Are you interested in removing wax from a frame and melting it down into a solid, usable form? This post explains how to use a slow cooker (aka Crock-Pot(TM)) to melt and clean beeswax from beehive frames.
The goal is to melt the wax, separate it from honey, propolis and debris, and end up with clean, usable wax. For small-scale and hobbyist beekeepers, using a slow cooker is a safe and inexpensive way to render beeswax.
Note: Rendering wax can be messy and the results of split wax can be difficult to clean. Also, some find the smell of rendering old brood comb very strong and unpleasant. For these reasons, instead of rendering your wax in a kitchen, you should consider setting up your slow cooker in a garage or workshop.
Materials Needed:
- Frames with empty honeycomb
- Old slow cooker (don’t use it for food again)
- Water
- Old nylon stockings or cheesecloth (optional but helpful)
- Knife or hive tool to scrape frames
- Container or mold for cooling wax
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Frames
- Scrape off the wax cappings, burr comb, or leftover comb from the frames.
- You can melt whole chunks of comb, but don’t put entire wooden frames into the slow cooker—the wood traps debris and makes cleanup harder.
2. Add Water to the Slow Cooker
- Fill the slow cooker about one‑third to one-half full of water. This creates a gentle water bath that prevents scorching and helps impurities sink.
3. Contain the Wax (Optional but highly recommended)
- Place the wax scraps inside a nylon stocking or cheesecloth bag. Tie the end securely with a knot or string to keep bee parts and debris (aka ‘slumgum’) contained while the wax melts and floats out.
- If you choose to skip this step, you will need to filter or use a strainer once the wax melted.
4. Heat the Slow cooker
- Set to Low or Medium. Beeswax melts at around 144–147°F (62–64°C), which slow cookers reach easily.
- Cover and let it heat for 1–3 hours, depending on quantity and size/quality of slow cooker. Some slow cookers can take longer for the wax to completely melt. Do not leave the slow cooker unattended for long periods of time. (Beeswax is an organic material and flammable. It can ignite at relatively low temperatures, around 212°F (100°C) and can catch fire when exposed to heat or flame.)
5. Let the Wax Separate
- As it melts, the wax will float to the top of the water.
- Debris and propolis will sink or stay inside the stocking.
6. Remove the Wax
- Once fully melted, turn off the slow cooker.
- Carefully lift the bag or nylon stocking using tongs. Do not squeeze the bag, as this will push fine impurities back into your clean wax. Set it aside to cool. (Once dry, the slumgum could be a good fire starter for your smoker.)
- Let the wax cool and harden, preferably overnight.
- What’s left in the slow cooker: a clean wax puck floating on top and a layer of dirty water underneath.
7. Final Cleaning (Optional)
If you want even cleaner wax:
- Follow the same procedure to further filter debris or re-melt the wax in a jar placed inside the slow cooker water bath (a double‑boiler method)
- Once the wax is melted, carefully pour through a fine filter (coffee filter, cheesecloth).
🧼 Cleanup Tips
- Let leftover wax harden in the slow cooker, then scrape it out.
- Wipe the warm pot with paper towels.
- Never pour wax down the drain.
⚠️ Safety Notes
- Never heat beeswax directly on a stove burner—risk of scorching or fire.
- Keep the slow cooker dedicated to wax only.
- Don’t leave it unattended for long periods.
Why a slow cooker Works Well
A slow cooker provides:
- Gentle, even heat that prevents scorching
- A simple way to separate wax from impurities
- A low‑effort method ideal for small batches