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My Reward PointsProper care of candles is the whole and sole thing for letting a candle burn much longer before it gets exhausted, a clean burn without any mess, and most importantly, safety in your home. The burning part of the simple act of lighting a candle is the least of the things someone can do. Extinguishing and maintaining wicks, as important as they are, are usually done without much thought put into it.
Candle snuffers and wick dippers are specialized tools enabling very precise and effective performance of these two. Knowing their capabilities, how they operate, and their unique benefits is critical so you can select the right accessory that will bring out the best performance from your candle, allow it to burn cleaner, as well as prevent some of the common problems like excess smoke, sooting, or mushrooming wicks that usually come from improper methods of extinguishing.
What is Candle Snuffer?
Historically and most popularly used to extinguish a flame in a candle, a candle snuffer is an apparatus specifically designed to eliminate the flame by depleting the oxygen. Most have a long, thin handle so that they can reach safely into various candle containers, culminating at the end with a smaller bell-shaped or conical cup. For use, the cup is carefully placed directly against the burning flame. The flame then is entirely enclosed inside the cup, blocking its air supply and therefore snuffing it out.
This effect is dramatic. It not only helps in avoiding the wick smoldering too long after use and proposition but also significantly cuts down the smoke relayed through the air, which will condense to rob purity from indoor air. Candle snuffers are often made of one of the various metals, such as brass or silver, or polished steel, and come in a large variety of decors as a functional, beautiful home decor item.
What is Candle Wick Dipper?
A candle dipper, while less commonly known than a snuffer, is an equally effective and often preferred tool for extinguishing a candle flame, particularly for those who prioritize wick health. It is characterized by a long, thin rod, which may feature a small hook, disc, or spoon-like end.
The primary method of use involves gently pushing the lit wick into the pool of its own melted wax. As the wick submerges into the liquid wax, the flame is instantly smothered and extinguished. Immediately after extinguishing, the wick is then carefully pulled back upright, ensuring it is coated in a fresh layer of wax. This process not only extinguishes the flame without smoke but also primes the wick, preparing it for a more efficient and cleaner burn during the next use by preventing it from becoming brittle or mushrooming.
Key Differences Between Snuffer & Wick Dipper
Candle snuffers and wick dippers, despite both aiming to extinguish a candle flame, employ fundamentally different operational principles and yield distinct advantages regarding smoke control, wick maintenance, and overall application. Understanding these differences is key to choosing the most suitable tool for your candle care routine.
1. Method of Extinguishing
A candle snuffer operates on the principle of oxygen deprivation. Its bell-shaped or conical cap is designed to completely enclose the flame, cutting off its vital oxygen supply. This immediate cessation of oxygen causes the flame to extinguish rapidly.
A wick dipper, on the other hand, extinguishes the flame by pushing the wick into the melted wax pool. The wax smothers the flame instantly, using the candle’s own fuel as the extinguishing agent.
2. Smoke Control
Both tools are far better than blowing out a candle in terms of smoke control. A candle snuffer prevents the puff of smoke and burnt odor by stopping the flame gently. Similarly, a wick dipper eliminates smoke by using molten wax as a barrier, preventing the wick from smoldering.
3. Wick Preparation
While a candle snuffer only extinguishes the flame, a wick dipper goes a step further by conditioning the wick. Dipping the wick in wax helps it stay straight, coated, and ready for the next burn—preventing brittleness and mushrooming.
4. Uses
Candle snuffers are versatile and great for candles in deep jars or hard-to-reach spots. They extinguish without disturbing the wax pool. Wick dippers are perfect for candles with wide wax pools, like container and pillar candles. They aren't ideal for narrow tapers or thin candles with limited wax pools.
Which One Should You Choose?
The decision between a candle snuffer and a wick dipper depends on your needs. If you prioritize minimal smoke and ease, especially for deep candles, go for a candle snuffer. It’s clean, simple, and quick.
But if you’re focused on wick health, avoiding carbon buildup, and ensuring a consistent, clean burn every time, then a wick dipper offers more advantages by priming the wick.
Ideally, keeping both tools gives you flexibility based on candle type and situation—for optimal care and performance.
Conclusion
Candle snuffers and wick dippers are indispensable accessories for diligent candle maintenance. They each present distinct yet effective methods for extinguishing flames, offering unique advantages in terms of smoke control and essential wick preparation.
The consistent use of these specialized tools significantly contributes to promoting cleaner, more efficient burns, thereby extending the overall lifespan of your cherished candles and, crucially, enhancing safety within your environment.
FAQs
Q. What is a candle dipper used for?
Ans. A candle dipper is used to extinguish a candle flame by pushing the lit wick into its molten wax pool. This action also coats the wick in wax, preparing it for a cleaner, more efficient burn during its next use.
Q. What is a wick snuffer used for?
Ans. A wick snuffer is employed to extinguish a candle flame by covering it with its bell-shaped cap. This cuts off the flame's oxygen supply, effectively preventing smoke and minimizing any lingering burnt odors.
Q. What are the safest ways to extinguish candles?
Ans. The safest methods for extinguishing candles involve either using a candle snuffer to deprive the flame of oxygen or a wick dipper to submerge the wick in molten wax. Both techniques are designed to minimize smoke and significantly reduce fire hazards.
