If you’re a candle connoisseur, or if you just love the look of a beautifully-lit jar or votive, having a candle snuffer is essential. Using this common tool helps you keep your candles in prime condition for the best burn, and also extends their fragrance and ambiance.
Also called a douter, a snuffer is a small metal instrument that can be used to extinguish candles by pushing the flame into a cone-shaped top. This deprives the flame of oxygen, snuffing it out. It’s a much safer option than blowing out candles, which can result in billowing smoke and hot wax on surfaces around the holder.
Candle snuffers are designed for a variety of candle sizes, from tall pillar holders to taper and votive holders. They come with long handles to reach the wick and avoid scorching fingertips, and a design that reduces access to the flame so you can use them without fear of touching it and getting burned or spreading hot wax on your hands or other nearby surfaces.
Some candle snuffers are bell-shaped, and others are scissor-style with wide flat crossing blades that cut the wick while reducing access to oxygen and extinguishing it. Both styles are available in a range of elegant designs, and both can enhance the appearance of a candle by providing an attractive base for it to rest on as it cools down. You can even purchase a set of candle snuffers in a beautiful gift box to offer as a thoughtful and useful gift for friends or family members.