Candle Warming Lamps Changed Our Lives - Updated April 2023
When we first started seeing videos on TikTok and Instagram showcasing candle warming lamps this past holiday season, our initial thoughts were a bit reserved. They seemed like a really good idea, and any chance you have to limit a fire hazard in your home is a plus, but did they actually work? The short answer is ‘yes’. The long answer is, ‘How did we not know about this home-life changing item that will keep us from burning our house down, make our expensive candles last way longer, and project said candles significantly more throughout the house any sooner?” Seriously, this changed things for us.
We’ve burned several new candles for 10-12 hours since after receiving our lamps and they looks as if they haven’t lost a millimeter of wax. They look almost brand new with the exception that the top of the wax is a bit wavy after being melted and then cooled back to solid several times. That's one slight downside, I guess, is that it doesn't cool flat like it would after a proper burn in some instances. It's hardly noticeable but we all have our things. I can live with that if it makes my candle last months rather than weeks. Besides, that's way better than tunneling which a warming lamp will eliminate entirely. We had some severely criminal levels of tunneling going on with some of our candles but that's all a distant memory and we'll deny it ever existed if asked.
I’m sure candle warming lamps have been around for some time but it’s all new to us and we noticed there aren’t a lot of options when it comes to style or quality. There doesn’t seem to be any major manufacturers or brands tapping into this market as of yet so most of your choices are found through random sources on Amazon, Etsy, and Ebay, repricing and rebranding the same 6 or 7 models. However, I’m guessing with the run on stock during the holiday season, and mentions by folks like Sir Candle Man on his channels, this will lead to lamps being sold in Crate and Barrel and West Elm before too long.
They all tend use 50W display bulbs that get generate the perfect amount of heat without the risk of catching anything on fire. The two we purchased include 2 bulbs. Score! Most tend to offer both dimming features and auto-off timers as well which can have a range of 1-8 hours but who is burning a candle for 8 hours? These project so much that you could warm most candles for 2-4 hours and the fragrance will still be present throughout the space for several hours afterwards.
We tried out two from Amazon and both performed as desired but each had their issues. Regardless, none of those issues have anything to do with safety or functionality and everything to do with cosmetics. For $60 and below, the risk compared to the reward is fairly low until something better comes along if that’s your ultimate ideal. The money you save from your candles lasting significantly longer will make up for whatever you spend on this lamp. Again, it’s kind of life changing for a candle lover.
------
Updated April 22, 2023 - We had originally recommended a wood block styled warming lamp that just wasn't meeting our needs with what we wanted in a warming lamp. We didn't like the timing options and the size was a bit clunky so we found another and listed it below. The previously recommended lamp, still visible in the post photo for reference, has been removed.
------
Here’s a breakdown…
Aromia Candle Warmer Lamp
Originally we had recommended a different lamp but there were just a handful of design and functionality choices that didn't align with what we needed for the space. The cottage industry of candle warming lamps is just starting to heat up so there will be a few sparks that just never catch fire. Not sure that's the right metaphor to use.
Eventually, after searching far and wide for a replacement, I stumbled upon this in early March 2023. After using it daily for over a month, I can safely say this has been a winner for us. I keep it in my office, which is located in a central area of the house, and it fills all corners of our home effectively and efficiently. The timer works great and the looks are perfect for the space. Some amazon reviewers don't like the exposed cord, but I think it's a nice touch. The other great thing about this lamp is the price which tends to be $10-$15 less than most others.
Finally, it comes in two colors, white and black, and it fits most single wick candles in that small to mid-size range. It's not meant for larger, 3 wick styles, but not many warming lamps accommodate that size anyway.
La Jolie Muse Candle Warming Lamp
This offers a more sophisticated modern look with the white base and shade paired with faux bronze. Make no mistake, though, the white is very thin sheet metal that’s been powder-coated and I’m guessing the faux bronze rods are probably plastic or some sort of base metal composite. It’s very light overall, but again, it works extremely well and it came in one piece which was a plus as this was a replacement for the other style we receive in pieces. The cord comes from the base as well. Another mark in the win column for this model!
This also has an auto-off timer with settings for 1-2-4 hours which is much better in my opinion as I like the single hour option but it also wins in the dimming department as well. This has a stepless dimmer controlled by a dial.