It can be difficult if you don’t have the right tools in your belt when making candles. The entire process can be very unpleasant and unenjoyable. Getting the proper tools for candle-making is crucial, and one of the most overlooked items is good candle wax thermometers. It is not enough to use your ordinary kitchen thermometer when you are making candles since there are more sturdy and reliable thermometers out there to choose from.
| Product | Cons | Pros |
| Etekcity Infrared | Reasonably sized Backlit LCD screen Quick temperature reading Simple controls No clean up needed due to its contactless design | Plastic is not built with quality Inconsistent readings since it only measure surface temperature |
| Thermometer World | 11.8-inch stainless steel probe Easy to read dial Colors to indicate recommended wax temperature Attachment clip Well constructed Affordable | Not quick at getting accurate temperatures The probe can be too long for candle making setups |
| ThermoPro TP03 | Accurate and fast temperature reading Foldable design Easy to use Backlit display | The plastic body is not the best quality The probe is short |
| Yacumama | Extremely simple to use IPX7 waterproof rating Well-built plastic body Easy to clean Easy to maintain Five-inch stainless steel probe Accurate and fast temperature readings | Plastic body is not the highest grade material Rare issues with battery and unexpected shutoffs |
| Rubbermaid | Covers temperature range of candle making No need to add batteries Long-lasting and dependable Provides accurate readings | The clip doesn’t fit securely Lens is not made out of glass and can easily burn |
Etekcity Infrared Thermometer: Takes Temperature of Surface Wax
The Etekcity Infrared Thermometer is a well-made and affordable thermometer that is considered to be a great tool to use for making candles. Since this is an infrared thermometer, it will only take the temperature of the surface of the wax you are melting.
The outside temperature of the wax will not accurately portray the actual temperature of the wax. With this said, it can be challenging to get the right temperature read using this thermometer. Now, if you have a more accurate temperature with this thermometer, it is best to stir your wax while you take its temperature.
You have to note that this thermometer is not meant to be used for humans. It takes readings from inanimate objects, and when used in humans or animals, the temperature will be inaccurate.
Compared to most thermometers on the market, the Etekcity Infrared Thermometer has a feature of 12:1 D:S. This means that it can accurately measure targets at a greater distance. If you want the best result possible, you have to make sure the distance between the thermometer and the object should be about 14.17 inches.
With the Etekcity Infrared Thermometer, it can measure surface temperature ranging from -58 to 716 degrees Fahrenheit with two units to choose from (Fahrenheit and Celcius). The response time of this thermometer is more or less 500Ms. The built-in laser will provide you the precision to hone in the exact space you want to measure.
The Etekcity Infrared Thermometer has a versatile design that makes it easy to measure the different surface temperatures of various objects, especially those that are above boiling points and below freezing points.
The LCD screen is backlit and has an auto-off function to extend the battery life. It also features a low battery indicator, so you don’t have to worry about running out of juice when you are using it.
However, there are two downsides to this thermometer. First, the plastic is not built with the best quality. The second is that the wax temperature readings can be inconsistent since they only measure the surface temperature.
The Etekcity Infrared Thermometer is available on Amazon for $27.99 with the battery included.
Thermometer World Candle Thermother: Durable and Robust
When you are looking for a robust and durable analog thermometer, the Thermometer World Candle Thermometer is the best option for you. The body is made from stainless steel and has an 11.8-inch probe that is perfect for plenty of uses. Rest assured that this thermometer can stand the test of time.
It also comes with a handy attachment clip for clipping the thermometer to the side of your pot of wax. Since the probe is 11.8 inches long, there can be some problems with it being too long for your wax boiler. At this point, the clip may be impractical, but this would depend on your setup while melting your wax.
The display on top of the Thermometer World Candle Thermometer is super clear and easy to read. There are also some coloring (blue, red, and green) that will show how hot you should heat your wax.
When it comes to candle thermometers, the Thermometer World Candle Thermometer is one of the accurate ones in the market. The manufacturer makes sure they carefully create their product with the highest quality of materials.
Aside from the probe being too long, another downside to this thermometer is that analog thermometers are not quick at getting accurate temperatures. This might be something that you want to think about since you need accurate temperatures when it comes to melting waxes.
You can purchase the Thermometer World Candle Thermometer on Amazon for $9.95.
ThermoPro TP03 Digital Thermometer: Convenient Design
If you are searching for a thermometer that provides accurate and speedy temperatures, the ThermoPro TP03 Digital Thermometer is the best choice for you. Aside from that, it also offers a convenient design that will allow you to fold its 3.9-inch stainless steel probe into its body.
The ThermoPro TP03 Digital Thermometer may not seem like much, but it can actually be quite useful for storage reasons. The folding mechanism of this thermometer is also to make sure that the probe doesn’t bend or break while not in use.
It has a simple on and off button, a button that can change between Fahrenheit and Celcius, and another button to fold out the probe. You can say that this thermometer is super intuitive and easy to use. The display on the ThermoPro TP03 Digital Thermometer is easy to read, very clear, and has a backlit display.
