How to Make Tallow Candles

Tallow candles are a lovely natural option for your home. Use these anytime to enjoy the cozy ambiance of candlelight or keep them stocked in case of emergency. Either way, who doesn't love candles in their space?

Making tallow candles is quick and easy! This project takes no time to create and then you simply leave it to set overnight before use. Candle making doesn't have to be crazy complicated when you are simply making them for enjoyment in your own home.

Beef tallow candles are a great way to use up your own home rendered tallow or the last of the container you purchased either from your local farm or online. Many of us strive for zero waste in our kitchens and this is one simple way to ensure the last of your tallow doesn't get tossed! Make some homemade tallow balm and a few of these easy candles!

This is a good time to remind you, though it is obvious, that these candles are not vegan and therefore you may want to consider making soy wax candles if you are wanting to make these as a gift for someone you love who does not use animal-based products!

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Jump to:

• Do tallow candles smell?
• How long do tallow candles last?
• What you need
• Is tallow good for candles?
• Supplies and materials
• How to make tallow candles
• Notes
• How to Make Tallow Candles

Do tallow candles smell?

No, not at all! These are great left as-is for unscented candles that guarantee coziness in any space. No beef tallow smell here!

How long do tallow candles last?

Of course, when looking at the lifespan and/or burn time tallow candles, there is a lot to be taken into consideration. The container size, the type of wick, the size of the opening, how long each burn lasts, etc.

Here are some helpful and very basic considerations and tips:

• The container - I love using repurposed jars for my candles and do my best to use wide-mouth jars so that oxygen is able to reach the flame more consistently. Whatever you decide to use for a container, try to select one with a large wide opening at the top!
• Wick material - The best wick for tallow candles are made from cotton or any other natural material. This is the way to go to keep your beef tallow candles 100% nontoxic! Some are made from different materials or even a blend of materials. They can also be lined with paraffin waxes or other funky stuff.
• Wick sizing and placement- This can be tricky and take some troubleshooting. It really depends on the container being used as to what sizing is needed and what placement is best. (Example: a larger container needing more than one wick.) If you are making tallow candles for your own home and enjoyment, don't stress! You'll learn as you go what works best! If you really want to get it perfect I recommend making a few and doing safe and supervised burn tests to nail it!
• Time per burn - Quickly lighting and then extinguishing your tallow candles may lead to tunneling. Longer burns (especially when you can see the whole top layer has melted a bit) will lead to a more consistent burn, help avoid tunneling, and elongate the lifespan of your candles! Tip: if tunneling occurs, burn your candle until it evens out next time or even melt a bit more tallow to fill it in and start again!

What you need

• Tallow - You can render your own beef tallow from your homestead or talk to your local organic practicing farmer to get what you need to render from a local source! If you can’t do this (or simply don’t want to) that’s okay too! There are online options available as well.
• Cotton wick - 100% cotton wicks are one of the best options for candle wicks and it is generally pretty cost-effective to buy a big spool of it.
• Pencils - These pencils will be used to help hold the wick in the center of your jar and keep it from falling in.
• Double boiler - Use a double boiler or a makeshift double boiler (pot with a stovetop-safe glass bowl over it) to melt down your tallow.
• Spoon or butterknife - Stir as your tallow melts down to speed up the process.
• Container - Upcycle a wide-mouth glass jar from your kitchen for the most eco-friendly option! 1 pint size jar works or multiple smaller containers. You can also use:
  • Teacup.
  • Small wide bowl.
  • Ramekins.
  • Flowerpot with no hole in the bottom.

Is tallow good for candles?

Tallow is great for candle making as it stays solid at room temperature and has a nice slow burn.

Supplies and materials

• 2 cups rendered and filtered beef tallow.
• Cotton wick.
• Scissors.
• Pencils.
• Jars/containers (1 pint glass jar or multiple smaller jars)
• Double boiler.
• Butterknife or spoon.
• Potholder OR oven mitt.

How to make tallow candles

1. Fill the bottom pot of your double boiler with 1-2 inches of water. Bring to a boil.

2. In the top pot, add your beef tallow. 

3. Melt down the beef tallow, stirring occasionally.

4. As your tallow melts down, prepare your wicks in the center of your container(s.) Use your pencils to hold the wick centered.

5. Very carefully pour your melted tallow into the container(s.) Reposition the wick if necessary.

6. Allow your candle(s) to set overnight.

7. Trim your wicks and enjoy the ambiance of these lovely candles!

Notes

• Don't over trim your wick! You don't want it all the way down to the tallow Leave a bit of length but not so much that it is curling over or sticking up like crazy.
• When using your candle: if tunneling occurs, burn your candle until it evens out next time or even melt a bit more tallow to fill it in and start again!
• Two tips for preventing frosting: (1.) Test different pour temperatures. (2.) Let them cool on a wire rack so the bottom isn't retaining all the heat as it cools down.
• Allow your candles to cool naturally, don't put them in the fridge or in a cold room!
• If the top of your candle ends up with a crack in it you can use a heat gun to gently melt the top layer and let it set again.
• Be careful when working with hot tallow! I use a potholder when pouring my candles as the double boiler is very hot. Be careful not to get melted tallow on your skin as it will burn you.