How to use an ordinary tealight (heater)?

Tealight warmers - small candles with great possibilities

Tealight warmers are small candles placed in a container (usually metal or made of plastic, less often glass) that dissolve across the diameter when burning. The English name tealight comes from the original use of this type of candles - they were used to heat a pot of tea. Nowadays, their use is much wider, so the Polish name heaters perfectly reflects their function - they are also used to heat all kinds of food, such as in fondue.

How much the heater burns?

Warmers vary in burning time depending on their type and wax composition. Standard heaters good quality should burn about 4 hours, while natural heaters made from plant waxes can burn even 5 hours. There are also heaters with an extended burning time, known as "extended burn time. nightlights, that burn even 8 hours, as well as larger heaters maxi tealight, whose smoking time can range from 8 to 12 hours.

History of tealights

The history of tealight candles takes us all the way back to Japan, where they were part of the tea brewing ritual. Today's heaters come in a variety of sizes and colors. The most common sizes of heaters are 39 mm and 59 mm in diameter. We can also divide them into natural wax colored warmers (white, cream) and tinted ones, where the color is present on the entire volume of the candle or only on its top layer.

The warmers are mainly made from paraffin, but variants made from natural plant waxes, such as the soy tealights. We also distinguish scented warmers and unscented.

Types of tealights

We can classify heaters according to several categories, such as burning time, production method or type of container.

Classification of heaters by burning time:

• Classic heaters: ok. 4 hours
• Natural heaters: ok. 5 hours
• Nightlights: ok. 8 hours
• Maxi tealight (daylight): 8-12 hours

How to divide tealights by production method:

• Flooded heaters - The wax is poured into a mold (target container) and solidifies there
• Warmers for moldings - pressed, cooled wax is put into the mold (target container)

Types of tealight containers:

• Metal casings (most popular)
• Plastic containers
• Glass containers (less common, but very impressive)

Glass containers have the advantage of excellent light diffusion, creating a unique atmosphere. We can achieve a similar effect by choosing tealights in transparent polycarbonate casings.

Small candles in your home

Warmers - both scented and unscented - are usually lit a few at a time to create a cozy atmosphere. They can be placed in different types of candle holders, which allow you to personalize the interior according to the season:

• Spring: pastel candlesticks, delicate patterns, translucent glassware
• Summer: marine tones, nautical motifs, natural shells
• Autumn: earth tones, loft style, ceramic candlesticks
• Winter: gold and silver, metal and porcelain candlesticks

Candle holders for warmers come in a variety of styles - they can be made of metal, ceramic, rock salt, glass, wood, concrete or a combination of these materials. Lanterns and torches are also fashionable.

Outdoor heaters

Heaters can be used not only at home, but also on the terrace, balcony or in the garden. Particularly useful are anti-smoke heaters based on natural essential oils - placed in taller candlesticks effectively repel insects.

How to use a regular tealight?

The warmers have many uses that can be adapted to different occasions:

• Creating seasonal decorations - spring, summer, autumn and winter arrangements.
• Highlight the atmosphere of the meals - a few candles on the table add a special touch.
• The ritual of drinking tea - following the Japanese tradition.
• Heating up food - tealights are ideal for dishes that keep food warm (such as fondue).
• Decorations for Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's Day or Easter - ideal for placing in pumpkins.
• Photography and social media - great for creating atmospheric photos on Instagram.
• Fireplaces for waxes and fragrance oilsh - unscented tealights are the best choice for aromatherapy.
• Romantic mood - A heart of lighted warmers is the perfect idea for an evening for two.

Warmers are versatile and practical candles that will work well for both everyday use and special occasions. Whether you're looking for a way to create a cozy atmosphere in your home or need a functional solution for heating food, tealights are a great choice!