How To Melt Candle Wax On Stove? What You Will Need

Helen Skeates
Helen Skeates
25 min read

If you’re a fan of fresh scents and want to create your own candles, you may want to consider a career as a candle maker. Becoming familiar with the procedure is essential if you plan on manufacturing your own candles for personal or professional use and selling.

Were you thinking of starting a candle-making business but weren’t sure where to begin? What you need to start melting your own candle wax for any type of candle or wax-related craft is laid out in this article, and I hope it will help you get started.

What You Will Need

Before you begin creating candles and wax, it is crucial to gather all of the necessary tools and ingredients. To melt candle wax and make candles at home, you’ll need a few essential tools and ingredients, such as these:

  • Soy or paraffin wax candles (which can be purchased in bags and also in bulk)
  • To customize the aromas and perfumes for each batch of candles you plan to make, you’ll need fragrance oil.
  • Candle wax dye — for colors and the overall look of your candles.
  • The use of silicone molds can provide you with even more creative freedom when it comes to designing unique forms for each batch of candles that you make.

You’ll also need the following items to aid in the melting process:

  • In order to melt the wax properly, you’ll need weighing scales or some other type of scale.
  • Transferring water and/or melted wax using a pouring pot
  • Keep a check on the wax and water temperatures with the help of this thermometer.
  • Metal spoon to aid in swirling the wax without enabling all of the wax to stick to the spoon
  • boil the water in many pans
  • Underneath the wax, you’ll find a pot of boiling water.

How To Make Candles At Home • Armatage Candle Company

1. Create Your Melting Space

Create a melting area once you’ve gathered all of your materials and tools. Assign yourself an area where you can concentrate exclusively on the candles and wax in front of you, one that is free of distractions. To minimize candle wax dripping on your goods or causing damage, get rid of any unnecessary clutter.

In order to deal with candle wax and other materials that are readily available in front of you, it is strongly recommended that you use a countertop or counter area.

To begin your candle-making endeavor, set up a clean workspace and collect all of the current tools and supplies you’ll need. It’s also a good idea to have any silicone molds you want to utilize in your current candle manufacturing right in your dedicated workspace, so they’re readily available.

2. Weigh Your Candle Wax

It is strongly suggested that you become familiar with the weight of candle wax before you begin selling candles and making your creations at a much faster speed. You may get a sense of how many molds you can fill per pound of candle wax by weighing out one pound of wax and determining how many molds you can fit into it.

At least eight clamshell molds can be filled to the brim with one pound of traditional candle wax. If you use the regular clamshell mold sheets, each clamshell mold can accommodate six candle molds, therefore a pound of wax can make 48 candles.

3. Begin the Melting Process

The melting procedure can begin once you’ve set up a working area and gathered and sorted all of your candle wax and equipment.

Half-fill a medium-sized saucepan or a larger pot with hot water. To help the water come to a boil as rapidly as possible, set your burner to medium or medium-high heat. Place the container on top of the boiling water that contains the weighed and measured wax of your choice in a small saucepan or a glass bowl.

You can keep the water’s heat stable by placing the bowl on top of the pot, but you won’t burn the wax or other components in your glass bowl or smaller pot.

The wax should be heated to 158 degrees Fahrenheit, or 70 degrees Celsius, for best results. While melting your wax, use your thermometer to check that it is not getting any hotter than it should be.

Ten to fifteen minutes may be required to melt a single pound of wax. If you’re using paraffin wax instead of soy wax, it may take a little longer to meet all of your wax needs.

The melting process is over once the wax reaches a clear liquid state.

4. Adding Colors and Dye

The melted wax should be kept away from the stove or other heat sources where it could catch fire. Immediately after extracting the melted wax, follow the instructions provided to add in your preferred candle dye.

While some candle wax dyes just take a few drops per pound of wax, additional color may be needed if you want a completely opaque and vibrant finish. You can experiment with the amount of colour you use to get the look you want for your finished candles.

