Ever wonder if a candle warmer will help your candles last longer? Candle warmers (that heat a candle from the base up) or candle lamps (that heat from the top down) can be a great addition to your candle collection. But there are a few things to keep in mind. Read on for the pros and cons of these candle gadgets. We'll break them down the pros and cons for both warmers and lamps.

CANDLE WARMER PROS:

• Better for smaller candles. The smaller volume of wax in the container will warm better, releasing the scent. And it's all about the scent, right?
• Good for tins or glass jars that warm evenly and thoroughly.
• Can help a candle last longer, since wax isn't being vaporized by a flame.
• A candle may need a few hours to burn evenly, but a candle warmer doesn't usually need to be on for so long.
• Obviously, you don't have to supervise as closely since there's no open flame, but still watch it. A container of hot melted wax is definitely worthy of watching.
• Great for using that last bit of wax in the bottom of your jar so none of that fragrance goes to waste. Always a plus!

CANDLE WARMER CONS:

• A large candle may never warm enough for the fragrance to escape the container and scent your room.
• Thick walled vessels like ceramics or concrete vessels may never warm sufficiently to release the candle's scent.
• You may have to keep the warmer on for a really long time to get a good fragrance going.
• You're limited by the size of the warming plate.
• While a candle warmer can help your candle last longer, it also decreases the candle's ability to scent a room when it's lit since the scent will fade with each session on the warmer.
• Depending on the brand and type and how long it's on, it may get hot enough to damage the surface it's sitting on. Read reviews, if possible, of the warmer you're considering buying to see if overheating is a common problem.

CANDLE LAMP PROS:

• Good for medium to large candles, so long as the circumference of the candle isn't larger than the lampshade.
• Many are dimmable and have adjustable heights, which can come in handy with different sized candles. Dimmability (betcha didn't know that was actually a word until now, huh) controls the amount of fragrance given off as it affects the rate the wax melts.
• Can help a candle last longer, since wax isn't being vaporized by a flame.
• A candle may need a few hours to burn evenly, but a candle warmer doesn't need to be on for so long.
• Obviously, you don't have to supervise as closely since there's no open flame.
• Can come in handy if you have a candle you've lit and it burned unevenly. Simply place the candle under the lamp until the wax is fully melted across the top.
• Great for using that last bit of wax in the bottom of your jar so none of that fragrance goes to waste. Always a plus!

CANDLE LAMP CONS:

• You're limited by the size of the lampshade, so a dough bowl candle or unique shape and size candle won't work well.
• While a candle warmer can help your candle last longer, it also decreases the candle's ability to scent a room when it's lit since the scent will fade with each session on the warmer.
• Depending on the brand and type and how long it's on, it may get hot enough to damage the surface it's sitting on. Read reviews, if possible, of the warmer you're considering buying to see if overheating is a common problem. Your wood furniture will thank you!
• Lamps require bulbs that will need to be replaced from time to time, so you may want to research how easily replacements can be found.

OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER:

• Please don't use a candle warmer or lamp with your Sweet Autumn Eclectic candle. They're made differently than most candles and the handpainted and varnished finish may not be compatible with every warmer and lamp.
• Don't ever touch any vessel while it's on a warmer or under a lamp. Those things can get very very hot!
• If you're in the market for a lamp or warmer, I'd strongly suggest finding one with a timer. We're all forgetful at times (well, at least I am) and a jar of melted wax has good potential as the original hot mess.
• It may be helpful to alternate between burning a candle and using a lamp or warmer since each session with it will diminish the level of fragrance.
• If you exclusively use a warmer or lamp with a candle, eventually the fragrance will be exhausted and you'll have to either light an unscented candle and just enjoy the ambiance or figure our what to do with all that wax.

Have you ever used a candle warmer to make your candle last longer? I'd love to hear about one you love if you have any recommendations!