Wax Melter Sizing Calculator Guide

Short answer: To size a wax melter, use wax per day = candles per day × wax per candle (lb) × 1.25 headroom. Then choose the smallest PRIMO wax melter that holds that amount. Example: 500 eight-ounce candles × 0.44 lb × 1.25 = 275 lb, which is a PRIMO 350 (367 lb, $3,495). Use the sizing tool and the WaxMelters calculators to check your numbers.

Step 1: wax per candle

Weigh one filled candle and subtract the empty jar for your exact number. Soy, paraffin and coconut blends differ slightly by density. The pounds to gallons chart converts between weight and volume.

Step 2: pick the tank

Step 3: plan for growth

If your result lands near the top of a size, go one size up. A PRIMO 250 at 260 lb per day leaves no room for a holiday rush. A PRIMO 350 does, for $700 more. Running two tanks (one melting while one pours) also works for continuous production.

Step 4: match the filler

A larger melter only pays off if filling keeps up. At about 300 or more candles per day, pair the tank with an AutoShot heated filler ($8,495) for accurate, repeatable fills. See the candle filling machine guide.

Worked examples

• 200 eight-ounce candles a day: 200 × 0.44 × 1.25 = 110 lb, so a PRIMO 150 or PRIMO 250 for growth.
• 450 twelve-ounce candles a day: 450 × 0.66 × 1.25 = 371 lb, so a PRIMO 500 (a PRIMO 350 is just short).
• 1,500 four-ounce tins a day: 1,500 × 0.22 × 1.25 = 413 lb, so a PRIMO 500 with AutoShot.

FAQ

How do I calculate what size wax melter I need? Multiply candles per day by wax per candle in pounds, add 25% headroom, and choose the smallest PRIMO that holds the result.

How many candles does a PRIMO 250 make? About 600 eight-ounce candles per full tank (264 lb).

How many candles does a PRIMO 350 make? About 830 eight-ounce candles per full tank (367 lb).

Related

• How to choose an industrial wax melter for candle production
• Best wax melter by production volume
• Production and profit calculator
• Compare melting tanks
• All wax melters