If you love candles, you probably burn through more jars than you realize. And while a $25 candle here and there might not seem like a big deal, those cozy little indulgences add up — fast.
That’s where refillable candles come in. They’re not just better for the planet — they’re surprisingly better for your budget, too. Let’s break down the real numbers and see just how much you can save by refilling instead of rebuying.
Upfront vs. Long-Term: The True Cost of Candles
A typical high-quality jar candle costs anywhere from $20 to $30. Some go even higher, especially if you’re buying clean ingredients, better scents, or aesthetically pleasing vessels.
At ReCandle Co., our full candle set — one handcrafted ceramic jar + one soy wax refill — costs $52. That’s your one-time investment. After that, refills are just $20 each.
So yes, the first purchase is more. But it’s designed to be the only jar you’ll ever need. From there, you’re only paying for what you actually use — the wax.
Compare that to buying a new candle every time. Even at a modest $25 per candle, you’re paying that same full price over and over again… and throwing the jar away each time.
Refillable Candles by the Numbers: A Simple Cost Comparison
Let’s say you burn one candle a month. Over the course of a year, here’s how your spending breaks down:
- Month 1:
ReCandle = $52 (jar + refill)
Traditional = $25 (jar candle)
- Months 2–12:
ReCandle = $20/month (refills)
Traditional = $25/month (new candles)
- After 6 months:
ReCandle total = $132
Traditional total = $150
- After 12 months:
ReCandle total = $252
Traditional total = $300
Bottom line? ReCandle saves you nearly $50 in one year, and over $100 by year two — all while producing far less waste.
Refills = Less Waste, Less Cost, More Flexibility
Let’s not forget: this isn’t just about money. It’s about cutting down on the waste that comes with all those one-and-done jars.
With zero waste candle refills , you’re reusing the same jar, every time. That means:
- No more glass jars piling up or getting tossed
- Less packaging and carbon from shipping heavy containers
- No scraping, melting, or messing with tools — just pop the old refill out and the new one in
Plus, our handmade ceramic vessels were designed to last. They’re safe up to 2,000ºF (way hotter than you’ll ever need) and built to be part of your space for years — not months.
Who Saves the Most With Refills?
Here’s how the numbers shake out depending on your candle habits:
Occasional Burner (1 candle every 2–3 months): You’ll break even around month 6 and still reduce waste by 75% each year.
Regular Burner (1–2 candles/month): You could save $96+ per year while skipping 12+ single-use jars.
Gifter (buys multiple candles per season): Grab one beautiful jar for yourself and gift refills to friends — they’re lower-cost, still luxurious, and way more personal.
Want to make it effortless? Our candle subscription delivers your favorite scent on a schedule — no shipping fees, no remembering to restock.
The Takeaway: A Smart Investment That Pays Off
When you invest in a refillable candle, you’re doing more than saving money. You’re saying yes to:
- Less waste, every time you light a wick
- A candle that fits beautifully in your space, and stays there
- Clean-burning, non-toxic ingredients you can trust
- A long-term ritual that costs less, not more
You don’t need to choose between sustainability and affordability — a refillable system gives you both.
So if you’re already lighting up your space every night (or every week), why not make it something that pays you back?
FAQs
How much does a refillable candle cost vs. a regular one?
A ReCandle starter set is $52. After that, refills are just $20 — compared to $25–$30+ for most clean-burning jar candles.
Do refillable candles burn the same way?
Yes — our soy wax refills are designed for clean, even burns. Each one lasts just as long as a traditional candle.
How long does a ReCandle refill last?
Each refill burns approximately 40–45 hours, depending on your burn habits.
Is it really more eco-friendly to reuse candle jars?
Absolutely. Reusing one jar all year cuts down on glass production, packaging waste, and carbon-heavy shipping. It’s a small change with a big impact.