{"id":29,"date":"2026-03-16T18:52:50","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T17:52:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.7virides.com\/cs\/uvod\/vybaveni-cr\/"},"modified":"2026-03-25T11:19:47","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T10:19:47","slug":"vybaveni-cr","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.7virides.com\/en\/mydlo\/vybaveni-cr\/","title":{"rendered":"Soap making equipment: what you need and where to buy it in the Czech Republic"},"content":{"rendered":"<blockquote>\n<p><strong>TL;DR:<\/strong> Basic equipment for your first batch of soap costs 500\u20131,500 CZK and you probably already have most of it at home. You need: a digital scale, stick blender, two containers (stainless steel or PP), thermometer, mold, and safety gear.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>The barrier to entry for home soap making is lower than most people expect. Basic equipment for your first batch costs 500\u20131,500 CZK and you probably already have a lot of it at home. This page shows you what is essential, what is useful, and what you do not need at all.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"ktere-veci-nejsou-potrebne\">What items are not needed?<\/h2>\n<p>Before we start with what you need, here is a list of things that are overrated and unnecessary.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Professional soap-making blender:<\/strong> An old stick blender from grandma's kitchen works just as well as a new one. The power and age of the blender do not affect the result \u2014 you just need something that blends.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Infrared thermometer:<\/strong> Practical, but a kitchen digital thermometer for 150 CZK is fully sufficient for all beginner needs.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Silicone molds with shapes (hearts, flowers, etc.):<\/strong> Unnecessary for first batches. A loaf mold or baking pan with parchment paper is better for learning the process \u2014 slower is proven better here.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\"Soap starter kit&#8220; from e-shop:<\/strong> They tend to be overpriced and contain things you do not need. Buy ingredients and equipment separately \u2014 you will save money.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Expensive essential oils before your first batch:<\/strong> For your first unscented recipe you will save them \u2014 buying fragrances can wait until the second recipe. Start with plain soap.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"jake-je-zakladni-minimum-pro-prvni-sarzi\">What is the basic minimum for the first batch?<\/h2>\n<p>The most important items you cannot do without.<\/p>\n<h3>1. Digital Scale<\/h3>\n<p><strong>What to look for:<\/strong> Accuracy of 1 g, capacity at least 2 kg, tare function (zeroing when adding).<\/p>\n<p><strong>What to buy:<\/strong> Any kitchen digital scale. Price 300\u2013600 CZK at DM, Tesco, Kasa.cz, Alza.cz. Brands differ but the functions are the same.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why accuracy matters:<\/strong> NaOH must be weighed precisely \u2014 every extra gram means more caustic soap, every gram less means residual fat in the recipe (this is intentional as superfat, but must be controlled). Kitchen scales with 1 g accuracy are the minimum; 0.1 g accuracy is ideal for small batches.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Immersion Stick Blender<\/h3>\n<p><strong>What to look for:<\/strong> Any immersion stick blender (hand blender). Power 200\u2013400 W. A detachable head is an advantage (easier cleaning).<\/p>\n<p><strong>What to buy:<\/strong> New: Braun, Bamix, Gorenje \u2014 400\u20131,500 CZK at Alza, Mall, Datart. Used: thrift shops, Bazo\u0161, Facebook Marketplace \u2014 an old blender works just as well and is more economical. Save money.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Warning:<\/strong> Label the blender designated for soap and do not use it for food \u2014 even after thorough cleaning, a scent trace of lye solution may remain. Take an old blender \u2014 you will not mind ruining it.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Container for Lye Preparation (700\u20131,000 ml)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>What to look for:<\/strong> Stainless steel or polypropylene (PP, number 5 on the bottom). Heat-resistant to 100+ \u00b0C to withstand the exothermic reaction.