Make Your Own Candles vs Buy Refill: Which Path Sparks Joy (and Savings)?

If you've ever saved an empty candle jar thinking, "I'll make my own," you're not alone. DIY candle-making has a certain appeal: personalized scents, a cozy craft, and maybe even a little money saved.

But is it actually worth it? And how does it compare to simply refilling your candle with something clean, effortless, and low waste?

Let's break it down.

Why We're Reconsidering DIY and Refill Systems

DIY is having a moment. Between Pinterest boards and TikTok tutorials, making your own candles can look like the perfect Sunday afternoon project. On the flip side, refillable candles are gaining traction for anyone who wants to reduce waste without turning their kitchen into a wax lab.

So how do you know which route is right for you?

The Creative Allure (and Hidden Costs) of DIY Candle Making

The Appeal

DIY has heart. It's creative, it's hands-on, and it can feel incredibly satisfying to light a candle you poured yourself. If you love experimenting with scent blends or enjoy the ritual of crafting, DIY can be its own kind of therapy.

You get to choose every detail: the wax type, the scent strength, the vessel. For some people, that level of control is worth the effort.

Real-World Costs

But let's talk numbers. To make just a few candles at home, you'll need:

• Wax (usually sold in bulk)
• Fragrance oils
• Cotton wicks
• Pouring pitcher
• Thermometer
• Stir sticks
• Jars or molds

Reddit users and candle-making communities report that DIY candles often cost $5 to $10 each, depending on materials and scale. That's more than you might expect, especially if you're only making a few.

As one DIY-er put it: "It's not cheaper than buying candles—but I do it for the fun."

Bulk buying helps reduce the per-candle cost, but the upfront investment adds up fast. You're typically looking at $30 to $70 just to get started with basic supplies.

The Hidden Costs Nobody Talks About

Beyond the obvious supply costs, there are a few things that catch DIY candle makers off guard:

Storage Space

All those supplies need somewhere to live. Fragrance oils, bulk wax, jars, wicks, tools—it adds up quickly. If you're in a small space, this can become a real issue.

Waste and Mistakes

Not every candle turns out perfect. Tunneling, poor scent throw, wicks that won't stay lit—these are all common problems, especially when you're learning. Those failed batches represent wasted materials and money. For tips on avoiding common issues, check out our guide on candle-making mistakes.

Time Investment

Making candles takes at least an hour or two once you factor in melting, pouring, cooling, and cleanup. If you're just looking for a nice candle to burn, that's a significant time commitment.

Safety and Cleanup

Working with hot wax isn't exactly mess-free. It requires attention, cleanup, and a dedicated workspace. Wax spills are notoriously difficult to clean, and you'll need proper ventilation when working with fragrance oils.

Plus, you'll need to deal with leftover wax and old jars the next time inspiration strikes. Many DIY candle makers end up with a closet full of partially used supplies.

What About Candle Making Kits?

Candle making kits promise to simplify the DIY process by bundling everything you need in one package. They're convenient for trying out the craft, but they come with their own limitations:

• Usually only make 1 to 3 candles
• Cost $20 to $40, making the per-candle price relatively high
• Limited scent and vessel options
• You're still left with cleanup and the same DIY challenges

Kits can be fun as a one-time activity or gift, but they're not a sustainable long-term solution for keeping candles in your home.

Refillable Candles: Clean, Convenient, and Sustainable

What Makes Them "Refillable"?

A refillable candle uses the same vessel again and again. You just pop in a new wax refill when the old one burns down. At ReCandle Co., our soy wax refills are made to eject cleanly—no scraping or boiling water needed.

Think: a beautiful, reusable ceramic vessel and a perfectly sized soy wax refill that drops right in.

Benefits

• Saves waste: No more tossing jars or half-burned candles.
• Cleaner ingredients: Our refills are made with clean-burning soy wax and non-toxic fragrances—safer for you, your pets, and your air.
• Better burn: Cotton wicks and quality wax give you an even, long-lasting flame.
• Consistency: Every refill burns the same way—no guessing, no failed batches.
• Variety without waste: Swap scents seasonally without buying (or making) entirely new candles.

Practical Perks

Refillable candles are all about ease. You don't need gear or cleanup—just drop in a new refill and light it up. You can even rotate scents seasonally without waste or mess (we see you, Pumpkin Spice in October).

And when your candle burns down, the refill pops out cleanly. No scraping, no freezing, no hot water bath. Just remove the old refill, drop in a new one, and you're done in under 30 seconds.

How DIY and Refillables Really Compare

When it comes to time, effort, and cost, the difference between DIY and refillable candles is bigger than you might think.

