Buying guide
Burn Testing Kit
Updated How we research
Burn testing is how you find out whether your candle is safe before a customer does. It is tedious, it costs wax and it is completely non-negotiable. The good news is that a proper test setup is cheap: sample packs so you can compare wick sizes side by side, a thermometer for repeatable pours, and a surface you are not afraid to spill hot wax on. The page is split into six sections (Testing supplies; Wick sample packs; Wick sizes to compare; Trimmers for test burns; Thermometers; Work surface protection), followed by every pick ranked by our score so you can compare them in one place.
The short version
We compared 23 picks. Our scores range from 6.2 to 9.2 out of 10.
- Best overall:The Wooden Wick Co. Crackling Wick Sample Kit, Includes Eleven Wick Varieties, Free Wick Clips. Highest overall score in this guide at 9.2/10.
- Also great value:Cozyours 6 inch Cotton Wicks for Candle Making, 100 pcs with 21 Metal Centering Devices and 150 Wick Stickers. Value score of 9/10, overall 8.6/10.
- Solid build:TempPro TempDip 1 Sec Digital Candy Thermometer with Pot Clip & 10 Inch Probe, Waterproof Instant Read. Build and materials score of 8/10, overall 8.6/10.
- Feature-rich:Large Silicone Heat Resistant Mat 78.7 x 15.7, Nonslip Mats for Kitchen Counter, Countertop Protector, Nonstick Waterproof Craft Table Placemat. Features score of 8/10, overall 8.2/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
Testing supplies
- The Wooden Wick Co. Crackling Wick Sample Kit, Includes Eleven Wick Varieties, Free Wick ClipsOur score9.2/10
- Candle Making Business Logbook 101: 100 Candle Test Sheets for Beginner Candle Business OwnersOur score7.6/10
- Candle Making Log Book: Candlemakers Journal to Record Ingredients, Processes, Burn Tests and Final ResultsOur score7.4/10
- Candle Making Logbook: A Candle Maker's Journal for Recipes and Burn TestsOur score6.6/10
Wick sample packs
- EAP Innovations HTP Wick Sample KitOur score8.1/10
- CandMak Candle Wick Kit - 60 Cotton Wicks with Candle Making Tools (Thick 4, 6 and 8 Inch)Our score7.8/10
- NOOR Candle Wick Kit - 100pcs Candle Wicks (6 Inch Cotton) with Wick Holders, Stickers and LabelsOur score7.5/10
- Candle Wicks with Candle Wick Stickers and Centering Device for Candle DIY, Candle Making Kit (4 inch)Our score6.2/10
Wick sizes to compare
- Cozyours 6 inch Cotton Wicks for Candle Making, 100 pcs with 21 Metal Centering Devices and 150 Wick StickersOur score8.6/10
- MIFASOO Candle Wicks for Candle Making, 6 Inch 100 Piece DIY Pre-Waxed Cotton Wick with TabsOur score7.8/10
- EricX Light 100 Piece Natural Candle Wick, Low Smoke 6 Inch Pre-Waxed 100% Natural Cotton CoreOur score7.8/10
- CandMak Candle Wick Kit - 60 Cotton Wicks with Candle Making Tools (Thick 4, 6 and 8 Inch)Our score7.8/10
Trimmers for test burns
- CHEFBEE Stainless Steel Candle Wick Trimmer, Silver Polished Wick Clipper for Deep Jar CandlesOur score8.1/10
- CHEFBEE Black Polished Stainless Steel Candle Wick Trimmer, Wick Clipper Cutter ScissorsOur score8.1/10
- STONCEL 1PC Candle Trimmer Wick Catcher Stainless Steel, SilverOur score8.1/10
- NestOrganix Candle Wick Trimmer, Polished Stainless Steel Wick TrimmerOur score7.5/10
Thermometers
- TempPro TempDip 1 Sec Digital Candy Thermometer with Pot Clip & 10 Inch Probe, Waterproof Instant ReadOur score8.6/10
- BOMATA Digital Candy Thermometer with Pot Clip, Deep Fry Oil Thermometer with Rotatable Display & Long ProbeOur score7.8/10
- CRAFT911 Candy Thermometer with Pot Clip - Deep Fry Oil Thermometer for Frying and Candle Making (White)Our score7.1/10
- Digital Cooking Candy Liquid Thermometer with Stainless Steel Pot Clip, Quick Read, Battery IncludedOur score7.0/10
Work surface protection
- Large Silicone Heat Resistant Mat 78.7 x 15.7, Nonslip Mats for Kitchen Counter, Countertop Protector, Nonstick Waterproof Craft Table PlacematOur score8.2/10
- Sapid Large Silicone Sheet for Crafts, Extra Thick Jewelry Casting Mat, Nonstick Nonslip for Epoxy Resin, Heat-Resistant Counter Mat 20 x 27.9 PurpleOur score8.0/10
- Super Kitchen Thick Silicone Counter Mat Large 23.4 x 15.6, Heat Resistant Mat for Kitchen Table, Countertop Protector, Non Stick Baking PlacematOur score7.8/10
- Hot Glue Gun Mat, Non-Stick Heat Resistant Silicone Craft Pad, 11.8 x 15.7 Glue Gun Drip Mat for Crafts, DIY Projects, Workbench ProtectionOur score7.2/10
All 23 picks, ranked by our score
Every product from the sections above, listed once. Sort by the criterion you care about most, or tick up to three to compare.
