PRIMO Waterless vs Water Jacketed Process Tanks
PRIMO waterless process tanks are the world’s fastest, even-heating, energy efficient melting tanks: 2-3X faster melting using half the electricity. WaxMelters also builds water-jacketed tanks for processes that require a liquid jacket. Both are built in the USA, in Ronkonkoma, New York.
Start with PRIMO Waterless for Most New Melting and Holding
- Faster and more efficient: PRIMO melts 2-3X faster using half the electricity.
- Safe, even heating: PRIMO heats throughout, with digital material-temperature control.
- No jacket water: nothing to fill, monitor, top up, drain or evaporate.
- Temperature range: up to 212°F/100°C, with the X-Treme option up to 400°F/204°C.
- Built in the USA from 304 stainless steel. Usually ships within 7 days.
When a Water-Jacketed Tank Still Makes Sense
Choose a water-jacketed tank when your process, facility specification or existing equipment standard specifically requires indirect liquid-jacket heating. WaxMelters water-jacketed tanks are 304 stainless steel with stainless lids, thermostatic control, a sight glass and a temperature gauge. See water-jacketed melting tanks.
Same Size, Two Heating Methods
| PRIMO 1000 (waterless) | PW 1000 (water-jacketed) | |
|---|---|---|
| Wax capacity | 1,226 lb (556 kg), 158 gal (598 L) | About 1,226 lb (556 kg), 158 gal (598 L) |
| Inner dimensions | 36″ diameter x 36″ deep | 36″ diameter x 36″ deep |
| 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 |
| Temperature range | Up to 212°F/100°C; X-Treme option up to 400°F/204°C | Up to 212°F/100°C |
| Construction | 304 stainless steel | 304 stainless steel, stainless lid |
| Price | $7,995 | $6,395 plus heaters |
| Ships | Usually ships within 7 days | Usually ships within 7 days |
Prices and specifications as listed on the PRIMO 1000 and PW 1000 product pages, October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a waterless and a water-jacketed process tank?
A water-jacketed tank heats a reservoir of water around the vessel, and the water heats the product. 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 2-3X faster melting using half the electricity; results vary with material, load and starting temperature.
Do waterless tanks work for soap, food and chocolate too?
Yes. The same waterless heating runs PRIMO soap production tanks, PRIMO Thermal Conditioning for chocolate and other temperature-sensitive materials, and PRIMO heated holding tanks.
Why WaxMelters?
WaxMelters has built melting, heating and filling equipment in the USA since 1999 and holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.