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What to buy:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Stainless steel bowl or pot (1 l): 150\u2013300 CZK, any hobby store or kitchenware shop<\/li>\n<li>PP plastic container: marked with \"5&#8243; or \"PP&#8220; on the bottom - many plastic jugs or bowls from drugstores<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>What not to use:<\/strong> Aluminum (reacts with NaOH), tin, zinc. Thin glass (cracks from sudden heating). Silicone (lye residue may stick).<\/p>\n<h3>4. Large Container for Oils (1.5\u20133 l)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>What to look for:<\/strong> Stainless steel bowl or large PP pitcher. Large enough for the blender to work without splashing \u2014 no stress.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tip:<\/strong> A large stainless steel bowl (24\u201328 cm diameter) from IKEA or a hobby store for 100\u2013200 CZK is ideal \u2014 it can also be used as a water bath for tempering oils. Dual function = better investment.<\/p>\n<h3>5. Thermometer<\/h3>\n<p><strong>What to look for:<\/strong> Range 0\u2013100 \u00b0C, accuracy \u00b11\u20132 \u00b0C. Nothing fancy.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What to buy:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Kitchen digital thermometer with probe: 150\u2013300 CZK (Alza, Kasa, hobby stores) \u2014 the safest choice<\/li>\n<li>Infrared thermometer (contactless): 300\u2013600 CZK \u2014 more practical but not necessary for a beginner<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Alternative:<\/strong> A candy thermometer or aquarium thermometer also works if it has a range up to 100 \u00b0C. If you have an old thermometer, try it.<\/p>\n<h3>6. Soap Mold<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Cheapest option \u2014 milk carton:<\/strong> 1 l or 2 l milk carton, lined inside with paper or used directly (you peel off the paper after hardening). Free \u2014 ideal for the first attempt with no risk.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Baking pan lined with parchment:<\/strong> A 20 \u00d7 10 cm pan or silicone bread mold \u2014 if you have one at home, use it. Line with a silicone mat or parchment paper.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Silicone loaf mold:<\/strong> The most convenient option long-term. Price 200\u2013500 CZK at soap-making e-shops or on Amazon. Soap comes out more easily, no paper needed \u2014 worth the money.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Wooden mold (DIY):<\/strong> A simple box made of boards lined with silicone or plastic wrap. Instructions for making one can be found in the Techniques section.<\/p>\n<h3>7. Safety Equipment<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Goggles (enclosed):<\/strong> 80\u2013200 CZK, hobby stores (OBI, Hornbach, Baumax), pharmacies, safety equipment shops. This is not where to cut costs \u2014 goggles are the most important protection.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Rubber gloves:<\/strong> Homemade rubber gloves from drugstores (DM, Rossmann) - 30-60 CZK. Extended (up to the elbows) are more convenient - they protect more skin.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Apron:<\/strong> Plastic or rubber, 100\u2013200 CZK. Or an old sweater\/shirt \u2014 anything you do not mind ruining.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"ktere-doplnky-jsou-uzitecne-pro-druhou-a-treti-sarzi\">What accessories are useful for the second and third batch?<\/h2>\n<p>Once you have your first recipe behind you, these items make the work more comfortable.<\/p>\n<h3>Silicone Spatula<\/h3>\n<p>Essential for scraping residue from the container walls when pouring \u2014 nothing goes to waste. Price 50\u2013150 CZK, kitchenware shops.<\/p>\n<h3>Measuring Cups and Containers of Various Sizes<\/h3>\n<p>For separately mixing colors or additives. Plastic PP cups or stainless steel containers 100\u2013500 ml \u2014 when you experiment with colors.<\/p>\n<h3>Soap Cutter<\/h3>\n<p>For straight cuts and a professional look. DIY option: thin wire stretched on a wooden frame. Commercial: 300\u2013800 CZK.<\/p>\n<h3>Curing Rack<\/h3>\n<p>Any kitchen wire rack or wooden board \u2014 for proper airflow around the soap from all sides. Alternative: an old shelf or rack.<\/p>\n<h3>pH Test Strips<\/h3>\n<p>For testing soap maturity. pH range 8\u201314. Price 50\u2013150 CZK, pharmacies or e-shops. Not mandatory but useful.<\/p>\n<h3>Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA, 70\u201399%)<\/h3>\n<p>Sprayed on the surface of freshly poured soap, it prevents soda ash \u2014 that white powder. Price 60\u2013150 CZK, pharmacies or drugstores.