Candle Making Supplies: The Complete Starter List
If you've been wondering what do you need to make candles at home, you're not alone. Most beginners land on this exact question and then spend hours falling down a rabbit hole of Amazon listings, craft store aisles, and conflicting blog advice. The good news? Your candle making supplies list is shorter than you think — and once you understand what each item does, it all clicks into place.
Before you buy anything, it's worth knowing that there are three main ways to get set up: grab a complete all-in-one kit that includes everything from wax to jars, buy a tools-only kit and source your wax and scents separately, or piece together your own supply stash one item at a time. Each approach has real trade-offs, and this guide will walk you through all of them. We've also reviewed the best products in each category below so you can make a confident first purchase.
If you're still deciding whether candle making is the right hobby for you, check out our full guide on how to make candles at home — it covers the entire process from start to finish. And if you want to see our top overall picks in one place, our best candle making kits for beginners roundup is a great companion to this post.
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Quick verdict
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Complete beginner who wants everything in one box
CraftZee Deluxe Soy Candle Making Kit (Wax, Scents, Jars, Dyes, Pouring Pot)
Includes wax, jars, fragrance oils, dyes, and tools — nothing else to buy for your first 4–6 candles.
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Beginner who wants to choose their own scents and wax
InYourNature Candle Making Supplies (Pouring Pot + 100 Wicks + Tools)
A solid tools-only kit with 100 wicks, a quality pouring pot, and all the essentials — without locking you into specific fragrances.
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Beginner who already has jars and fragrance oil
Ohcans Candle Making Supply Kit (Pouring Pot, Wicks, Thermometer)
A compact kit with a pouring pot, thermometer, and wicks — great if you only need the hardware side of your DIY candle supplies.
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Beginner interested in pillar and molded candles
HOWFIELD 52oz All-in-One Candle Making Kit (2 Reusable Molds + 100 Wicks)
Comes with reusable molds and 52oz of wax — ideal if you want to go beyond jar candles from day one.
CraftZee
CraftZee Deluxe Soy Candle Making Kit (Wax, Scents, Jars, Dyes, Pouring Pot)
The CraftZee Deluxe Soy Candle Making Kit is the closest thing to a plug-and-play candle making experience you'll find. It includes soy wax, frosted candle jars, four fragrance oils, dyes, wicks, a pouring pot, and even labels — meaning you can open the box and start making candles the same afternoon. For complete beginners who want to learn the process without making a dozen separate purchasing decisions, this kit removes all of that friction.
The kit is designed to make approximately 4–6 candles, which is a realistic number for a first session and enough to get comfortable with the basics: melting temperatures, fragrance load, wick centering, and pour technique. The frosted jars included are genuinely attractive, which makes this a popular option as a gift kit or for someone who wants shareable results on their first try.
The main trade-off is cost per candle. All-in-one kits like this are priced for convenience, not economy. Once you've made your first batch and want to scale up, you'll likely want to buy wax, fragrance, and jars in larger quantities separately. But as a starting point? CraftZee is hard to beat.
- Includes
- Soy wax, frosted candle jars, 4 fragrance oils, dyes, wicks, pouring pot, labels
- Makes
- ~4–6 candles
- Best for
- Complete beginners, gift kits, DIY arts & crafts
Pros
- Truly all-in-one — wax, jars, fragrances, dyes, tools, and labels included
- Frosted glass jars look polished and gift-ready
- Great for learning the full process in a single session
- No guesswork about what to buy first
Cons
- Higher cost per candle than buying supplies individually
- Only makes 4–6 candles — you'll need to restock quickly if you love it
- Limited fragrance choices compared to buying oils separately
InYourNature
InYourNature Candle Making Supplies (Pouring Pot + 100 Wicks + Tools)
The InYourNature Candle Making Supplies kit is built for people who want to choose their own wax and scents but need all the hardware sorted in one purchase. The kit includes a 32oz pouring pot, thermometer, 100 cotton wicks, 100 wick stickers, 10 wick holders, and a mixing spoon — which is a genuinely complete set of tools for a beginner working with container candles.