It is considered to be a super-fast, instant reading thermometer that can read out temperatures within three to five seconds, thanks to its high precision sensor.
Overall, the ThermoPro TP03 Digital Thermometer is a great tool to have on your candle-making list. However, there is one main disadvantage to it which is its inferior materials and short probe. The plastic body of the thermometer is also less than ideal and can crack easily when not handling it carefully.
The ThermoPro TP03 Digital Thermometer is available on Amazon for $14.98 and is available in four colors: orange-red, persimmon orange, pitch black, and smokey grey.
Yacumama Digital Liquid Thermometer: The Practical Thermometer You Need
The Yacumama Digital Liquid Thermometer is a well-built and practical thermometer that you can use for making your candle projects. The body of this thermometer is made from durable plastic and has a five-inch stainless steel probe. You can expect it to take fast and accurate temperature readings within seconds.
Thanks to the IPX7 waterproof rating, you will have no problem rinsing it off after your candle-making project. It will allow for easy and quick clean-up every time you finish a candle. It has three buttons available on this thermometer.
One button is for the on and off switch, the other button is to change from Fahrenheit to Celsius, and a button is to lock the current temperature you have taken. There is also a small digital display where you can see the temperature reading.
Overall, the Yacumama Digital Liquid Thermometer is an affordable and a good option for people who want a simple thermometer for their candle-making projects. The manufacturer provides a lifetime warranty where you can get 100 percent money back within 30 days.
There is a couple of downside to the Yacumama Digital Liquid Thermometer. One is some people have reported that the unit runs out of battery quickly or it unexpectedly shuts off. Now, this appears to be rare and isn’t a big issue that you should worry about.
The Yacumama Digital Liquid Thermometer is available on Amazon for $9.33.
Rubbermaid Instant Read Thermometer: The Traditional Way
The Rubbermaid Instant Read Thermometer is somewhat the more traditional way of taking wax temperatures. The thermometer dial will display the actual temperature of your candle wax. It can read temperatures between zero to 220 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the best range for the temperature range of candle-making.
The probe is long and easy to clean, making it an ideal tool to use for your candle-making projects. It has a shatterproof glass lens that will allow the thermometer to be long-lasting and dependable. This feature is exactly what you want when it comes to making candles.
With the Rubbermaid Instant Read Thermometer, there is no need for batteries for it to work. You can always depend on it to work at all times. You can rest assured that this thermometer will last you for years to come.
The user calibration nut will ensure long-lasting accuracy, so your candles will turn out perfect every time. The pocket clip is made from a protective sheath to protect any contamination from happening. This thermometer is NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) certified, which means it is safe to use around your kitchen or your candle-making stations.
It is also easy to clean and dishwasher safe, which will save time from cleaning up after yourself when you finish a candle project.
The downside to the Rubbermaid Instant Read Thermometer is when you hang it on the pot, it doesn’t fit securely and will dangle around. The lens is also not made out of glass, and some customers have reviewed it melts in high temperatures.
The Rubbermaid Instant Read Thermometer is available on Amazon for $6.56.
Different Types of Thermometers on the Market that You Should Know
There are different types of thermometers that you can choose from in the market. They have their own purposes and different styles that you need to take note of when you are out and about shopping for yours.
Sugar Thermometer
These thermometers are used when dealing with melted sugar which requires food such as jelly. The temperature of the thermometer ranges from 104 to 392 degrees Fahrenheit. It will work well with your candle designs since the temperatures inside these levels will heat the wax to fall.
Fahrenheit and Celsius scales of sugar thermometers are usually simple to interpret. These types of temperatures use mercury to read the temperature. With this feature, it will make the temperature readings accurate.
Meat Thermometer
As the name suggests, these types of thermometers are usually used in meat to make sure it is thoroughly cooked, especially with large pieces of meat. The temperature with these thermometers ranges from 130 to 190 degrees Fahrenheit.
Now, this is not appropriate to use for your candle projects since you will run the risk of your wax being too hot or too cold due to the restricted necessary range for cooking meat. Don’t endanger your safety by using the wrong tools for the task.
These types of thermometers have a dial for you to calculate how hot the food will be. It is also not as accurate as the other types of thermometers, and the dial will allow the pointer to shift by several moving pieces.
Digital Thermometer
Digital Thermometers are used for various types of activities since the digital range is much wider than the meat or sugar thermometers. Almost all of the modes under this type can turn Fahrenheit to Celsius as they have digital read-outs and vice versa.
There is no need to worry about reading the temperatures with this feature since it is pretty easy. You should prefer these types of thermometers, but they are generally a bit more expensive than others.
Factors to Consider When Buying Your Candle Thermometer
Choosing the right thermometer for candle-making doesn’t have to be a long and strenuous process. There are particular qualities and traits that you need to look for when you are shopping for your thermometer.
