I know I'm too late for answering Smores, but wanted to agree that the initial melting time is looong! To speed things up, I melted the base in the microwave and then added it to the crock pot. Eventually I gave up on the crock pot, as it was really messy dipping the melted soap out. Next I bought one of those modified "Presto" pots, that have the teflon coating. It was great, until the Teflon coating started peeling off. I greatly regret trying to save money! Wish I'd bought the real thing with stainless lining (about $500+). Guess for now it's back to the microwave and pitcher.
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Barbara at Oasis Soap Co.
http://www.oasissoap.com