Phantom1917 Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 Currently using 3 presto pots. Need to make candles faster. Looking to upgrade in the next month or two.Cannot find any old style, round Masterbuilt Turk n Surf turkey fryers. Based on my research, I would prefer to purchase a water jacket wax melter between 50 to 150 pounds capacity. There seems to be a lot of different water jacket wax melter suppliers online. Could somebody recommend a water jacket wax melter brand, manufacturer, or supplier they are happy with? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest OldGlory Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 Sorry, presto pot user here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puma52 Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 (edited) Presto pots here also....but would LOVE to have a water jacketed melter. Can't wait to see what folks say that have them. Edited February 20, 2015 by puma52 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Candybee Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 Is there a reason why you want a water jacketed one and not a direct heat melter? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puma52 Posted February 21, 2015 Share Posted February 21, 2015 Hi Candybee! For me, I had read that a Direct Heater Melter can burn your wax if you are not careful and that you cannot leave it on all night. I had read and heard that you can keep the Water Jacketed Melters on all night at a decent temperature so that it is ready to go first thing in the morning and that it won't burn the wax. That information is why I had always placed the Water Jacketed Melter on my wish list. Do you have a Direct Heater Melter? If so what do you think Candybee? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jcandleattic Posted February 21, 2015 Share Posted February 21, 2015 I would think direct heater melter would be no different than a presto pot.?? (Isn't that what a PP is?) I've accidentally left my presto on overnight and didn't burn my wax. However if I ever got big enough production wise I would love a water jacket melter that could melt up to 100-150lbs at a go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phantom1917 Posted February 21, 2015 Author Share Posted February 21, 2015 I prefer to buy a water jacketed wax melter for safety reasons. That is the main reason. You can leave the water jacketed wax melter on all night with little or no danger while direct heat wax melters must be unplugged at the end of the day. Also, some of my research said water jacketed wax melters are less likely to have hot spots (i.e. uneven temperatures). There are different candle supply distributors and wax melter manufacturers selling water jacketed wax melters. I am not sure which is best to buy. Any help would be appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Fields Posted February 21, 2015 Share Posted February 21, 2015 We have never used water-jacketed melters but have used direct heat melters for going on twenty years. We have six ranging 50-65 pound melters and couldn't do without them. They have different waxes in them and are never shut off. Yes, you can scorch the wax if you set the thermostat too high; we set ours about 20 degrees above the wax melting point. One of our melters is close to twenty years old. I cannot imagine using anything else. So, just our point of view. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Candybee Posted February 21, 2015 Share Posted February 21, 2015 Direct heat melters do not burn wax. They are designed to heat wax fast, evenly, and very efficiently. I have had my direct heat melter since 2006 and never had to replace the heating unit for the 10 years I have been using it. That's not likely to happen with a water jacketed melter. Plus I never worry about water level as it doesn't take water. I leave my melter on all day when I am making candles and it keeps my wax temp consistent throughout the entire containment area with the temperature I have set it on. This means I don't have to stir it as the wax will be an even heat throughout. The only time I stir is to mix any additives into my wax. I love how my wax stays at the proper temp for the entire time I am making candles. With a water jacketed melter you have to always make sure you have enough water in it or you can burn out the heating element. Plus the heating elements wear out faster and subsequently have to be replaced more frequently plus the units can get quite expensive. This is why I am asking why you want a water jacketed melter as opposed to a direct heat melter. There are some big differences you should consider before making that purchase. A professional melter is going to set you back some serious bucks so you should learn all you can before you buy. Also asking someone who actually has a melter will give you more informed feedback. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phantom1917 Posted February 21, 2015 Author Share Posted February 21, 2015 Sounds like many candle makers are happy with their direct heat wax melters. As I mentioned in my first post, I am looking to buy a wax melter between 50 to 150 pounds in the next 2 months. Its a good thing if direct heat wax melters are as good as water jacketed wax melters. Can anybody who owns and operates a direct heat or water jacketed wax melter, and is happy with its performance, tell us the name of the wax melter they are using. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Candybee Posted February 21, 2015 Share Posted February 21, 2015 Its not so much is one better than the other, it has a lot to do with the quality and features of each. Water jacketed melters need more maintenance but that may not bother you. Its best to read about both and make an informed decision. If you are worried about safety once you get into buying a professional wax melter you will find they are designed for safety and efficiency in heating wax so its important to decide which features you want. Here are a few places that sell them: waxmelters.comThey carry both direct heat and water jacketed. riteheat.comThey sell both direct heat and water jacketed. I bought my melter from these people 10 yrs ago and it still operates like it is brand new. candlesandsupplies.netThey carry water jacketed melters only. If you are thinking of getting one from them give them a call first as sometimes they carry refurbished melters which can save you a buttload of dollars. Cougarproducts.comThey specialize in direct heat melters on the larger scale of 100 lbs+. Even if you don't buy from them read through their product information to get some good perspectives on their melters. