One of the most dangerous parts of candle-making (or any hobby, really) is that gathering supplies adds up fast. There’s always a new wax, wick or fragrance oil to try, and they don’t come cheap. Especially when you have to pay for shipping separately (wax is heavy!). That’s why I often turn to Amazon for candle-making supplies*, though the results can be very hit or miss.

However, when I find a solid brand on Amazon, I take note—and set a reminder to stock up. Here are the top candle-making supplies I’ve tried—and new ones I’m eyeing—for my next restock.

*Note: If you’re serious about making candles as a business, you’ll want to buy in bulk for a local supplier, but as a hobbyist, Amazon has affordable, solid options.

1. ToAuto 3-Pound Electric Wax Melting Pot

As a hobby candle maker, I use this little pot more than anything. Beyond the cute aesthetics (the ribbing! The pistachio-and-tan combo!), it’s just plain useful: It melts wax quickly, and the pour spout makes it easy to make a few candles at once. Given its 3-pound capacity, you’re limited to making small batches, but most of the time, I’m only trying to pour three to four candles at a time, so this works for me.

2. ToAuto 8-Pound Wax Melter

If you’re getting serious about making candles, this medium-sized melter is worth a closer look. I own it too, and I love how easy it is to use and clean out. In most of the Makesy and Digiboil reviews I’ve read, people complained about how long it took for their wax to melt. With both ToAuto devices I own, the wax seems to melt in mere minutes. I haven’t had issues, and I love that this guy both looks good on my shelf and takes up about as much space as a toaster oven.

I can make roughly 15 to 16 8-ounce candles at a time with it, though I usually don’t max out its capacity; I’d say this is best for making 10 to 12, or for hosting candle-making parties with small groups. (Honestly, for the cost of most candle workshops, you could buy this and the ingredients below and throw your own party!)

3. Direct Candle Supply Coconut Soy Wax, 5 Pounds

I’m a big fan of coconut-soy wax blends, and while I typically buy from Makesy these days, I got my start using Direct Candle Supply’s wax and had great results. The price is reasonable, it’s typically in stock and the wax tends to yield consistent results with minimal cratering or other issues.

4. P&J Trading Fragrance Oil: Autumn Set

If you’re making your own candles, chances are you’re into scents. It’s all too easy to stockpile way too many—or worse, invest in a large bottle, only to learn the hard way that description online of being “just like Le Labo” is really a big, fat, le Lie-o. When I was starting out, I loved getting these little samplers from P&J Trading, just to learn what types of scents I liked and didn’t like. They’re just large enough to make a small candle, or blend a few fragrances to create a small batch.

With fall (and cozy candle szn) quickly approaching, might I recommend this Autumn pack?

5. Boowan Nicole Concrete Candle Jar Mold

I’ve just started getting into concrete candle making, and I was pleasantly surprised by how easy these silicone molds are to use. As long as you give the concrete plenty of time to dry, it pops out fairly easily.

6. Reisen 12-Piece Assorted Blue Candle Jars with Lids

Available in a variety of muted shades, I love these frosted glass jars with wooden lids. They look luxe, and while they’re a bit pricey if you’re planning on selling your homemade candles (they come out to $2.10 apiece), they nail the effortlessly chic look. I don’t know that I’d use the included labels (except for the warning labels), but they’re really just a bonus anyway.

Psst: If blue isn’t your color, there five other options on sale, ranging from stealth wealth tans and beiges to vibrant greens.

7. Instant Read Thermometer

A great-smelling candle depends on adding the fragrance oil and pouring it at the right temperatures, making a digital thermometer that’s reliable, easy to read and quickly calculates the temp a must. This checks off all the boxes.

8. Etekcity Digital Food Scale

I don’t make candles without a scale. That sounds tedious, but it’s so easy to use, once you get the hang of it. (Plus, it’s crucial to ensure you melt enough wax and add in just enough fragrance oil to get a good scent throw without overdoing it.) This Etekcity model is easy to clean, fast-reading, accurate and affordable, making it a winner in my book.

One Last Thing:

You’ll also need wicks and wick stickers or hot glue to adhere them, but those depend on the size of the vessel you use, which is why I’m not including them here. Amazon’s wick sizes tend to be pretty vague, so I usually order from Candle Science or Makesy for those.