Sciencemadness Discussion Board

Stainless steel oil bath + hot plate?

Cavatica - 14-12-2015 at 09:10

Are there any issues with using a stainless steel kitchen type bowl as the oil bath, placed directly on a ceramic hot plate? I have previously used a thin-walled borosilicate vessel for this purpose, but am concerned about breakage, spillage and all hell breaking loose. What kind of container do you guys use for an oil bath?

Detonationology - 14-12-2015 at 09:32

Stainless steel is the best container you can use for an oil bath.

Cavatica - 14-12-2015 at 09:34

I guess I got the answer to my question. :) Thanks.

JJay - 14-12-2015 at 10:12

I use aluminum since it doesn't interfere with magnetic stirring and has superior heat transfer properties.

Cavatica - 14-12-2015 at 10:50

Thanks, JJay. Makes sense.

Detonationology - 14-12-2015 at 11:10

Quote: Originally posted by JJay  
I use aluminum since it doesn't interfere with magnetic stirring and has superior heat transfer properties.
Most stainless steel does not exhibit magnetic properties. The particles of the alloy are in permanent disarray and are unable to become polarized.

chemrox - 14-12-2015 at 23:10

Stainless bowls have not interfered with the stirrers in my hot plates. I have done this when the flask was too big for my deep fat fryer oil bath. It worked fine.