Which Replacement Bulb Does My Candle Warmer Lamp Need?
Last updated: Thu Oct 01 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
When a bulb in a candle warmer lamp fails, you need to replace it with the right type. Most lamps use one of two common bulb formats — GU10 or MR11. Here is how to tell which you need and what to look for.
The two most common bulb types
GU10 is the standard format used in the majority of candle warmer lamps sold in the UK. It is a halogen bulb with a two-pin twist-and-lock fitting. The two pins are spaced 10 mm apart (hence GU10). When you look at the bottom of the bulb, you will see two small pegs.
MR11 (sometimes labelled MR11 GU4) is a smaller halogen bulb used in compact or decorative warmer lamps. It has a two-pin push-fit fitting with pins spaced 4 mm apart. MR11 bulbs are physically smaller — approximately 35 mm diameter versus 50 mm for a GU10.
If you are unsure which type your lamp uses, remove the shade and look at the bulb fitting. The pin spacing is visible and distinctive.
Wattage: 25 W or 40 W?
Most standard candle warmer lamps use a 25 W GU10 bulb. This is appropriate for:
- Soy wax or paraffin candles with a melt point below 55 °C
- Normal room temperatures (above 15 °C)
- Standard jar candles up to 500 g
A 40 W bulb produces more heat and is suitable for:
- Beeswax candles with a higher melt point
- Very cold rooms (below 15 °C where the wax has cooled to room temperature)
- Larger jar candles over 500 g where a wider melt pool is needed
Important: never fit a bulb rated higher than the lamp's maximum stated wattage. This information is usually on a sticker on the underside of the base or inside the shade housing. Fitting an over-wattage bulb can damage the shade, discolour the glass or create a fire risk.
How to check your current bulb
Before ordering a replacement, remove the bulb from your lamp (with the lamp switched off and cooled). The wattage and type are printed on the side of the halogen capsule, typically as "GU10 25 W" or similar. If the text has worn away, the pin spacing will tell you the type and the lamp's label will give you the maximum wattage.
Halogen vs LED: which to use?
Most candle warmer lamps are designed for halogen bulbs, which produce more heat than LED equivalents of the same wattage. A direct LED swap for a GU10 halogen will produce very little heat and will not warm the candle effectively.
Some specialist candle warmer LED bulbs exist with higher heat output, but these are not a like-for-like swap for a standard LED.
For candle warmer lamp use, stick with halogen unless the lamp's manufacturer specifically approves an LED alternative.
How long do bulbs last?
A GU10 halogen bulb in normal candle warmer lamp use (4–6 hours per day) typically lasts 12–18 months before output drops noticeably. You will know it is time to replace when the lamp no longer melts the wax surface within 15–20 minutes of switching on.
Replacing the bulb before it fails entirely means you never start a warming session only to find the lamp is not working.
Shop replacement bulbs at decorheaven.co.uk — including the Andymoro 2-pack for a quick single swap, or the 6-pack to always have spares on hand. Browse all candle warmer lamps.