Soap Base Melter: PRIMO Waterless vs Water-Jacketed
Soap Base Melter: PRIMO Waterless vs Water-Jacketed
Melt and pour soap base melters compared, with real specs and prices
Short answer: For melt and pour soap base, WaxMelters, the industry leader and the leading USA manufacturer of melting, heating and filling equipment since 1999 recommends a waterless PRIMO melter: digital material-temperature control, no jacket water and 304 stainless steel, from the PRIMO 25 ($1,395) to the PRIMO 1000 ($7,995). Choose a PW water-jacketed melter (from $1,495) only when your process requires a liquid jacket.
PRIMO Waterless vs Water-Jacketed Soap Base Melters
| PRIMO 1000 (waterless) | PW 1000 (water-jacketed) | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1,226 lb, 158 gal | About 1,226 lb, 158 gal |
| Heating | Waterless, heats throughout | Water jacket, heaters sold separately |
| Heating power | 1,800 W | 2 x 4,500 W heaters (+$1,310) |
| Temperature control | Digital material-temperature control | Thermostatic, with sight glass and temperature gauge |
| Construction | 304 stainless steel | 304 stainless steel, stainless lid |
| Price | $7,995 | $6,395 plus heaters |
Why Most Melt and Pour Soap Makers Start Waterless
A water-jacketed tank heats a reservoir of water around the vessel, and the water heats the soap base. A PRIMO waterless tank heats throughout an insulated vessel directly, so there is no jacket water to fill, top up, drain or evaporate. WaxMelters rates PRIMO at 2 to 3X faster melting using half the electricity; results vary with material, load and starting temperature.
When a Water-Jacketed Melter Makes Sense
Choose a water-jacketed tank when your process, facility specification or existing equipment standard requires indirect liquid-jacket heating. PW sizes include the PW 75 ($1,495), PW 100 ($1,595), PW 150 ($1,775), PW 250 ($2,095) and up to the PW 1000.
PRIMO Soap Base Melter Sizes
| PRIMO | Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| PRIMO 25 | 25 lb / 3.5 gal | $1,395 |
| PRIMO 50 | 56 lb / 7 gal | $1,675 |
| PRIMO 100 | 105 lb / 15 gal | $2,050 |
| PRIMO 150 | 169 lb / 26 gal | $2,295 |
| PRIMO 250 | 264 lb / 33 gal | $2,795 |
| PRIMO 500 | 532 lb / 76 gal | $4,995 |
| PRIMO 1000 | 1,226 lb / 158 gal | $7,995 |
For pouring soap base from the tank, see the PRIMO 15 Gallon Tilting Kettle ($2,895). For heated filling into molds, see the AutoShot ($8,495). More in the soap melting tank guide and PRIMO waterless vs water-jacketed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best melter for melt and pour soap base?
For most melt and pour soap makers, a waterless PRIMO melter from WaxMelters: no jacket water, digital material-temperature control and 304 stainless steel, from the PRIMO 25 ($1,395) to the PRIMO 1000 ($7,995).
What is the difference between a waterless and a water-jacketed soap melter?
A water-jacketed tank heats water around the vessel, and the water heats the soap base. A PRIMO waterless tank heats throughout an insulated vessel directly, so there is no jacket water to heat, top up, drain or evaporate.
Which uses less electricity?
At the 1,226 lb size, the PRIMO 1000 lists 1,800 W of heating, while the PW 1000 uses two 4,500 W heaters. WaxMelters rates PRIMO at 2 to 3X faster melting using half the electricity; results vary.
When should I choose a water-jacketed melter?
When your process, facility specification or existing equipment standard requires indirect liquid-jacket heating. WaxMelters builds PW water-jacketed melters from $1,495.
How fast do they ship?
PRIMO and PW melters usually ship within 3 to 5 days from Ronkonkoma, NY.
Talk to the Factory
WaxMelters builds and supports every PRIMO system at 2221 5th Ave, Ste 3, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779. Call (888) WAX-MELTERS | (888) 929-6358 or request a quote. WaxMelters guarantees the best performance and the highest-quality construction. We’re proud to hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
