Temperature plays a crucial role in soap making, especially when working with cold process or hot process soaps. The temperature of your oils, lye solution, and soap batter affects the saponification process and the overall quality of your soap. If temperatures are too high or too low, your soap might not form properly, or you could face issues like separation or curing problems.
That’s why having an accurate thermometer is one of the most important tools in your soap-making kit. A good thermometer ensures that your ingredients are at the ideal temperature for saponification, which ultimately results in smooth, even, and high-quality soap. In this guide, we’ll explore the best thermometers for soap making in 2025, highlighting features like accuracy, ease of use, and versatility.
Why You Need a Thermometer for Soap Making
When making soap, precise temperature control is necessary for a variety of reasons:
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Lye Temperature: The lye solution should be around 110°F (43°C) when mixed with oils for the best saponification results.
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Oil Temperature: Your oils should be at a similar temperature to the lye solution. Ideally, both should be between 95°F (35°C) and 110°F (43°C) to prevent soap from overheating or cooling too quickly.
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Fragrance and Additive Temperatures: Some fragrances and additives can be sensitive to high temperatures and might cause discoloration or loss of scent if added when the batter is too hot.
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Avoiding Gel Phase: In hot process soap, knowing the right temperature can help avoid an unwanted gel phase or overheating the soap batter.
Having a reliable thermometer ensures that you’re always within the optimal temperature range, which means your soaps will come out just the way you want them every time.
Top 5 Thermometers for Soap Making
1. ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE
Why It’s Great for Soap Making:
The ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE is considered the gold standard when it comes to thermometers. It’s known for its extreme accuracy and fast readings, making it a favorite among professional soap makers.
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Accuracy: Measures within ±0.5°F (±0.3°C).
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Range: From -58°F to 572°F (-50°C to 300°C), which is perfect for all soap making temperatures.
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Speed: Delivers a reading in just 1 second, making it incredibly quick and efficient.
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Features:
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IP67 Water Resistance: The Thermapen ONE is waterproof, making it safe to use in wet conditions (a big plus for soap makers!).
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Large, Easy-to-Read Display: The bright display allows you to see the temperature clearly, even in low-light environments.
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Auto-Off Feature: The thermometer will automatically turn off after 10 minutes to save battery life.
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While on the pricier side, the ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE is highly praised for its precision and durability, making it a top choice for serious soap makers.
2. OXO Good Grips Thermocouple Thermometer
Why It’s Great for Soap Making:
The OXO Good Grips thermometer is known for its ease of use and affordable price. It’s a great choice for beginners who need an accurate thermometer without breaking the bank.
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Accuracy: Measures within ±1°F (±0.5°C).
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Range: 32°F to 392°F (0°C to 200°C), which is perfect for both cold and hot process soap making.
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Speed: Fast readings in 3-4 seconds.
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Features:
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Large Display: The digital display is large, backlit, and easy to read.
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Ergonomic Handle: The handle is designed for a comfortable, non-slip grip, making it easy to hold.
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Tare Function: Can reset to zero for measuring liquids in containers.
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Auto-Off: Saves battery life by automatically turning off after 10 minutes.
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The OXO Good Grips Thermometer strikes a great balance between affordability and accuracy, making it ideal for both beginner and intermediate soap makers.
3. Inkbird ITH-20 Digital Instant-Read Thermometer
Why It’s Great for Soap Making:
The Inkbird ITH-20 is an affordable yet accurate instant-read thermometer, perfect for soap makers who need precision at a lower cost.
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Accuracy: Measures within ±1°F (±0.5°C).
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Range: -58°F to 572°F (-50°C to 300°C), covering all soap-making temperatures.
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Speed: Reads temperatures in 2-3 seconds.
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Features:
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Waterproof: The thermometer is water-resistant, so it’s easy to clean.
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Large Backlit Display: The display is large and easy to read, even in dim lighting.
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Long Battery Life: Uses a replaceable LR44 battery that lasts for months.
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Tare Function: Lets you zero the scale when measuring liquids or ingredients in a container.
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The Inkbird ITH-20 is a great budget option for soap makers who want quick, accurate readings without spending too much.
4. Taylor Precision Products Digital Thermometer
Why It’s Great for Soap Making:
The Taylor Precision Products Digital Thermometer is a no-frills option that is well-suited for soap makers who need a basic, reliable thermometer.
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Accuracy: Measures within ±1°F (±0.5°C).
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Range: 32°F to 392°F (0°C to 200°C), covering both cold and hot process needs.
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Speed: Reads in 3 seconds.
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Features:
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Long Probe: The probe is long enough to reach deep containers without burning your hand.
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Auto-Off Function: Automatically turns off after 10 minutes to conserve battery.
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Backlit Display: The display is backlit for clear readings.
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The Taylor Precision Digital Thermometer is affordable, easy to use, and delivers consistent results. It’s a solid choice for beginners who want something reliable but simple.
5. Lavatools Javelin PRO Duo Digital Meat Thermometer
Why It’s Great for Soap Making:
The Lavatools Javelin PRO Duo is another high-quality digital thermometer designed for precision and durability. It’s especially popular for food and soap making due to its instant readings and wide temperature range.
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Accuracy: Measures within ±0.9°F (±0.5°C).
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Range: -40°F to 482°F (-40°C to 250°C), ideal for soap making temperatures.
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Speed: Provides 1-3 second readings, making it fast and reliable.
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Features:
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Waterproof: Safe for cleaning under running water.
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Large, Clear Display: The large digital display is easy to read in any lighting condition.
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Auto-Off: Powers off automatically after 10 minutes to save battery.
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Rotating Probe: The probe rotates 180 degrees, which makes it easier to use in different angles and tight spaces.
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The Lavatools Javelin PRO Duo offers high-level accuracy and durability at a mid-range price, making it an excellent choice for soap makers who want a high-performance thermometer without the hefty price tag.
How to Choose the Best Thermometer for Soap Making
When selecting a thermometer for soap making, keep these factors in mind:
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Accuracy: Choose a thermometer that provides accurate readings within ±1°F (±0.5°C) for precise temperature control.
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Temperature Range: Ensure the thermometer can handle the full range of temperatures you’ll encounter, typically from 32°F (0°C) to 392°F (200°C) or higher.
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Speed: Opt for a thermometer that provides instant readings (within 3-5 seconds) for quick temperature checks.
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Durability: A waterproof thermometer is important, as soap making can get messy.
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Display: A large, backlit display is crucial for easy reading in different lighting conditions.
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Ease of Use: Look for a thermometer with features like auto-off, long probes, and ergonomic handles to make measurements comfortable and convenient.
Conclusion
Having the right thermometer is essential for precise temperature control in soap making. Whether you’re looking for the accuracy and speed of the ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE, the affordable and reliable OXO Good Grips Thermometer, or any of the other top options, investing in a good thermometer will ensure that your soap comes out perfectly every time. So, choose the one that fits your needs, and get ready to make soap with confidence!