Keep your candles glowing longer with the best candle warmer lamps tested by our editors.
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Candle warmer lamps do double duty. They melt your favorite scent without a flame and cast a warm, cozy glow in your space. Safer than an open flame and less wearing on your candle’s lifespan, they’re also a stylish way to enjoy your favorite candles.
Our shopping editors tested a range of models and were hooked on the soft light and extended burn time each candle warmer lamp offered. All models tested used bulbs to gently warm the wax, but the standout picks had extras like timers, dimmers, adjustable arms and eye-catching designs.
1 / 4
Mary Henn for Taste of Home
Pros:
Evenly melts candle wax for consistent fragrance release
Elegant, fluted glass lampshade
Emits a gentle, cozy ambient light
Adjustable brightness with 4 dimming levels
Includes two warming lightbulbs
Built-in timer with 2-, 4- and 6-hour settings
Cons:
Best suited for candles under 5-1/2 inches tall to fit comfortably under the shade
Wax residue may accumulate on the glass shade over time, but easily wipes clean
After years of testing by multiple shopping editors, the Luzdiosa Candle Warmer Lamp remains our top pick. It’s built to handle small to medium-sized candles (standard three-wick jars fit), and it uses a halogen bulb to evenly warm the wax and provide a bright, warm glow.
“I love the calming, soft glow it gives off while I’m working, especially on overcast or rainy days,” says Shopping Editor Mary Henn in her full review of the candle warmer lamp.
In terms of scent performance, we found that you’ll need it on the highest of four brightness levels to really notice the scent in a medium-sized room. Lower brightness levels give off just a hint of scent, which may be great if you prefer something subtle. We also found that larger candles placed closer to the bulb released stronger aromas than smaller ones.
Mary Henn for Taste of Home
When we tested the Luzdiosa warmer again this year for our candle warmer review, we were pleased to find it now includes timer options for two, four and six hours, which is a big upgrade from the older version that lacked this feature.
“The scent is lighter than when you burn a candle, but my candles last way longer,” Mary says, “and I actually prefer the gentler fragrance. It’s enough to fill the room without being overwhelming.”
One small thing to note: the lamp does require occasional cleaning. Wax buildup can form inside the shade, but a quick wipe with a damp cloth while the lamp is unplugged and still warm keeps it looking great.
As for sizing, we measured it at just under 13 inches tall (a bit shorter than listed), but the base is a true 6 by 6 inches.
Dimensions: 13.8 (H) x 6 (W) x 6 (D) inches | ShadeMaterial: Glass | AdjustableHeight: No | Dimmable: Yes | Timer Function: Yes
2 / 4
Mary Henn for Taste of Home
Pros:
Adjustable lamp arm
Textured glass lampshade
Emits a gentle, cozy ambient light
Light is dimmable with control dial
Includes two warming lightbulbs
Built-in timer with 2-, 4-, 8- and 10-hour settings
Cons:
Best suited for small rooms as scent throw is mild
Lamp arm bends slightly when fully extended
May not accommodate larger candles
If you regularly burn small to medium-sized candles, this Amazon candle warmer lamp could be just what you’re looking for. It’s available in white, gold and black finishes, but we’re partial to the matte black. It has a sleek, modern look that pairs with most styles, and the glass shade features a scored texture that gives off a subtle, crystal-like appearance when the lamp is on.
“The scent throw on this warmer is definitely on the lighter side, and the coverage area is fairly limited,” says Shopping Editor Mary Henn. “But I actually now own two of these warmers. I keep one in a small guest bathroom, where the softer scent is perfect, and another in the corner of my kitchen. It gives off a subtle, relaxing aroma, just enough to make dishwashing or meal prep a bit more enjoyable without overwhelming the space.”
Mary Henn for Taste of Home
In our testing, we found this model doesn’t heat up as much as other warmers, which can be a plus if you have kids or pets around. The shade doesn’t get quite as hot to the touch, making it a safer option for busy households. However, to get a noticeable fragrance, we often had to set the brightness to its highest level.
Overall, it’s a great pick for smaller rooms or for those who prefer a gentle scent rather than a strong aroma. It’s a solid everyday choice for small spaces and small candles.
Multiple settings and built-in timer with 2-, 4- and 8-hour settings
Includes two warming lightbulbs
Cons:
Control panel gets a little warm when in use
We love that the arm on the Geezo lamp is adjustable to fit an array of candle sizes and fit in numerous spaces. Whether you’re warming a short jar candle or a taller vessel, the flexible height is a major plus. It also comes with a control panel for turning the lamp on and off, adjusting the brightness and setting a timer.
“I’ve used this option for over a month now with an array of candles. I’m consistently impressed with how good it makes my space smell,” says Deputy Editor Katie Bandurski. “Plus, it’s a great way to ‘reset’ candles that have tunneled. After a few hours under the lamp, they look like new.”
Katie Bandurski for Taste of Home
The dimmable settings allow you to create the ideal level of ambience. “I tend to put it on as the only light in my kitchen in the evening after I’ve cleaned up,” Katie adds. “I’m obsessed with the vintage antique floral design. Multiple people have asked me, ‘Where did you get that?’ when they see it sitting on my counter.”
Our one drawback with this lamp is that the control panel tends to warm up during use. While it hasn’t posed any issues in our testing, it’s something to be aware of. For added peace of mind, we recommend unplugging the lamp when it’s not in use for extended periods, especially if you won’t be home for a few days.
Best suited for candles under 4-1/2 inches tall to fit comfortably under the shade
This Threshold candle warmer earns top marks for style, thanks to its elegant glass shade, marbled base and gold body. It’s a statement piece that doubles as functional home decor. Beyond looks, we found it also performs well. It has a responsive temperature dial, which offers a wide range of heat settings.
