How to Use a Wax Melter on a Log Burner

There's nothing quite like a log burner on a cold winter's evening – the crackle of the fire, the warm glow, the feeling of being tucked up at home. Now imagine that same evening with your room gently filled with the scent of sweet orange, cinnamon and pine.

That's exactly what a log burner wax melter does. It uses the heat your stove is already giving off to melt wax and release its scent – no tealights, no plugs, no batteries. Just your fire, doing what it does best.

Here's our simple guide to getting the most from yours.

What is a log burner wax melter?

A log burner wax melter is a small, heavy cast iron small dish that sits directly on top of your wood burner or multi-fuel stove. As the stove warms up, the dish heats too, gently melting the wax melt inside and releasing its fragrance into the room.

Our Cast Iron Wax Melter is made from heavyweight cast iron, which holds and spreads heat evenly – so your wax melts slowly and steadily all evening.

How to use your wax melter on a log burner: step by step

Step 1 – Choose your spot

Find a flat, level part of your stove top. If your stove has a very hot centre, a spot slightly towards the edge is often best – it melts the wax more gently, so the scent lasts longer.

Step 2 – Add your wax melt

Pop one wax melt cube into the dish while the stove is still cool. That's all you need to start – one cube will last for many hours.

Step 3 – Light your fire

Light your log burner as normal. As the stove heats up, the cast iron warms with it and the wax begins to melt, slowly filling the room with fragrance.

Step 4 – Sit back and enjoy

Pour a drink, grab a blanket and enjoy the pause. Each of our wax melt cubes will last for sometime.

Step 5 – Let it cool

When the fire goes out, leave the melter on the stove until both the cast iron and the wax have cooled completely. Never move it while it's hot.

Tips for the best scent

• Too strong? Move the melter to a cooler part of the stove top.
• Not strong enough? Move it a little closer to the centre, or add a second cube.
• Wax smoking? The spot is too hot – wearing heat-resistant gloves, move the melter to a cooler area.
• Change scents easily: once the wax is cool and solid, pop it out and try a new fragrance.
• Choose natural melts: wax melts made with pure essential oils give a softer, more natural scent. Ours are handmade in our Wiltshire workshop with soy and coconut wax.

Safety first

A log burner melter is simple to use, but it does get hot. Please always:

• Use heat-resistant gloves when handling, moving or adding wax to the melter – it gets as hot as your stove.
• Place it on a flat, level surface on your stove top so it can't tip or slide.
• Never leave a lit log burner unattended while the melter is in use.
• Keep it out of reach of children and pets.
• Let spills cool and harden before removing them, and never pour wax down the drain.
• Check your stove manufacturer's guidance on what can safely be placed on top of your stove.

How to clean your cast iron wax melter

1. Make sure the melter and wax are completely cool.
2. Pop out or wipe away the leftover wax with a paper towel.
3. Wash by hand in warm, soapy water with a soft sponge.
4. Rinse and dry straight away to prevent rust.
5. Never put it in the dishwasher or microwave, and never plunge a hot melter into cold water – this can crack cast iron.

Which wax melt scents work best by the fire?

Warm, cosy blends suit log burner evenings perfectly. Some of our favourites:

• Italian Garden Wax Melts – bay laurel, rosemary, pine, sweet orange and lemon.
• Recover Wax Melts – fresh eucalyptus, frankincense and pine.
• Relax Wax Melts – lavender, cedarwood and clary sage, for slow, quiet evenings.
• Rejuvenate Wax Melts – bright, zesty citrus to lift a grey winter's day.
• Winter Spice – new this winter: sweet orange, cinnamon, pine and frankincense, with a touch of bergamot and nutmeg.

The perfect gift for log burner lovers

Know someone who loves their wood burner? Our Cast Iron Wax Melter comes gift boxed, and you can add a set of our handmade wax melts to make it complete. Finish it off with a jar of our elegant Strike a Light Candle Matches – a lovely Christmas present for him or her.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a tealight?

No. The heat from your log burner does all the work – no tealights, plugs or batteries needed.

Will a wax melter work on any stove?

It works on most wood burners and multi-fuel stoves with a flat top. Always check your stove manufacturer's guidance first.

How long does a wax melt last on a log burner?

Each of our cubes melts for around 7 hours, depending on how hot your stove runs.

Can I use other wax melts?

Yes – any wax melts will work, though we think our handmade essential oil melts are the perfect match.

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Light the fire. Warm the melt. Take a pause.

Shop the Cast Iron Wax Melter →