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"ktere-vybaveni-potrebujete-az-se-budete-venovat-vyrobe-vazneji\">What equipment do you need when you get more serious about soap making?<\/h2>\n<p>Once you have 5\u201310 recipes under your belt and want advanced options.<\/p>\n<h3>SoapMaker 3 or Other Recipe Software<\/h3>\n<p>Professional recipe, batch, and cost management. Price ~$39 (one-time). For makers with 10+ recipes or commercial producers \u2014 simplifies calculations.<\/p>\n<h3>Precision Scale with 0.1 g Accuracy<\/h3>\n<p>For smaller batches and precise dosing of essential oils. Price 300\u2013700 CZK \u2014 when you want maximum precision.<\/p>\n<h3>Silicone Molds for Individual Bars<\/h3>\n<p>Various shapes \u2014 hearts, rectangles, ovals. Suitable for gift soaps. Price 150\u2013500 CZK per set \u2014 great for creativity.<\/p>\n<h3>Wire Cutter or Multi-Bar Cutter<\/h3>\n<p>For professional straight cuts of the loaf. Price 500\u20132,000 CZK \u2014 when you start selling.<\/p>\n<h3>Thermocouple or Infrared Gun<\/h3>\n<p>For precise temperature control and monitoring the gel phase. An infrared gun allows contactless measurement throughout the process. Price 300\u20131,000 CZK.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"kde-koupit-vybaveni-a-suroviny-v-cr\">Where to Buy Equipment and Ingredients in the Czech Republic?<\/h2>\n<h3>E-shops Specializing in Soap Making<\/h3>\n<p>They offer equipment, ingredients, and molds \u2014 ideal for a comprehensive purchase. All have established operations and fast shipping:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Ekokoza.cz<\/strong> \u2014 ingredients, oils, molds, additives<\/li>\n<li><strong>Soap World<\/strong> (mydlovet.cz) \u2014 equipment, ingredients, courses<\/li>\n<li><strong>Soapbox<\/strong> \u2014 ingredients and additives for natural cosmetics<\/li>\n<li><strong>Naturavita.cz<\/strong> \u2014 essential oils, plant oils, butters<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Commonly Available (Supermarkets, Drugstores)<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Coconut, olive, sunflower oil:<\/strong> Kaufland, Tesco, Lidl, Globus \u2014 you will always find them sooner or later<\/li>\n<li><strong>Shea butter, cocoa butter:<\/strong> DM, Rossmann, L\u00e9k\u00e1rna.cz<\/li>\n<li><strong>NaOH (100% drain cleaner):<\/strong> DM, Rossmann, Albert (pipe cleaner) \u2014 available without ordering<\/li>\n<li><strong>Castor oil:<\/strong> Pharmacies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Hobby Stores<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>OBI, Hornbach, Baumax:<\/strong> safety goggles, gloves, stainless steel containers, PP containers \u2014 physical purchases with no waiting<\/li>\n<li><strong>IKEA:<\/strong> stainless steel bowls and pots at low prices \u2014 it will cost you less than elsewhere<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Online<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Alza.cz, Mall.cz:<\/strong> stick blender, digital scale, thermometer<\/li>\n<li><strong>Bazos, Facebook Marketplace:<\/strong> used stick blenders for 50\u2013200 CZK \u2014 save a lot<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"kolik-bude-stat-prvni-sarze\">How Much Will the First Batch Cost?<\/h2>\n<p>Here you can see the real costs \u2014 no surprises.<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Item<\/th>\n<th>One-time<\/th>\n<th>Recurring<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Scale<\/td>\n<td>400 CZK<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Stick blender<\/td>\n<td>0\u2013800 CZK (used\/new)<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Containers (2 pcs)<\/td>\n<td>200 CZK<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Thermometer<\/td>\n<td>200 CZK<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Safety goggles + gloves<\/td>\n<td>150 CZK<\/td>\n<td>60 CZK (gloves)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Mold<\/td>\n<td>0\u2013400 CZK<\/td>\n<td>\u2014<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Equipment total<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>~1,150\u20132,150 CZK<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Coconut oil 400 g<\/td>\n<td>100 CZK<\/td>\n<td>100 CZK<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Olive oil 0.5 l<\/td>\n<td>80 CZK<\/td>\n<td>80 CZK<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Sunflower oil 1 l<\/td>\n<td>CZK 40<\/td>\n<td>CZK 40<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>NaOH 500 g<\/td>\n<td>60 CZK<\/td>\n<td>60 CZK<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Distilled water 1 l<\/td>\n<td>CZK 20<\/td>\n<td>CZK 20<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Ingredients for 1 batch (~900 g of soap)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>~300 CZK<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>~300 CZK<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><strong>Cost per soap:<\/strong> ~33 CZK\/bar for 9 bars from the first batch. After equipment amortization (second, third, fourth batch), the cost per bar drops dramatically.