What makes this kit appealing is the wick quantity. One hundred wicks is enough to experiment with multiple wick sizes without running out, which matters more than most beginners realize. Wick sizing is one of the trickiest parts of candle making, and having extras on hand means you can test and adjust without placing another order mid-project. For more on choosing the right wick, our guide to the best candle wicks for soy wax is worth bookmarking.
The obvious caveat is in the product name itself: tools only. You'll need to buy soy wax (or paraffin, or beeswax), fragrance oils, and containers separately. That's not a flaw — it's the point. If you want to source a high-quality soy wax or pick your own fragrance collection, this kit gives you the tools without dictating your choices.
- Includes
- 32oz pouring pot, thermometer, 100 cotton wicks, 100 wick stickers, 10 wick holders, mixing spoon
- Note
- Tools only — no wax or fragrance included
- Best for
- Candle makers who buy wax and scents separately
Pros
- 100 cotton wicks is generous for a starter kit
- 32oz pouring pot is a practical size for small batches
- Includes wick holders and stickers — often sold separately
- Gives you full control over your wax and fragrance choices
Cons
- No wax, fragrance, or jars included — requires additional purchases before you can start
- 10 wick holders may feel limiting if you're making many candles at once
Ohcans
Ohcans Candle Making Supply Kit (Pouring Pot, Wicks, Thermometer)
The Ohcans Candle Making Supply Kit is a no-fuss option for beginners who already have some pieces of the puzzle — maybe you've got mason jars sitting in a cupboard, or you've already ordered a fragrance oil you want to try. This kit provides the essential hardware: a 900ml pouring pot, candle wicks, wick stickers, wick holders, and a thermometer, along with soy wax flakes to get you started.
The inclusion of soy wax flakes is a nice bonus that sets this apart from a pure tools-only kit. It means you're not completely on your own for materials — you just need to supply the containers and scent. The 900ml pouring pot is a practical size for small batches and easy to handle for beginners who are still getting used to working with hot wax.
This kit works best as a complement to existing supplies rather than a standalone starter. If you already know which fragrance oils you like, or you've picked up some containers at a thrift store, the Ohcans kit fills the gaps neatly. Just be aware that it's a smaller, more focused kit — don't expect it to get you through dozens of candles without restocking.
- Includes
- 900ml pouring pot, candle wicks, wick stickers, wick holders, thermometer
- Wax included
- Soy wax flakes
- Best for
- Beginners who already have jars and fragrance
Pros
- Soy wax flakes included — not purely tools-only
- Compact 900ml pouring pot is beginner-friendly
- Includes wick holders and stickers for clean results
- Good value if you already have jars and fragrance
Cons
- Smaller kit — not ideal if you want to make a large first batch
- No fragrance oils or dyes included
- Pouring pot size may feel limiting as you scale up
HOWFIELD
HOWFIELD 52oz All-in-One Candle Making Kit (2 Reusable Molds + 100 Wicks)
Most beginner candle kits assume you want to make jar candles — the HOWFIELD 52oz All-in-One Candle Making Kit is a welcome exception. It comes with two reusable molds, 100 cotton wicks, and 52oz of wax, and it's compatible with soy, paraffin, and beeswax. If you've got your eye on pillar candles, tapered shapes, or free-standing designs, this is the kit to start with.
The reusable molds are the real selling point here. Most entry-level kits give you single-use or no molds at all. Having reusable molds from the start means you're building a setup you can actually grow with, rather than buying disposable components that pile up. The 52oz wax supply is also generous compared to smaller kits — it gives you room to experiment, make mistakes, and still have material left for a successful batch.
The trade-off is that molded candles have a steeper learning curve than container candles. You'll need to manage shrinkage (wax contracts as it cools and may need a top-up pour), and getting clean releases from molds takes practice. But if that challenge sounds exciting rather than intimidating, this kit is a fantastic first step.
