If you are familiar with a candle extinguisher, then you have come across a candle snuffer. Both of them are the same thing, one with a traditional name and the other, well, more practical. 

Also, it is sometimes called a doubter. The cone-shaped cup extinguishes candle flame with more fashion than simply blowing it and splattering wax all over the place. 

But doesn’t snuffing mean trimming off? Well, it does. And there is a history behind the candle snuffer becoming an extinguisher or doubter. 

Is a Candle Extinguisher Called a Snuffer and Doubter?

Ever used an old candle? The longer it burnt, the wick seemed to stay taller. And eventually, fall into the candle sometimes creating another wick. Which made the flame brighter, but the candle burn faster. 

Modern candles don’t do this thing as the wicks are made to be consumed and vanish while they burn. But until the 1840s, wicks fell into the candle after they have burnt out. 

And this is where the snuffer came in. A scissor-like device with a mechanism to hold whatever is pushed into it. In particular, the burnt-out candle wick. With the development of the vanishing wick, the candle snuffer seemed a bit obsolete.

But like any other invention, it evolved. As blowing off a candle caused smoke, odor, and wax splatter, people wanted something that was more convenient. So sometime in the 1900s, they developed a cup-like tool, with or without a handle, to be placed over a burning candle to put it out. 

As a result, there were no wax splatter, less odor, and smoke. Making it an ideal device to put out candles with ease. 

Why Snuffer Instead of Extinguisher?

Well, like many things, the name Snuffer got stuck. Just like the telephone. Although the purpose and design have changed, the function almost stayed the same. Along with the same materials in play.

So the age-old name snuffer or doubter, stayed. Look at it in this way, a historical object that keeps on evolving, keeping the same name. How exciting is that! 

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is the point of a candle snuffer?

The point of a candle snuffer is to put out the candle without blowing it and splattering melted wax all over the place. Also, it helps reduce odor and smoke. 

How do you use a candle extinguisher?

Generally, you just place the cone of the candle extinguisher over a lighted candle. And then take it off after a few seconds. All the extinguishers have the same purpose. If you are using a candle-attached extinguisher, then after the candle has burnt to a certain point, it will spring over the candle wick on its own. 

Does a candle snuffer prevent smoke?

Yes. As the candle snuffer encapsulates the flame of the wick as a whole, it prevents excess smoke which is produced while you blow the candle off. 

Conclusion 

No matter what you call it, a candle snuffer is more of an aesthetic object. With the development of design and convenience, you will find them in different sizes, designs, and materials. If you are an avid candle enthusiast, we suggest you invest in one, for not only the aesthetics but also for its functionality.