Egloo is a unique product that claims to heat, scent, and humidify small spaces using candle power. Inspired by its egg shape (or perhaps igloo shape?), the Egloo intrigued me enough to put it to the test. Here’s my experience with the unboxing, setup, and performance of this compact ceramic heater.
Where to Purchase
The best place to purchase the Egloo is direct from the official website. I did see a listing on Amazon, but as of this writing it looked more expensive and may have been a reseller. I’d suggest checking both places for the best price.
Unboxing the Egloo
Egloo comes packaged with a surprising number of components. As I unpacked the box, I noticed a pleasant fragrance emanating from within. The materials include a terracotta base, several candle wicks, a grill, and two domes to assemble the heating unit. The overall design feels solid and handmade, with a rustic clay pot look that gives it a unique, earthy aesthetic. There are other designs available on the Egloo website.
Setting Up the Egloo
After closely reviewing the instructions and watching a how-to video several times, I was ready to get started. The setup involved placing a metal plate in the base, adding the three wooden wicks, and then filling the base with wax and a few drops of scented oil. A key part of the assembly was ensuring the grill sat with a small gap underneath, achieved by positioning it with the small ball-shaped “feet” facing down.
Lighting the Egloo and First Impressions
Once assembled, I lit the wicks and placed the domes on top. My first impression was that the Egloo adds a cozy ambiance to the room, with a warm glow and pleasant fragrance that wasn’t overpowering. The scent, a subtle Melagranata, was just enough to fill the room without overwhelming the senses.
Testing the Heat and Humidity Claims
Egloo is advertised as a space heater that can increase room temperature and humidity. I measured the baseline temperature and humidity at 74.8°F and 20% humidity. After running for 15 minutes, I checked the results. I could feel a noticeable warmth when I placed my hand over it, and my thermal imager showed the temperature an the opening of the unit had reached 271°F, with heat rising from the top.
While the Egloo does provide some warmth to the immediate area, it didn’t immediately provide much of a difference to the overall room temperature or humidity. After 42 minutes, the temperature near the Egloo rose slightly to around 79 degrees, but the humidity remained almost the same, even dropping slightly. This suggests that while the Egloo emits some warmth, its effects are best felt when you’re close by rather than heating the entire room.
The temperature in the immediate area peaked at 79 degrees between 45-60 minutes, then slowly fell slightly over time. How much warming you will achieve will depend on numerous factors such as air flow, room size, etc.
Using Tealight Candles as an Alternative
The Egloo’s candles eventually burned out after five hours. Without refills, I decided to experiment with dollar-store tealight candles. Surprisingly, these worked well, providing similar warmth, though they lasted about 3.5 hours, shorter than the original wicks. The tealights are a viable alternative if you run out of the Egloo’s proprietary refills, though they may not last as long.
Pros and Cons of the Egloo
Pros
- Pleasant Ambiance: The Egloo creates a soft glow and a gentle fragrance, adding a nice touch to any room.
- Compact and Portable: Its small size and candle-powered design make it convenient to move and use anywhere.
- Durable Build: Handmade with terracotta, the Egloo feels sturdy and well-crafted.
Cons
- Limited Heating and Humidifying: While it provides some warmth to a small area, it doesn’t effectively heat or humidify an entire room.
- Pricey Refills: Refills can be costly, and they’re currently only available through the Egloo’s official site.
- Slow Warm-Up: It takes time to heat up and is most effective if you’re sitting close to it rather than using it as a room heater.
Final Verdict
The Egloo is a charming, well-made device that creates a warm and fragrant atmosphere, though its heating and humidifying effects are limited. It’s not a full-fledged space heater but can be a cozy addition to small spaces. If you’re interested in a decorative candle heater that adds ambiance, the Egloo may be worth considering.