You can make wax melts using a slow cooker primarily by using it as a safe and gentle heating method, similar to a double boiler or water bath.
This method, as described by a home maker, involves melting wax contained within jars placed inside the slow cooker filled with water.
Step-by-Step Guide to Melting Wax for Melts in a Slow Cooker
Using a slow cooker provides a consistent, indirect heat source, which is ideal for melting wax without risking overheating or burning, especially for waxes like soy wax which can be sensitive to high temperatures.
What You'll Need
- Slow cooker (or crockpot)
- Heat-safe jars or pouring pots
- Soy wax flakes (as mentioned in the reference, but other waxes can potentially be used)
- Water
- Wax melt molds (silicone or plastic)
- Optional: Wax dye, fragrance oil, stirring utensil
The Process
Based on the method shared by a home maker:
- Prepare Your Containers: Start by filling your heat-safe jars or containers with the soy wax flakes. The home maker reference notes they fill jars with the wicks and soy wax at this stage. If you are making wickless wax melts, you can simply fill your jars or pouring pots with wax flakes.
- Place Jars in Slow Cooker: Carefully place the jars or containers filled with wax inside the slow cooker. Ensure they are stable and not tipping over.
- Add Water: Fill the slow cooker with water, surrounding the jars. The water level should come up partway around the jars – enough to conduct heat but not so high that water could potentially get into the wax containers.
- Heat the Wax: Place the lid on the slow cooker and turn it on. The reference specifies using the high setting on their crockpot.
- Allow Wax to Melt: Let the wax melt completely in the water bath. According to the reference, this process takes about two hours to full melt. Keep an eye on the wax as it melts.
- Add More Wax (If Needed): As the wax melts down, you may find the level in your jars/containers drops significantly. The home maker in the reference notes they have to add more flakes as it melts. You can add more wax flakes as needed to reach your desired volume once the initial wax has melted down.
- Remove and Prepare for Pouring: Once the wax is fully melted and appears clear, carefully remove the hot jars/containers from the slow cooker using heat-resistant gloves or tools.
- Add Color and Fragrance (Optional): If desired, add wax-appropriate dye and fragrance oil to the melted wax. Stir gently but thoroughly to combine.
- Pour into Molds: Carefully pour the melted wax into your wax melt molds.
- Cool and Harden: Allow the wax melts to cool undisturbed at room temperature until they are completely solid and hard. This can take several hours.
- Remove from Molds: Once fully hardened, gently remove the wax melts from their molds.
Notes from the Home Maker
The reference specifically details a practical approach used by a non-seller home maker:
- Utilizing a crockpot on high heat.
- Using soy wax flakes.
- Placing jars containing wicks and soy wax directly into the crockpot filled with water.
- Observing that it takes about two hours for the wax to melt completely.
- Having to add more flakes to the jars as the wax melts down.
- Confirming that it works for my needs.
This method effectively uses the slow cooker as a simple double boiler for safely melting wax for various purposes, including pouring into molds for wax melts.
