How to Use the Chandler & Me Candle Maker +Plus

The Chandler & Me Candle Maker +Plus is designed to simplify the heating and stirring stages of small-batch candle making.

Instead of manually melting wax in a double boiler and constantly monitoring temperature, the +Plus heats and stirs your wax through a programmed cycle, alerts you when it’s time to add fragrance, and then lets you know when the programmed pouring stage has been reached.

This guide walks through the complete process from setup to clean-up.

Before You Begin

Have all of your candle-making ingredients and equipment ready before starting.

You will need:

Chandler & Me Candle Maker +Plus
Supplied 1 litre jug
Candle wax
Candle fragrance oil
Prepared candle vessels
Correctly selected candle wicks
Digital scales
Fragrance measuring container
Candle dye, if required
Paper towel for clean-up
A stable, heat-safe work surface

A thermometer can also be useful when testing new waxes or working outside the standard programmed modes.

Step 1 — Prepare Your Candle Vessels

Before melting your wax, prepare the vessels you plan to fill.

Make sure each vessel is:

clean
completely dry
free from dust or residue
fitted with the correct wick
positioned on a stable, level surface

Secure the wick so it remains centred while the candle cools.

Preparing everything in advance means your vessels are ready as soon as the wax reaches the pouring stage.

Step 2 — Work Out How Much Wax You Need

Determine the fill weight of your chosen candle vessel and calculate the total wax required for your batch.

Remember that your fragrance oil forms part of the total finished formulation.

If you are unsure how much wax or fragrance you need, use the Candle Supply calculators rather than guessing.

Use the Candle Supply Fragrance & Wax Calculator

Step 3 — Select the Correct Operating Mode

The Candle Maker +Plus has four operating modes.

Small Batch Mode

Best for:

approximately 1–2 medium candles
fragrance testing
wick testing
samples
small projects

This is generally the best place to start when learning to use the machine.

Large Batch Mode

Best for:

larger small-batch runs
using more of the 1 litre jug capacity
making up to approximately 4 medium candles

When working with a fuller jug, avoid packing unmelted wax tightly around the stirrer. If necessary, allow some wax to melt before gradually adding more.

High Heat Mode

Designed for harder or higher-melting-point waxes.

Manufacturer-listed applications include:

paraffin wax
pillar wax
beeswax

Always confirm that your particular wax is suitable for the programmed temperature range before use.

Variable Mode

Designed for candle makers who want more control over the process.

Variable Mode can be particularly useful when:

testing a new wax
following manufacturer-specific processing temperatures
experimenting with fragrance-addition temperatures
adjusting your pouring process

Step 4 — Add Your Wax

Place the supplied jug into the Candle Maker and check that the stirring component is correctly positioned.

Weigh your wax accurately and add it to the jug.

Do not:

force wax around the stirrer
compress wax flakes into the jug
exceed the recommended capacity

With larger batches, it may be easier to add some wax initially and then add the remainder gradually as the first portion melts.

Step 5 — Start the Melting Cycle

Choose your operating mode and start the cycle.

The machine will begin heating and stirring the wax.

During this stage:

keep the machine on a stable surface
keep children and pets away from the work area
avoid touching hot components
keep water away from molten wax

Allow the machine to progress through its programmed cycle.

Step 6 — Prepare Your Fragrance

While the wax is melting, weigh your fragrance oil.

Fragrance should be measured by weight, not by volume.

The correct fragrance load depends on:

the wax you are using
the fragrance oil
your candle formulation
the maximum recommended fragrance load for the wax

Never assume that using more fragrance will automatically produce a stronger candle.

Excess fragrance can negatively affect wick performance, wax stability and the finished candle.

Step 7 — Add Fragrance When Prompted

When the Candle Maker reaches the fragrance stage, the machine will alert you.

Add your pre-measured fragrance oil to the melted wax.

The machine will continue stirring to incorporate the fragrance.

Standard Programmed Fragrance Temperatures

Mode	Approximate Fragrance Stage
Small Batch	75°C
Large Batch	75°C
High Heat	82°C

These are the machine’s programmed stages. Individual wax manufacturers may recommend different processing temperatures.

If your wax requires a different process, Variable Mode may be more appropriate.

Step 8 — Add Colour if Required

If you are colouring your candle, add a candle-safe dye according to the dye manufacturer’s instructions.

Avoid over-colouring, as excessive dye can affect wick performance and the finished candle.

Step 9 — Allow the Cycle to Continue

Once fragrance and colour have been added, allow the machine to continue through the cycle.

The Candle Maker will keep stirring as the wax moves towards the programmed pouring stage.

Step 10 — Pour Your Candles

When the pouring stage is reached, carefully remove the jug.

Standard Programmed Pouring Temperatures

Mode	Approximate Pour Stage
Small Batch	62°C
Large Batch	62°C
High Heat	75°C

Pour slowly into your prepared candle vessels.

Take care to:

keep the wick centred
avoid splashing
leave the correct headspace
pour consistently between vessels

The ideal pouring temperature can vary by wax, so compare the Candle Maker’s programmed stage with the recommendations for the wax you are using.

Step 11 — Allow Your Candles to Cool

Place freshly poured candles somewhere they can cool slowly and remain undisturbed.

