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 & 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.
Real‑World Costs
But let’s talk numbers. To make just a few candles, you’ll need:
- Wax (usually sold in bulk)
- Fragrance oils
- Cotton wicks
- Pouring pitcher
- Thermometer
- Stir sticks
- Jars or molds
Reddit users report that DIY candles often cost $5–10 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, but upfront investment adds up fast.
Safety & Cleanup
Working with hot wax isn’t exactly mess-free. It requires attention, cleanup, and storage space for all those supplies. Plus, you’ll need to get rid of leftover wax and old jars the next time inspiration strikes.
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 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.
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).
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.
DIY candle-making sounds affordable at first glance, but the upfront cost of supplies adds up quickly. Most people spend $30 to $70 just to get started—with wax, fragrance oils, wicks, pouring tools, jars, and other materials. 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 slightly higher—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. And our soy wax refills are designed to pull away cleanly from the jar—so there’s no scraping or boiling required.
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 refills are made with non-toxic ingredients and recyclable packaging, the whole experience feels cleaner—literally and figuratively.
In short? DIY is great if you love the process. But if you’re here for a beautiful candle, a clean burn, and an easy, low-waste routine, refillables make a whole lot more sense.
Which Path Is Right for You?
Go DIY If:
You 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.
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.
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 to save money in the long run.
- Keep a dedicated workspace (and maybe a drop cloth).
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.
FAQ
Is DIY cheaper in the long run?
It can be, if you make candles in bulk and reuse materials. But for casual users, refill systems are often more cost-effective and far easier.
Can I mix scents in a refillable candle?
Absolutely—just swap refills to match your mood or season. No cleaning needed between scents.
How many refills until I break even?
With a ReCandle Co. ceramic vessel, you’ll break even after about two to three refills compared to buying new jar candles every time—and the environmental savings start immediately.
Let your candles reflect your lifestyle—whether it’s the hands-on joy of DIY or the effortless beauty of a refillable system, the choice is yours. Just make sure it smells amazing.