5. Adding Your Fragrances and Scents

It’s best to wait until the candle wax has cooled to 65 degrees celsius before adding any aromas or fragrances. The fragrance and scent can be added once the wax has cooled to 65 degrees Celsius.

For each pound of melted candle wax that you have and intend to use, simply use one ounce of fragrance or scent oil. A unique aroma can be created by incorporating essential oils into the wax pound.

In order to scent one pound of melted candle wax, all you need is one eighth of fragrance or aroma oil. A unique aroma can be created by incorporating essential oils into the wax pound.

One ounce of fragrance or aroma oil is all it takes to perfume one-pound of melted candle wax that you already have. You can create a perfume that is all your own by mixing the oil into the melted wax.

6. Stick the Wick Into Your Mold

Wicks with stickers on the bottom can be adhered to the bottom of a candle container using this method. If it doesn’t work, use super glue to adhere the wick’s metal tab to the bottom. 2 to 3 minutes is all it takes for the glue to cure and for it to dry in the correct place.

7. Pouring Your Wax Into Molds

The wax can now be poured into the candle molds of your choosing once it has cooled down to about 60 degrees Celsius. Allow the wax and candles to harden in the silicone molds of your choice before removing them from the molds and discarding the wax. Your candles will be finished in a few hours.

How To Melt Candle Wax with the Microwave

The microwave can also be used to melt wax.

  1. You can use a microwavable jar to store your wax. It’s fine to use ceramic or glass dishes in the microwave, but be sure the packaging says “microwave safe” or “heatproof.”
  2. In a microwave-safe basin or jug, heat the wax for one minute at a time until it reaches 80°C. This wax should not be heated above 80°C.)
  3. In 2-minute intervals, heat your wax to a molten state.
  4. When the wax reaches an internal temperature of 80°C, remove it from the microwave and spread it out on a flat, protected surface.
  5. Before adding your color and fragrance oil, check the wax temperature using a thermometer to make sure it is 70°C or higher.
  6. Melt the wax to 70°C and add your preferred amount of color (we recommend 0.2 percent). You should use 6-10% fragrance oil, which should be measured in grams on your scales.
  7. Stir the wax thoroughly to ensure that the colorant and aroma are evenly distributed throughout the wax.
  8. It’s time to pour the wax into your chosen vessel.
  9. Don’t walk away from the wax as it’s being heated in the microwave; keep an eye on it constantly. Once the wax has liquefied, be careful not to overheat it.

How To Melt Candle Wax On Stove

Breaking up Your Wax

To begin the process of melting candle wax over a stove, break the wax into smaller pieces. Choose between soy and beeswax when making your own candles. Soybean oil is widely used to make soy waxes, which combine well with fragrances and colors. Some, however, include dangerous paraffin blends, so always check the label before using.

In spite of being all-natural, beeswax has a tendency to blend poorly with other smells. With a spoon, scoop out the wax from old jar candles and sort it by scent. Classic waxes like paraffin work well with a wide variety of smells and colors.

Avoid using these waxes whenever possible because they are petroleum byproducts, which can be dangerous. You can use a dish to break up your wax if it is not in pellet form. If you have large chunks of wax, use a small, sharp knife to break them up into smaller pieces.

The width of each component should not exceed 1 inch. If your wax is already in pellet form, you can skip this step. Use 3 ounces of crayon wax for coloring.

Use a cheese grater, pencil sharpener or knife to create shavings of wax that can be colored. Fill a 3-ounce mason jar with just enough to satisfy your craving. If you’d like, you can use a variety of different hues.

Check out the wax’s flash point and melting point. Prior to heating your wax, it is important to know its melting point. Wax will combust at a temperature of 320 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the flashpoint.

At 400 degrees Fahrenheit, the flashpoint for beeswax is at least 144 degrees Fahrenheit. The melting point of soy wax varies from 120 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the composition. Labels and providers have varying flashpoints.

