What Is an Aromatherapy Oil Burner?

What is aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy, also called essential oil therapy, uses fragrant oils to achieve a variety of mental and physical health benefits. Aromatherapy isn't a modern invention – in fact, it's been practiced for thousands of years by ancient cultures such as the Egyptians, Indians and Chinese. When used properly, it can be an inexpensive and effective way to ease pain, lower stress and treat a wide range of conditions.

What is an aromatherapy oil burner?

An aromatherapy oil burner vaporizes essential oils by burning them and diffusing the scent into the air throughout the room. Oils burners work by using a source of heat, such as a candle or or electric light bulb ring, to release the oils' fragrance.

There are several types of aromatherapy oil burners to choose from:

• Candle oil burners: Candle oil burners are a popular choice due to attractive looks and ease of use. These burners use a small candle to diffuse oils, which are mixed with water and added to a small bowl that sits above the flame.

• Electric oil burners: Electric oil burners use a built-in warmer to diffuse essential oils. They work with both liquid essential oils and wax melts. These products are generally safer than candle oil burners, making them a good option for people with small children or pets.

• Lamp ring oil burners: These burners use warmth from a light bulb to release essential oil fragrance. They work best with incandescent bulbs, as LED and fluorescent bulbs typically don't get hot enough to diffuse oil.

How to use an aromatherapy oil burner

Here's how to use the three most common types of aromatherapy oil burners found in stores.

Candle oil burner instructions

• Light a tea candle and place it in the dish at the bottom of the oil burner.

• Fill the top dish with water.

• Add a few drops of essential oil to the water dish.

Electric oil burner instructions

• Add water and several drops of essential oil to the top dish. Alternatively, place an essential oil wax melt or cup in the dish.

• Plug the oil burner into an outlet. If the burner has an adjustable temperature option, turn up the heat until the desired level of warmth is achieved.

Lamp ring oil burner instructions

• Set the ring burner on top of an incandescent lamp light bulb.

• Add a few drops of essential oil to the ring.

• Plug in the lamp and turn it on to release the oil's scent.

Aromatherapy oil burner safety

Aromatherapy oil burners are safe when used properly. We recommend these safety tips to prevent burns and spills.

• Do not leave the oil burner unattended.

• Always use the oil burner in a well-ventilated room.

• Keep the oil burner out of reach of children and pets.

• Use the oil burner for no more than 40 minutes at a time. Running the oil burner for longer periods may cause headaches, dizziness and nausea.

• Remember to snuff out the flame if using a candle oil burner.

• In the event of a fire, sprinkle baking soda over flames or cover the burner with a large metal pan.

• Clean the oil burner after each use to avoid buildup of oils and soot.

Advantages and disadvantages of aromatherapy oil burners

Pros

• Easy to set up and run

• Freshens air naturally

• May have therapeutic health benefits

Cons

• Need regular cleaning for best performance

• Burners that use water can leak or spill

• Can be a fire hazard if used around kids and pets

How to clean an aromatherapy oil burner

• Before cleaning, remove the candle and allow the burner to cool completely. If using an electric burner, unplug it from the outlet.

• Use a damp cloth and liquid dish soap to gently wipe away soot and oils. For stubborn stains, wipe the burner with a solution of equal parts water and distilled white vinegar.

• Let the burner dry completely before using.

Aromatherapy oil burner materials

Aromatherapy oil burners are made from several types of materials, each with its own benefits and drawbacks to consider. Ceramic oil burners are one of the most popular choices thanks to their attractive design which looks great in almost any part of the home. Other materials include wood, soapstone talc, glass, Himalayan salt and metals, such as copper and brass.

Ceramic pros

• Holds heat well

• Eco-friendly

• Waterproof

Ceramic cons

• May break or crack if dropped

• Can be heavy

Glass pros

• Unobtrusive design

• Allows flame to shine through

Glass cons

• Breakable

Wood pros

• Made from renewable material

• Natural and minimalist design

Wood cons

• Flammable material

Himalayan salt pros

• Beautiful natural design

• Releases purifying ions when heated

Himalayan salt cons

• Heavy

Soapstone talc pros

• Hand-carved for a unique artisanal look

• Stores heat well

Soapstone talc cons

• Silica dust particles may cause irritation in people with asthma

Metal pros

• Industrial design for modern homes

• May be less likely to tip over

Metal cons

• Material can get hot to the touch

• Can be expensive

What is the best aromatherapy oil burner?

Although there are many types of oil burners, all perform equally well at releasing beautiful fragrance into the home. Ultimately, the best aromatherapy oil burner is one that matches personal preference for materials, features and overall design. By following the above safety and cleaning tips, any essential oil burner will make a home smell great for many years to come.