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phantom1917 Posted February 21, 2015 Author Share Posted February 21, 2015 Thanks Candybee! You have been very helpful. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puma52 Posted February 21, 2015 Share Posted February 21, 2015 (edited) I would think direct heater melter would be no different than a presto pot.?? (Isn't that what a PP is?) I've accidentally left my presto on overnight and didn't burn my wax. However if I ever got big enough production wise I would love a water jacket melter that could melt up to 100-150lbs at a go. Yup... I have never left on overnight myself and have a thermometer in at all times to check the temp and I am always on top of it like a sitting hen on a June bug. I would LOVE the luxury of just walking out into the Candle Cave and start pouring candle wax.. no fuss, no waiting.....ohhhh that would be so awesome! I have always had my eye on that 70 lb melter from Wax Melters! Oh wishy wishy! Edited February 21, 2015 by puma52 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herrington Posted February 21, 2015 Share Posted February 21, 2015 I purchased mine from http://www.candlescience.com/equipment/melter-65lb really expensive but OMG was it worth it... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dipped Posted February 21, 2015 Share Posted February 21, 2015 I love jacketed meters and have 2 of them. At the end of the day I load both of the meters and set the timer for what time I want them to turn on. When I get to my shop the wax is hot and I'm ready to work. I don't like to keep large amounts of wax hot 24/7. I have a 300 pound melter that I only use for plain wax and a 150 pound melter I use for color mixing. Make sure you find the chart on how long it takes to bring your wax up to temp with the wattage / poundage of the model you get. I do hand dipped or spin and poor candles. My dip vat holds 100 pounds of wax and have to top it off every 5 minutes through the day. I can dip or spin and poor 100+ pounds of wax an hour if my wife is helping out. I plan on buying a 300 pound melter in the next few months. The element cost for my 2 melters are under $30 each and take me about 20 minutes to replace. If you use distilled or RODI water there is very little maintenance and elements last me about 5 years each. I have a direct heat melter that needs to be sent back to the factory to be fixed. I'm looking at $700 for shipping and about $200 to get it fixed. From the day I send it out to the day it comes back is about 45 days. No thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
awnl Posted February 22, 2015 Share Posted February 22, 2015 I've always used direct heat melters ( 100 pound) capacity. I've found them quick, reliable both in heating wax and the quiialty construction. I have one that's never been used that's for sale . Pm if intrested. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redraider Posted March 6, 2015 Share Posted March 6, 2015 I have 2 water jacketed melters. My most recent one I got from candlewick. We opted for the 220 volt on ours because it is more efficient to run that way. I leave mine on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unless I know I am going to be away for more than a couple days then I turn them off. Just got to make sure I keep the water full and I always keep a spare heating element around in case one goes out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Candybee Posted March 6, 2015 Share Posted March 6, 2015 I wonder if the OP ever got a melter. I would love to hear about it and which one they went with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puma52 Posted March 6, 2015 Share Posted March 6, 2015 I wonder if the OP ever got a melter. I would love to hear about it and which one they went with.Me too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puma52 Posted March 6, 2015 Share Posted March 6, 2015 I have 2 water jacketed melters. My most recent one I got from candlewick. We opted for the 220 volt on ours because it is more efficient to run that way. I leave mine on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unless I know I am going to be away for more than a couple days then I turn them off. Just got to make sure I keep the water full and I always keep a spare heating element around in case one goes out.See, this to me sounds heavenly!! Just walk out into the work area and start pouring! Did you buy a stand for yours, have it setting on something like 4x4's or is it sitting flush on your counter ?(Should you even set it flush on the counter?) Anyone? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phantom1917 Posted March 7, 2015 Author Share Posted March 7, 2015 I have not bought a wax melter yet. I am still doing research on wax melters.I originally thought I would buy a water jacket wax melter. However, my research indicates that a lot of candle makers are happy with both water jacket and direct heat wax melters. I got side tracked a bit researching turkey fryers. It seems the old Masterbuilt Turf n Surf was popular but has been discontinued. Right now, I've narrowed my selection down to a new wax melter, in the 60 to 100 pound capacity range. I have also narrowed down the potential supplier of the wax melter. When I do eventually buy a wax melter, I will let everybody know my choice. Also, thank you for all the great replies to my original post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Candybee Posted March 7, 2015 Share Posted March 7, 2015 Can't wait to see what you decided on. Getting a new wax melter is really nice! I have seen some people manage to get a hold of the older version of the Masterbuilt turkey fryer with the spigot on Ebay or is it Craig's List? You just have to keep your eyes and ears open to grab one but they are out there. They just don't make them anymore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CCCS Posted December 4, 2020 Share Posted December 4, 2020 On 2/20/2015 at 12:22 PM, Phantom1917 said: Currently using 3 presto pots. Need to make candles faster. Looking to upgrade in the next month or two. Cannot find any old style, round Masterbuilt Turk n Surf turkey fryers. Based on my research, I would prefer to purchase a water jacket wax melter between 50 to 150 pounds capacity. There seems to be a lot of different water jacket wax melter suppliers online. Could somebody recommend a water jacket wax melter brand, manufacturer, or supplier they are happy with? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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