The melting point of paraffin wax is 99 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t add any additives, the flashpoint is 390.2 degrees Fahrenheit and 480.2 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively.

Heating Your Wax in a Double Boiler

Make a double boiler to melt your wax. Place a large saucepan on one of the burners. ‘ Fill it to the brim with water, about two inches deep.

Next, add a tiny water pouring pot to the larger one. To be on the safe side, never use a gas stove. Get a double boiler and put in 12 pounds of wax.

This is enough for an 8-ounce mason jar to be filled to the top. When using colored crayons, add the shavings right away. Heat your wax to 320-340°F for 10 to 15 minutes.

The term “medium-low heat” or a numerical element scale of 3 to 5 is used to describe this type of heat. Keep an eye on the temperature of the food by using a cooking thermometer. Make sure to stir the wax every few minutes with a spoon made of wood.

How to Melt Candle Wax Without a Wax Pourer

Large clumps of wax can be broken up using a spoon. Do not hesitate to add more water if the water in the large pot begins to evaporate. Remove the wax from the heat if it reaches 340 degrees Fahrenheit or more, until it recovers to the proper temperature.

Adding scents to the molten wax can be done afterward. Pour the perfume into the wax as it continues to heat up. Stir it with a wooden spoon for around 30 seconds to ensure that it is evenly distributed in your wax.

Candle wax should come with instructions on how much scent to use per pound of wax when you buy it. Instructions on how much smell to put in a pound of wax should come with your candle wax. If your smell doesn’t combine well, try heating it to 365 degrees Fahrenheit.

Is it safe to melt scented wax on the stove?

Your wax melts are best used by melting them and releasing the smell. As an alternative, you can melt your wax in a skillet on the stove. A small amount of water should be heated in a medium-sized pot, and the wax should be placed in the smaller pot.

The Top 5 Wax Melting Pots For Your Candle Making Hobby

The Best Wax Melting Pots

  1. Stainless Steel Melting Pot with Heat Resistant Handle, 600 ML Double Boiler with Silicone Spatula
  2. Candle-making Pouring Pot by EricX, 4 lb.
  3. Aroparc Candle Making Pouring Pot, Pouring Pitcher 4 pounds
  4. Wax Melter by SoyLiteCandleCompany

1. 600 ML Double Boiler with Silicone Spatula, Stainless Steel Melting Pot with Heat Resistant Handle

About 2 cups of melted wax can be accommodated in this pot. One of the best things about it is that it’s made to function as a double boiler for melting things like chocolate, candies, and butter. This is the obvious choice for melting wax or soap base because it does so so well.

It’s made of 18/8 stainless steel and has a 4.5-inch handle covered in heat-resistant silicon. It has two pour spouts on either side and a flat bottom, so it can stand on its own.

For combining in small jars or large bowls, it includes a spoon spatula. To remove any remaining boiler wax, simply scrape it away with this handy tool.

Almost any pot can accommodate this. By hand, it’s a breeze to use and maintain.

Pros

  • Fits a wide range of bowls and saucepans.
  • Suitable for use in the dishwasher

Cons

  • Size is too small to produce a tall candle.
  • Because the sides aren’t very deep, vigorous whisking will cause spills.

2. EricX Light Candle Making Pouring Pot, 4 pounds

There’s enough room for around 8 cups of melted wax in this container, or about 4 pounds. This melting pot can be used directly over heat, unlike conventional wax melting pots that require a double boiler.

Aluminium construction allows it to conduct heat quickly, necessitating close supervision in order to ensure that the wax does not burn. As a side effect, because it’s made of aluminum, it cools the wax down quickly.

Its handle is designed to be heat-resistant and, according to the manufacturer, is 4 times stronger than most brands in the market. It also has a dripless spout for greater control in pouring melted wax and minimizing spills.

Designed to withstand heat, the handle claims to be four times more durable than other brands on the market.. It also boasts a dripless spout for better control when pouring melted wax and reducing the risk of mishaps.

  • Handle that can withstand temperatures of up to 450 degrees
  • Can be used on an electric stovetop without modification.

