The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Jars for Candle Making

Candle making can be a fun and rewarding DIY project at home. However, what many people don't realize is that it involves a lot of science and math. There are calculations to make for the fragrance load and the amount to add based on the quantity of wax you're using. You also need to understand the temperature and flashpoints of the materials you're working with. You might even need to convert grams to ounces or ounces to pounds to create the perfect candle.

Temperature is a crucial factor when making candles. You don’t want to overheat the wax, as it can burn, nor do you want to burn the fragrance. Knowing the ideal temperature for both is essential. Be sure to check out our other blog posts on different waxes and supplies to get started with candle making.

Different Types of Candle Wax

Another factor that many people overlook when making candles is choosing and using the right jars. That’s why we created the ultimate guide to selecting the best jars for candle making. Our goal is to help fellow candle makers choose the right jars while preventing mistakes and injuries.

JPM Collections use sleek black matte glass candle jars to offer a modern, elegant touch to any space. Perfect for creating a cozy ambiance, the candle burns beautifully while adding style to your home décor.

Safety, Temperature, and Quality Considerations

When choosing the right jar for candle making, there are several options available. You can choose from ceramic jars, glass jars, and jars with various designs and colors. However, not all jars are created equal, and some may even be dangerous. The place where you buy your jars and how you use them can make a big difference. While most jars designed for candle making are safe, not all jars are suitable for this purpose.

Temperature plays a major role when selecting a jar. The jar needs to be able to withstand the heat of the hot wax when it is poured, as well as the heat generated when the candle is lit, to prevent it from shattering. Shattering may seem like a small issue, but it can be dangerous because the wax will be extremely hot. We’ve seen cases where people have suffered severe burns from hot wax, requiring a trip to the emergency department for second-degree burns. This can lead to weeks of recovery, making it impossible to create more candles until healing is complete. This is why choosing the right jar is so important.

The first thing you need to understand is the temperature range for each type of wax. We’ve linked to a blog post that breaks down the different types of wax and includes a graph showing their price points and temperature ranges. Different wax types require different temperature ranges, so, for example, beeswax has a higher melting temperature. This means it takes longer to melt and requires a higher temperature than other waxes.

The best course of action is to use a reputable jar supplier. We personally recommend companies like Candle Science, which we’ve used when creating our candles. So far, we’ve had a great experience with them, and they’ve not caused us any issues. However, always do your own research when choosing a supplier for your candle-making jars to ensure you're using safe, high-quality products.

Candle Containers: Glass, Ceramic, and Metal Tins Explained

Glass Jars

Glass jars are some of the most popular containers used for candle making. They can withstand temperatures up to 200°F (93°C) before they begin to crack. However, it's important not to pour your hot wax at this temperature to avoid breaking the glass. The key factor with glass jars is the thickness of the glass. Thinner glass can handle less heat before breaking, whereas thicker glass can endure higher temperatures without cracking.

Ceramic Jars

Ceramic jars come in a wide range of colors, while glass jars can also come in different colored stains, we enjoy the tactile feel of a ceramic candle jar in our hands. Ceramic jars can withstand temperatures up to 250°F (121°C). However, it's crucial to ensure the ceramic is of high quality and comes from a reputable supplier. Low-quality ceramic or poorly applied glazes may cause the jar to crack or break. Keep in mind that not all ceramics are made the same—what works for one application may not necessarily work for candle making.

Metal Tins

Metal tins are another common container used in candle making. They can be a more affordable option and are able to withstand higher temperatures—up to 450°F (232°C). However, since metal conducts heat, the tin will become as hot as the temperature of the wax inside. This means you should avoid touching or moving the tin until it has cooled down completely.

Drink-Inspired Candle Jars: Why Safety Comes First

We’ve occasionally spotted people using "candle jars" that are not the safest choice. Although some of these jars are beautiful and their designs can be stunning, we do not recommend using them for candles for a few key reasons—safety being the most important.

Espresso martini candles may look stylish, but using the wrong type of glass can be dangerous. Always ensure your container can withstand the high temperatures of hot wax to prevent cracks or breakage. Safety should always come first when making candles!

There has been a trend of creating candles that resemble popular drinks, with jars designed to look like the drinks themselves. While they may look visually appealing, and even delicious enough to drink, the primary concern is the safety of the glass structure.

For example, we’ve seen espresso martini-inspired candles that look lovely, but the glass structure may not be suitable for candle making. The glass itself can typically withstand only about 160°F (71°C). However, some waxes—such as beeswax—need to be heated to 250°F (121°C) or more. If you accidentally pour hot wax into a jar that can’t handle such high temperatures, the glass could shatter, spilling hot wax everywhere and potentially causing serious damage.

Even if the hot wax doesn’t break the glass immediately, lighting the candle could cause the glass to crack. When the candle is lit, the wax pool temperature can range from 170°F to 190°F (77°C to 88°C), which may exceed the glass’s tolerance, causing it to break if it can only withstand 160°F.

Watch out! Pouring hot wax into the wrong jar can cause it to crack or shatter. Learn how to choose the best containers for candle making in our detailed guide.

As a general rule, if you use a container like a martini glass for everyday purposes, it is probably not safe for candle making. Also, remember that the thicker the glass, the better. If you find a thick, durable martini glass that’s designed to be candle-safe, it should be suitable for candle making.