What Containers Are Best For Candle Making?

Candle making is a popular craft that allows crafters to create beautiful, scented works of art. One of the most important decisions in candle making is choosing the right container. The container holds the wax and wick, and can impact how the candle burns, how it looks, and more.

There are five main types of containers commonly used in candle making: glass, metal, ceramic, plastic, and wood. Glass containers are probably the most popular option due to their transparency allowing the candle color to shine through. Metal tins allow for creative shapes and designs. Ceramic vessels provide a rustic, decorative look. Plastic containers are affordable and lightweight. And wood containers give a natural, earthy feel.

When selecting a candle container, there are various factors to consider including safety, appearance, cost, weight, and more. The purpose of the candle also matters. A gift candle may warrant more ornate packaging, while a candle meant to scent your own home can be simpler. The right container choice helps maximize how your candle looks, burns, and serves its purpose.

Table of Contents

Glass Containers

Glass containers are a popular choice for candle making due to their many benefits. Glass is reusable, transparent, and available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes to suit any candle design. The transparency of glass allows the candle color and design to show through beautifully. Glass container styles range from simple tumblers to ornate carved vases and jars.

However, glass does have some drawbacks as a candle vessel. It is fragile and can crack or shatter if dropped. Glass also conducts heat, so the container may get hot during burning. Proper candle wick sizing and trimming can help prevent overheating of the glass. Avoid drastic temperature changes by allowing the glass to cool down slowly after the candle is extinguished. With proper care, glass can be an ideal choice for homemade candles with its aesthetic appeal and customizability.

Metal Containers

Metal containers like tin and aluminum are a popular choice for candle making. Here are some of the pros and cons of using metal containers:

Pros

Durable – Metal is very sturdy and can be reused many times without wear and tear.
Reusable – Metal containers can be cleaned and reused repeatedly for new candles.
Conducts Heat Well – The metal helps disperse heat from the candle evenly across the container.

Cons

Opaque – Unlike glass, metal containers are opaque so you can’t see the candle wax or flame.
Limited Shapes – It’s difficult to find metal containers in unique shapes beyond basic rounds and squares.

If you’re looking for a sturdy, reusable container, metal can be an excellent candle-making option. Just keep in mind the visual limitations compared to clear glass or ceramics.

Ceramic Containers

Ceramic containers are a popular choice for candle making because they come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and designs. Ceramic can be glazed in different colors and patterns, allowing you to create unique candle holders and containers. Many ceramic containers are reusable, so you can clean them out and reuse them after the candle has been used up.

However, there are some downsides to ceramic containers. Ceramic is fragile, so these containers can chip or crack easily if dropped. The material is also opaque, so you won’t be able to see how much candle wax is left or view the candle flame if using a container rather than a holder. The opaque nature does help block light to prevent UV rays from damaging scent and color in the wax blend.

Plastic Containers

Plastic containers are a popular choice for candle making because they are inexpensive and come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and colors. Some of the pros of using plastic containers include:

Inexpensive – Plastic containers tend to be very affordable, especially compared to glass or metal options. This makes them a budget-friendly choice.
Reusable – Many plastic containers can be cleaned and reused multiple times. This helps reduce waste.
Variety – Plastic comes in every color imaginable, so it’s easy to find containers in colors that complement specific candle scents or purposes.

However, plastic does have some downsides to consider:

Melting risk – Plastic can melt under high temperatures, so care must be taken not to overheat plastic containers when pouring hot wax.
Not eco-friendly – Most plastics are made from petroleum. They don’t often biodegrade and can be difficult to recycle.

Overall, plastic candle containers provide an affordable and versatile option, as long as proper safety precautions are taken.

Wooden Containers

Wood is a classic, natural material choice for candle containers that offers an attractive, warm aesthetic. The organic texture and natural grain of wood gives a rustic, handcrafted look to a candle. Wooden containers like carved wood bowls, round wood boxes, or rectangular wood trays can lend to a charming cottage or farmhouse aesthetic.