Cons

  • Built of thin metal sheet; some customers have reported discolouration after using in a double boiler
  • Induction stovetops are not compatible with this product.

3. Aroparc Candle Making Pouring Pot, Pouring Pitcher 4 pounds

To make three or four standard wick candles, use this pot’s maximum wax capacity of four pounds.

In addition to melting waxes like soy and paraffin, this pot is made of aluminum, which makes it easy to add aroma and dye. So as not to waste wax, the spout has a concave shape to minimize spillage when pouring. An anti-stick coating makes cleaning up a breeze.

When using it with a double boiler, the handle is coated in plastic to protect it from the heat. Aluminum makes it easy to cool down melted wax.

Pros

  • Construction of heavy-duty metal
  • In a large stock pot used for double boiling, it floats well.

Cons

  • Doesn’t include side-by-side measures.
  • Doesn’t come with a spatula

4. Hztyyier Candle Making Pouring Pot Stainless Steel Wax Melting Pot

A spatula is not included.

Made from premium stainless steel, it won’t rust and conducts heat more effectively than aluminum. Its spout is designed like an eagle’s mouth so that it’s easy to pour the melted wax into any mold and reduce spillage.

Made from premium stainless steel, it won’t rust and conducts heat more effectively than aluminum. Its spout is designed like an eagle’s mouth so that it’s easy to pour the melted wax into any mold and reduce spillage.

It doesn’t rust and transfers heat better than aluminum because it’s made of superior stainless steel. When using it, you may pour wax into any mold with ease because of the shape of the pourer’s mouth, which looks like the mouth of an eagle.

  • It is compatible with induction cooking.
  • On the side, there are measures.

Cons

  • It will be difficult to place the pot into a double boiler because of the handle’s closed construction.

5. SoyLiteCandleCompany Wax Melter

Designed to melt soy, paraffin, or beeswax rapidly, this pot is a one-of-a-kind creation. It can supposedly contain up to 6 liters of molten wax, according to the maker.

Because of the spigot, you can just pour in the melted wax instead of having to deal with messy pouring. As a bonus, it’s an electric-powered melting pot. It has a power output of 1000 watts and is powered by 110 volts.

Pros

  • In a hurry
  • The app is simple to use.

Cons

  • Some people have complained that the power cord is too short, causing it to tumble out of their hands.
  • The spigot is set too high, so you’ll have to lower it to retrieve the final dabs of wax.

Buyers Guide to Choosing the Best Melting Pot

While it may seem simple to melt wax, it is actually one of the most dangerous parts of the candle-making process. If not handled properly, wax might be a fire danger. That’s why it’s so important to choose the greatest equipment for your own protection. What to look for when purchasing a wax melting pot is detailed below.

Size

When finished, how many candles will you have made? Small-scale candlemaking is the primary use of most melting pots on the market. Smaller sizes (approximately a half-liter) are more common.

A large melting pot is necessary if you plan to make a lot of candles. The most weight I’ve come across that’s still appropriate for a personal hobby is roughly 4 pounds. More than a few candles can be made with this amount.

Manual or Electric

It takes more time and effort to melt wax in a simple melting pot than an electric one, but they are less expensive. When wax reaches its flashpoint (over 300F), it becomes flammable, thus melting it over the stove is not recommended.

Because of this, melting pots and double boilers are utilized together. As a result, the heat is more evenly distributed, and the temperature does not rise suddenly.

An electric melting pot, on the other hand, eliminates the need for all of that. Unlike a double boiler, it can attain a specified temperature and hold it without causing any harm to the food. And because it employs an electric heat source, it will not start a fire if the wax vapors reach their flashpoint.

Design

If you’re using a manual pot, look at the handle design. When using a double boiler, a pot with an open handle can be used as a hook. It’ll keep the pot from tumbling. As a safety precaution, make sure the handle is heat-resistant.

