Understanding the Difference Between Wax Melt Burners and Oil Burners: Why It Matters
When it comes to creating a cosy, fragrant atmosphere at home, choosing the right burner is crucial for both safety and effectiveness. Whether you prefer the process of a wax melt or the soothing aroma of essential oils, it's important to understand the key differences between wax melt burners and oil burners for your safety. Here’s what you need to know before choosing your next home fragrance solution.
Wax Melt Burners: Designed for a Perfect Melt
Wax melt burners are specifically designed to handle wax melts, and their design reflects this. Here are the key characteristics that set them apart:
- Ideal Height for Wax: Wax melt burners are typically a minimum of 10-12cm in height. This space is essential as it allows the heat source, typically a tea light, to effectively warm the wax. Since wax melts heat quicker and easier than oils, having the right amount of space between the heat source and the wax ensures the wax melts evenly without overheating.
- Larger Gap Between Tea Light and Dish: Wax melt burners generally feature a larger gap between the tea light and the dish (at least 10cm) which helps the wax melt evenly and not too quickly. The extra space ensures the tea light’s heat doesn’t overheat the wax, which would cause it to spill or burn, making for a safer, more pleasant experience.
Oil Burners: Crafted for Essential Oils
On the other hand, oil burners are designed specifically for fragrance and essential oils. Their construction is tailored to meet the different heating needs of oils. Here’s why it’s important to use an oil burner for oils:
- Smaller Height for More Heat: Oil burners tend to be smaller in height because oils require more heat to reach the right temperature for releasing their scent. The design ensures that the heat source is closer to the oil, helping it evaporate at the right pace and intensifying the fragrance. If the burner is a lot smaller, it is probably an oil burner.
- Shorter Distance Between Tea Light and Dish: In oil burners, the distance between the tea light and the dish is much shorter compared to wax melt burners. This helps provide the necessary heat for the oils to diffuse their fragrance into the air more efficiently. However, this also means that the temperature can rise quickly, which is why they are not suitable for use with wax melts. If you are unsure, measure the distance between the tea light and the bottom of the dish. If it is below 10-12 cm, it is an oil burner.
Why You Shouldn’t Use Wax Melts in an Oil Burner
While it may seem tempting to mix and match, using wax melts in an oil burner can be a safety hazard. Here's why:
- Risk of Overheating and Spillage: Wax melts are not designed for the higher heat output of oil burners. The closer distance between the tea light and the dish in oil burners can cause the wax to overheat and spill out, creating a fire hazard. Overheating wax can also alter the fragrance and cause it to burn unevenly, diminishing the scent experience.
- Potential Fire Hazard: If wax melts are used in an oil burner, the heat can cause the wax to melt too quickly, possibly overflowing the dish and creating a mess or even a fire risk. This is why it’s essential to always match your wax melts with a proper wax melt burner.
Why Knowing the Difference is Important
Understanding the differences between wax melt burners and oil burners is crucial for both safety and scent quality. Using the wrong burner can result in overheating, spills, and a less-than-ideal fragrance experience. When you choose the right burner for the product, you not only ensure safety, but you also get the best performance from your wax melts or oils. Win Win!
Next time you’re shopping for a burner, be sure to choose the right one for your needs. Wax melt burners are designed to safely and effectively heat wax melts, while oil burners are optimised for essential oils. By understanding these differences, you can create the perfect ambiance in your home while keeping safety in mind. So, whether you're in the mood for a soothing oil fragrance or a cosy wax melt experience, make sure you're using the right burner for the best results!
