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What Types of Containers Can Be Used for Gel Candles?

By David Fisher, About.com

Question: What Types of Containers Can Be Used for Gel Candles?

Answer: The guidelines for gel candle containers are similar to choosing containers for any kind of candle - it needs to be resistant to cracking, able to stand up to the heat of the flame and wax, and not leak. It also needs to be of a shape that it will dissipate the heat well. Round, bowl type containers, while very popular, can hold the heat more than more open, straight-sided containers. With gel candles, the only slight difference is in the temperature that will be sustained - since gel wax burns at a higher temperature, 260° to 280° - almost 100° hotter than paraffin wax.

As with all containers and candles, TEST TEST TEST. Heat it up with a heat gun or put it in a hot oven. But remember, even very heat-resistant jelly jars can crack now and then. Just because you've tested it for heat resisitance, doesn't mean it can be burned un-attended!

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