Equipment

• one 4-to-6 cup mixing container made of lye-resistant material (I use a stainless steel mixing bowl)
• one heatproof container that holds at least 2 cups (I use a Pyrex measuring cup)
• stainless steel, plastic, wooden spoon or a rubber spatula
• two thermometers made of glass or stainless steel (candy and meat thermometers work well)
• eye protection (wear sunglasses if you have to!)
• rubber gloves (optional)
• accurate scale to weight the fats and lye
• soap molds (any flexible plastic container works well)
• a clock with a second hand or other type timer
• wire whisk (optional)
• pot holders or oven mitts
• measuring spoons

By Elaine C. White