You’ll need a spigot if you’re using an electric pot. You won’t have to worry about spilling wax if you use this method.

Check to see if the non-stick coating has been applied to the interior. Cleaning will be a breeze with this treatment.

Material

I’ve only seen aluminum and stainless steel utilized in these melting pans. Aluminum is the best choice if you want to quickly cool down hot wax, but both are excellent conductors.

Cooking pans are often made of stainless steel because of its ability to retain heat. When melting wax, you need a material that won’t increase the temperature further, because wax can swiftly reach its flashpoint temperature once it starts melting.

In addition, stainless steel outlasts aluminum in terms of durability. As a result, electric skillets made of stainless steel are becoming increasingly popular as kitchen appliances.

FAQs

Can I melt candle wax on the stove?

Place a large pot on the stove with half of its water filled and let it heat up. Pour your wax into a clean coffee can, a smaller saucepan, or a pouring pitcher. Melt the wax in the smaller container by placing it in the bigger pan and heating it to a low simmer.
How To Make Wax Melts • Armatage Candle Company

How do you melt wax beads on the stove?

If you want your water to boil faster, turn your burner to medium or high heat and cover your pot (don’t use the bowl yet). To maintain a simmer, lower the heat down to a low level when the water starts boiling.

Can you use a stove as a candle warmer?

If you’re using the stove approach, you’ll need to warm a tiny amount of water in a medium-sized saucepan before placing a smaller pan inside of it and putting your wax in it. If you don’t have a stove or heater, you can still enjoy the aroma.

Can you melt wax in a plastic jug?

Melt your wax in a plastic (microwaveable) or glass ‘Pyrex’ container. If you’re just starting out, you’ll want to keep things simple and affordable – fancy gadgets can come later! This is a quick and easy alternative to using twin boilers or wax melting pots.

Can I melt candle wax in the microwave?

The process of melting wax in a microwave oven is straightforward. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the appropriate volume of soy wax. For 5 minutes, heat on regular or high heat. In the event that your microwave lacks a spin feature, you can stir the wax, turn it, and put it back in the microwave for the rest of its cooking time.

Can old candles be melted and reused into new candles?

Yes, that’s what I’m getting at. A fresh candle can easily be made by melting down the remaining wax and pouring it into a new votive. Make sure that all of the waxes you use are of the same type (beeswax, paraffin, or soy).

Can you melt candle wax with a hair dryer?

Fortunately, there’s an easy remedy if you notice it early enough. A hair dryer on high heat can be used to blast the top of the candle. Until the top layer of wax has melted and smoothed out, simply direct the airflow over the top of the candle.

How do you melt wax without a microwave?

Fill a big pot 2/3 of the way with water and bring to a boil. You can hold a smaller container over it, either right above or barely touching the water, depending on your preference. In this, put some wax. It should be warmed by the water’s heat, not scorched by it.

Can you use a toothpick as a candle wick?

Yes, you can use a toothpick as a wick for a candle.

Can you use string as a candle wick?

Candle wicks can be treated with oils or salts, although plain cotton thread works just as well. Using cotton string candle wicks, you get a long-lasting burn with no soot. For those who want to make their own candles and oil lamps, you can use DIY candle wicks.

Conclusion

Do you think you’re ready to start melting wax and making candles of your own right away? Do you have the self-assurance to start pouring candles to sell to the public?

Once you’re familiar with the procedure and know what each step is supposed to accomplish, melting candle wax isn’t that tough. There is no substitute for mastering the art of melting and working with wax, whether you are making candles for personal use or selling them to others, even if you plan to open your own candle shop.

Did you find the process of melting candle wax to be easy and simplistic in nature, or are there ways you wish to improve the process in the future? If you’ve made your own candles, what is your favorite part of the process? Tell us in the comments below.

Is the procedure of melting candle wax simple and straightforward to you, or do you have any suggestions for improving it in the future? Comment below with your favorite features of making your own candles, melting wax, and designing your own scents and styles.

Helen Skeates

Helen Skeates

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