so what's the difference?

[pgringo]

i am trying to understand the difference between cold process and hot process soap making. from what i understand, they both must be heated on the stove, they both employ lye and water and fats/oils.

 

[Haven]

Only hot process gets heat, either from the stove, oven or crock pot. Cold Process goes straight to the mold after mixing the fats and lye to trace.

 

[mamaT]

difference?

Can't believe this question hasn't been answered already, so hear goes
Cold process (CP) the only heat necessary is to melt oils, fats or waxes that are in a solid state at room temp. And that isn't always necessary if you whip them together in a stand mixer. The lye solution is added at varying temps from room temp to what one would consider hot (120 degrees). The oils and lye solution are mixed together until trace is achieved and then poured into molds.
With Hot process (HP) the oils are heated and the lye solution is added and then cook either on the stove, the oven or in a crock pot until the mixture goes thru all of the stages to actually be soap. At this point the soap is not very liquid and must be spooned into molds.
Anyone want to tell this newbie if I made this clear?

 

[Tahara]

I have been on this board only a few months and while I haven't posted much, I have always been grateful for the kindness and respect people have shown those of us who may not have "gotten it" the first time. Its one of the main reasons I keep coming back. This board is in large part responsible for my success at all types of soapmaking.

I spent my first couple of months lurking, reading and learning. If not for those people brave enough to ask questions, I might not have learned as much as I have.

 

[pgringo]

thanks mamat! your explanation is much more clear than the ones in the faq. good stuff.