Candles vs Wax Melts: Which is Better?
As you may already know, candles and wax melts are both products that are used to fragrance a room or space and they both use a combination of wax and fragrance, but you may be wondering how they differ and when you might choose a candle over a wax melt to scent your space or if a wax melt might be the better choice.
So, let’s start with what each of them are.
No 02 Sunday Morning Wax Melts
Wax melts are small, often shaped pieces of scented wax that are designed to be melted in a wax melter (or wax burner as they are also called). At Swoon Worthy Scents, they are available in the same 7 scents as our candles and are made from a blend of sustainable coconut and rapeseed waxes and fragranced with our fragrance and essential oil blends. To use a wax melt, you simply place it in the top of a wax melter and light a tealight on the bottom of the melter. As the wax melts, it releases its fragrance into the air.
Swoon Worthy Scents candles, on the other hand, are made from a blend of sustainable coconut and soy blend along with the same seven premium-quality fragrance and essential oil blends, and, of course, contain a wick and are held in a glass vessel. To use a candle, you light the wick and let it burn until the wax melts and the fragrance is released into the air.
For our specific candle burning tips, see our Candle Care guide here.
The difference between how a candle works vs how a wax melt works
One of the main differences between wax melts and candles is that wax melts don't have a wick. The wick in a candle uses both the wax and the fragrance as its fuel source which allows it to continuously burn. The wick draws up both wax and fragrance oil through the wick and that allows for a continuous combustion of the flame.
This is why in a wax melt, once the fragrance has completely evaporated, you will notice that there is still some (unscented) wax left over because it hasn’t been used in any combustion process. In a candle, the wax will disappear in the process of burning your candle and you’ll be left with a (mostly) empty jar once it’s finished.
Because the wick not only uses the wax but also uses some of the fragrance oil in combustion, there is less fragrance to evaporate from the melted wax that’s created, leading to a more subtle scent in a candle than what can often be achieved in a wax melt.
This is why wax melts tend to have a stronger scent throw, as the heat from the warmer can more effectively distribute the fragrance into the air and none of the fragrance oils are being burnt in the combustion process of the wick.
However, candles are often preferred for their ambiance, as they provide a warm, flickering light that can create a cosy atmosphere in a room.
There are several reasons why you might choose a wax melt over a candle:
Clear Glass Wax Melter and No 06 La Terrazza Wax Melts
Wax Melts May Be Safer
We often recommend using a 4-hour tealight with our wax melters meaning you won’t accidentally forget to put it out or leave it burning for too long as the flame will extinguish itself once the tealight is finished.
Wax melts do not even require a flame if you are using an electric wax warmer, which can make them a safer option to use in homes with children or pets.
Wax Melts May be Stronger Scented
As explained above, none of the fragrance oils are burned up in the process of using a wax melter as they are in a candle so if you enjoy a stronger scent throw in your home, then wax melts could be a better option.
Wax Melts May Be Longer Lasting
Wax melts typically last longer than candles. Since the wax is melted slowly over time and can be melted over and over until the scent is gone, the fragrance is released gradually, and a single wax melt can provide fragrance for around 12 hours. One of our boxes of six melts contains up to 72 hours of continuous fragrance where our candles contain around 40 hours of fragrance.
Wax Melts May Be More Cost-effective
Wax melts are normally less expensive than candles as you are not purchasing the wick or vessel along with it. Since they last longer, you can get more use out of them for the same price.
Overall, wax melts can be a great option for those looking for a safe, cost-effective, and long-lasting way to fragrance their home.
There are several reasons why you might choose a candle over a wax melt:
Gold Wick Trimmers | Matches in a Bottle | Gold Candle Lid | No 01 First Light Candle
Candles May Provide a Cosier Ambiance
Candles provide a warm, flickering light that can create a cosy and relaxing ambiance in a room. This can be especially nice during the evening or when entertaining guests.
Candles are Easily Portable
Candles are portable, which means you can easily move them from room to room or take them with you when traveling. This makes them a great option for creating a relaxing atmosphere wherever you go.
Candles May Be More Decorative
Our candles come in a variety of colours and patterns, which make them a great decorative element for any room in your home. You can choose a candle that matches your décor or creates a specific mood or atmosphere.
Candles May Provide a Richer Experience
Candles have been used for centuries as a way to create ambiance and fragrance a space. For some people, the act of lighting a candle can be a comforting ritual or may lend better to wellness practices.
Overall, candles can be a great option for those looking to create a specific ambiance, decorate their home, or are looking to use them in their practices, rituals and routines.
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