Your Guide to Candle Making Equipment

Making candles provides the opportunity to expand your creativity, experimenting with colour and fragrance. Handmade candles are unique. Whether you choose to sell your creations or gift them to family and friends, the recipient will certainly appreciate the time and effort that you have put in.

You may not realise it, but many of the tools you need to make candles can be found in your kitchen. Of course, once you’ve used a pot to melt wax or combine candle ingredients, it’s best to avoid using it again to make food! If you plan to pursue candle-making on a more serious level, there are some additional specialist instruments you can purchase that will help you turn your hobby into a thriving business.

Read on to learn more about the types of tools you will need, where to source them, and what to look for when buying candle making equipment.

Thermometer

Candles can be made using a number of different types of waxes, from soy to paraffin. Each type of wax has an ideal temperature at which it should be poured into your chosen mould or container. This is known as the ‘pour temperature’.

The pour temperature is different for each type of candle wax, so it is important that you read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. It’s also crucial that you have a thermometer handy to help track and control the movement of temperature.

It is best to use a glass or infrared thermometer for candle making. When shopping for a thermometer, look for one with a clip that will help hold it against the side of your melting pot. Make sure the markings on the thermometer can be easily read and that it is also easy to clean.

Pouring Jugs

Your wax needs a sturdy container to melt in. This container must have a number of properties for your candle-making to succeed. Ideally, your container will be able to resist high heat and have a durable and heat-proof handle.

While you can use a standard kitchen pot, it’s a good idea to invest in a specialist aluminium pouring jug. These products often have solid heat conductivity, meaning that you don’t have to reheat the wax on multiple occasions.

Digital Scales

Candle making is both a science and an art-form. While you will need creativity when it comes to colour and fragrance, you will also require a mathematical approach to measure your ingredients.

Digital scales can be used to weigh wax and fragrance, making sure you get the ratio of your ingredients correct. There are many different types of digital scales out there; opt for one that you feel comfortable using.

Heat Gun

A heat gun is used for a variety of purposes. If you’re planning on investing considerable time and money into your candle making business, this tool is an excellent investment. You might think that a hairdryer can do the same job, but we promise that it simply won’t cut it.

Most commonly, a heat gun is used to preheat containers before filling them with wax. This can prevent the candle from cracking or setting with ‘wet spots’, which occur when the candle pulls away from the glass. Heat guns can also be used to help repair imperfections on the surface of your candle.

It takes skill to use a heat gun correctly. Applied in an uncontrolled fashion, you could accidentally set your wick alight! It’s highly advised that you do your research and ensure you know what you’re doing before applying the tool to your containers and candles.

Pipette

The fragrance of a candle is one of the factors that makes it unique. Measuring and mixing fragrances takes patience and a steady hand; the process is made considerably easier through the use of a pipette.

Ensure that your chosen pipette displays measurements in at least .5ml increments and is made of a material suitable for your intended use.

There are many factors that go into quality home-made candles. One is using the right candle making equipment. Take your time when researching and browsing equipment suppliers to make sure you are investing in high-quality products that will last. And enjoy the process of making your own home-made candles!