itsmejeffd Posted June 5, 2007 Share Posted June 5, 2007 For those of you doing 4 to 6 lb batches of CP, what do you use for mixing your oils and lye? I mean the bowl not the stick blender or spatula. So far, I've only been making 2 lb batches for testing. I've developed a base recipe that's been getting rave reviews from my testers and now I'm ready to make larger batches. I've designed and built my 4 lb mold which I'll try to post tonight in the gallery. Right now, I'm using an 8 cup measuring cup but I need something bigger. I know to stay away from aluminum. Any suggestions would be great especially if I can find it local.TIA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexasBrat Posted June 5, 2007 Share Posted June 5, 2007 I was actually going to post the same question at some point. I have been using a large plastic mixing bowl I bought on clearance at Target. I have made 3lbs in it so far and I could probably get 2 more pounds to fit. I want something that will mix 5-8lbs but am not sure exactly how large I need to go. I hope some have ideas and pictures too. I do know that some have said they mix their soap in those plastic pails you can buy at Home Depot or Lowes for a couple dolllars. For me, my stick blender isnt' long enough to work in those. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
diamondk Posted June 5, 2007 Share Posted June 5, 2007 I use the bucket my butters and oils come in from MMS. You can also get the white paint bucket from Lowe's or Home Depot. The biggest batch I have made is 4 lbs. or you even order the buckets from MMS. HTH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mslegacy Posted June 5, 2007 Share Posted June 5, 2007 I use a 2qt rubbermaid (kool-aid or drink mix) pitcher for my lye and water. Fills about 1/3 way for a 10lb batch. Plus it has a pour spout and handle so I dont have to worry about it slipping in my hands as I pour it into the oils. My oils stay in my stock pot. When I mix the two together, its all done in the stock pot with my stick blender, plus whatever additives I chose to add. Everything gets measured using a stainless steel nesting bowl. Lye gets mixed with the water using a stainless steel slotted spoon, with a long handle. HTH! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arkangel Posted June 5, 2007 Share Posted June 5, 2007 You can get very large size bowls from restaurant supply houses. Most times they have a cash & carry for the general public. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
itsmejeffd Posted June 5, 2007 Author Share Posted June 5, 2007 I just found an 8 qt (24 cup) stainless steel bowl at Walmart for $4.97 + tax. That should be good for 6 lbs or more. I bet I could probably get 8 lbs in it. Maybe even 10? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CareBear Posted June 5, 2007 Share Posted June 5, 2007 I got the small red buckets from Home Depot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carriegsxr6 Posted June 5, 2007 Share Posted June 5, 2007 I use the bucket my butters and oils come in from MMS. You can also get the white paint bucket from Lowe's or Home Depot. The biggest batch I have made is 4 lbs. or you even order the buckets from MMS. HTHditto Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purple Lilac Posted June 5, 2007 Share Posted June 5, 2007 The buckets that you buy ice cream in work well also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brydean Posted June 5, 2007 Share Posted June 5, 2007 Check out places like Goodwill also. I got a huge stockpot, I think it probably at least 15 qts. for $7. The biggest I've ever made was 6lbs. and it didn't even fill it halfway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bunny Posted June 5, 2007 Share Posted June 5, 2007 I make 16 lb batches, and use the blue enamel covered stock pots from Wal Mart.. I love them!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLSoaps Posted June 6, 2007 Share Posted June 6, 2007 Walmart has a set of 4 stainless steel stock pots for $20.00. I use these for all different sizes of soap batches, from as little as 3 lbs up to 15 lbs. And I still had TONS of room in the largest pot, even with 15 lbs of soap in there. This set was one of the best purchase I made. Honestly makes me wonder how in the world I only survived with one before. Added plus, they all nestle inside each other for very easy storage! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scent Cellar Posted June 6, 2007 Share Posted June 6, 2007 I like soaping in my stockpots also. The handles on the sides make it easy to pour the soap mixture safely into the molds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heirloomoriginals Posted June 6, 2007 Share Posted June 6, 2007 I use buckets for anything larger than 3 pounds (which fits in my large glass measuring cup).Steph Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SOAPFREAK Posted June 6, 2007 Share Posted June 6, 2007 I love getting the stainless ones at Sam's Club. They have some really big ones. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morganst Posted June 7, 2007 Share Posted June 7, 2007 I have use enamel pots. My favorite one I purchased at Goodwill for around $3.00. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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