Summarize:

A burner that uses a small lightbulb as a heating element can be a good option, as the warmer will only get as hot as the lightbulb allows. Other models involve sitting a ceramic bowl on top of a heating element, sometimes referred to as a candle warmer or wax warmer.  Electric burners eliminate the need for an open flame, but electrical hazards can still cause fire risks and the heating element can cause burns. Operate these with care and never leave them unattended.  Avoid using an extension cord as this increases the risk of fire. Choose a burner that has a cord that is long enough to reach your outlet. Do not place more than three electrical appliances into any one outlet at a time. It’s also a good idea to unplug your burner when it’s not in use. Electrical burners really only differ from traditional models in how they heat the oils. The rest of the process looks the same.  Fill the ceramic bowl with water, using distilled if your tap water has a high mineral content. Add approximately 10 drops of your essential oils. Instead of lighting a candle, your electric burner will need to be plugged into a working electrical socket. Some burner models may also have an “off/on” switch somewhere on their cord. Check to see if this is the case and make sure you turn it to the on position. Don’t burn your oils for more than an hour or so at a time. Cycle between periods of burning and not burning so that you don’t overwhelm your space with too much oil. Wash out the bowl of your burner in between aromatherapy sessions to avoid the build-up of residues. Use a tissue or cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol to wipe out the bowl.  Turn off and unplug your burner before cleaning it. Leave it to cool for 15-20 minutes after turning it off before you attempt to clean it as it could cause burns. To remove built-up residue that you missed, try a mixture of 2-3 drops of lemon essential oil, 2 tablespoons (28.8 g) of baking soda and ½ tablespoon (7.5 mL) of water. Spread this over the affected area and let it sit for 5 minutes before wiping clean with a sponge.
Look for a ceramic burner that uses a low heat. Prepare your oil just as you would with a traditional burner. Turn on your burner by plugging it in. Keep your burner clean in between uses.