Cost Breakdown

Time and Effort

DIY candle-making sounds affordable at first glance, but the upfront cost of supplies adds up quickly. If you're only planning to make a few candles, it might not actually save you money. And unless you're batching candles regularly, the per-candle cost usually falls somewhere between $5 and $10.

Time is another factor. DIY requires at least an hour or two to melt, pour, scent, and set your candles. Not to mention the cleanup, which often involves scraping wax out of pitchers, cleaning up spills, and finding somewhere to store everything for next time.

On the flip side, refillable candles simplify everything. The upfront cost is around $38 for a full candle with a reusable vessel, but after that, you're just buying clean, perfectly portioned refills. No gear, no guesswork, no mess. Swapping out a finished candle takes less than 30 seconds.

Sustainability Angle

From a sustainability standpoint, refillables also win. You're reusing the same ceramic candle vessel each time, cutting down on single-use waste. And because our zero waste candle refills are made with non-toxic ingredients and recyclable packaging, the whole experience feels cleaner—literally and figuratively.

DIY can be sustainable if you're reusing jars and buying ingredients in bulk, but it requires discipline and planning. Many DIY candle makers accumulate excess supplies and half-used materials that eventually go to waste. For ideas on repurposing old candle jars, see our guide on how to reuse candle jars.

The Environmental Impact Comparison

Both DIY and refillable candles can be more sustainable than constantly buying new jar candles, but they work differently:

DIY Sustainability

• Can reduce waste if you reuse jars and buy in bulk
• Requires ongoing purchases of supplies (often with excess packaging)
• Risk of wasted materials from failed batches
• Control over ingredient quality (if you research carefully)

Refillable Sustainability

• One vessel used indefinitely (years of reuse)
• Minimal packaging waste (just the refill wrapper)
• No supply accumulation or storage issues
• Guaranteed clean ingredients in every refill
• Lower carbon footprint (no shipping bulk supplies)

Which Path Is Right for You?

Go DIY If:

• You genuinely love crafting and experimenting with scent
• You enjoy the process more than the outcome
• You have time (and space) for supplies, cleanup, and trial runs
• You're making candles in large batches to gift or sell
• You find the creative process relaxing and therapeutic

Go Refill If:

• You want candles that fit into your routine—not take it over
• You care about sustainability but don't want to DIY your way there
• You love clean design and an easy, low-waste ritual
• You value consistency and quality in every burn
• You want to try different scents without committing to bulk supplies
• You prefer spending 30 seconds over 2 hours to have a fresh candle

Tips if You're Choosing DIY

Still curious about making your own? A few tips to make it smoother:

• Reuse jars from previous candles—just clean thoroughly first
• Choose natural wax like soy or beeswax for a clean burn
• Buy supplies in bulk only if you're committed to making candles regularly
• Keep a dedicated workspace (and maybe a drop cloth)
• Start with unscented candles to master the basics before adding fragrance
• Join online communities to learn from others' mistakes

Embrace the ReCandle Ritual: Refill With Purpose

At ReCandle Co., we designed our refillable candle system for people who love the ritual of lighting a candle—but not the mess that comes with making one. Our zero waste candle refills are made with clean ingredients, and our handmade ceramic vessels are crafted to last for years.

And if you want to make life even easier, try our candle subscription box. You'll never run out of your favorite scent, and you'll never have to deal with melted wax again.

For more guidance on choosing quality candles, check out our guide to the best candles for home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DIY candle making cheaper in the long run?

It can be if you make candles in bulk and reuse materials consistently. But for casual users who only make a few candles occasionally, refill systems are often more cost-effective and far easier. The upfront cost of DIY supplies ($30-$70) plus the per-candle cost ($5-$10) means you'd need to make 8 to 10 candles before seeing real savings.

Can I mix scents in a refillable candle?

Absolutely. Just swap refills to match your mood or season. No cleaning needed between scents since each refill is self-contained and pops out cleanly.

How many refills until I break even with a refillable candle system?

You'll start saving money after your first refill. The initial candle with ceramic vessel is $48, then refills are $25 each. Compared to premium jar candles at $65+, you've already saved money by your second candle. The environmental savings start immediately since you're not tossing jars.

What if I mess up a DIY candle?

Failed batches are common when you're learning. You can sometimes remelt and repour, but this wastes time and can degrade wax quality. Tunneling, poor scent throw, and wicks that won't stay lit are all typical beginner issues that cost you materials and effort.

Are refillable candles as customizable as DIY?

Refillable candles offer variety through different scent options, but you won't have the same level of customization as DIY (like blending your own scent combinations). However, most people find they prefer the convenience and consistency of professionally crafted scents over experimental DIY blends.

Can I use DIY wax in a refillable candle vessel?

Technically yes, but refillable systems are designed for specific refill sizes and wax formulations that release cleanly. DIY wax may not pop out as easily, defeating one of the main benefits of the refillable system.