Mystery DOS solved?

[Servant4Christ]

Could this be the cause of the mystery DOS I experienced in the recent past? When it happened the first time, I sanitized everything and purchased brand new oils, aloe, and lye but got the same result... DOS starting at about the 1 month mark. So, when I was really scrutinizing EVERYTHING (because olive oil is expensive!), I noticed this discoloration inside the bell of my stickblender. Could this be the answer?

 

[AliOop]

Wow, that does look to me like the stainless steel has been affected to the point that there are non-stainless metals coming in contact with the soap. Hopefully this is your answer!

It also looks like there is a bit of debris caught around the gasket; a toothpick can help with getting that out. Even if it is just soap, it only takes a small amount of finished soap to accelerate a new batch, and only a small amount of old, oxidized soap to contaminate it, as well.

 

[Servant4Christ]

I see that my local Walmart carries a KitchenAid stickblender. Think that'll be a decent replacement?

 

[BWt]

Could be wrong here but shouldn’t there be a gasket around the lower portion where shaft meets bowl? Now am going to check my stick blenders for wear and tear. Thank you for sharing.

 

[AliOop]

I see that my local Walmart carries a KitchenAid stickblender. Think that'll be a decent replacement?

Most likely yes. They are usually pretty sturdy. Different models can vary as to how many bubbles they introduce.

 

[Servant4Christ]

Most likely yes. They are usually pretty sturdy. Different models can vary as to how many bubbles they introduce.

I'm all ears. Show me your favorites that don't make a bunch of bubbles. Those tiny pesky bubbles have been my nemesis for the last few months. I assumed it was due to the added aloe gel but now I'm wondering if it's been a problem with my stick blender right along. Amazon links are super helpful.

 

[AliOop]

My favorite is my AllClad that DH gave me as a gift. The good (fantastic, actually): zero bubbles, low vibration, and variable speed. The bad: expensive, and the caulking seal on the plate inside the bell is not made to withstand highly alkaline substances. After I blend my soap, I immediately put it into some waiting hot water. As soon as the soap is the mold, I immediately wash it. So far, my seal is holding, but I am aware that at some point, it might have to be replaced. Here is a pic that shows the flat plate,
and the clear seal holding it in (and thus decreasing the inside size of the bell):


My second favorite was a cheap-o Hamilton Beach model that they don't make anymore. Lasted forever, and didn't make many bubbles because it had a wider, flatter bell. That seems to be the key.

Sorry I can't be of more help. We do have some good threads here on stick blender choices, and I seem to recall that the Cuisinart SmartStick got good reviews.

 

[Becky1024]

I see that my local Walmart carries a KitchenAid stickblender. Think that'll be a decent replacement?

I would advise against it. My kitchenaid introduced lots of bubbles into soap batter, and the part of the bell that screws into the body of the blender broke apart easily. I replaced it with a Braun which works much better.

 

[bookworm42]

I got this one off Amazon. Works well for me.

 

[Feelin' Soapy]

it only takes a small amount of finished soap to accelerate a new batch

Just learned something new! I didn't know it did that. Thanks, @AliOop !

 

[Servant4Christ]

I bought a 2speed KitchenAid at Walmart. It has a black gasket inside the bell. Is this safe for soapmaking?

 

[AliOop]

Should be fine! I've used one of those in the past with no problems. EDIT: I do keep a container of hot soapy water nearby so I can dunk it in there as soon as I'm done. In other words, I don't let the caustic soap batter sit inside of it for very long.

Yay, does this mean you can make a challenge soap?

 

[Servant4Christ]

Yes! Hopefully tonight, but possibly tomorrow.