Steeping with a Stir Plate, heat or not?

[SqueekyCBJ]

Well as I've been experimenting with DIY juice, I have found another use for my Stir Plate. Previously used for Homebrew yeast starters. My question is in reference to heat. I've read posts that states heat will hurt NIC, then other that recommend heating and mixing prior to adding NIC, then just mixing there after.

The reason I ask is that my stir plate also offers a heat setting, I like to ensure I'm mixing to the best of my equipment's ability. I've also heard that it only takes 3-5min spinning to mix 50ml, but is there any issue with over mixing. Leaving on for an hour or even overnight for larger batches?

Thanks
SqueekyCBJ

 

[Baditude]

I never heat my e-liquid; primarily because it can cause a degradation of the nicotine.

 

[Thrasher]

I wouldn't heat it either, but a stir plate would be nice

I really don't think you can over mix seeing as how some juices just keep getting better the older they get

 

[Marc411]

I've used mine at 125° for 30 minutes and have had good results. I haven't found any degradation in in the nic when I tested but I've only done a couple samplings. Wizard Labs has a kit for test Nic if your interested. It's a bit of a PITA but I used it until I had confidence in my mixing process and a couple times after using my stirrer/hot plate.

That being said, I'm a rookie.

Nicotine Test Kit

 

[Cheechako]

I have to heat my juice a bit in the microwave in order to lower the viscosity of high VG in order to have my
stir plate mix it well. Mine's homemade so it probably doesn't achieve the results yours does without heating.
I just let it spin for an hour or so...no set time.
I have been much happier with my DIY juice since building the mixer and doing it in this fashion, YMMV

 

[OcalaFlGuy]

I have to heat my juice a bit in the microwave in order to lower the viscosity of high VG in order to have my stir plate mix it well.

Cheech, If I were going to heat the juice, a microwave would give me concern. I don't have the latest and greatest one of those
and possible heating inconsistencies would concern me. Is one area of the container getting hotter than the rest, etc; Especially with something like juice where both the taste And nic Could Be negatively affected.

I'd feel a lot more comfortable with something like a hot water bath, where I could determine ahead of time Exactly how hot the water was and Know that a couple bottles plunked therein would tend to heat pretty evenly and not Overheat.

Just thinkin' out loud here.
Bruce in Ocala, Fl

 

[Cheechako]

Cheech, If I were going to heat the juice, a microwave would give me concern. I don't have the latest and greatest one of those
and possible heating inconsistencies would concern me. Is one area of the container getting hotter than the rest, etc; Especially with something like juice where both the taste And nic Could Be negatively affected.

I'd feel a lot more comfortable with something like a hot water bath, where I could determine ahead of time Exactly how hot the water was and Know that a couple bottles plunked therein would tend to heat pretty evenly and not Overheat.

Just thinkin' out loud here.
Bruce in Ocala, Fl

there is a science attached to your thoughts in a couple of threads regarding crockpot steeping (aging).
I go 10 seconds at a time in the microwave, and yes I get a hot spot at the bottom,
I don't think it heats to the degree to affect the juice in any radical manner.
I have used running tap water in a container holding the jar of juice (Household waterheater=120 degrees + -)
and heat in that manner somewhat like a double boiler. But after all this time, I just don't notice a difference
any more...lazy bugger I suppose! I will not argue for or against any method at all, this is what I do.
The only thing i would recommend is making a vortex stirrer, it is the cat's pajamas! Easy and cheap to do!

 

[Bunnykiller]

I try not to go over 137.3 F if nic is involved

 

[NotableVirtues]

Although I dont really think it would happen when you are using only a little nicotine in 50ml, but nicotine has a flashpoint of 203F. Something to consider. Beyond that, I think the real issue with even keeping at low heat overnight is the nicotine degradation like @Baditude has said.

 

[Marc411]

Baditude has always steered me in the right direction. Glad to see you online Bad!

When we talk about the nic degrading what exactly are we talking about. When I use heat I get a slight color change but that also occurs during normal steeping. The couple batches I tested were mixed at 6mg and when I tested them were 6mg. Each was a 30ml batch and really didn't last long enough to really know anything long term.

 

[NotableVirtues]

I dont think it is significant degradation, I doubt you would lose 4mg with low heat after a few minutes; but it is the fact that you would be losing some of the strength.

 

[Rsunderl]

Here's an interesting thread on just that subject:
DIY Master Techniques - Steeping

Hope it helps and Happy Vaping!

 

[bwh79]

I try not to go over 137.3 F if nic is involved

That's awfully specific, there. Got a reason behind that, do ya?

 

[Alien Traveler]

Ability of nic to degrade is usually greatly exaggerated. Nothing wrong with heating. If you go to DIY subforum you'll know that people use "crock pot" steeping method keeping juice at temperature 150 F or lower. Mixing and heating could be a bit more damaging - you introduce more oxygen into warm juice. But again some people use this method and like it. You can try and see for yourself.

 

[K_Tech]

Maybe I am way off-base (I use an ultrasonic cleaner to "speed-steep" and mix my liquids) but my concern with heat would be the loss of VOC's from the flavorings?

Am I wrong?