A candle warmer is an electric device that heats a candle or scented wax (such as wax melts) to release fragrance without an open flame. They typically use either a hot plate or an overhead lamp as the heat source and include a stand or tray for the candle jar or wax. Candle warmers eliminate many fire hazards associated with open-flame candles; however, a 2025 American Chemical Society study indicates that scented wax melts warmed in these devices can still degrade indoor air quality. [1] [2]
Early accessories called “candle warmers” used a candle’s own flame to warm food or drink; an Art-Deco food warmer designed by Peter Mueller-Munk in 1949 is one example. [3] Electrical candle-heating devices appeared by the early 1950s, as shown by a 1952 U.S. patent for a “cover for a candle warmer.” The modern consumer product was popularised in 2001, when Candle Warmers Etc. introduced a mug-warmer-style hot plate for jar candles after a candle-related house fire prompted a search for safer fragrance methods. [4] In 2003, Scentsy launched a direct-sales model built around plug-in wax warmers and wickless scented wax, broadening public awareness. [5] Decorative candle-lamp warmers became popular in the 2010s; by 2024 the hashtag #CandleWarmer had exceeded 170 million views on TikTok. [6]
Warmers employ heat-resistant ceramics or metals and typically carry UL/ETL or CE certification. [7] Modern units often add auto shut-off timers, dimmers or thermostats, and over-temperature fuses. Manufacturers warn against using certain vegetable-wax candles on high-heat plates to avoid jar rupture. [8]
Industry analysts valued the candle-warmers segment at roughly US$320 million in 2023 and project it to exceed US$450 million by the early 2030s. [9] North America accounts for ≈38 % of revenue, followed by Asia–Pacific (~25 %) and Europe (~22 %). [9] Growth drivers include home-wellness trends and social-media exposure. [10] Major brands are Candle Warmers Etc., Scentsy, ScentSationals/Rimports, Yankee Candle, and Bath & Body Works.
While warmers remove soot and smoke, they do not eliminate all emissions. A Purdue University study in Environmental Science & Technology Letters found that warming terpene-rich wax melts generated secondary organic aerosol nanoparticles. [1] Researchers concluded that “flame-free does not mean pollution-free.”
| Aspect | Candle warmer | Burning candle |
|---|---|---|
| Fire risk | Low (no flame) | High (open flame) |
| Soot/smoke | None | Present |
| Fragrance throw | Even, strong | Localised melt pool |
| Wax use | Fragrance only | Wax + fragrance consumed |
| Ambiance | Lamp glow | Natural flicker |
| Up-front cost | Device (US$10–50) | Negligible |
| Electricity | 15–40 W while on | None |