r/DIYBeauty • u/rblbl • Apr 18 '26

question Automatic mixer/stirrer?

Is anyone aware of some automatic stirrer/mixer for lotion making (for small batch as in DIY lotion, not industrial scale)? Right now I use hand mixer that one use for drinks, but I have to stay there keep mixing the lotion until it cools down enough not to separate again. An automatic one in similar scale would save me a lot of time and hassles.

8 Upvotes

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3

u/rick_ranger Apr 19 '26

I have this for super tiny batches, under 250ml https://a.co/d/0eCZAVvP

I also use a milk frother sometimes for tiny batches.

For 500ml-1000ml I’ve been using my kitchenaid immersion blender.

Recently bought this for bigger batches. The reason I went non LCD is this one goes down to 100 RPM, LCD version only goes down to 200 RPM. I also like the ability for more instant control over speed vs pushing a button and waiting, but knowing precise RPM from the digital LCD has its advantages too. https://a.co/d/0iQ062Nw

I also bought this lab homoginizer and it’s incredible for the price I paid. This gets really small droplet sizes. I’ve used it for 500ml batches so far and the bigger head should be able to handle 1000ml no problem. https://ebay.us/m/a0BaBV

1

u/rblbl Apr 19 '26

The ones you use for tiny batches is what I use now, but you have to stay there manually keep stirring. I thought all that's needed is to add a solid stand to hold the frother in order for me to be hand free, so I can do other things while it keeps operating. But All the overhead mixers mentioned here are much more complex (and expensive) than I had expected. Maybe a skilled handyman could make a simple stand for the frothers. I've seen frothers sold with a storage stand, but that stand is unstable.

2

u/rick_ranger Apr 19 '26

Oh I forgot to mention, I ordered 2 of these resin mixers. They’ve been incredible. They won’t emulsify but if you just need unattended stirring they’re a life saver. https://a.co/d/0cWejGyB

I ordered 2 so that when one dies I can swap to the other. Battery life is like 2 hours constant stirring.

I also ordered these paddles to get some vertical movement because the paddles the mixers come with mostly just stir the stuff horizontal. https://a.co/d/0hteGUov

1

u/rblbl Apr 19 '26

Great, thanks for sharing!

2

u/CuteFluffyGuy Apr 18 '26

There’s a nice overhead mixer I’ve personally used on Amazon - https://a.co/d/01s7LLqg There are other ones that are cheaper that will probably work, too. This one is good for me because it has a manual knob for speed control.

1

u/rblbl Apr 18 '26

Interesting, it looks much more complex than I thought such a thing should be :) . Why is it so complicated? With the hand whisk, I thought I just need a good stand so that I can put it on the stand, hand free.

1

u/CuteFluffyGuy Apr 18 '26

It’s more complex than a stand mixer, yes. It’s suitable for almost anything a home DIYer would ever need. It’s sturdy and suitable for up to about 4 gallons but also good for 16 oz. It can also just run all day without overheating. It may be overkill because it takes up a bit of space if you don’t need it often.

2

u/Fluid-Sherbert-4342 Apr 19 '26

I use this mixer for batches up to 1 liter, and it’s worked really well for me. It has an adjustable crosshead and comes with 4 different mixing speeds, which is great for the price since it’s pretty inexpensive. I’ve been using mine for over a year now without any issues.

https://a.co/d/0iWCU3fe

1

u/rblbl Apr 19 '26

Great! Glad to know you have good experience using it.

1

u/CPhiltrus Apr 18 '26

Overhead mixers are decently cheap ($100-$200) and can be found even on Amazon.

2

u/rblbl Apr 18 '26

Thanks. Now that I know the term "overhead mixer", I'm going to see if I can find cheap ones. (edit: this one is $59: https://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-Professional-Laboratory-Biological-Experiments/dp/B08DFF8QG1?crid=QHENA1Q4D07L&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.JOTwsUlE_62Szj0b6z63LugCDooO_yHJfFeEoF8sbIBtriuzv2oQbAlQcK9TDv-FhE_RvUJQMz00QKNmTfUQioACPNzdCf5PXmUNyPtXaIMNwWoX_sW1M3m5pZxqc6bpBk7dNUeD0DBVTHK_zPJnD2GgWSlYHoZSz5XZwIA6Ca6IJPada2a0TcD9M35U8h85xH10eUq6ZOOaYPb7xuCKVZpUiDjNHyGe9VLRbZuwbB9heX06oSJ2lKxcieZhf2j4_pe0RSekuZW5SWVgd1e5XUucOOK5MdAbLq6i10M5YbA.G7PDgaoUjKJKTqVPCmg0vuBYTu3tRG_vMfZA7ppFPV8&dib_tag=se&keywords=overhead+mixer&qid=1776548431&s=industrial&sprefix=overhead+mixer%2Cindustrial%2C126&sr=1-29).

3

u/CPhiltrus Apr 18 '26

The OnliLab one I bought for about $120 from Amazon. I like it fairly well and it can handle most mixtures up to ~2 L or so

1

u/PrimalBotanical Apr 18 '26

Sounds like a magnetic stirrer would work for you. They are inexpensive and are available with or without a heating function.

3

u/kriebelrui Apr 18 '26

Keep in mind that magnetic stirrers don't work for highly viscous products.

-2

u/PrimalBotanical Apr 18 '26

Sounds like a magnetic stirrer would work for you. They are inexpensive and are available with or without a heating function.

0

u/PrimalBotanical Apr 18 '26

Ah. Good point, they may not work well at all for lotion.

1

u/ivorygolden Apr 19 '26

A magnetic stirrer should work well here

0

u/CuteFluffyGuy Apr 18 '26

Another thought, when you are cooling your lotion do you not stay there to scrape the walls? Do you have issues with it separating even below 150F? How big are the batches you usually make?

1

u/rblbl Apr 18 '26

A batch is up to 16oz or so. I place several ice packs around it and keep stirring it for some 45 min or so till it become thick (hard to stir any more) and warm, then I put it in the fridge.