Tea light oil and wax burners: how to use one

Using essential oils

1. Fill the dish with water, about two-thirds full.
2. Add a few drops of essential oil. Start with roughly 3–5 drops and adjust to taste.
3. Light a tealight and place it underneath.
4. Top up the water if it gets low. Never let the dish boil dry, because neat oil overheats and can scorch.

Using wax melts

1. Put one or two cubes of wax melt in the dry dish. Don't add water.
2. Light the tealight underneath. The wax melts and releases fragrance in a few minutes.
3. When the scent fades, let the wax set, pop it out (a few minutes in the freezer helps), and replace it.

Safety

• Never leave it burning unattended or in reach of children or pets.
• Some essential oils can be harmful to pets, cats especially, when diffused. Check before using them around animals.
• Use standard tealights. Long-burn or maxi lights can overheat the dish.
• Keep it on a stable, heat-safe surface away from curtains and shelves.

What to look for

1. A deep dish. It holds more water or wax, so you need fewer top-ups.
2. Enough height between flame and dish, so it warms rather than boils.
3. Glazed ceramic or stone, which is easy to clean.
4. Airflow cut-outs. They often double as the decorative pattern.

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