- Size
- 52 oz wax
- Includes
- 2 reusable molds, 100 cotton wicks, tools
- Works with
- Soy, paraffin, and beeswax
- Best for
- Beginners wanting reusable molds for pillar and container candles
Pros
- Reusable molds are a long-term investment — not single-use
- 52oz wax supply is generous for a starter kit
- Compatible with soy, paraffin, and beeswax — versatile
- 100 cotton wicks included
Cons
- Molded candles have a steeper learning curve than jar candles
- No fragrance oils included — you'll need to source scents separately
- Two molds limits variety until you invest in more shapes
| Spec | CraftZee Deluxe Soy Candle Making Kit (Wax, Scents, Jars, Dyes, Pouring Pot) | InYourNature Candle Making Supplies (Pouring Pot + 100 Wicks + Tools) | Ohcans Candle Making Supply Kit (Pouring Pot, Wicks, Thermometer) | HOWFIELD 52oz All-in-One Candle Making Kit (2 Reusable Molds + 100 Wicks) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soy wax, frosted candle jars, 4 fragrance oils, dyes, wicks, pouring pot, labels | 32oz pouring pot, thermometer, 100 cotton wicks, 100 wick stickers, 10 wick holders, mixing spoon | 900ml pouring pot, candle wicks, wick stickers, wick holders, thermometer | 2 reusable molds, 100 cotton wicks, tools | |
| ~4–6 candles | — | — | — | |
| Complete beginners, gift kits, DIY arts & crafts | Candle makers who buy wax and scents separately | Beginners who already have jars and fragrance | Beginners wanting reusable molds for pillar and container candles | |
| — | Tools only — no wax or fragrance included | — | — | |
| — | — | Soy wax flakes | — | |
| — | — | — | 52 oz wax | |
| — | — | — | Soy, paraffin, and beeswax |
How to Build Your Candle Making Supplies List
Before you click "add to cart" on anything, it helps to understand what every item on a candle making supplies list actually does. Here's a breakdown of the core components — and then we'll talk about how to choose your approach.
The Core DIY Candle Supplies Every Beginner Needs
Wax is the foundation of every candle. Soy wax is the most popular choice for beginners because it's easy to work with, burns cleanly, and holds fragrance well. Paraffin is cheaper but produces more soot. Beeswax is natural and long-burning but expensive. If you're not sure where to start, our guide to the best soy wax for candles walks through the top options.
Wicks determine how your candle burns. Too thin and the flame drowns in its own wax pool; too thick and you get a sooty, fast-burning candle. Wick sizing depends on your container diameter and your wax type, which is why having extras on hand matters — you'll likely need to test a few sizes.
A pouring pot (also called a wax melting pitcher) is a dedicated heat-safe container for melting and pouring wax. Don't use a pot you also cook with — wax is notoriously difficult to clean off cookware.
A thermometer tells you when your wax is ready to add fragrance (typically around 180°F) and when it's cool enough to pour (typically 130–150°F depending on your wax). Getting this right is one of the biggest factors in candle quality.
Fragrance oils give your candle its scent. Most soy waxes can hold 6–10% fragrance by weight. Using too much can cause fragrance pooling or fire hazards; too little and your candle won't throw scent.
Containers or molds are where the wax lives. Mason jars, tin containers, and glass tumblers are popular choices for beginners making container candles. If you want pillar or molded candles, you'll need dedicated molds.
Wick stickers and wick holders keep your wick centered while the wax cools. These are small, inexpensive accessories that make a noticeable difference in your finished candle.
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All-in-One Kit vs. Tools-Only Kit vs. Buying Separately
This is the real decision every beginner faces. Here's an honest breakdown of each approach:
All-in-One Kits
All-in-one kits include everything: wax, jars, fragrance, wicks, and tools. The CraftZee Deluxe Kit reviewed above is a good example. These kits are ideal if:
- You're completely new and don't want to make multiple purchasing decisions
- You want to give candle making as a gift
- You're not sure yet whether you'll enjoy the hobby and want to test it with minimum investment of time and research
The downside is that all-in-one kits cost more per candle than buying supplies in bulk, and you're limited to the fragrance oils and wax that came in the box. Once you've made your first batch, you'll probably want more control.