#1The Wooden Wick Co. crackling wick sample kit with eleven wick varieties and free wick clips.
Fit for the job 10/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + Eleven wick varieties allow proper side by side burn tests
- + Wick clips included, so samples are ready to set
- + Specialist wood wick brand with consistent sizing
- - Only a few of each variety for repeat testing
- - Wood wick testing needs more trimming and relighting
#2Cozyours 6 inch cotton wicks, 100 pcs, bundled with 21 metal centering devices and 150 wick stickers.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 21 metal centering devices let you pour a batch of jars at once
- + 150 wick stickers outnumber the wicks, so spares are included
- + All-in-one bundle suits beginners setting up their first bench
- - Burn test a sample wick in your jar before pouring a full batch
- - Metal centering tools may not span very wide containers
#3TempPro TempDip 1 Sec digital candy thermometer with pot clip and 10 Inch waterproof instant read probe.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 1 Sec reading helps catch the exact fragrance add temp
- + 10 Inch probe reaches into tall pouring pitchers
- + Waterproof build survives quick rinses after use
- - Battery powered, so keep spares on the bench
- - Digital housing should not sit directly on a hot plate
#4A large 78.7 x 15.7 heat resistant silicone mat that protects kitchen counters and craft tables from wax spills.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 78.7 x 15.7 length covers a full pouring line of jars
- + Nonslip silicone keeps pitchers and jars steady
- + Cooled wax peels off the nonstick surface easily
- - Long narrow shape may not fit every work table
- - Thinner mats can still let heat reach the counter
#5EAP Innovations HTP wick sample kit for testing a range of HTP sizes before buying a bulk pack.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Focused on one series, so size steps are easy to compare
- + HTP wicks are widely used for soy and vegetable waxes
- + Great for narrowing down to a single wick for production
- - Only HTP series, so you cannot compare against ECO or CD wicks
- - Sample kits are meant for testing, so budget for a full size reorder
#6CHEFBEE polished silver stainless steel candle wick trimmer with a long reach for deep jar candles.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Long handles reach wicks deep inside tall jar candles
- + Angled blades cut the wick evenly without tilting the jar
- + Polished stainless steel looks good on a nightstand
- - Does not catch trimmed wick, so debris can fall into the wax
- - Single purpose tool without snuffer or dipper
#7CHEFBEE black polished stainless steel wick trimmer scissors, a darker finish of the brand's candle clipper.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Black finish suits modern or moody home decor
- + Stainless steel blades trim wicks cleanly and precisely
- + Scissor style grip is easy to control on small wicks
- - Black coating can wear at the tips with frequent use
- - Trimmer only, with no matching snuffer in the box
#8STONCEL 1PC silver stainless steel candle trimmer with a wick catcher that holds the trimmed piece.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Wick catcher keeps burnt trimmings out of the wax pool
- + Stainless steel build stays sharp for regular trimming
- + Single tool is compact and easy to store with candles
- - Catcher plate adds bulk inside narrow jars
- - Only one tool, with no snuffer or dipper included
#9Sapid extra thick purple silicone casting mat at 20 x 27.9 for resin, jewelry and counter protection.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Extra thick silicone adds better heat insulation
- + 20 x 27.9 area fits a melter and several jars
- + Nonstick surface releases dried wax and resin
- - Purple color can make dye shades hard to judge
- - Thick mat is heavier and harder to roll up
#10CandMak candle wick kit with 60 thick cotton wicks in 4, 6 and 8 Inch lengths plus candle making tools.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 4, 6 and 8 Inch lengths cover tins, jars and tall tumblers
- + Thick wicks suit wider containers that need a bigger flame
- + Included tools help new makers center and set wicks
- - 60 wicks split across three lengths means few of each
- - Thick wicks can over-burn small jars and cause soot
#11MIFASOO 6 Inch pre-waxed cotton candle wicks with tabs in a 100 piece pack for jar and container candles.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + 100 piece pack covers many candles at a low cost per wick
- + Pre-waxed and tabbed, so wicks are ready to stick and pour
- + 6 Inch length fits most standard jars with room to trim
- - Single thickness will not suit very wide or very narrow jars
- - Burn test a sample wick in your jar before committing to a full batch
#12EricX Light 100 piece low smoke 6 Inch pre-waxed wicks with a natural cotton core for everyday jar candles.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + Natural cotton core avoids metal or zinc cores in the wick
- + Low smoke design helps keep jar rims and walls cleaner
