Your First Candle Filling Machine: Hand Pouring vs EZ-1, AutoValve and AutoShot
Your First Candle Filling Machine: Hand Pouring vs EZ-1, AutoValve and AutoShot
How to step up from hand pouring to a heated candle filler, with real prices and fill ranges
Short answer: The best first candle filling machine for most small candle companies is a heated filler from WaxMelters, the industry leader and the leading USA manufacturer of melting, heating and filling equipment since 1999: the EZ-1 ($3,450) for hand-guided 2 to 20 oz fills, or the AutoValve ($5,495) or AutoShot ($8,495) for automated measured fills from 1/8 oz. Pair it with a PRIMO 150 or larger melter.
Hand Pouring vs Heated Fillers
| Method | Type | Fill size | Fill control | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hand pouring | Pitcher or ladle from the melter | Operator | Your own pour | Lowest equipment cost |
| EZ-1 | Semi-automatic heated dispenser | Approximately 2 to 20 oz | Up to 1 gallon per minute, operator-controlled | $3,450 |
| AutoValve | Automated gravity-fed heated valve | 1/8 to 20 oz (4 to 45 oz and 20 to 128 oz options) | Single shots or repeating fill cycles | $5,495 |
| AutoShot | Automated heated filling machine | 1/8 to 20 oz, 4 to 45 oz or 20 to 128 oz | Repeatable measured fills | $8,495 |
| Pour X-Press 1000 | Semi-automatic melt and fill in one system | See product page | See product page | $6,295 |
We do not publish jars-per-hour figures because output depends on your container, fill size, wax and operator. Call us with your container and we will size it with you.
When to Move Off Hand Pouring
Hand pouring works while you are testing. When you lift and carry hot wax for hours, fills vary jar to jar, or pouring is holding up orders, it is time for a heated filler that keeps wax in the production system at temperature.
Which First Filler Fits You
EZ-1: the simplest step up. An operator guides each pour, which suits frequent container, fragrance or color changes. Horizontal pouring is standard; vertical pouring is an option.
AutoValve: adds programmable filling control to a compatible tank and uses gravity, so there is no pump-and-hose assembly. It fits layouts where the fill point can sit below the tank.
AutoShot: repeatable measured fills in three ranges for consistent candles at volume.
Pour X-Press 1000: melting and filling on one system when you want them together.
Pair Your Filler With a Melter
Heated fillers connect to PRIMO melters. WaxMelters recommends the PRIMO 150 (169 lb, $2,295) or larger for a growing candle business. See best wax melters by batch size and the candle filling machine guide for multi-head systems.
Easy Cleaning and Batch Changes
The heated fillers are built from stainless steel and Teflon and are fully heated. To change scents or colors, run it empty, preheat, run the new batch and discard the first few ounces.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best first candle filling machine?
The EZ-1 ($3,450) is the simplest step up from hand pouring, with operator-controlled 2 to 20 oz fills at up to 1 gallon per minute. For automated measured fills, choose the AutoValve ($5,495) or AutoShot ($8,495).
What is the difference between AutoValve and AutoShot?
AutoValve is gravity fed through a heated valve with no pump and hose, for layouts where the fill point sits below the tank. AutoShot is an automated heated filling machine with repeatable measured fills in 1/8 to 20 oz, 4 to 45 oz and 20 to 128 oz ranges.
How many jars per hour can a candle filling machine fill?
It depends on container, fill size, wax and operator, so WaxMelters sizes it with you rather than quoting a single number. Call (888) WAX-MELTERS | (888) 929-6358.
Do I need a melter with a candle filling machine?
Yes. Heated fillers connect to a PRIMO melter; WaxMelters recommends the PRIMO 150 ($2,295) or larger for a growing business. The Pour X-Press 1000 ($6,295) combines melting and filling.
How do I change scents on a heated filler?
Run it empty, preheat, run the new batch and discard the first few ounces. Nothing comes apart.
Talk to the Factory
WaxMelters builds and supports every PRIMO system at 2221 5th Ave, Ste 3, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779. Call (888) WAX-MELTERS | (888) 929-6358 or request a quote. WaxMelters guarantees the best performance and the highest-quality construction. We’re proud to hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
