Candle making equipment is neither expensive nor complicated. You probably already have most of the basic essentials at home, but any you do not have can be bought from craft shops or kitchen-ware suppliers.

Heat source

You need a heat source to melt the wax such as a gas or an electric cooker. Wax cools down quickly, so work near to your heat source.

Double boiler

This is used to heat the wax in and it should be made of stainless steel or aluminum. The capacity of the upper part should be at least 31 (5 'Apt). If you do not have a double boiler, you can use one saucepan standing inside another, although uneven heating of the wax may result, so take extra care when checking temperatures.

Thermometer

Heated wax will remain liquid over a wide temperature range, but its inner structure changes as the temperature is increased. To make good candles you must work with the different types of wax at their ideal molten temperatures and you therefore need the right sort of thermometer. A candy or cooking thermometer is ideal - one that is calibrated between 38°C (100°F) and 180°C (356°F). These are available from craft shops and kitchen-ware suppliers.

Weighing scales

Ordinary kitchen scales can be used for weighing materials.

Measuring flask or jug

You need this to decide how much wax to melt for candle moulds. Fill the mould with water and then pour the water into a measuring jug. For every lOcc or lOg (10 fl oz) of water you will need 9g (9oz) of wax.

Dipping can

This is a tall cylindrical container used for holding liquid wax.

Bowl

Dipping cans have to be kept at the right temperature. A washing-up bowl filled with hot water can be used, whilst cold water can be used as a water bath to speed up the cooling process.

Iron

An iron can be used to smooth the base of a freshly made candle.

Hairdryer

The heat from a hairdryer can be used to soften the wax when making a candle, or to keep wax sheets pliable.

Pouring jug

A metal jug with an enclosed spout can be used to pour liquid wax into moulds.