Wax Melts vs Candles
In this blog I try to explain the pros and cons of wax melts vs candles.
Both wax melts and candles release fragrances into the air. Wax melts release more intense aromas as they heat up because they absorb heat more slowly and release aromas without burning the oils. This allows the wax to continue releasing scent without the fragrance evaporating quickly. The opposite happens when you burn a candle. Heat from the flame keeps the wax at a higher temperature causing a faster release of the fragrance into the air.
Ease of Use
Wax melts are also quicker and easier to use. You can light one for 30 mins and then blow out or switch off the burner if you have to nip out unexpectedly. Whereas a candle should be lit until the wax has melted across the container before extinguishing the flame, so that it doesn’t cause tunneling.
Burn Time
Wax melts are cheaper than candles and you could get more overall burn time.
An average wax melt clamshell contains six cubes. Each cube can last approximately 8-12 hours before needing replaced, therefore you could get, potentially, 48-72 hours burn time from each clam shell.
A typical 30cl (220g) candle, on the other hand, could burn for approximately 45-50 hours.
All these factors depend on the strength of the fragrance oil, the wax used, the room temperature when burning, the size of the room and whether safety/care tips have been followed correctly.
Changing Scents
It is also easier to change the scent of a wax melt if you fancy something different. All you need to do is remove the wax from the burner and then add a new fragrance into the burner and melt away. With a candle you would have to either wait for it to completely finish or put away in a cupboard and bring out a new candle.
End Results
However, candles use wicks that consume the wax, along with the fragrance oil, as it burns. A wax melt doesn’t consume the wax only the fragrance oil. Therefore, wax burners need to be cleaned out each time you need to replace the fragrance.
Both candles and wax burners produce a warm, ambient glow that helps you to relax and unwind at the end of a busy, stressful day. It is a personal preference as to which one is better, if any. Personally, I like both.