Using a double boiler for melting wax when candle making does make the process much easier. It helps you melt the wax at an even, gentle temperature and gives you better results overall.
When looking to buy one to make homemade candles, you want the best materials, and your double boiler is probably no exception.
Which are the best double boilers for candle making? The best double boiler for candle making distributes heat evenly, allowing all of the wax to melt at a slow and steady temperature. It should be the right size for the amount of wax you use and durable. Stainless steel and glass double boilers are great choices.
Below is a guide on how to choose the best double boilers for candle making, and the best ones on the market for you to consider. Having the right tools when candle making definitely makes a huge difference, and a good-quality double boiler is a must-have!
Why Do I Need A Double Boiler For Candle Making?
Double boilers help to melt candle wax at a low and steady temperature, which ensures that the wax does not burn, and some areas do not heat up more than others.
With the bottom pan containing a few inches of water, and the top pan fitting on top of this, the candle wax pot should not come into direct contact with the boiling water underneath, and instead should be heated by the steam generated.
This even, low temperature stops the wax from scorching, helps it melt together at the same time, and still allows you to stir the wax as it melts.
Buyer’s Guide – Double Boiler For Candle Making
When it comes to candle making, the right tools matter.
Here are some things to look for when choosing the best double boiler for candle making. These factors will ensure that the double boiler performs perfectly and that it is long-lasting too!
Material
Double boilers come made in a few different materials, but it is a good idea to try and purchase one made from stainless steel.
Stainless steel distributes heat evenly and is non-stick as well. The candle wax will melt at an even temperature in a stainless steel pot, and the wax can be removed easily when melted. Stainless steel is also long-lasting, so you can enjoy years of use from a good-quality stainless steel pot.
Another option is glass. Double boilers made from glass distribute heat evenly and give you a clear view of the melting wax.
Size
You will have to consider the size of the double boiler that you need. Think about how much candle wax you usually melt at one time, and try to base the size off of that. You don’t want a pot that is too big or too small.
Handles
Heat-resistant handles are incredibly helpful when using a double boiler. It makes using the double boiler easier when stirring and pouring candle wax, and you don’t have to worry about using an oven mitt to hold the pot.
Make sure the handles are sturdy and not too close to the heat source, to reduce the chance of spills and burns.
5 Best Double Boilers For Candle Making
To help you choose the best double boiler for candle making, here are our top picks!
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Sysmie Stainless Steel Double Boiler | Stainless steel, silicone spatula |
| 2. | MGLDSJT Double Boiler Stainless Steel Pot | Stainless steel, lid |
| 3. | HYTX Stainless Steel 2-Tier Saucepan Set | Stainless steel & aluminum, lid |
| 4. | La Patisserie Double Boiler | Stainless steel, lid |
| 5. | T-fal Stainless Steel Double Boiler | Stainless steel & aluminum, lid |
Let’s check them out, shall we?
1. Sysmie Stainless Steel Double Boiler
This high-quality double boiler pot is ideal for melting candle wax, and can be used for making soaps and desserts too!
The two-piece boiler set features pots with a 1000 mL capacity and a 480 mL capacity, so it allows for a decent amount of candle wax to be melted at one time. Made from food-grade 304 stainless steel, the set will last years in your kitchen.
To ensure that the pots are easy to use, there are front hooks to prevent the top pot from sliding away, and both the top and bottom pots have pouring spots on both sides.
The two diversion grooves of the handles makes the pots easier to maneuver and carry around, and the flat bottom allows for a safer user experience when handling the hot pots and the hot candle wax.
Cool to the touch extended handles, a silicone spatula, and a user-friendly design, this double boiler set will be ideal for your candle-making needs!
2. MGLDSJT Double Boiler Stainless Steel Pot
Made from 18/8 stainless steel, this double boiler pot is as durable and sturdy as it gets. The long handle on the top pot keeps your hands safely away from the melting wax, and the front hook on the top pot keeps it firmly in place, preventing any accidents in the kitchen.
There are double pour spouts on the top pot that make pouring out the candle wax much easier and makes the experience safer too.
You are able to use the double boiler on different cooking surfaces, such as induction cooktops, electric cooktops, ceramic cooktops, and halogen appliances. It is dishwasher safe too!
This smaller pot is perfect for homemade candle making on a smaller scale!
3. HYTX Stainless Steel 2-Tier Saucepan Set
Allowing for perfect and even heat distribution, this 3-piece double boiler set made with an aluminum base helps to melt candle wax quickly, but still at a steady temperature that will not burn the wax.
Suitable to be used on all types of cooktops, this set will easily fit into your candle-making needs. The double grip handle provides extra support and balance when pouring the candle wax, so none spills and goes to waste.
There is a tempered glass lid included with the set that can be used to melt the wax safely, while still allowing you to view the wax through the lid.
This is a great tool to keep in your kitchen, whether you want to use the pot for candle making or for cooking!
4. La Patisserie Double Boiler
The La Patisserie Double Boiler offers great versatility in the kitchen and for crafts. The boiler can be used to gently melt candle wax at an even and steady temperature, preventing burns and wastage.
Both the top and bottom pot are made from heavy-duty stainless steel that is durable and long-lasting, and which is safe to be placed in the dishwasher as well. It is the perfect design and material to allow for a gentle controlled temperature for melting candle wax.
The boiler set is compatible with all stovetop types and comes with a tempered glass lid for added convenience when melting candle wax or when cooking.
5. T-Fal Specialty Stainless Steel Double Boiler
The T-Fal Specialty Stainless Steel Double Boiler is made with an aluminum base, which allows it to have optimal heat distribution and durability.
The non-stick exterior and interior are especially helpful when melting candle wax, and make cleanup a breeze!
The ergonomic black handle offers a safe and secure grip, which is ideal when working with hot wax. Once done, you can pop the double boiler into the dishwasher for an easy clean.
Not only is this a great option for melting candle wax at home, but it is also a great-looking double boiler to keep in the kitchen!
How Do I Melt Candle Wax In A Double Boiler?
Melting candle wax in a double boiler is fairly easy, and pretty much follows the same principles you would use when cooking with a double boiler.
Here is a general guide on melting candle wax in a double boiler:
- Pour about two inches of water into the bottom pan and place it on the heat.
- Place the top pan onto the bottom pan, ensuring that the bottom of the top pan does not come into contact with the water. If it does, remove some of the water.
- Place the wax into the top pan and wait for it to be melting as the water simmers.
- Stir the wax to ensure that it melts throughout.
- Use a thermometer to continuously check the temperature of the candle wax, and remove the top pan from the heat when the candle wax reaches the right temperature.
Just beware that the top pan and the bottom pan will continue to be hot once the heat has switched off, so use safety accessories to handle these.
Related Questions
Can a Glass Bowl Be Used as a Double Boiler?
Yes, you can often use a glass bowl in a larger pot for a double boiler, as long as it is a heat-proof glass bowl that can be used at high temperatures. You will need to fit this onto a bottom pot that holds the simmering water while ensuring that the glass bowl does not touch the water.
You can then fill the glass bowl with candle wax or whatever else you are wanting to melt.
Is a Double Boiler Meant to Touch the Water?
No, a double boiler is not meant to touch the water. If the bottom of the double boiler comes into contact with the water, it could cause whatever is in the bowl to burn or to melt unevenly.
Up Next: 5 Best Thermometers For Candle Making
