What Can You Use Instead Of A Wax Melting Pot?

Wax melting pots are devices used to melt candle wax, wax melts, and fragrance wax for candle making, wax warming, and aroma diffusing. They provide even, gentle heat to liquefy hardened wax safely at temperatures up to 180°F/82°C without scorching. Wax melting pots allow crafters and candle makers to easily combine and mix waxes, scents, and dyes. They also enable homeowners to melt scented wax cubes or tarts to fill their home with fragrance. Wax warmers offer an alternative to burning candles, allowing users to enjoy the scents and aromatherapy benefits of scented waxes without an open flame.

Crockpots

Using a crockpot or slow cooker as an alternative to a wax melting pot works well for many people. The small 1-2 quart size crockpots are a popular choice, as they provide enough space to melt wax cubes or tarts without taking up too much room.

Crockpots already have adjustable temperature settings, so you can easily control the level of heat to melt wax slowly. They are designed to heat things gently and evenly. Just place wax melts or cubes into the crockpot, set it to low or warm, and let the wax melt over time. Some people add water or use a ceramic bowl inside the crockpot if concerned about cleaning wax later.

According to community discussion forums like this thread on BabyCenter, many people have success using small crockpots for wax warming. It provides a flameless, smokeless way to enjoy scented wax without purchasing a specialty wax warmer.

Candle Warmers

Electric candle warmers provide a flameless option for melting wax without the risks associated with burning candles. They use light bulbs or heating elements to gently warm candle wax cubes or tarts placed in a dish on top of the device (source). The warming plate or dish gets hot enough to liquefy solid wax, releasing the candle’s fragrance into the air. Candle warmers are safe to use around kids and pets since there is no open flame.

Compared to burning candles, warmers allow the wax to last longer. Once melted, the wax can be reused repeatedly until the fragrance fades. Warmers prevent issues like tunneling and soot buildup common with traditional candles. They provide ambient lighting and are made in styles like lamps, allowing them to complement home decor. Many modern warmers have auto-off features or timers for safety and convenience (source).

Tin Cans

One creative way to repurpose a tin can is to turn it into a DIY wax warmer (1). Start by thoroughly cleaning and drying a tin can. Make sure to remove any paper labels. Then, use a hammer and nail to poke holes all around the bottom and lower sides of the can. The holes allow the melted wax to be released into the air. Place a tea light or votive candle in the bottom of the tin can and light it. As the candle burns, the metal will absorb and disperse the heat, melting wax chips or tarts placed on top of the can. The tin can wax warmer allows the fragrance to be released gradually over time as the wax melts. Tin cans are often thrown away, but with a simple upcycling project they can be given new life as an inexpensive yet effective wax warmer.

Sources:

(1) https://www.pinterest.com/pin/266697609155410975/

Ceramic Bowls

Ceramic bowls make a great alternative to traditional wax melting pots. Many people use basic ceramic bowls from their kitchen. The bowls should be oven-safe up to at least 180°F. Place a tea light or votive candle in the bottom of the ceramic bowl and add wax chunks or melts on top. The candle will gently warm the bowl and melt the wax.Ceramic bowls designed specifically as wax warmers are also available. These often have ridges along the interior to help the melted wax pool evenly. Just place one of these special bowls on top of a candle warmer, wax warmer, or other heated device to melt the wax.

Ceramic bowls work well because they distribute heat gently and evenly. The wax melts gradually without getting too hot. Many people prefer ceramic over metal tins because there’s less risk of scorching or overheating the wax. Ceramic also looks more decorative than a basic tin can. The bowls can be beautiful enough to leave out. Cleanup is easy since the wax pops out when cooled.

Hot Plate

Using a single burner hot plate is another option to melt wax instead of a traditional wax melting pot. Hot plates designed specifically for candle making often have a cast iron surface ideal for evenly heating and melting wax (Single Burner Hot Plate). Look for a hot plate with adjustable temperature controls so you can fine tune the amount of heat. Many also offer a thermometer for monitoring the temperature. The benefit of using a hot plate is having an evenly heated, flat surface great for pouring multiple candles at once.

There are also double boiler options like the electric melting pot that combine a hot plate for heating with a stainless steel pour pot for holding the wax (Candle Making Pouring Pot with Electric Hot Plate). This allows you to safely melt the wax away from the heating element while still regulating the temperature.

When using any style of hot plate for candle making, be sure to take the proper safety precautions. Place the hot plate on a heat resistant surface, never leave it unattended, and keep flammables away from the heating element.

Double Boiler

A double boiler is an effective way to safely melt wax for candles, soaps, or other projects without burning the wax. To use a double boiler, you will need two saucepans. Fill the bottom saucepan about halfway with water and place it over low to medium heat on the stove. Put the wax in the top saucepan and set it on top of the bottom saucepan so it rests above, not touching, the water. The steam from the heated water will gently melt the wax in the top pan. Stir the wax regularly as it melts. The double boiler allows a very controlled melting at around 160-180°F, which is the proper wax melting temperature range for most candle waxes like soy, beeswax, or paraffin.

According to CandleScience, the double boiler method avoids scorching or burning the wax. Since the wax doesn’t come into direct contact with a direct flame or very high heat, its quality and appearance is preserved. The double boiler also reduces the risk of flash fires with flammable waxes like paraffin. Overall, a double boiler provides a safe, effective, and inexpensive way to melt wax with items most people have in their kitchen.

Microwave

One alternative to a wax melting pot is using a microwave. You can place wax melts or candle wax in a microwave-safe container and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently, until melted. However, there are some safety concerns with microwaving wax.

According to Serathena, microwaving wax can potentially damage your microwave due to splattering and spilling [1]. The wax can overheat and ignite, so it’s important to watch it closely and stop the microwave before it comes to a full boil. Felinfach also warns that while technically possible, they do not recommend microwaving wax for safety reasons [2].

If you do choose to microwave wax, use lower power, melt in short bursts, and stir between sessions. Select a container that is wider than it is tall. And take care when removing the hot wax from the microwave to avoid burns.

Oven

Using your oven to melt wax is a popular option. The key is to use low heat, between 170-200°F according to the Harlem Candle Company (https://www.harlemcandlecompany.com/blogs/journal/all-the-ways-to-melt-candle-wax). The wax should be placed in a heat-safe container like a glass bowl or metal tin on the middle rack. Melting in the oven allows you to melt multiple containers of wax at once. However, as Wikihow points out, ovens can sometimes distribute heat unevenly so you need to check the wax often and give it a stir every 5-10 minutes (https://www.wikihow.com/Melt-Paraffin-Wax). Do not leave melting wax unattended in the oven as it can be a fire hazard if it overheats.

Conclusion

In summary, there are many household items you can use as alternatives to a wax melting pot. Crockpots, candle warmers, tin cans, ceramic bowls, hot plates, double boilers, microwaves, and ovens can all be effective options.

Crockpots, candle warmers, and tin cans are some of the simplest substitutes, as they allow you to melt wax gently over low heat. Ceramic bowls used on hot plates or in double boilers also work well. For faster melting, you can use microwaves and ovens, but take care not to overheat the wax.

When choosing an alternative, consider factors like the amount of wax you want to melt, the fragrances used, and how much supervision is needed. Test out a few options to see what allows you to safely and effectively melt wax without a traditional wax melting pot.