Clay pot and candle heaters are an easy-to-make space heater that uses terracotta flowerpots and candles to warm a small area. Popular on YouTube for years, these DIY heaters use terracotta pots filled with wax to produce heat in small spaces.
This type of pot heater requires more effort to construct than a standard model, but it’s more efficient and offers higher heating capacity. Plus, since it doesn’t radiate heat onto your skin as quickly, you’re safer using it.
Candles in a Tin
A clay pot and candle heater is an easy, cost-effective way to add warmth to a room. It’s an excellent alternative to electric heating devices since you can leave them on for extended periods without using up too much energy.
First, create a base for the clay pot and candles to sit on. This can be done by stacking bricks atop one another or using tiles. Make sure there’s airflow between the pot and lower bricks so oxygen can keep your candles burning efficiently.
Once your base is created, it’s time to hang the clay pot and candles. There are various methods for doing this depending on personal preferences.
A basic clay pot heater is constructed by placing the pot upside down on top of two bricks. This creates airflow between the pot and bricks below, helping to distribute heat from a candle throughout the area.
If you want to increase the efficiency of your clay pot heater, adding some sand at the bottom and placing a small piece of lava rock inside will do wonders. This acts as a barrier between the fire and candle heat by absorbing it away.
Additionally, you can add a drop of color to the melted wax before mixing it in. This is an effortless way to make your clay pot heater more vibrant and prevent the wax from sticking to the sides of the tin.
If you’re thinking about creating a candle heater for your home, the next step is finding candles that fit well inside of a clay pot. Look for candles with good stability and even burning, as these are the safest options available.
Tin candles come in an array of shapes and sizes, as well as scented ones with colored tinting. Some tins even come with lids so you can use them as containers for other things like beauty products or storage containers.
Thick Candles
If you’re in need of an inexpensive alternative to power outages or simply want a warm space without using electricity, creating a DIY clay pot and candle heater is easy. This method works great if you live off-grid or in a cabin.
To start, get a large pot. This will maximize the number of candles that fit inside it, while another smaller pot serves as its base. After they’re connected together, fill each pot with sand or lava rocks until it is full; this absorbs heat from the candle fire while keeping it contained within its clay pot. Once everything is securely in place, hang your DIY radiant space heater up and enjoy!
Clay pot and candle heaters not only provide warmth, but they can also add an attractive aesthetic. When paired with flowers or other plant material, these heaters create a secluded, organic vibe ideal for outdoor spaces.
As long as you take precautions when placing your flower pot and candle heater, this is an incredibly safe and cost-effective way to heat up your space. Just be sure to keep them away from anything that could catch fire, and regularly check the candle’s flame to make sure it’s burning correctly.
Another advantage of clay pot and candle heaters is their ease of construction. There are no moving parts or electricity required, plus you can get warm for just over 2 cents an hour!
Aside from being affordable, solar lights are also highly energy efficient and eco-friendly! Perfect for reducing your environmental footprint if you live off-grid or in a cabin!
Thick candles are ideal for these types of heaters and come in a wide range of shapes and sizes – from tall pillars and votives to small tea lights.
Candles in a Glass
Candles in glass containers make a lovely decoration for your home. You can find them at craft stores and yard sales at great prices, or purchase them directly from online candle-making companies for an even cheaper price.
When burning candles, it is essential to select a container that can withstand the heat generated. Certain glassware like jelly jars and tins are specifically designed for this task; other types of glass such as ceramic bowls or properly treated flower pots also work well.
When using metal tins for candle making, make sure the seam is either glued down or the tin has been sealed to prevent leaks. Without proper sealing, metal tins may crack or break over time and won’t be suitable for candlemaking use.
Avoid this issue by preheating the tin before pouring in the wax. Preheat the oven to 150 degrees Fahrenheit for several minutes to warm it up.
Once your tin has warmed, hold it steady at the top of your container and slowly pour in melted wax. Doing this will prevent air bubbles in the wax, creating a smooth pour. Only pour 3/4 of the way until your desired candle level has been reached.
Before pouring your candle, place a wick in the bottom of the tin. It is wise to use one specifically designed for candle-making; this will prevent burning or collapse of the container. You may use either a pencil or stick as support while holding in place the wick with either hand.
Once the wax has been poured, reposition the wick to its center position on top of your tin. You can secure this with a rubber band or, if you have a small box mold, simply use that.
To enhance the candle scent, add a few drops of coffee to the melted wax. Additionally, you can blend essential oils for additional fragrance.
Candles in a Ceramic
Candles offer a convenient and secure way to have a calming light in your home. However, there are a few things you should take into consideration when using ceramic containers for candles.
One of the primary risks with candles in ceramic containers is that they can get too hot. This poses a significant fire hazard and even causes the entire container to melt, creating an extremely hazardous situation.
To avoid fire hazards, opt for a clay pot that has been glazed. Doing so will protect both the pot and your family from potential hazards.
Another option is to use a glass container, such as a votive candle holder or tea light holder. This will shield the wax from heat and allow you to see when your candle has finished burning.
You can buy small decorative pots designed specifically for candle use. These are ideal sizes to grow small plants in and they can be reused once the candle has burned down.
For a longer-lasting solution to growing plants in ceramic, planter jars made specifically for candles are an attractive option. These come in various shapes and sizes.
Make your own candle jar planter with these simple materials. All you need is either a ceramic cup or small terracotta pot, which you can find at craft stores or online.
Next, you’ll need a candle wick. There are various options available but make sure it fits inside your ceramic cup perfectly. Ideally, make it at least an inch in diameter to prevent tunneling of the wick and ensure it doesn’t crack or break during use.
Once you’ve selected your candle wick, simply pour the melted wax into a ceramic cup. If desired, add some fragrance to the wax for an aromatic touch or leave it plain for a more minimalistic aesthetic.
