Candle extinguishers may seem unnecessary when all you need do is blow out a candle before leaving the room. However, candle snuffers can be charming gifts and a convenient way to extinguish a candle flame without creating that annoying trail of smoke, blowing wax onto furniture or blowing the wick into melted wax.
About Candle Extinguishers
Whether you buy them for their function or collect them because of the countless whimsical and traditional designs available, candle extinguishers are valuable. Not necessary, mind you, but definitely valuable.
What Are Candle Extinguishers?
Extinguishers are basically tiny cups (snuffers) on the ends of thin poles. The snuffer is, of course, made of non-combustible material. You simply put the snuffer down over and onto the flame to put it out. The result is minimal smoking.
Different Candle Snuffer Design Styles
Extinguishers come in so many styles, it'd be impossible to list them all. You can choose from simple, classic styles, whimsical pewter styles to add to your décor, or just the bare minimum, functional styles (like the automatic extinguisher).
Classic and Elegant
This style is great because it will match almost any décor, so it's an obvious choice if you're giving an extinguisher as a gift, but aren't sure of the person's decorating style. Here are a few you may want to consider:
- Wooden handles with pewter snuffers
- All pewter, like a Classic Pewter Candle Snuffer
Whimsical
Candle snuffers come in different designs, though they are often made of pewter. Set a lighthouse candle snuffer out as a reminder of beach trips you've taken, or just to complement your seaside décor. Here are a few styles to consider:
- Lighthouse, as mentioned above
- Capitol building
- Flowers
- Seashells
Types of Candle Snuffers
It may be an overused phrase, but in some cases, candle extinguishers are just candle extinguishers. Nothing fancy, no frills, just something to put out a small flame. Some of them are even automatic.
Candle Snuffer
A typical candle snuffer features of a rod that is used as a handle. From the end of the handle is the snuffer often cylindrical, although it can be anytime of a cup design. The snuffer can either be a swivel design or non-moveable. The designs for the handle and snuffer are varied and often decorative.
Pinching or Tweezer Candle Snuffer
The pinching candle snuffer, often referred to as a tweezer candle snuffer resembles a pair of tongs. Used the same way tongs are, you close the two ends together around the burning candle wick. The flame is instantly extinguished by smothering it by the oversized tongs.
Wick Dipper Candle Extinguisher
A wick dipper works differently than the traditional candle extinguishers. The simple design features an angled end that hooks around the wick so you can then dip the wick into the warm, melted candle wax. You then lift the wick from wax and center it above the candle once more. There is very little to no smoke left in the wake of this way of extinguishing a candle. This design is popular for multi-wick candles.
Gift Ideas
You may feel that simply giving a candle as a gift isn't enough, but you're at a loss as to what else to include. Why not make up a gift basket or bag that includes a candle extinguisher that fits the mood of the candle?
Example of Candle Gift Basket With Extinguisher
Candle extinguishers are perfect for tying together a theme. For example, you can create a fun gift basket for pine-scented candle you wish to give as a gift. You know the pine scent will conjure up fond winter holiday memories of skiing in Colorado, so you may decide to add a few decorative pine cones and a silver extinguisher with a cabin snuffer on the end.
Where to Buy Candle Snuffers
You can get candle extinguishers at gift shops, candle stores, and stores specializing in silver trinkets. Not big on shopping on foot for exactly what you need? Here are a few spots online to check, too:
- Silver Gallery offers several candle snuffers. Choose unique candle snuffer, such as a Pewter Capitol, Beehive or Tulip design. Be prepared to spend between $20 and $70.
- Amazon features several candle snuffer designs, from a gothic pewter with a Fleur-de-Lis motif, birch limb with butterflies to a Dangling Bell snuffer you can expect to pay around $7 to $30 with free shipping for Prime Membership.
- Walmart offers several candle snuffer designs in nickel, brass, pewter, and stainless steel with a wide range of designs, such as an embossed floral, pentagram enamel, a jewelled design and others. Price: Around $8 to $28 with free shipping on some designs.
- DL's Moon Spells offers a pinching candle snuffer for around $5 shipping calculated at checkout.
- Candle Delirium sells a wick dipper for around $8.00 shipping calculated at checkout.
Using a Candle Extinguisher for Putting Out Candles
A candle extinquisher is a unique item with a nostalgic appeal. You can use your candle snuffer to add a new dimension to your candle burning experience.
