How to Process Beeswax in a Crockpot

It’s necessary to render beeswax before you use it to craft candles, skin care products, or balm, but it isn’t a difficult process and it doesn’t require any specialized equipment. Follow these directions to easily clean and process your harvested beeswax right at home in your Crockpot™ or slow cooker.

What does it mean to “render” beeswax?

Rendering beeswax refers to the process of melting and cleaning beeswax by removing propolis, bee parts, and other debris, which is a required step before beeswax can be used for crafting balms, lotions, and candles. Rendering separates wax from honey and impurities, an essential step in preparing beeswax for further use.

What is the easiest way to process beeswax?

So, how do you melt and render beeswax? You can melt wax using a double boiler or oven, but it’s simple to melt small amounts of beeswax in a slow cooker! Rendering beeswax is a simple process that you can complete at home. But, because beeswax is sticky and can stain or damage surfaces, you’ll want to ensure you have a prepared work surface and a dedicated slow cooker used only for melting your wax.

Is it safe to melt wax in a slow cooker?

Using indirect heat, such as in a slow cooker, is an easy way to melt beeswax. You should never use direct heat, such as a microwave, because you risk the wax heating too quickly leading to messy, dangerous explosions of hot wax.

What is the best temperature to render beeswax?

The melting point for beeswax is 145 degrees Fahrenheit, but discoloration may occur at temperatures greater than 185 degrees Fahrenheit. To ensure your wax melts properly, retains its color and beneficial properties, and does not combust, aim for temperatures between 155 to 175 degrees. A slow cooker allows you to maintain an even temperature without exceeding the suggested limits, making it a great choice for processing beeswax.

How to process beeswax in a Crockpot™

Before you get started melting and filtering your beeswax, gather a few wax-melting supplies, then follow the easy steps outlined below.

You’ll need:

Raw Cappings or Beeswax for Rendering
Slow Cooker
Cheesecloth and String, or Nylon Stockings
4 to 6 Cups Water
Metal Screen or Sieve

Instructions:

Lay out newspaper to cover and protect your work area, and ensure the clothing you’re wearing is expendable: Rendering beeswax is messy work and spills are inevitable!
Stretch the nylon stockings across the opening of the slow cooker’s bowl, and pull the opening over the edges of the insert. (Try tying the legs together and trimming below the knot so it fits the pot. This way, the waist portion can stretch to fit the insert nicely.)
Add the beeswax and hive scrapings you wish to render.

If you prefer to use cheesecloth, place your cappings inside the cheesecloth, tie off the top with string, and place the wax-filled pouch inside the crock.
Then, pour the water into the Crockpot™ and cover with the lid. If using a stocking filter, wrap the ends around the lid, which keeps the nylon and wax off the sides of the hot slow cooker.
Set the slow cooker to a low temperature. The wax will begin melting within a few minutes. Allow it to process for approximately two hours.
When the wax has completely melted, turn off the heat and lift out the filter to observe the beautiful golden liquid below!
To ensure all of the wax drains out of your cappings, you can place a piece of sturdy screen or a large sieve or mesh strainer on top of the crock insert and set the filter satchel on it to allow the remaining wax to drain out of the debris. Do not squeeze the debris, just let it drain naturally.
Leave the wax in the slow cooker for a few hours or overnight. When the wax has cooled and hardened, you can lift the slab right out of the remaining water.

You can remelt the wax if it needs further filtering or if you prefer to mold your wax to store it in smaller pieces. If you'd rather not use a slow cooker for the refining process, you may choose to use a double boiler, your oven on a very low temperature, or a solar wax melter.

Beeswax is a valuable product of the hive, and melting it at home is a simple process that only takes a few tools and supplies. Choose the method that works for you, then explore our resources section for inspiration about what to do with your wax.