The biggest advantage of wood containers is they provide an earthy, homespun look that enhances the ambiance of a candle. Their natural, unrefined appearance sets them apart from glass, metal or plastic. Wood has an inherent beauty that adds to the sensory experience of a candle.

However, wood comes with some downsides for candle-making. It’s flammable, so wooden containers don’t provide much protection or safety. Wax can permeate the porous material, stain it, and make it harder to clean up. The shapes of wood containers are also limited based on how the wood is cut and carved. It’s difficult to make intricate wooden molds like you can with metal or silicone.

The risk of fire and restraints on shapes mean wood works best for wide, shallow containers like trays or bowls. Wooden jars or deeper vessels could pose issues. But for the right home decoration looks, the visual warmth and rustic artisanal feel of wood trumps its setbacks for candle vessels.

Consideration Factors

There are a few key factors to consider when deciding which container is best for your candle making project:

Intended Use

Think about how the finished candle will be used. Is it a gift, home decor, or for outdoor lighting? If giving as a gift, you’ll want an attractive container that suits the recipient’s style. For home use, match the container with your interior design. Outdoor candles need durable, weather-resistant holders.

Aesthetics

The style of the container should align with the overall look you want for your candle. Formal candles may match best in elegant glass or metal vessels. For a rustic or natural theme, consider terracotta, stoneware, or wood. The container’s shape, color, pattern, and size can all impact the aesthetic.

Safety

Consider fire safety. Glass, metals like tin, and ceramic tend to be the safest options, as they’re non-flammable and withstand heat well. Wood, plastics, paper, and fabrics can burn, so avoid using them directly around the flame. The container’s structure should resist warping and retain integrity over the candle’s use.

Best for Gifts

When choosing candle containers to gift to others, glass and ceramic tend to make the best options as they allow you to create an eye-catching and personalized present. Glass containers come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, with transparency that showcases the candle inside. The ability to see the candle itself enables you to better match the container color and style to the specific candle. Gift recipients will be able to fully view and appreciate the candle you have selected.

Ceramic containers also make wonderful gift containers, as their handcrafted nature and diversity of glazes allow you to choose very unique, artistic vessels. Vibrant colors and distinctive patterns reflecting various styles and motifs can lend a personalized, creative touch. The handmade imperfections of ceramic containers add charm and character. Both glass and ceramic containers tend to feel more substantial and elegant than plastic, metal, or wood, making your candle gift feel special and thoughtful.

Best for Home Use

When choosing candle containers for use around your home, two of the best options are metal and glass.

Metal containers like tin and aluminum are very durable, protect candles from drafts that can distort the melt pool, and conduct heat well to provide even burning. Tins and aluminum containers can often be reused if cared for. Metal candle vessels come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes to work for any decor.

Glass containers are also excellent for home use because they can be washed and reused indefinitely. Transparent glass allows you to see the candle wax and wick as the candle burns. Glass conducts heat moderately well. Mason jars and vases make attractive recycled glass containers for candles. Glass is available in diverse colors and styles too.

Both metal and glass containers are good options for home candle-making because they are reusable, attractive, and provide safe, even burning.

Conclusion

When selecting containers for candle making, there are many factors to consider. Glass, metal, ceramic, plastic, and wooden containers all have their own unique benefits and drawbacks.

For beginner candle makers looking to make candles as gifts, glass and ceramic containers are often the best options. Glass allows you to see the candle wax and fragrance, while ceramic containers come in a variety of styles and can be reused over and over. Metal tins are also great for gifting, as they are inexpensive and protect the candle.

For homemade candles intended for home use, glass and metal containers are recommended. Glass jars and metal tins burn cleanly and withstand higher temperatures. Wooden containers can crack or char under high heat and may create more soot. Plastic should be avoided for home candles as some types can melt from the flame.

No matter the container type, always follow proper candle making safety guidelines. Trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting, avoid drafts, don’t burn unattended, and keep away from flammable materials. Test burn your candles to ensure proper melt pool and an even burn. With the right container and safety practices, you can enjoy beautiful homemade candles that make wonderful gifts or home accents.