Tools-Only Supply Kits
Tools-only kits like the InYourNature kit give you the hardware — pouring pot, thermometer, wicks, holders — without dictating your wax or scent choices. This is a smart middle ground for beginners who:
- Already know they want a specific wax type (like coconut-soy blends)
- Have specific fragrances they want to use
- Want to buy wax in larger quantities from the start
You'll need to make a couple of additional purchases, but you'll have more flexibility and likely a lower cost per candle over time.
Buying Everything Separately
Purchasing wax, wicks, jars, fragrance oils, and tools individually gives you the most control and the best economy at scale — but it requires more research upfront. This approach works well for beginners who:
- Have done enough reading to know exactly what they want
- Want to make more than 10–15 candles in their first round
- Are already comfortable comparing product specs and reading reviews
If you go this route, start with our guides to the best soy wax for candles and best candle wicks for soy to narrow down your options.
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What You Don't Need Right Away
Beginners often over-buy. Here's what you can skip on your first order:
- Dyes and colorants — your first candles will look beautiful in natural cream or ivory. Add color once you've mastered the basics.
- Multiple fragrance oils — start with one or two scents you love and learn how they behave before expanding your collection.
- Fancy molds — jar candles are the easiest place to start. Molds add complexity (shrinkage, release issues) that you don't need on day one.
- A wax melter machine — a double boiler setup or a basic pouring pot on the stovetop is completely sufficient for beginner batches.
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A Note on Safety
Candle making involves hot wax and open heat sources. A few basics before you start:
- Never leave melting wax unattended
- Keep a fire extinguisher accessible
- Work on a heat-safe surface
- Use a thermometer — wax that gets too hot is a fire risk
- Keep water away from hot wax (it can splatter)
None of this is meant to scare you off. Candle making is a genuinely safe hobby when you follow basic precautions. But it's worth knowing before your first session.
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Conclusion
Building your candle making supplies list doesn't have to be overwhelming. If you want the simplest possible start, grab the CraftZee Deluxe Kit and make your first candles this weekend. If you want more flexibility over your wax and scents, pair the InYourNature tools kit with a quality soy wax and a couple of fragrance oils you love. And if you already have jars and fragrance, the Ohcans kit fills in the hardware gaps for less.
The most important thing is to start. You'll learn more from your first pour than from any amount of research — and your second batch will already be better than your first.
Frequently asked questions
- At minimum, you need wax, wicks, a pouring pot, a thermometer, fragrance oil (optional but recommended), and a container or mold. Wick stickers and wick holders are inexpensive extras that make the process much easier. An all-in-one kit like the CraftZee Deluxe Kit includes all of these in one box, which is the simplest starting point for a complete beginner.
- Buying supplies separately is almost always cheaper per candle once you're making batches of 10 or more. However, all-in-one kits save you time and research, and they're a reasonable investment for your first 4–6 candles. As you scale up, buying wax, wicks, and fragrance oils in bulk will significantly reduce your cost per candle.
- Not every container is safe for candle making. You need heat-resistant containers — glass, metal tins, or ceramic are the most common choices. Avoid plastic, thin glass, or anything without a flat bottom. Mason jars and purpose-made candle tins are reliable options for beginners.
- Soy wax is widely considered the best wax for beginners. It melts at a lower temperature than paraffin, is easy to clean up with soap and water, holds fragrance well, and produces a clean burn. Look for container-specific soy wax flakes, which are formulated to adhere to jar walls without frosting or sinkholes.
- Wick size is determined primarily by the diameter of your container. Most wick manufacturers provide sizing charts based on container diameter and wax type. As a general rule, a wider container needs a thicker wick. When in doubt, buy a wick sampler and test two or three sizes — burn each candle for 2–3 hours and check the melt pool size and flame height.
- No — unscented candles are perfectly valid and some people prefer them. But if you want a scented candle, fragrance oil or essential oils are your main options. Fragrance oils are generally stronger and more consistent than essential oils for candle making, and they're the better choice for beginners working with soy wax.
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