Reed diffusers, wax melts or candles: which home fragrance suits you?
How reed diffusers, wax melts and soy candles compare on scent strength, how long they last, cost per week and safety, so you can pick the right one for each room.
Agnes + Cat Reed Diffuser RefillSee price
Agnes + Cat Box of 8 Wax MeltsSee price
Agnes + Cat Botanical Soy Wax CandleSee price
Agnes + Cat Votive CandleSee priceAll three fill a room with fragrance, but they work in different ways. The best choice depends on the room, how strong you like the scent, and whether you want a flame.
Reed diffusers: set it and forget it
Reeds soak up fragrance oil and release it slowly, all day, with no heat and no flame. That makes them ideal for hallways, bathrooms and bedrooms, and for homes with children or pets. Flip the reeds once a week to refresh the scent. A 140ml bottle typically lasts around two months. Try the Fresh Citrus reed diffuser refill for kitchens or the Seasalt and Moss refill for bathrooms.
Wax melts: strong scent, easy to change
Melts are blocks of scented wax that you warm in a burner. They give a stronger burst of fragrance than reeds, and you can swap scents in minutes. Each cube lasts for several hours of melting, so a box of eight goes a long way. The Fresh Citrus wax melts and Tea and Roses wax melts are good places to start.
Soy candles: the cosy one
A candle adds soft light as well as scent, which is why it's the favourite for living rooms and evenings. Soy wax burns cleaner and slower than paraffin. Trim the wick to about 5mm before each burn, and burn for long enough that the whole top melts, to stop tunnelling. Pick a botanical soy wax candle for a long burn, or a votive candle as a small gift.
Quick comparison
- No flame, lowest effort: reed diffuser.
- Strongest, easiest to change: wax melts.
- Light and atmosphere: soy candle.
Safety basics
- Never leave a burning candle or tea light unattended, and keep it away from curtains, pets and children.
- Stand reed diffusers on a coaster: fragrance oil can mark wood and paint.
- Air the room now and then if anyone in your home is sensitive to strong scents.