The short answer: most Scentsy mini warmers take a 15W bulb and most full-size warmers take a 25W bulb, but some designs use 20W. Always fit the wattage printed on the base of your warmer. Element warmers have no bulb at all.
When a favourite warmer stops glowing, the bulb is usually the first thing to check, and changing it takes a couple of minutes. This guide covers which bulb your warmer needs, how to swap it safely, and what to try if the warmer still isn’t melting wax afterwards.
Which bulb does my Scentsy warmer need?
| Warmer type | Usual bulb | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Mini warmer (wall plug or tabletop base) | 15W | Lower wattage than a full-size warmer, so the two bulbs aren’t interchangeable. |
| Full-size warmer | 25W | Some designs take a 20W bulb instead. Check the base before you buy. |
| Element warmer | No bulb | A heating plate under the dish melts the wax, so there’s nothing to replace. |
The rating printed on the warmer always wins over a general rule. The wattage is part of the warmer’s design: it sets how warm the dish gets as well as how bright the glow is. Too low and the wax only half melts, so the fragrance feels faint. Too high and the warmer runs hotter than it was made to.
How to find the right wattage for your warmer
Turn the warmer over once it’s cool and look for the label on the base. It shows the bulb wattage. If the label has worn away, check the original box or product details, or look at the old bulb, which often has its wattage printed on the metal cap.
Treat the old bulb as a clue rather than proof, though. If the warmer was pre-loved or a gift, a previous owner may have fitted the wrong one. If you’re unsure, send us a photo of the base on WhatsApp and we’ll tell you which bulb you need.
How to change a Scentsy bulb
- Switch off and unplug the warmer at the wall.
- Let it cool completely. Bulbs and dishes stay hot for longer than you’d expect, and moving a dish of warm wax is an easy way to spill it.
- Lift off the dish and set it somewhere flat and safe. On most warmers the bulb sits just underneath; on some designs you reach it through an opening in the base.
- Unscrew the old bulb anticlockwise, holding it gently. If it won’t budge, see the tips below rather than forcing it.
- Screw in the new bulb clockwise with dry hands until it’s snug. There’s no need to tighten it hard; overtightening makes the next change harder and can damage the fitting.
- Replace the dish, plug in and switch on. The glow should come back straight away, and the wax will start to soften within a few minutes.
If the old bulb is stuck or broken
Make sure the warmer is unplugged and cool, then wrap a dry cloth around the bulb for extra grip and turn slowly. Wax residue and dust can make the glass slippery. If the bulb has broken, don’t twist the glass with bare hands. Protect your hands, remove what’s left of the base carefully, and if you’re at all unsure, stop and ask for help rather than risk the fitting.
Signs your bulb needs replacing
A warmer that has gone dark is the obvious one. The quieter signs are a glow that’s noticeably dimmer than it used to be, a flicker, or wax that takes much longer to melt. Bulbs wear out with regular use, so if your warmer is part of your everyday routine, it’s worth keeping a spare in the drawer.
Still not working after a new bulb?
- Check the bulb is seated properly. It may need a tiny extra turn to make contact.
- Test the socket with another appliance you know works.
- Try a second bulb. A new bulb can occasionally be faulty.
- Look at the lead and plug. If you see any damage, stop using the warmer.
- If it lights but the scent is weak, the wax may simply be spent. Wax can look full long after its fragrance has faded, so swap in fresh cubes from a new Scentsy Bar.
For the other common causes, from draughty spots to the wrong amount of wax, see why your warmer isn’t melting wax.
Mistakes to avoid
- Household bulbs that “look about right”. The cap might fit, but the wattage, shape and heat can all be wrong.
- LED bulbs. They run far cooler, so they’ll light the warmer without properly melting the wax.
- A higher wattage for a stronger scent. More heat isn’t better, and it’s outside how the warmer is designed to be used. For more fragrance in a big room, add a fresh cube and move the warmer away from draughts instead.
- Forcing a bulb that doesn’t screw in smoothly. Stop and double-check you have the right type.
Element warmers: no bulb needed
Some Scentsy warmers use a heating element under the dish instead of a bulb. If yours has always warmed wax without lighting up, or has a flat heated surface under the dish, it’s an element warmer, and a new bulb won’t help. Check it’s switched on, plugged in firmly and that the dish is sitting properly. If it still won’t warm, stop using it and get in touch with us.
Where to buy Scentsy replacement bulbs
Genuine Scentsy bulbs are made to match the warmers, so they take the guesswork out of wattage, size and fit. You’ll find them with our Scentsy accessories, alongside replacement dishes and lids if your warmer could do with a refresh. And if you’re choosing a new warmer altogether, our guide to mini versus full-size warmers will help you pick the right one, or browse every design in our Scentsy Warmers range.
Scentsy bulb questions
What bulb does a Scentsy mini warmer use?
Most Scentsy mini warmers use a 15W bulb. Check the label on the base to be sure, as the wattage printed there is always the one to follow.
What wattage bulb does a full-size Scentsy warmer take?
Most full-size Scentsy warmers take a 25W bulb, but some designs use 20W. The correct wattage is printed on the base of your warmer.
Can I use an LED bulb in a Scentsy warmer?
No. LED bulbs don’t produce enough heat to melt the wax properly, so the warmer may glow without releasing much fragrance.
Can I use a higher wattage bulb for a stronger scent?
No. A higher wattage makes the warmer run hotter than it was designed to. For more fragrance, add a fresh cube of wax and keep the warmer away from draughts.
Do all Scentsy warmers have a bulb?
No. Element warmers use a heating plate under the dish instead, so there’s no bulb to replace.
Any questions about your warmer? Message us on WhatsApp and we’ll help you find the right bulb.
— Alan & Jason
The Scented Candle Store
