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Just about everyone loves a good scented candle. They’re an easy way to add a personal touch to a room, new or old, and provide a number of benefits to both mind and body. However, others aren’t convinced that candles are the way to go – many have found that they prefer to use wax melts instead. With both sides presenting some great points, it can be difficult to choose. Let’s look at the aspects of both, so that you’ll be more equipped to take your pick.
First off, wax melts give you more bang for your buck. They’re easier on your wallet when you make your initial purchase, and they last longer than candles do. Melts also boast a higher strength than candles – they have a greater fragrance load per volume, making their scents noticeably more potent. To top it all off, melts are far easier to reuse than candles are – you don’t have to worry about a wick burning down. You simply wait until the wax cools and solidifies in the burner, pop it out and you’re ready to save it for another day!
Another point in favor of wax melts is that they can eliminate the risk presented by open flames. If you love to fill your home with delightful scents, but find yourself hesitating out of worry over fire hazards, you might want to consider purchasing an electric wax melt warmer. There are plenty of plug-in wax melt warmers available on the market that connect right to your wall socket.
These convenient electric alternatives are perfect if you’d like to avoid an open flame (whether in the form of a candle or in a tea-light wax warmer) and can easily be moved from room to room to efficiently freshen up your home. You won’t find yourself worrying about soot or chemicals being expelled by a burning wick and can spend your energy picking the perfect blend of wax melt scents instead. Additionally, you might find that electric wax melt warmers provide a much more appealing range of styles, appealing to your personal aesthetic.
Despite the efficiency of wax melts and their potential to reduce the risk of house fires, many people will argue that candles provide a beautiful ambiance that cannot be replaced by wax melts. That soothing, flickering glow provided by the gentle flame of a candle can do wonders for your sense of calmness and well-being. Primal instincts still run strong to this day, and it’s impossible to deny the natural draw that we feel to fire.
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Many people still swear by the physical and mental healing effects of candles– especially those that feature quality essential oils as key ingredients. A good dose of aromatherapy might be exactly what you need after a stressful day, and once combined with the flickering ambiance of a candle flame, the calming effects can be powerful. Picking the right blend of aromatherapy candles and putting them to work filling your home with healing scents can make a wonderful difference in your state of being.
If you want to enjoy the soothing ambiance put forth by candles and simultaneously make the most of the frugality granted by wax melts, don’t worry– you don’t have to pick sides. There are plenty of two-tiered wax warmers available that stack a fragrance dish above a little alcove for a tea-light candle. Some affordable tea-lights and your favorite scented wax melt can combine their powers to give you the best of both worlds.
So, when considering the differences between candles and wax melts, which works better? The simple answer is that it depends on what exactly you’re looking for. If you’ve gotten tired of worrying about the risks of candle flames or find yourself frustrated by the higher price of candles, then you might want to opt for the flame-free option of a wax melt. If you simply can’t part with the subtle warmth and soothing flicker of a real flame, then you might prefer to stick with the classic, scented candle.
If you’ve contemplated the key differences and still can’t decide between the two, then why not pair the best of both options? A tea-light wax melt warmer might be just the thing to tickle your fancy – you’ll be able to enjoy to stronger scents of the wax melt, while still being able to experience the ambience of a gentle flame.
What’s your favourite candle scent? Check out this post for some ideas on six of the most popular Yankee Candle scents.
- Brittany Waddell is a contributing writer and media specialist for Aromatique. She often produces a variety of content for lifestyle blogs.
