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How to increase batch size
Hi all,
I have a question about scaling up my lotion production. Currently I have been making multiple 5 gal / 20 L runs totaling about 25 gal or 100 L. I would like to be able to produce 25 to 55 gallons at a time. I’ve read a lot, but it’s not clear to me what most people are using in terms of equipment for this batch size. For the most part this is a hobby for me, but I’m treating it as a part time job. I don’t want to spend a great deal of money, and used equipment is fine with me. However, I don’t want to purchase anything that wouldn’t last very long or not get the job done. After heating I combine my ingredients into a 5gal plastic container and mix it with a kitchen stick blender. It works great, but it’s time consuming. BTW Perry, this is a great blog and I enjoy reading everything. I can’t imagine how much work it must be to keep it current.Thanks! : )
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7 Replies
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Don’t forget the logistics of putting the increased batch size in the containers.
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I’m going to assume that you have a moderate budget, so new industrial equipment will be out of your price range. Soapmaking equipment isn’t that expensive. Professional restaurant equipment is similarly priced.
You need a heated kettle with a mixer:and it’s likely that you will need a professional-level immersion blender: -
Thank you gentlemen,
I appreciate your time. This was helpful. I thought this might be what I was looking for, but most of what I could find started at $5,000 and up for used equipment. I think it was more than what I need at this time. What is your opinion of the heater and the rate at which it would heat? Is a 800 watt heater sufficient?I’ll save the packaging for another discussion. At the moment my customers prefer to package their own product.
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Another option would be this:
Or, you could buy something like this:and have someone build a heating system, a mixer attachment point, and a tilting cradle for it.Heaters at this scale trade power for time - a smaller heater will take longer to heat a batch, but use less electricity. Insulating the kettle and cover usually helps with this - a hot water heater blanket usually works at minimal cost. -
How about an industrial size microwave? I find that microwave is a very efficient way of getting a batch up to temperature.
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I thought that this was a very good deal, if the shipping isn’t too high.
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Also, a regular household water heater does not cost that much, so pre-heated water will reduce batch heating time.
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