How to use it, step by step
- Put the warmer on a heat-safe surface, such as a tile, a trivet or a stone coaster. The base of many warmers gets hot.
- Brew your tea as usual, then remove the leaves or infuser. This is the step that keeps the tea from going bitter.
- Light the tealight first, then slide it into the warmer with a long match, a lighter or the warmer's own tray if it has one.
- Set the pot down gently and centred, so it sits flat with no wobble.
- To finish, lift the pot off, then snuff the candle. Don't blow hard across the pot.
Which teapots are safe on a candle warmer?
- Heat-resistant glass (borosilicate): yes. Most glass teapots sold for tea are borosilicate. Check the listing.
- Porcelain and stoneware: generally yes, if the base is flat and the glaze is intact.
- Cast iron (enamel-lined): yes. Warmers are made for exactly this. Never put an enamel-lined iron teapot directly on a stove burner, though.
- Thin antique or decorative china: be cautious and follow the maker's advice.
- Plastic, or pots with plastic or wooden bases: no.
Safety rules worth following
- Never leave a lit warmer unattended, or near curtains, papers or the edge of the table.
- Use unscented tealights. Scented ones clash with the tea and can soot more.
- Use standard-size tealights unless the warmer says otherwise. Large "maxi" lights can overheat a small warmer.
- Don't let the pot run dry over the flame.
- Let the warmer cool before you move it. The metal tealight cup holds heat.
What to look for when buying
Look for a top ring that matches your teapot's base, open sides for airflow, and a heavy, wide base. A removable tealight tray is worth having, because it means you don't drop a lit candle into a narrow stand. Ceramic warmers look warmest on a table. Glass lets the flame show. Metal is the most durable.