of wax. But generally, wax melts provide longer-lasting fragrances than typically sized candles for the amount of wax used.

Other Differences

There are several other key differences between wax melts and candles beyond just duration:

Fragrance Strength

Wax melts tend to be more strongly scented than candles. This is because the wax pool of a melting wax melt is exposed, allowing more fragrance to be released into the air. Candles keep some fragrance trapped in the wax pool inside the glass as it burns (source).

Price

Wax melts are often less expensive than comparably scented candles. You can get multiple wax melts for the price of a single candle (source).

Safety

Wax melts may be safer than candles, as there is no open flame. This makes them a better choice for households with children or pets (source).

Pros and Cons

Both wax melts and candles have their own sets of advantages and disadvantages to consider. Here are some of the key pros and cons of each:

Wax Melts Pros:

Safer than candles since there is no open flame (Purcell and Woodcock)
Wider variety of scents available
Can easily change scents whenever you want
Often more cost effective than buying multiple candles
No wick trimming needed
Minimal risk of allergies or asthma issues from smoke

Wax Melts Cons:

Require electricity to melt the wax
May not create as strong of an aroma or fragrance throw as a candle (Real Homes)
Can’t precisely control scent diffusion like with a candle flame
Don’t provide ambient lighting like candles do

Candle Pros:

Natural ambiance from the flame
Ability to better control and direct the fragrance
Provides attractive lighting
Wide selection of styles/designs to choose from

Candle Cons:

Open flame is a potential safety hazard
Limits on scent options compared to melts
Repeated purchases needed as each candle runs out
Wick trimming and maintenance required
Smoke can trigger allergies for some

Use Cases

Wax melts and candles each have advantages that make them preferable in certain use cases.

Wax melts may be better if you:

Want more versatility and flexibility. Melts allow you to quickly change scents whenever you want.
Have kids or pets. Melts don’t require an open flame, reducing risks.
Want stronger scents. Melts release fragrance more quickly than candles.
Prefer not to deal with smoke or dripping wax. Melts produce neither.

Candles may be preferable if you:

Enjoy the ambience of a flickering flame. The light and motion create a relaxing atmosphere.
Want to scent a larger space. Candle scents are more powerful and disperse more widely.
Don’t want to frequently change scents. Candles provide continuous fragrance while burning.
Prefer traditional decor. The look and feel of candles is cozier and homier.

Consider the pros and cons of each to determine which better suits your needs and preferences.

Conclusion

In summary, wax melts and candles both have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to duration and use. Wax melts generally last longer (40-80 hours) compared to similarly sized candles (15-30 hours). This is because wax melts use only a small amount of wax at a time. However, candles can be blown out to make them last longer, while wax melts continuously emit fragrance once melted.

Candles may be preferred for extended single uses like meditation or ambiance for gatherings. Wax melts work better for all day fragrance and are easier to change up scents. Both can fill a room with beautiful scents, but wax melts are more versatile and cost-effective in the long run.

For most home uses, wax melts seem to be the better choice overall. But for special occasions or focused aromatherapy, candles can provide a wonderful centered experience. Evaluate your specific needs and uses, and try out both to see which you prefer.