No, candle lamps do not evaporate wax.
When using a candle lamp warmer, the wax does not disappear into the air through evaporation. Instead, the heat from the lamp causes the solid wax to change state.
Based on information provided, "They don't evaporate."
How Candle Lamps Work
Candle lamps utilize a light bulb or heating element to generate warmth, which directly heats the wax in a container or on a warming plate. This heat causes the wax to melt, releasing its fragrance.
- Melting: When the lamp is on, the heat melts the wax. This liquid wax releases the scent into the air.
- Hardening: "They melt when the warmer is on and harden when turned off." When the lamp is turned off, the wax cools down and returns to its solid state.
Unlike a traditional wicked candle where melted wax is drawn up the wick and vaporized before burning, a candle lamp simply melts the wax. The wax itself remains in the container; it just cycles between solid and liquid states.
Candle Lamps vs. Traditional Candles
Understanding the difference between candle lamps and traditional wicked candles clarifies why wax behaves differently.
| Feature | Candle Lamp | Traditional Wicked Candle |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Source | External lamp/heater | Burning wick |
| Wax State | Melts and re-hardens | Melts, is vaporized, and burned |
| Wax Fate | Remains in container | Consumed over time |
| Fragrance Release | Evaporation from melted surface | Evaporation and combustion byproducts |
Because the wax is not consumed through burning or significant evaporation in a candle lamp, the wax level does not decrease over time unless some is spilled or removed. The fragrance may eventually dissipate from the wax, but the wax mass largely remains intact.
