Only use a metal bowl for the smaller piece; don’t use plastic or glass, which might melt or shatter. You won’t be putting any wax inside the stock pot, so it’s okay to use a pot you prepare food in. However, you will be placing the beeswax directly into the smaller saucepan or bowl, so choose an old one that you won’t be using for food preparation. If you’re using a tall metal pitcher or another bowl that does touch the bottom of the stock pot, place a metal cookie cutter at the bottom and set the smaller bowl on top of this. The cookie cutter will elevate the bowl off of the heat source.
If you’re floating a small saucepan inside the larger pot, fill the stock pot so it’s about ¾ full. If you’re using a metal bowl that rests on the lip of the stock pot, stick with about 2 to 3 in (5. 1 to 7. 6 cm) of water. For a purpose-built double boiler, check the user manual for instructions on how much water to use.
Make sure your stock pot sits sturdily on the burner. Hot wax is dangerous, so you’ll want to prevent it from accidentally getting knocked over. Since water boils at 212 °F (100 °C), using a double boiler will make it difficult for the wax to exceed this temperature and reach its flash point.
Smaller pieces of wax melt faster than larger blocks.
Never expose beeswax directly to the heat source. Doing so can cause the wax to melt unevenly and may scorch the wax or cause a fire.
You don’t need to stir the pieces of wax; the melted liquid will quickly solidify upon contact with a colder utensil. Feel free to use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of your beeswax as it melts. It should melt around 144 to 150 °F (62 to 66 °C). Don’t allow it to exceed 170 °F (77 °C) as it will get discolored and lose its aroma past this point. Never leave the beeswax unattended as it melts.
If there are any large particles in the wax, filter them out before pouring the wax into the mold. Use care when handling the hot wax. Wear oven gloves to protect your hands from the hot steam and any splashes of wax. If you’re pouring the hot wax into glass, make sure it is heat resistant so it doesn’t crack.
It’s also possible to melt the beeswax directly in the basin of the crock pot without creating a water bath, since the temperature can remain low. If you choose to do this, make sure that the crock pot basin is made from a nonstick material or line it with aluminum foil. Using the water bath is generally preferred, since it protects the wax from direct heat and makes pouring the liquid wax much easier. [8] X Research source
If you’re making candles, you may be able to use your candle containers for this. Just make sure you’re using metal or heat-resistant glass. [9] X Research source
If you’d like, try monitoring the temperature of the beeswax using a thermometer. It will melt around 144 to 150 °F (62 to 66 °C), but you shouldn’t let it get past 170 °F (77 °C). Get your project materials ready while the wax melts down.
Filter the wax to remove large particles before pouring the wax in the mold. If you want to keep it liquified for a little while longer, remove the lid and switch the crock pot to its “warm” setting.
Opt for a styrofoam cooler rather than a plastic one. The styrofoam will help insulate the solar oven to keep the heat inside.
You can either place the wax directly into an old bowl that you don’t need for food preparation, or put it in a newer bowl that’s lined with a protective layer of aluminum foil.
Try repurposing a sheet of glass from an old picture frame for this project.
Start this process earlier in the day to take advantage of direct midday sun. Don’t wait until the late afternoon or evening. By the end of the day, you should have a bowl of melted wax. [16] X Research source If you are using this process in a cooler season, find an indoor spot that receives direct sunlight. Avoid leaving the wax completely unattended; it may heat up quite quickly. Consider monitoring the temperature with a thermometer. The wax should melt around 144 to 150 °F (62 to 66 °C). Avoid letting it exceed 170 °F (77 °C).
Make sure you prepare your project materials as the wax melts so they’re ready to go once all of the wax has melted. Filter out any pieces of unmelted wax before pouring it into your molds.
