Archive for the ‘Flameless Candles’ Category
Flameless Candles
Now this seems strange -- flameless candles? But isn't the whole point to burn them and release the frangrance? Why wouldn't you want to light them and let the scent float everywhere?
There are actually several reasons for flameless candles:
- You live in a dorm or other area that prohibits an open flame.
- You can't burn anything in an office due to building codes.
- You'd prefer to be totally soot-free because you're not burning anything.
- You are very sensitive to smoke.
Let's take a look at how these kinds of candles work (and they do).
What Exactly are Flameless Candles?
There are two kinds: those with an LED light and those where the wax is melted, but has no flame.
For the melting type, wax with a low melting point is placed into a ceramic or thick glass holder and gently warmed. The warmers use electricity, in the form of a tealight warmer or a lightbulb to slowly heat up the holder. As the holder warms, it gently melts the wax, releasing the scent. Here's where you can find out more about candle melts.
As for the LED type; they have gotten more and more popular! Here are a few examples to browse:
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 4x Flickering Flameless Wedding LED Waterproof Candle  US $8.99
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 4Flicker Flameless Wedding Party LED Waterproof Candle US $8.99
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 4Flickering Flameless Tea Light LED Waterproof Candle US $8.99
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The downside is that this kind of flameless candle doesn't have a scent.
Things to Consider for "Melts"
You still have to use precautions when using a candle melt. Just like you don't want to leave a regular one burning when you're not at home, neither to you want the warmer turned on when you're out.
Be careful not to spill the melted wax. There are waxes out there than wash up with soap and water (soy and vegetable waxes), so you may want to consider one of them if the inevitable happens.
Even though there is no flame, the wax and holder do get hot, so you want to use it where children and pets can't reach it.
Along those same lines...because the wax and holder do get very heated, don't try to move them yourself while they are hot!
Tags: Candle Melts
Candle melts are a wonderful way for someone who loves richly scented candles to enjoy them -- when they can't have an open flame.
Many work places, dorm rooms and such prohibit candles with open flames. And although just opening a triple scented jar candle can give great fragrance...what if you want more?
Enter the wonderful world of candle melts!
What Are They?
Some people call these melts flamless candles. Which is rather appropriate, considering no flame is used to spread the scent.
Instead, candle simmer pots are used to release the highly scented wax of the candle melts. The simmer pots use electricity, in the form of a light bulb, to gently heat the wax.
How Are Candle Melts Made?
These scented wonders are made basically the same way you'd make a regular wax candle -- the process is the same. (You can see the how to make candles page if you'd like more information.)
The primary difference is that the melts don't use a wick, and they are made small -- maybe one third to half the size of a votive candle, depending on who makes them.
The Kinds of Wax Used
Since the heat of a light bulb is used to melt the wax, it makes sense that a low melting point candle making wax is used. And since the whole reason for these highly fragranced candles are their scent, a wax that holds a lot of fragrance is a bonus.
In general, natural wax used for container candles is the best choice. These are made from soy or other vegetable waxes, and can hold a high fragrance load -- mush more than a petroleum-based wax like paraffin.
Safety First
Don't put your melts on a stove to heat -- if the heat gets too high, the wax can burst into flames! A simmer pot made specifically for melts, or a simmer pot used for potpourri (that uses no more than a 40-watt light bulb) is safest.
And please -- don't leave your melts unattended while you are warming them! Just as you don't want to leave a burning candle unattended, you don't want your simmer pot on when you aren't around.