Starting with the Basics:
Soap making Equipments and Tools

Those who are starting a new hobby make the common mistake of buying all offered equipments in the market to prepare for their newfound passion only to find out later on that most are non-essentials and can actually be substituted with more basic equipments. If initial preparation and research is lacking, specialty craft hobbyists like soap makers often create such mistakes.

Although convenient, gadgets should not be the main focus of a startup hobby. Even if they play a factor in the smoothness of the work, technique and experimentation should be given firsthand priority. Considering this, only the most basic equipment should be bought. Not only does it save the person from unnecessary expenses, it also teaches the hobbyist the discipline of his craft and its rules.

Here's a list of the most essential of items:

1. Container
This is used to place solutions and mixtures in. Aluminum pots and pans are not advisable to use since Sodium Hydroxide or lye reacts to aluminum. Instead, a good iron soap kettle or double boiler is more durable. It can withstand most chemicals used in soap and their reaction to heat. For smaller quantities, porcelain will do such as a Pyrex pitcher.
2. Stainless steel measuring spoons and large ladle.
The measuring spoons are used to measure fragrances, colorants or additives while the stainless steel ladle is used to stir solutions such as lye and water. For small batches, a plastic spoon can be used.
3. Scale
In soap making, the proportion of your recipe is highly important as it determines the reaction of the ingredients to each other. Even 1/10 of an ounce matters in soap making. A large, highly accurate scale is needed to measure everything from oils, lye to colorants.
4. Soap Molds
These are used to contain and shape the soap while it undergoes saponification or hardening. Different molds are used for different processes. Professionals recommend using a wooden flat mold when using the hot process as it is easier to take out. For experimentation and home purposes, plastic, glass or stainless steel can be used. Even home items such as cardboard boxes, Tupperware to cups can be used.
5. Whisk or Stick Blender
Whether manually or using a machine, these are used to aid the saponification process to produce a thin custard like produce called Trace.
6. Thermometer
To accurately guard the heat involved in the processes
7. Safety Equipment
Gloves, goggles, masks or handkerchiefs should be used when handling delicate substances such as lye. If not careful, lye can irritate the skin and produce fumes strong enough to provide complications in breathing

As more complicated processes come, one should upgrade their equipment to custom-fit needs. For a budding soap maker though, the skill should be developed above all else.