Heating

[basscatlildave]

I'm getting close to diving off into this hobby.  I see most folks use a Microwave. Why not a hot plate?

[Muskygary]

You can use a hot plate, but it takes more time to heat the plastic up and is difficult to regulate the heat. With the microwave your generally heating in 30 second burst (after the first heat of a minute.) Just run for 30 seconds, stir good and take the temp. Redo until the mix is ready, the hot plate takes more time as it heats slowly. (My take)

[Lamar]

  A hot plate takes to long and you have to stir the whole time or the plastic on the bottom will burn.

[andrewlamberson]

Get a cheap Walmart  microwave.  You don't want a high voltage model because it will heat the plastic too fast and it may burn.

[ctom]

Andrew points to a good idea here. A lighter wattage micro gets the job done with slightly longer cooking times. Cost is very reasonable. On the cooking times, if higher wattage isn't there to begin with the chance or temptation to jump into it is avoided and I think that most everyone here with a 1000 watt micro has made that very leap once or twice. 800 watts is plenty. Or less even.

DO NOT forget to get a thermometer like the one Do-It stocks and sells. With the lower wattage micro AND a thermometer a new-comer to this hobby can learn from the get-go how to properly use the equipment without burning the first gallon of plastic and harping about poor product quality. 99% of all issues with beginners is caused by NOT having a thermometer and their guesstimating what the cooking temperatures are.

[basscatlildave]

 Great advice 

Andrew points to a good idea here. A lighter wattage micro gets the job done with slightly longer cooking times. Cost is very reasonable. On the cooking times, if higher wattage isn't there to begin with the chance or temptation to jump into it is avoided and I think that most everyone here with a 1000 watt micro has made that very leap once or twice. 800 watts is plenty. Or less even.

DO NOT forget to get a thermometer like the one Do-It stocks and sells. With the lower wattage micro AND a thermometer a new-comer to this hobby can learn from the get-go how to properly use the equipment without burning the first gallon of plastic and harping about poor product quality. 99% of all issues with beginners is caused by NOT having a thermometer and their guesstimating what the cooking temperatures are.

[DF]

A hot plate will work fine. A thick walled pan will help you get more even heating. I started with a hot plate to save money but moved on to a microwave. I think BKJ uses a hot plate for his plastics, maybe he will chime in.

[ctom]

I think BKJ uses a hot plate for his plastics, maybe he will chime in.

But BKJ is a different sort of person. I hear he fries his eggs and sausages on the plastic he's cooking. Strange guy. lol.....and just bs'ing ya.

[pjmcla]

In my experience, a microwave is the way to go.  I also agree a good thermometer is essential, as are a good pair of heat resistant gloves .  You will quickly learn the aspects of heating; and reheating; the plastic.