The Best Candle Jars To Refill At Home: The Complete Guide

reativ | The Best Candle Jars To Refill At Home

If you’ve ever wondered “can I reuse this empty candle jar?” — you’re not alone. Whether it’s a ceramic favourite, a tinted-glass beauty you can’t throw out, or a vessel from a luxury brand, knowing which jars are safe (and best) to refill can make your at-home candle ritual simpler, cleaner, and more enjoyable.

This guide breaks down exactly which candle vessels you can reuse, which ones to avoid, and how to choose the right jar for your next reativ refill.

why jar choice matters

Not every jar is designed to handle repeated heat. Refilling the wrong vessel can lead to cracks, overheating, uneven burns, or even injury. Choosing the right vessel means:

  • safer, more even burns

  • cleaner melts

  • better fragrance throw

  • longer candle life

  • a smoother refill experience

reativ candle refill kits and bundles are designed to work beautifully with most standard candle jars — but there are a few rules worth knowing.

jars that are perfect for refilling

These vessels are safe, reliable, and refill beautifully with reativ’s candle refill kits.

1. ceramic candle vessels

Ceramic is the gold standard for candle refills.
Here’s why:

  • handles heat exceptionally well

  • sturdy and long-lasting

  • great heat retention for slow, even burns

2. thick, heat-safe glass jars

Most candles come in glass, but not all glass is made equal.

Great refill candidates include:

  • double-walled glass candle jars

  • thick, heavy-base glass vessels

  • glass jars originally sold as candles

If the glass handled a flame once, it can generally handle it again — as long as it’s thick and stable.

quick check: if it feels lightweight or “thin,” skip it. Thin glass can crack with heat changes.

3. metal tins and containers

Metal is naturally heat-resistant and safe for candle refills.
Just make sure:

  • the inside is clean

  • the container isn’t dented

  • the metal doesn’t get too hot to handle while burning

(This one’s less aesthetic, but still perfectly safe.)

vessels you should avoid refilling

These jars may look beautiful, but they’re not designed for candle heat:

1. thin glass (e.g., drinking glasses, cheap jars)

These can overheat and crack — especially during long burns.

2. stoneware with hairline cracks

Even small cracks can expand with heat and risk breakage.

3. porous materials (e.g., terracotta, unsealed clay)

They absorb wax and oils, making them unsafe for candles.

4. jars not originally sold as candles

If it wasn’t made to withstand flame, heat, or extended burn time, it’s not suitable.

how to know if your vessel is safe

Before refilling, check your jar for:

✔ sturdiness

Does it feel solid, thick, and durable?

✔ heat-safe history

Did it previously hold a candle or come from a reputable candle brand?

✔ the right size

Our wicks are optimised for vessels around 9 cm in diameter.

If your vessel is wider, simply add an extra wick for an even burn.

✔ no cracks, chips, or weak spots

Always inspect before reusing.

how to prepare your jar for refilling

Once you’ve chosen a safe vessel:

  1. remove remaining wax

  2. remove the old wick base

  3. clean residue with warm water and soap

  4. dry completely

  5. check size, shape, and stability

Need help with wax removal?
Read: how to clean candle jars: your guide to removing candle wax

the ideal pairing: the right jar + a reativ candle refill

reativ candle refills make it simple to reuse your favourite vessels — without messy tools or complicated equipment.

each refill kit includes:

  • a microwavable candle wax pouch

  • a clean fragrance oil

  • a lead-free cotton wick

  • a wick holder

just melt, mix, pour, set, and enjoy your new candle in minutes.

final thoughts: your empty favourites deserve a second life

Choosing the right vessel is the first step in creating a safer, cleaner, better at-home candle. Whether you’re refilling a luxury jar, a handmade ceramic, or your favourite reativ vessel, the right jar helps your candle burn beautifully — again and again.

reativ makes it easy to refill the jars you love and turn candle making into a ritual of calm, creativity, and connection.

ready to refill your empty favourites? explore our candle refill kits here.

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