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Beeswax melters, candle molds and wax

Electric wax melters and pouring pots, beeswax pellets and blocks, candle sheets and molds, and lip-balm kits for the beeswax side of the hive.

Best beeswax meltersHow to render beeswaxBeeswax candlesGifts for beekeepers
Lit hand-rolled beeswax candle made from honeycomb-textured sheet
Photo: Titus Tscharntke, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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How to choose a beeswax melter

A beeswax melter turns cappings and old comb into clean blocks you can pour into candles, balms or wraps. Cappings from the harvest are the cleanest wax a backyard hive gives you. This category lists electric melters and pouring pots, stovetop double boilers, beeswax pellets and blocks for when you need more than your hives make, rolled-candle sheets, silicone honeycomb molds and lip-balm kits.

Melter specs, explained

Wax melters in the Hive & Frame catalogue

MelterCapacityPowerTemperature (as listed)
BBAXI pouring pot32 oz (900 ml)500W, 110VNot listed
Bienslys digital1.6 qt600W90–300°F
Aroparc60 oz (1.8 L)300W/600W/keep warmNot listed
TOREAD5.28 qt1200W158–300°F
OFFNOVA 6 L6 LNot listed122–212°F, heated spout
VEVOR / FOHERE20 lb1100W131–250°F (FOHERE)

Source: Hive & Frame catalogue (maker listings)

  • Capacity: a 1–2 qt pot is plenty for candles from one or two hives; 5 qt and up suits rendering a season of cappings.
  • Temperature control: beeswax melts at a much lower temperature than these maximums. A thermostat lets you hold it low instead of scorching it.
  • Spout: a pour spout or heated spout makes filling molds cleaner.
  • Material: stainless inner pots (OFFNOVA lists double-layer 304) clean up more easily than coated pans.

Wax comes off with the cappings; see the best uncapping knives.

Buying beeswax: pellets, blocks and sheets

One or two hives rarely give enough wax for a big candle project, so many beekeepers top up with bought wax. Pellets and pastilles (Beesworks, YASNAY, Sky Organics, Big Dipper Wax Works) melt evenly and measure easily by weight. Blocks and bars (TooGet, Eco Lux, Swampland Bees) store neatly. Read the grade line: listings say “cosmetic grade”, “triple-filtered” or “USDA Organic” (Sky Organics), and yellow wax keeps more natural color and scent than white. Rolled candle sheets (Bingfuego, PTSGCAI, Lacaser) come with cotton wick and need no melting.

Who needs what

  • Candle hobbyists: a small pouring pot, pellets and silicone molds. Our beeswax candles guide covers wick sizing.
  • Families: rolled sheets with cotton wick need no heat at all and suit kids; see kids and family.
  • Honey sellers: larger melters render cappings into blocks you can sell or trade; see selling honey.
  • Gift buyers: lip-balm kits and candle kits appear in books and gifts too.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Melting wax over direct flame. Use a double boiler or a thermostatic melter and never leave it unattended.
  • Pouring water into hot wax, or hot wax down the drain.
  • Rendering comb from a colony you suspect had brood disease. Talk to your state apiarist first.
  • Skipping the straining step. Render in stages and strain through cloth; the how to render beeswax guide shows the steps.

Read before you buy

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Wax & candles: questions

What is the best way to melt beeswax?
Slowly, with low and controlled heat: a double boiler on the stove or an electric melter with a thermostat. Our best beeswax melters list compares capacities.
Can you melt beeswax in a regular pot?
Use a pot you keep only for wax, set inside a larger pot of water. Wax is hard to clean out of kitchen pans.
How do you clean beeswax?
Melt it with some water, let it cool so debris settles, scrape the bottom and re-melt through a fine cloth. Repeat until it is clean.
Are solar wax melters worth it?
They work well in sunny climates and use no power. We did not find one sold through our affiliate partner, so this category lists electric and stovetop melters.
Can you sell beeswax candles?
Usually yes, but local business and product-safety rules apply. Check your state and local requirements before selling.
How much wax does a hive produce?
It varies with the harvest; cappings are a small share compared with the honey. Keep cappings from every harvest and render them together.