Wax Melts or Candles? How to Choose

October 13, 2026·3 mins read

Forks candle and wax melts by Great Northern Candle Co.

We pour almost every scent as both a candle and wax melts, so this is a question we hear often. Both fill a room with fragrance. They just do it in different ways.

Choose a Candle When

You want the glow and the crackle of a wood wick as much as the scent.
You are setting a mood for an evening, a dinner or a bath.
You want something beautiful to look at, even unlit.

Choose Wax Melts When

You want fragrance without an open flame, around pets, children or while you are working.
You like to change scents often. Melts let you switch in minutes.
You want to try a new scent before committing to a full candle.
You want a stronger scent in a larger room. Melts release fragrance steadily for hours.

How to Use Wax Melts

Break off one or two cubes and place them in a wax warmer.
Let them melt fully. The fragrance builds as the wax warms.
When the scent fades, turn off the warmer, let the wax firm up, and pop it out of the dish. Run the dish under warm water if needed.

Do not use a warmer unattended for long stretches, and keep it on a heat-safe surface away from curtains and pets.

Find Your Scent in Both

You will find wax melts right on each candle's page: choose the 1 oz sample melt to try a scent or the 2.5 oz Luxe wax melts for everyday use. A few favorites: