Wooden Wick Co. Candle Kit: The DIY Candle Making Experience
Diving into the world of candle making can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to choosing the right supplies. The Wooden Wick Co. Candle Kit has emerged as a favorite among both beginners and experienced crafters looking to create premium candles with that distinctive crackling sound that only wooden wicks can provide. As the company holding all the patents for wooden wicks, they’ve established themselves as the gold standard in the industry. But is their candle kit worth the investment? Let’s find out.
What’s in the Wooden Wick Co. Candle Kit?
| Component | Specification | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Wooden Wicks | 0.04″ thick, 5″ length | Various sizes available |
| Wick Holders | Metal centering devices | Matches number of wicks |
| Soy Wax | Premium organic soy | Sufficient for multiple candles |
| Fragrance Oil | Premium grade | Varies by kit selection |
| Containers | Glass vessels | Varies by kit selection |
| Instruction Guide | Detailed step-by-step instructions | 1 |
Pros and Cons of the Wooden Wick Co. Candle Kit
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Patent-holding company ensures authentic quality | Higher price point than some competitors |
| Consistent crackling sound that customers love | Wooden wicks require more precise trimming |
| Premium organic soy wax included | Learning curve for first-time wooden wick users |
| Comprehensive instructions for beginners | Limited fragrance options compared to some competitors |
| Eco-friendly materials throughout | May not be suitable for very small containers |
| Creates a luxurious, high-end candle experience | Shipping costs can be significant |
The Wooden Wick Experience: A Detailed Review
Having spent considerable time testing the Wooden Wick Co. Candle Kit, I can confidently say it delivers a premium candle-making experience that’s hard to match. The company’s position as the patent holder for wooden wicks is immediately evident in the quality and consistency of their products.
The Wicks: The Star of the Show
The wooden wicks included in this kit are truly exceptional. At 0.04″ thick and 5″ in length, they’re perfectly sized for most standard candle containers. What sets these wicks apart is their consistent performance – they light easily, produce that coveted crackling sound reminiscent of a fireplace, and maintain an even burn throughout the candle’s life.
I particularly appreciated the inclusion of wick holders, which make centering the wooden wicks much easier than expected. For beginners who might be intimidated by wooden wicks, this thoughtful addition removes a significant hurdle.
Wax Quality and Performance
The organic soy wax included in the kit melts evenly and carries fragrance exceptionally well. Unlike paraffin alternatives, this wax burns cleaner with minimal soot, making it both environmentally friendly and better for indoor air quality. The wax has a good melt pool that extends to the edges of the container, preventing the dreaded “tunneling” effect that plagues poorly designed candles.
One thing to note: the soy wax does require proper temperature management during the pouring process. The included instructions are clear about this, but it’s something to be mindful of for optimal results.
Fragrance Integration
The fragrance oils included with the Wooden Wick Co. Kit are high-quality and provide excellent scent throw both when burning (hot throw) and when sitting unlit (cold throw). The selection may not be as vast as some dedicated fragrance suppliers like Makesy, but what they do offer blends beautifully with their wax and wick combination.
I found that the recommended fragrance-to-wax ratio in their instructions produced candles with a pleasant, room-filling scent that wasn’t overwhelming. This balance is often difficult to achieve for beginners, so having these guidelines is extremely helpful.
Ease of Use and Instructions
As someone who has guided many first-time candle makers, I was impressed by the clarity and thoroughness of the instructions included in the kit. They cover everything from safety precautions to troubleshooting common issues specific to wooden wicks. The step-by-step approach makes what could be a complex process accessible to complete beginners.
The only area where novices might struggle is in proper wick trimming, which is more critical with wooden wicks than with cotton alternatives. The instructions do address this, but it may take a bit of practice to get it just right.
How Does It Compare to Competitors?
| Feature | Wooden Wick Co. Kit | Makesy Supplies | The Flaming Candle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wick Quality | Patent-holder, premium quality | Good quality, varied options | Good quality, limited wooden options |
| Wax Type | Organic soy wax | Multiple options (soy, coconut, blend) | Various waxes available |
| Fragrance Selection | Limited but high-quality | Extensive fragrance library | Wide selection of fragrance oils |
| Beginner-Friendliness | Excellent instructions, complete kit | Good resources, à la carte purchasing | Moderate guidance, separate components |
| Price Point | Premium ($$$) | Moderate to Premium ($$-$$$) | Budget to Moderate ($-$$) |
| Eco-Friendliness | High – organic and sustainable materials | High – eco-friendly focus | Moderate – some eco options available |
Wooden Wick Co. vs. Wood & Wick Co.
It’s worth noting that Wooden Wick Co. should not be confused with Wood & Wick Co., which offers candle-making workshops. While both focus on wooden wick candles, Wooden Wick Co. specializes in supplying premium DIY materials, whereas Wood & Wick Co. emphasizes the workshop experience for creating coconut soy wax candles. If you’re looking for supplies to make candles at home, Wooden Wick Co. is your go-to, but if you prefer a guided workshop experience, Wood & Wick Co. might be more suitable.
Performance Ratings
| Category | Rating (out of 5) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wick Quality | 5.0 | Consistent performance, reliable crackling |
| Wax Performance | 4.5 | Excellent burn, slight learning curve for temperature |
| Fragrance Quality | 4.5 | Strong scent throw, limited selection |
| Ease of Use | 4.0 | Great instructions, some practice needed |
| Value for Money | 4.0 | Premium price but excellent quality |
| Overall Experience | 4.5 | Superior candle-making experience |
Tips for Getting the Most from Your Wooden Wick Co. Kit
After making multiple candles with this kit, I’ve discovered some techniques that help achieve the best results:
Proper Wick Preparation
Wooden wicks benefit from a brief soak in a small amount of the melted wax before being placed in the container. This pre-soaking helps with the first lighting and promotes more even burning. Just 30 seconds of soaking makes a noticeable difference.
Wick Trimming
Unlike cotton wicks, wooden wicks should be trimmed to about 1/8″ before each burn. Use small, sharp scissors or nail clippers for precision. Remove any charred portions to ensure a clean burn and that signature crackling sound.
Temperature Management
Pour your wax at the recommended temperature (usually around 135°F for soy wax). Pouring too hot can cause the wax to pull away from the container sides as it cools, while pouring too cool can create an uneven surface.
First Burn Importance
The first burn is critical with wooden wick candles. Allow the candle to burn until the melt pool reaches the edges of the container (usually 2-3 hours). This establishes the burn memory and prevents tunneling in future burns.
Who Should Buy the Wooden Wick Co. Candle Kit?
Perfect For:
DIY Enthusiasts: If you enjoy creating handmade items and want to try candle making with premium materials, this kit provides everything you need for a satisfying experience.
Gift Givers: Those looking to create personalized, high-quality gifts will appreciate the luxurious results possible with this kit. The crackling wooden wicks add a special touch that recipients notice and love.
Eco-Conscious Crafters: With organic soy wax and sustainable wooden wicks, this kit appeals to environmentally-minded individuals who want to avoid paraffin and other less eco-friendly materials.
Sensory Experience Seekers: If you’re drawn to the ambiance created by the gentle crackling sound of a wooden wick, this kit delivers that fireplace-like experience consistently.
Maybe Not For:
Budget-Focused Beginners: If you’re just testing the waters of candle making and aren’t sure about the hobby, there are less expensive starter options available.
Production Candle Makers: Those making candles in large quantities might find better economies of scale purchasing components separately.
Fragrance Experimenters: If your primary interest is testing many different scent combinations, you might be better served by a company like Makesy with their extensive fragrance library.
The Verdict: Is the Wooden Wick Co. Candle Kit Worth It?
After thorough testing and comparison with other options on the market, the Wooden Wick Co. Candle Kit earns a strong recommendation for anyone interested in creating premium, crackling wooden wick candles. The combination of patent-backed wick technology, high-quality ingredients, and comprehensive instructions makes it particularly valuable for those new to wooden wicks.
While the price point is higher than some alternatives, the quality justifies the investment, especially considering the superior burning experience and professional-looking results. The kit eliminates the guesswork of sourcing compatible components separately, which can be particularly challenging when working with wooden wicks for the first time.
For candle enthusiasts who appreciate the distinctive ambiance created by the gentle crackling sound and warm, even glow of a wooden wick candle, this kit provides everything needed to craft that experience at home. The Wooden Wick Co.’s position as the patent holder for wooden wick technology translates into a noticeable difference in performance compared to generic alternatives.
Whether you’re creating candles for personal enjoyment or as thoughtful gifts, the Wooden Wick Co. Candle Kit delivers a luxury candle-making experience that’s accessible even to beginners. The resulting candles rival high-end store-bought options but with the added satisfaction of having crafted them yourself.
In the growing landscape of DIY candle making, the Wooden Wick Co. has established itself as the authority on wooden wicks, and their complete candle kit demonstrates why they’ve earned that reputation. For those serious about creating premium crackling candles, this kit represents both a quality starting point and a reliable ongoing resource.