11 Best Candle Warmers for a Cozy Feel Without the Flame
All of the benefits of your wicked candle — plus more!
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Even your most luxurious candles can burn out with wax remaining at the bottom, but candle warmers work differently to help use the entire jar. Most candle or wax warmers use a heat bulb (most often a halogen bulb) or warming plate to slowly heat the wax evenly, producing fragrance without the smoky smell.
There are modern and vintage styles that double as table lamps, as well as hot plates and electric candle warmers that are more minimal. No matter your personal style, we've rounded up the best candle warmers, including top picks with built-in timers, adjustable heights and designs fit for large candles.
Our top picks:
When curating this list of well-rated candle and wax warmers, we kept a few things in mind: style, function, features and affordability. There are a number of benefits involved with candle warmers, most notably: they may help candles last longer and there's no open flame, so they won't release combustion products into your home. You'll find compact and affordable designs such as a plug-in wax warmer and a ceramic electric warmer. Plus, there are stylish warmer lamps like one from Cozyberry that accommodates the best candles on Amazon (including Yankee Candle's large jar). We even sprinkled in a few that double as coffee warmers.
Whether you're set on a specific budget or aesthetic, you're sure to find a warmer for your best scented candles. Before you settle on a favorite, remember to check the size as not all styles fit all candles (and some do best with wax melts).
Pros
- Features adjustable gooseneck
- Includes temperature dimmer switch
- Includes two halogen light bulbs
Cons
- Some reviewers wish this pick was more affordable
This stylish candle warmer has received nothing but four- and five-star ratings, with one reviewer writing: "I’m absolutely in love with this candle warmer. The design isn’t basic and is really pretty." The flexible light pole easily adjusts to accommodate any candle size, and the halogen light bulb can also be used to warm coffee. There's a dimmable switch to control the temperature and brightness, as well as an eight-foot power cord for added convenience.
Pros
- Includes a 5-foot long wire
- Compatible with wax cubes, essential oils and wax cups
Cons
- Some reviewers note it's smaller than expected
Designed to melt wax cubes, essential oils and small candles, this ceramic wax warmer is best for compact spaces. While some reviewers note it takes a bit long to warm up, they generally agree that this pick works well and is easy to use. Added bonus: The wire is five feet long, making it easy to find a home for this electric warmer. Snag this affordable warmer while it's still on sale!
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Pros
- Includes a halogen light bulb
- Includes a built-in dimmer switch
- Fits most candle sizes
Cons
- No timer function
Available in white, black and pink, this candle melter is compatible with most candles (including Yankee Candle's large jar). The built-in dimmer switch allows users to adjust the lamp's brightness, and the warmer can easily double as a table lamp. This pick is rated highly for how long the melting wax maintains its scent, with one Amazon reviewer writing: "The life of your candles will last forever."
Pros
- Designed for small spaces
- Radiates a soft light
- Different sizes and styles available
Cons
- Only compatible with wax melts
If you want the benefit of aromatherapy in a small space (and to save a few bucks), here's a solution: a plug-in wax melter. This warmer has a twist base to fit into vertical or horizontal outlets, and a simple on/off switch. With more than 10 different style choices, you're bound to find one that pairs with your home design. The downside, of course, is that this pick won't warm actual candles, only wax melts.
Pros
- Built-in dimmer switch and timer
- Adjustable height
- Includes two light bulbs
Cons
- Only one style available
Not only will the glass shade double as chic home decor, this lamp warmer is full of impressive features: a built-in dimmer switch and timer, adjustable height and compatibility with large candles (including your favorite Yankee Candle). Five-star reviewers value the timer feature, with one writing: "I especially like that it has a timer, since I love to fall asleep to the aroma."
Pros
- Doubles as a coffee warmer
- Choose from two temperature settings
- Automatic shut off after four hours
Cons
- Lacks a design-forward look
- Practice caution: Surface gets hot to the touch
With two temperature settings, this electric warmer keeps coffee hot and slowly warms candles for optimal burning. Fill your home with fragrance without worry, since the warmer plate turns off automatically after four hours. One reviewer writes:"LOVE the automatic turn-off feature — makes me so much less anxious and it’s the perfect burn time." Although functional and versatile, this pick isn't as aesthetically pleasing as the other options.
Pros
- Doubles as a table lamp
- Available in four styles
- Includes a halogen light bulb
Cons
- No timer function
- Higher price when compared to other picks
Designed for most candle sizes and outfitted with a simple on/off switch, this candle warmer lamp is a sleek and stylish option. You can choose your shade shape and base shape (square or rounded), as well as shade color (white or black) and a lighter or darker wood base — making it easy to find a style that fits your home. Our only qualm is that this pick is a bit pricey, considering it doesn't include a timer function.
Pros
- Available in various styles and colors
- Doubles as a night light
- Includes a halogen light bulb
Cons
- Only compatible with wax melts and essential oils
With over 5,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, this electric warmer is well-rated because it's easy to use, easy to clean (thanks to the removable wax dish) and melts wax fast. Reviewers also note it's a great size (5.8"H x 4.3"W) and it's well worth the cost. Choose from different colors (white and blue, for example) and patterns (including butterflies and flowers).
Pros
- Compatialble with wax melts and small candles
- Available in various styles and colors
- Does not require any lightbulbs
Cons
- Only works for candles 10 ounces or smaller
- Does not produce any light
Over 15,000 people have given this wax warmer a five-star review on Amazon, with one fan writing: "I love everything about this. It works perfectly … puts out great smell and very stylish." It's a best-seller because it's dual purpose, plus it's easy to use and clean. Place wax cups or melts into the warming tray, or warm candles that are 10 ounces or smaller directly on the heated plate. For this pick, there's no need to worry about replacement bulbs.
Pros
- Fits most candle sizes
- Brightness can be adjusted
- Includes two halogen light bulbs
Cons
- No timer function
Boasting a frosted metal body, this elegant candle warmer is available in black and white styles — plus it's affordable. Users can warm small or large candles, and adjust the brightness using a built-in dimmer function. Added bonus: You'll receive a spare halogen light bulb.
Pros
- Includes dimmer switch
- Includes two halogen light bulbs
- Available with a golden or clear glass shade
Cons
- Just fits large Yankee Candle jars
From the classy glass lamp shade to the dimmer brightness switch, this warmer lamp blends style with function. Reviewers love how "stunning" the design is, with one claiming it's "definitely the prettiest candle warmer I've ever used." The wooden base is meant to accommodate all candle sizes, although some reviewers note that the large Yankee Candle jars just barely fit beneath the shade.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
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