Double boilers, crockpots, Presto Kitchen pots,...

[Intheswamp]

I'm confused (not difficult for me) about using double boilers versus crockpots versus Preston Kitchen Pots.

I've mostly seen folks instructed to use double boilers when working with wax.  But I also see folks talking about using crockpots and modified Presto Kitchen Pots.  I understand the heat-limiting aspect of double boilers but it seems that crockpots and Presto pots are used by lots of folks in the place of double boilers.   I'm taking it that the built-in thermostat/rheostat of the electric pots makes these safe to use.  Are there any safety issues to follow (other than common sense)?  Tips or recommendations?  When would a double boiler be better?  I had figured on filtering my wax using my little solar melter but it looks like we're going to stay in a cloudy/partly-cloudy condition for a while so it might be easier to simply use electricity.

Thanks for any answers or clarification to my confusion. :)

Ed

[AllenF]

I use a crockpot.   The only danger that I know of is to make sure you put down newspaper on the kitchen counter before your wife catches you getting wax drippings all over the place.   She can get a little,  well ill tempered about that, or at least mine does.   Also, use old equipment that your wife will not use anymore and lets you use.  My wife found an old crock pot at a yard sale for $4 just for me to use this summer.  But for safety, I have never heard of a real problem with them melting wax.   

[Bee Curious]

All of the methods you mention keep the beeswax away from the heat source or flame (in the case of the double boiler.) A splash of beeswax hitting a flame could put the whole pan on fire.  Thus, a crockpot or Presto Kitchen Kettle are safer because both don't have a flame and both do have a temperature control. 

Beeswax has a melting point range of 62 to 64 °C (144 to 147 °F). If beeswax is heated above 85 °C (185 °F) discoloration occurs. The flash point of beeswax is 204.4 °C (399.9 °F)

Hope this helps, Ed.

[Intheswamp]

Ok, I hadn't thought of a red hot heating element such as a coil-type electric eye.  I understood keeping it away from open flame but the electric eye went right over my head.  So, being as the heating elements in crockpots and the Presto Kitchen Kettle are sealed against being able to contact the wax they are safe to use as long as the temperature is kept in a reasonable range.

When is a double boiler used....when you're cooking over an electric or gas stove eye or maybe an open fire of another type?

Bee Curious, what is a good temperature at which to melt and dip?

AllenF, I'll remember the newspaper (at least try to remember) and using old equipment...I don't need any more nights in the doghouse than what comes my way naturally. ;)

Thanks ya'll for the help. 
Ed

[Bee Curious]

When is a double boiler used....when you're cooking over an electric or gas stove eye or maybe an open fire of another type?

Yes, a double boiler has a bottom pan of water, then another pot (or even a metal coffee can swimming in the water) with the substance that you want to melt or cook.  In cooking, a double boiler is used in cooking delicate cream sauces or melting chocolate--things you want to use a gentle heat for, so they don't scorch.)

Bee Curious, what is a good temperature at which to melt and dip?

I have never dipped beeswax candles, so I can't help you on this.  I've only melted beeswax to use for batiking fabrics and that was quite a few years ago.  (I used melted wax to put a design on fabric, then dyed the fabric.  Then you iron the wax out of the fabric by ironing it between sheets of newspaper or paper towels.  The paper absorbs the wax as the iron melts it.)

If you google "dipping beeswax candles" I'm sure you'll find info on how to do it.  I'd say just get the wax to melt and not much hotter, and it should work.

Good luck.

[Joe D]

Ed, when I was putting wax on my foundationless frames, I would take the pot out of the crockpot, add a pound or so of wax and put it in the microwave for a few mins.  When it was about melted would turn on the crockpot so it could start warming up, then take pot with melted wax and put it in crockpot.  The crockpot will melt the wax but microwave is faster and the crockpot will keep it melted while I use the wax.  good luck



Joe

[Packrat3wires]

How do you filter the wax when you use the crock pot?    Do you pour it through something or just melt everything then let it harden - then scrape off junk.

[Michael Bush]

I have done all of the above.

Pros of double boiler or crock pot.
It won't overheat (as long as there is water in the bottom pot.
The wax won't react with the water.

Cons of a double boiler or crock pot:
The wax won't lose the water soluble dirt.
The cocoons will retain more of the wax.

Pros of heating with water IN the wax:
The water will soak up more of the dirt.
The water will release more of the wax in the cocoons.  Especially of you put the wax in a bag with a brick on it to hold it on the bottom.

Cons of heating with water IN the wax:
There is a certainly about of reaction of the wax to the lime in the water leaving some crusty elements at the bottom of the wax.

Pros of solar wax melter:
No energy costs.
Gentle heating so no burning.
Seems to get more wax out of the cocoons as they tend to fall down as they melt and stay where they are while the wax seeps out and runs down the inclined plane.

Cons of solar wax melter:
You have to build it.
It takes longer than using an outside heat source.
You can probably still get more wax out of the slumgum with boiling and a brick or a press.