Candle making: Do I need a double boiler?

[LowLevelWhinging]

I bought a kit from this place.

The instructions say I need a double boiler and a metal ladle. Is this right?

Do I need to buy specialist kit or will a bowl over a pan of water do?

[Pipsmilkmaid]

I tried to make a candle in a sauce pan once and ruined it still trying to wash red wax out of it. I think you should be alright with a bowl but you might not be able to use it for anything else afterwards

[OwlCapone]

I side an old saucepan from a house clearance type shop over a pan of boiling water. A bowl will be fine if you don't want to use it again, ditto the ladle really.

[LowLevelWhinging]

ah I see, thank you.

[tb]

A double boiler is a good idea as it stops the wax getting getting too hot.

Hot wax can burn down to the bone as it's sticky, and tends to set on contact with the skin.

Always used one when I made candles years ago. I wouldn't use a bowl, as it will be a bit unstable, and even if the wax is food grade, the dyes won't be, neither will mould release be or anything else you add.

[firesidechat]

I use a metal jug in a saucepan of water. Cheaper than a double boiler and works fine.

[SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius]

I just used my ordinary saucepans - they aren't non-stick - and I've had no problems at all. You could probably make a makeshift double boiler with a Pyrex bowl, over boling water.

[SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius]

Boling? Boiling!