Hot Process Soap Making Process

The hot process method is a much easier and convenient way of making soap. What I mean by that is you would combine the oil, lye and distilled water like you would for the cold process method and then stir the mixture to trace. The difference here is that you cook the soap using indirect heat by using the slow cooker method, oven method or double boiler method. Indirect heat is more predictable way to ensure a successful batch of soap. Once the soap mixture has been cooked, stir the mixture until it cools slightly, then add your fragrance and put the mixture in the molds.

A major advantage to making your soap by the hot process method is that the saponification process is alot quicker than waiting a few weeks with the cold process method. You will also save money on your fragrance and essential oils because you will add them after the soap has cooled. Plus do not have to worry about seizing.

Just like the cold process method, you have to be precise with your measurements or your batches or they can come out all wrong.

My favorite book on this subject is "Handcrafted Soap" by Delores Boone. She really goes into great detail about using the indirect heating methods, charts and references, and alot of recipes. My second choice is "Essentially Soap" by Dr. Robert S. McDaniel. It has some good information especially on fragrances, colorants, and step by step instructions. He does not discuss the various heating methods/options that Delores Boone discusses in her book. His recipes are so so. Alot of his recipes ask for lard or vegetable shortening, whereas Delores uses olive oil, coconut oil, almond, avocado oil, and other oils. She does dedicate a page of recipes on tallow and lard soaps.

If you are the type that likes to take a class on this subject, The Nova Studio in Pt. Richmond, CA offers a class on this subject. Check out the studio's site at www.thenovastudio.com to see when the next class is offered.