The 5 gallon plastic pail is for holding the cooling water. It is just tall enough for even dipping 12" candles, if filled to within 2 inches of the top of the pail. If you plan on carving a lot of candles, especially 12" candles, you would do well to get a taller container. In choosing a taller container be sure to get a round one... a plastic square container, with time, will start leaking at the corners of the container because of stress cracks.