Beginner Candle Making Equipment MUST HAVES | All The Supplies You Need To Make Candles From Home

Summary

In this video, Erica shares a beginner-friendly guide to essential supplies for candle making. She discusses items such as pouring pitchers, pots for double boiler methods, portable electric burners, thermometers (commercial grade and laser), scales, wick holders, and fragrance oil containers. Erica highlights the pros and cons of different tools, like the accuracy of thermometers and the importance of a gram scale for precise measurements. She also offers helpful tips, like using rubbing alcohol for cleanup and oversized gloves for easier reuse. Viewers are encouraged to explore more tips and shop links in the description.

Takeaways

• 🕯️ The video is aimed at candle-making beginners, explaining necessary supplies to start making candles.
• 📦 The YouTuber mentions links to all supplies discussed in the video can be found in the description box.
• 💧 The first essential item is a pouring pitcher for melting and pouring wax; a 4-pound size is recommended, but beginners should fill it only halfway for better control.
• 🍲 A pot is recommended for the double boiler method to melt the wax, preferably one not used for cooking.
• 🔥 A portable electric burner is an alternative for melting wax, allowing for candle-making in any room with an outlet.
• 🌡️ Thermometers are crucial: the YouTuber uses both a commercial-grade thermometer and a laser thermometer, noting the pros and cons of each (accuracy vs. speed).
• ⚖️ A scale is non-negotiable, needed to measure wax and fragrance oil by weight. A gram scale is highly recommended for precision.
• 🧵 Wick holders are essential to keep wicks centered during the pouring process. Cotter pins and clothespins are effective options.
• 🥤 Containers for measuring fragrance oil are necessary; glass or lined cups work best to prevent oil from eating through the material.
• 🧼 Wooden skewers are recommended for stirring in fragrance oil, and rubbing alcohol is useful for cleaning up wax spills and prepping jars before wicking.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the pouring pitcher in candle making?

The pouring pitcher is used to hold and melt the wax before it is poured into the vessel. It allows for controlled pouring and helps in creating candles without spills.

Why does the creator recommend only filling the pouring pitcher halfway?

Filling the pitcher halfway allows for better control when pouring the wax into the vessel. A full pitcher can be too heavy and difficult to handle, especially for beginners.

What is the double boiler method in candle making?

The double boiler method involves placing a pouring pitcher with wax into a pot of water and heating it. The heat from the boiling water gently melts the wax inside the pitcher, which is a common method for beginners.

What is the benefit of using a portable electric burner for candle making?

A portable electric burner allows you to make candles anywhere in the house, not just in the kitchen. It provides more flexibility in terms of location as long as there is an electrical outlet.

What are the pros and cons of using a commercial grade thermometer versus a laser thermometer?

The commercial grade thermometer is accurate but slow and heavy, while the laser thermometer is faster but may be less accurate, often showing a 5-10 degree difference.

Why is a scale essential for candle making?

A scale is crucial because candle making relies on precise measurements of wax and fragrance oils by weight. Both shipping/kitchen scales and gram scales can be used for this purpose.

Why does the creator recommend using a gram scale for fragrance oil measurement?

A gram scale offers higher precision, especially when measuring small amounts of fragrance oil. It allows for more accurate readings, which is important for creating consistent candles.

What items can be used to hold the candle wick in place during pouring?

Clothespins, custom wick holders, and cotter pins can be used to hold the wick in place. These tools prevent the wick from moving while the wax is being poured.

What are some alternatives for holding and measuring fragrance oil during candle making?

Fragrance oil can be held and measured in lined cups or glass shot glasses. It's important to use containers that won't be eaten through by the fragrance oil, as certain plastics can degrade.

Why does the creator recommend using oversized gloves during candle making?

Oversized gloves are easier to slip on and off, allowing for reuse. They provide protection while handling wax and other materials, and are convenient to remove during breaks in the process.