We found the highest heat setting to be quite warm, but Shopping Editor Emily Way prefers using it on the mid- to low-range setting to help preserve bulb life over time. Like other top models we’ve tested, it includes a timer function with two-, four-, and eight-hour options, so you can set it and forget it.
Emily Way for Taste of Home
“I absolutely love having this little warmer on my mantle,” says Emily. “It’s perfect for small spaces, and the design really elevates the room. That said, its compact size and wide shade can make it tough to use with larger candles, like those from Yankee Candles. But for smaller candles, it’s a great fit.”
Emily has used the warmer daily for the past three months, usually for at least two hours a day, with no issues so far. “Some reviews mentioned it stopped working after a while,” Emily notes. “So, I’m keeping an eye on it, but for now, it’s been reliable and I’m happy with it.”
Dimensions: 10.5 (H) x 6.7 (W) x 6.9 (D) inches | Shade Material: Glass | Adjustable Height: No | Dimmable: Yes | Timer Function: Yes
Others We Tested
Katie Bandurski for Taste of Home
Sparoom Candle Lamp Warmer: This is another great pick if you’re looking for a design-forward candle warmer. It has an arched, crescent-moon-shaped gold arm paired with a black metal lamp shade and a circular wooden base, making it a visually striking addition to any room. We were impressed with the scent throw, which was noticeable without being overpowering. That said, there are a few trade-offs: It doesn’t include a timer function, the arm isn’t adjustable, and the compact base may not accommodate taller or wider candles.
Soilsiu Candle Warmer Lamp: This might not be the most eye-catching candle warmer on our list, but it makes up for that with its sturdy build, solid performance and user-friendly design. One standout feature is its taller frame, which easily accommodated large Yankee Candles during our testing, something many warmers can’t handle. It’s also one of the more budget-friendly options. Plus, the easy-to-clean material means wax spills are no big deal.
Marycele Candle Warmer Lamp: In design and performance, the Marycele Candle Warmer Lamp is nearly identical to our Best Overall pick, the Luzdiosa. The main difference is the controller. While both models function similarly, we prefer the newly updated controller on the Luzdiosa, which features buttons that are easier to see and press, especially in low lighting. It’s a small but noticeable upgrade in day-to-day use.
Seenlast Candle Warmer Lamp: This is a solid alternative if you’re looking for an adjustable option similar to the Luzdiosa and Marycele models. It features a curved, adjustable arm that extends outward slightly, which makes it a bit bulkier. That’s something to consider if you’re tight on space. Its controller is the same as the one on the Marycele lamp, but it’s positioned closer to the plug, which can make it a little less convenient to access.
What to Look for When Buying a Candle Warmer Lamp
Emily Way for Taste of Home
Michelle Simmons, founder of Slow North, brings over a decade of experience in crafting artisanal, non-toxic candles. We turned to her for expert advice on what to look for when shopping for a candle lamp warmer.
“My favorite thing about candle warmers is that they help your favorite candles last longer by avoiding open flames, soot and rapid wax consumption. They’re also the perfect solution for getting the most out of your almost-empty candle vessels.”
Michelle Simmons
Founder of slow north
Simmons recommends choosing a warmer with dimmable brightness and adjustable height. This way, you can control how quickly the wax melts and how strong the scent is, tailoring the experience to your space and preferences.
For a cleaner burn, she also advises using non-toxic candles made from natural waxes like soy or beeswax and avoiding synthetic fragrances. Instead, look for candles scented with pure essential oils to enjoy natural aromatherapy.
Pro tip from the expert: If your candle’s scent starts to fade, pour off a bit of the top layer of wax to expose the more fragrant wax underneath. This quick fix can help revive the scent and help you get the most out of your candle.
How We Found the Best Candle Warmers
Emily Way for Taste of Home
We tested eight different candle warmer lamps to evaluate their range, performance and overall effectiveness. Our editors tested each lamp in their own homes to reflect real-life, everyday use over an extended period.
We set up each warmer, familiarized ourselves with their control panels and tested a variety of candle sizes and types under each lamp for several months. Our editors typically used the lamps daily. This hands-on approach helped us assess how well each warmer performed under normal conditions.
We paid close attention to the bulb’s effectiveness, specifically, how well it melted the wax and how much fragrance was released. We also evaluated key features like adjustable height, timer functions, dimmable brightness and design quality, including how each lamp fits into different home aesthetics. Safety, ease of use and value for the price were also factored into our final rankings.
FAQ
What is a candle warmer lamp?
A candle warmer lamp is an electric lamp designed to melt candle wax and diffuse its aroma without an open flame. It typically operates with a heat-producing light bulb, which gently warms the wax. This flameless approach provides a safer alternative to traditional candle burning and can often extend the life of the candle.
Are candle warmer lamps safe?
Candle warmer lamps can be a safer alternative to burning candles with open flames, especially around children and pets. However, you should still exercise caution when using candle warmers as they can get quite hot.
How do candle warmer lamps work?
Candle warmer lamps use a heating lamp, usually a halogen bulb, to melt candles from the top down without a flame.
Why You Should Trust Us
Mary Henn is a Shopping Editor at Taste of Home, where she focuses on home furnishings and appliances. A true scent enthusiast, she has an entire closet dedicated to candles, soaps and other fragrant favorites, including a few discontinued scents she’s been carefully saving for years. Thanks to her collection of candle warmer lamps (there’s at least one on every floor of her home), she can revisit those cherished candles without burning them away completely.
Mary, along with the rest of the Taste of Home shopping team, personally tested a wide range of candle warmer lamps to put together this curated list of their top picks.