- + 100 piece pack is cheap enough to use freely in burn tests
- - Burn test a sample wick before committing to a full batch pour
- - No stickers or centering bars included in the pack
#13BOMATA digital candy thermometer with pot clip, rotatable display and long probe, handy for melting wax.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Rotatable display is easy to read from any angle
- + Pot clip keeps the probe steady in a pouring pitcher
- + Digital readout makes hitting pour temps precise
- - Kitchen thermometer, so keep a separate one for wax
- - Needs batteries, unlike analog candle thermometers
#14Super Kitchen thick silicone counter mat at 23.4 x 15.6, heat resistant for kitchen tables and baking.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Thick silicone protects surfaces from hot pitchers
- + 23.4 x 15.6 size is practical for small setups
- + Non stick surface wipes clean after wax drips
- - Mid size mat will not cover a long pouring line
- - Kitchen styling may not match a craft studio
#15Candle Making Business Logbook 101 with 100 candle test sheets for beginner candle business owners.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + 100 candle test sheets cover many recipe trials
- + Business focus helps track batches for selling
- + Test sheet format speeds up note taking
- - Once all sheets are used you need a new book
- - Business angle may be more than hobbyists need
#16NOOR candle wick kit with 100pcs 6 Inch cotton wicks, wick holders, stickers and labels for home candle makers.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Wick holders, stickers and labels make it a complete placement kit
- + 100pcs cotton wicks cover plenty of practice pours
- + Labels help new makers track wick tests and batches
- - Only one wick size, so it is less of a true sample pack
- - Burn test the included wick size before pouring a full batch
#17NestOrganix polished stainless steel candle wick trimmer for keeping wicks at a clean, even length.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Polished stainless steel resists rust and wipes clean
- + Curved design reaches into jars without scratching glass
- + Simple, focused tool for regular wick care
- - No wick catcher, so trimmings may need to be picked out
- - Plain finish lacks the gift appeal of boxed sets
#18A candle making log book and candlemakers journal to record ingredients, processes, burn tests and final results.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Structured pages for ingredients, processes and burn tests
- + Recording results makes successful recipes repeatable
- + Low cost tool that improves testing discipline
- - Paper journal cannot sort or search results like a spreadsheet
- - Page layout may not match your own testing method
#19A non-stick heat resistant silicone hot glue gun mat at 11.8 x 15.7 for crafts and workbench protection.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Compact 11.8 x 15.7 size fits beside a melter
- + Handles hot glue, useful when fixing wicks with glue
- + Non-stick surface cleans up in seconds
- - Too small to protect a whole pouring area
- - Glue gun focus means edges may not contain wax spills
#20CRAFT911 white candy thermometer with pot clip, sold for deep frying and candle making.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Explicitly listed for candle making as well as cooking
- + Pot clip holds it on a wax pitcher
- + Analog design needs no batteries
- - Analog dial is slower to read than digital
- - White body can stain with dyed wax over time
#21Digital Cooking Candy Liquid Thermometer with Stainless Steel Pot Clip, Quick Read, Battery Included
A digital cooking candy liquid thermometer with stainless steel pot clip, quick read and battery included.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Battery included, so it works straight out of the box
- + Stainless steel pot clip keeps the probe in place
- + Quick read display helps time pours
- - Check the reading against a second thermometer for accuracy
- - Measure your pot depth to confirm the probe will reach the bottom
#22A candle making logbook and candle maker's journal for recording recipes and burn test notes.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 7/10
- + Keeps recipes and burn tests together in one place
- + Handy for tracking wick and fragrance changes
- + Simple format suits hobbyists new to testing
- - Page count and layout are not described
- - Similar to other self published candle logbooks
#23A 4 inch candle wick kit with wick stickers and centering device, aimed at small DIY candles and tins.
Fit for the job 6/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 7/10
- + 4 inch wicks reduce trimming waste in short containers
- + Stickers and centering device included for tidy placement
- + Simple starter bundle for small gift candles
- - Burn test a sample wick before committing to a full jar batch
- - Too short for standard tumblers or tall jars
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Based on the last 28 days of search and visitor data.
Candle Making Nest curates picks for US shoppers. Scores are our editorial assessment. We may earn a commission from links on this page.