If you already identify as a candle connoisseur you probably have a candle snuffer tucked somewhere in your collection. But if you’re just discovering the joy of burning candles, you may be asking:
- “what is a candle snuffer?”
- “should I use a wick dipper or snuffer”
- “why shouldn’t I just blow out my candles?"
Luckily there are a few candle accessories designed specifically to help extinguish candles safely and efficiently.
1. Bell Style Snuffer
The most common and most traditional is the bell style snuffer, often crafted from silver or brass. You’ve probably seen this delicate tool with it's small inverted cup and long handle on the sideboard at your grandmother’s house.
The bell style snuffer is undeniably classy, but it can produce excess smoke, which is not only smelly but can make the candle more difficult to relight.
2. Wick Dipper
A wick dipper is an elegant metal tool about 8 inches long with a bend in one end. For larger diameter candles, use the curved end to push the wick in to the wax pool then re-straighten it. This ensures a smokeless extinguish and primes the wick perfectly for next time you light it.
No wick dipper handy? A straightened paperclip works in a pinch.
3. Pinch Style Snuffer
Pinch style snuffers resemble a mini pair of kitchen tongs and are ideal for smaller candles and candlesticks. Gently pinch the flame and wick to extinguish it immediately with minimal smoke. A quickly extinguished wick remains saturated with molten wax which hardens, priming it for the next light. If the candle is not fully extinguished quickly the wick can smolder which causes the wax left in the wick to fully combust making it slightly more difficult to light next time. If your candle smolders, a second pinch may be needed to stop it completely.
Pinch style snuffers and wick dippers are newer to the lineup but arguably better suited for the job as they have been designed to suit specific candle styles.
What About Blowing Out a Candle?
Even without tools, you can blow out a candle safely, just do it gently (no huffing and puffing!) and place a hand behind the flame to prevent wax droplets from spraying.
Wax spray can be surprisingly fine and may damage tablecloths or furniture. You might not notice it until days later.
Tip: Using the right tool keeps your candle experience clean, safe, and longer-lasting. Bell snuffer, pinch snuffer, or wick dipper—each works if done thoughtfully. And if all else fails, careful blowing will do the trick.