Accuracy: The Most Important Factor to Consider
Candle-making can be quite an exact science, and most times, you won’t need a SUPER accurate thermometer like the ones that are used for medical purposes. When you have a household-level thermometer, it will work great with making candles.
Making sure that your thermometer provides a fairly accurate temperature will let the wax or fragrance reach its flashpoint can be dangerous. Getting a thermometer that provides more or less 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit or a better accuracy rating is usually enough for it to be used for candle-making.
Having said this, you will want a reliable, accurate, and fast thermometer for making candles, but there is no need to go out and get the most expensive or accurate one out there.
Price: Always a Factor to Consider
Another significant factor that you would need to consider in your decision is the price. Whether you have an unlimited budget or not, it isn’t necessary to spend so much on a thermometer that will be used for candle-making. There is no need to buy a super fancy thermometer for making candles, so you can usually get away with units in the range of $4 to $30.
Now, you could easily spend much more or less on a thermometer for your candle projects. However, more expensive models tend to have unnecessary features, and less expensive ones won’t hold up throughout the years.
Assessing your budget and considering how often you will really be using your candle-making thermometer is important when you plan to buy one. You also have to consider how you intend to use it often, as it might be worth spending a little extra to get a nicer thermometer that will hold up and give you all the functionality you need.
Built With Quality: Thermometer that Will Last for Years
The quality build of your thermometer is a crucial characteristic to pay attention to since it can be the difference between needing to buy a new thermometer every time you want to make candles and having a thermometer that can last for years.
Just like accuracy, there is no reason to get the most heavy-duty thermometer in the market. With this said, you still need one that is of decent quality and will hold up as you use it over time. It is best to choose a metal body thermometer since they tend to be more durable and longer-lasting than plastic.
Plastic, on the other hand, can be great and affordable as well.
User-Friendly: A Thermometer that is Easy to Understand
Lastly, you need to make sure that your thermometer is not too complicated and difficult to use. There are some models out there that have a million different settings and buttons, and for making candles, these features are not as necessary.
Before you finalize your thermometer purchase, you need to make sure it is simple to use and doesn’t have plenty of buttons and settings that you won’t need.
Now, some people enjoy having a complicated thermometer due to its functionality, but most time, they are more trouble than they are worth. Super complicated models can be extremely frustrating when you don’t take the time to learn how they work. It is best to avoid them if possible.
Temperature Ranges that You Should Know in Candle-Making
It is very important to know the temperature range for candle-making when you are choosing the best thermometer to use. Now, not all thermometers can handle a broad range of temperatures which usually range from 100 to 190 degrees Fahrenheit.
The melting point of the wax should depend on the wax that you will be using, whether it is paraffin, soy, beeswax, or other wax material. It is best to pay attention to the wax temperature during the candle-making process since melting the wax at the right temperature is crucial.
At this point, you should be removing your wax from the heat at the right temperature and adding dyes or fragrances at the right temperature to help make better candles.
If you are using paraffin wax, the best melting temperature is between 40 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure that you choose a thermometer that ranges between these points.
For soy wax melts, the best temperature should be between 10 to 190 degrees Fahrenheit, which is higher than paraffin wax. You will need a thermometer that is capable of these higher readings.
Last but not least, beeswax has a wider melting range which is from 145 to 175 degrees Fahrenheit. When using beeswax material, it should not reach more than the range that is provided above.
When you are not sure of what wax you are going to use or will use different types of wax, you can get a thermometer that can be used for different waxes. Having said this, you would need a thermometer that will cover a wide range of temperature readings.
FAQs
What to Look For When It Comes to Thermometers? You should prefer candle thermometers that have steel enclosures and clips. Digital thermometers will also work better than analog since they will give you more consistent results.
Is There a Particular Thermometer for Candle Making? No. You can use any type of thermometer, but it should have good accuracy. Also, you must be aware of the right temperature ranges during your candle-making process for you to get the perfect melt on your wax.
What Type of Thermometer is Best for Making Candles? There are two types of thermometers that you can choose from, analog and digital. Using analog will not require you to worry about batteries and is more reliable. However, with a digital thermometer, accuracy is far greater and provides easier use. With this, digital is the more versatile and best choice.
What Is the Right Temperature for Candle-Making? For all types of wax materials, heating them up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit is the best temperature. When adding different colors and additives to your wax, the temperature should be around 190 degrees Fahrenheit.
What Are the Tools Needed for Making Candles? You will need a wide range of tools to make sure you create the best candles possible. Some of the things that you will need are wax, perfumes, colors, thermometers, wicks, scales to measure, and containers.
If you are looking for the best candle-making kits on the market, here is an article that I have written for you.
Final Thoughts
With so many thermometers to choose from, it can be a bit challenging to find the right one for your candle-making projects. It should meet all the factors that I have mentioned above and should cover the range of the type of wax that you will be using for your candle projects. It is also not expensive to buy a candle-making thermometer, so having a handy one in your tool belt will be a huge advantage when you are doing your candle projects.
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