Avoid:

direct sunlight
strong airflow
fans
air-conditioning vents
very cold benchtops
moving the candle repeatedly while it is setting

Rapid or uneven cooling can contribute to cosmetic issues including frosting, sinkholes, cracking and wet spots.

Step 12 — Allow the Candle to Cure

Once the wax has fully set, allow the candle to cure according to the recommendations for your chosen wax.

Cure time can affect:

fragrance performance
wax structure
burn behaviour

Do not judge the final performance of a candle immediately after pouring.

Step 13 — Trim and Test

Before burning:

trim the wick to the appropriate length
check that the wick remains centred
inspect the candle for visible defects
confirm the vessel is undamaged

If the candle is a new formulation, conduct a complete burn test.

A successful-looking candle is not automatically a correctly wicked candle.

Choosing the Right Mode

Your Goal	Suggested Starting Mode
First candle batch	Small Batch
1–2 candles	Small Batch
Fragrance testing	Small Batch
Wick testing	Small Batch
Samples	Small Batch
Up to approximately 4 candles	Large Batch
Harder wax	High Heat
Paraffin application	High Heat / Variable
Beeswax application	High Heat / Variable
Custom temperature process	Variable
Testing a new wax	Variable

These are general starting points only. Always check the processing requirements of the wax you are using.

Using Candle Supply Wax

Candle Supply is progressively testing the Candle Maker +Plus with our wax range.

Our first benchmark tests are:

NatureWax C3
NatureWax C1

We will then move through the new CS wax range:

CS Signature Soy Container Wax
CS Classic Soy Container Wax
CS Coconut Soy Container Wax
CS Performance Soy Paraffin Container Wax
CS Performance Paraffin Container Wax
CS Precision Soy Pillar Wax
CS Precision Palm Pillar Wax

As each wax is tested, we plan to publish machine-specific guidance covering:

recommended mode
typical batch size
fragrance-stage observations
pouring behaviour
practical tips

View the Candle Maker +Plus Wax Compatibility & Settings Guide

Cleaning the Candle Maker +Plus

Clean the jug after every batch.

Immediately After Pouring

Remove as much excess wax as possible while it is still warm.
Use paper towel to wipe residual wax from the jug.
Do not pour wax down the sink.
Allow the jug to cool to a safe handling temperature.

Washing the Jug

Wash according to the manufacturer’s care instructions using warm water and a small amount of detergent.

Rinse and dry thoroughly before the next use.

Harder Waxes

Harder waxes such as paraffin, pillar wax or beeswax may leave more residue around the stirring components and may require more thorough cleaning.

Appliance Body

Once unplugged and completely cool, wipe the exterior with a damp cloth as required.

Do not immerse the electrical appliance in water.

Changing Fragrances Between Batches

When testing multiple fragrances, clean the jug thoroughly between batches.

Residual fragrance can affect the scent profile of the next test.

Keeping an additional Chandler’s Jug can be useful if you regularly test multiple fragrances or formulations.

Important Safety Reminders

Molten wax can cause burns.

Always:

work on a stable, heat-safe surface
keep children and pets away from the work area
avoid water contact with hot wax
unplug the appliance before cleaning
allow components to cool before handling
use the appliance according to the manufacturer’s instructions

Never leave hot wax or heated equipment in an unsafe location.

Common Questions

Can I add wax while the machine is already melting?

For larger batches, additional wax can be added gradually as the initial wax melts.

Do not force or compact wax around the stirrer.

What if my wax manufacturer recommends a different temperature?

Follow the processing requirements of your wax.

Use Variable Mode where appropriate rather than assuming that the standard programmed temperatures will suit every formulation.

Can I make the candle stronger by adding extra fragrance?

Not necessarily.

Fragrance load must remain within the recommended range for your wax.

Adding excessive fragrance can create performance and safety problems.

Why doesn’t my finished candle look perfect?

The Candle Maker controls only part of the candle-making process.

Finished appearance can still be affected by:

wax
fragrance
dye
pouring temperature
room temperature
vessel temperature
cooling rate

If Something Doesn’t Look Right

The machine can simplify melting and mixing, but it cannot compensate for an unsuitable candle formulation.

If you are experiencing problems such as frosting, wet spots, sinkholes, cracking, weak fragrance, mushrooming, tunnelling or an excessive flame, check the complete formulation and burn-test results rather than assuming the machine is responsible.

View the Candle Maker +Plus Troubleshooting & Support Guide

Quick Start Summary

Prepare and wick your vessels.
Calculate your wax and fragrance quantities.
Select Small, Large, High Heat or Variable Mode.
Add weighed wax to the jug.
Start the machine.
Weigh fragrance while the wax melts.
Add fragrance when prompted.
Add colour if required.
Allow the cycle to continue.
Pour when the machine reaches the appropriate stage.
Allow candles to cool slowly.
Cure according to your wax recommendations.
Burn test your finished formulation.

Need More Help?

Candle Maker +Plus

View product specifications, features and purchase information.

View the Candle Maker +Plus

Wax Compatibility & Settings

See Candle Supply test results and recommendations as they become available.

View Wax Compatibility & Settings

Troubleshooting & Support

Find help with machine operation, wax processing and common issues.

View Troubleshooting & Support