Does anyone know what the recommended stick blender wattage or rpm is for soap making? I have been deciding between two models of the same brand; one that is 200 W with 2 settings (12,000 rpm or 17,000 rpm), and another which is 350 W with 2 settings (18,000 or 23,000). Some might say it doesn't matter and I'm looking too much into it, but maybe it does help to understand this and that it is a factor in soap quality, trace and the problem with the formation of bubbles. Thankyou for your advice.

I didn't think it mattered really... I just made sure mine had a stainless steel shaft.  But then, I'm only new at soap making.

I have a tescos value one , the quality of the trace depends on a number of things , what fos eos you use what oils , bubbles are inevitable and all you do is give the pot a good couple of bangs before you pour then bang it when in the mould. Id say you are looking into it too much , just get an asda or tescos value one , preferably the asda as you can stick the stick in the dishwasher as its removable. Starting out soaping is expensive enough than going and buying an expensive blender for testing.

Get your recipe sorted and your method then splash out on the luxourious items once you are selling.

I only have a cheap blender (can't afford anything else at the moment). I still manage to slice through the bottom of the bucket even though it is not terribly powerful. It does take a little longer to trace with a lower wattage, but it does not really matter much.

the bell at the front is the important bit - some bell shapes are prone to add air bubbles, others don't. It's a trial and error thing, the best one I found so far is the Phillips one. It doesn't suck itself to the pot and it doesn't create a vortex.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Philips-HR1372-Blender-Double-Action/dp/B000R2D5V2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1322413927&sr=8-2

but the extra value one from Tesco also works well, just don't use it for liquid soap (as the front part is made from plastic)

I agree you probably don't need to worry about it too much, any stick blender will do the job, especially if you're just starting.

MP, you have just given me another thing to add to my amazon wishlist, damn you!  :mwaha:

Depends what quantity you're making. I would go for the one with the lower RPM as that way you wont achieve false trace by whipping up the mixture too quickly. Just do it in short bursts and take your time.
If you're making larger quantities eg 8kilos then that little stick blender will not suffice.
When you get to making larger batches, get in touch and I'll tell you how to avoid total disasters.

I think we've gone through more SB's than I like to think about - should've taken shares out when I started this.

Most of them will do the job just fine - like mp says, the one thing I've noticed that makes a difference is the 'bell' at the end.  Look at the one she recommends and go with something similar.

Farmhand, I'd be interested to know what you recommend for larger batches

Me too, farmhand  :buttrf:

Hi Denice.
I use a professional stick blender where you can alter the RPM. It's about the length of a small mans leg and it cost me £300

I make batches of 17 kilos with this although you have to be patient and careful that false trace is not achieved by blending too quickly.
To be honest, I've had a lot of failures in my quest to make larger batches of soap. I think it took me around 18 months to finally master it..
Alex the soap cutter maker has been in touch and we're currently in conference. I'm hopeful that he'll be able to make a cutter to my spec.
Check out my website at www.edinburghsoap.co.uk and get in touch if you need any questions answered on large batch soapmaking.
Regards.
Tommy