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"podrobny-nakupni-seznam\">Detailed Shopping List<\/h2>\n<p>If you like clear lists \u2014 here is a list of everything to buy in a shopping-friendly order:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Alza.cz:<\/strong> Digital scale (400 CZK), immersion blender (400\u2013800 CZK), thermometer (200 CZK) \u2014 total ~1,000 CZK<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hobby store (OBI\/Hornbach):<\/strong> Stainless steel bowl (150 CZK), PP plastic container (100 CZK), safety goggles (100 CZK), gloves (50 CZK) \u2014 total ~400 CZK<\/li>\n<li><strong>IKEA:<\/strong> Additional stainless steel bowl (100 CZK \u2014 if needed)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Supermarket (Tesco\/Kaufland):<\/strong> Coconut oil (100 CZK), olive oil (80 CZK), sunflower oil (40 CZK), distilled water (20 CZK) \u2014 total ~240 CZK<\/li>\n<li><strong>Drugstore (DM\/Rossmann):<\/strong> NaOH (drain cleaner, 60 CZK)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Soap e-shop (Ekokoza.cz):<\/strong> Silicone mold (300 CZK \u2014 optional)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>Total one-time cost:<\/strong> ~1,550 CZK (with mold), ~1,250 CZK (without mold)<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"caste-otazky\">Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Do I need to buy brand names or are generics fine?<\/strong> Generics are perfectly fine \u2014 you will save money. A scale from Alza works just as well as an expensive one. A blender is a blender. The only exception is safety \u2014 goggles and gloves should meet standards (but even cheap ones from DM do).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Can I buy equipment gradually, with each batch?<\/strong> Yes, that is a smart approach. Buy: scale, blender, containers, mold. Get the spatula, cutter, and other accessories as you find you need them.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Where can I buy replacement rubber gloves?<\/strong> Every drugstore - DM, Rossmann, Albert. For 30-60 CZK per pair. Extend them between batches, replace a worn pair.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Can I buy a cheaper silicone mould from China?<\/strong> Yes, it works, but delivery takes longer. If you have time, it is economical. If you want to start soon, it is better to buy in the Czech Republic for 300 CZK.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"viz-take\">See also<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"\/en\/soap\/lye-safety-soap-making\/\">Lye safety<\/a> \u2014 how to handle equipment safely<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/en\/soap\/first-soap-recipe\/\">Your first recipe<\/a> \u2014 where to use equipment<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/en\/selling-handmade-soap\/soap-making-suppliers-eu\/\">Suppliers in the Czech Republic and EU<\/a> \u2014 detailed list of ingredient suppliers<\/li>\n<\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>TL;DR: Z\u00e1kladn\u00ed vybaven\u00ed pro prvn\u00ed \u0161ar\u017ei m\u00fddla stoj\u00ed 500\u20131 500 K\u010d a v\u011bt\u0161inu v\u011bc\u00ed pravd\u011bpodobn\u011b m\u00e1te doma. Pot\u0159ebujete: digit\u00e1ln\u00ed v\u00e1hy, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":0,"parent":95,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-29","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.7virides.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/29","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.7virides.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.7virides.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.7virides.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=29"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.7virides.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/29\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":204,"href":"https:\/\/www.7virides.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/29\/revisions\/204"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.7virides.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/95"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.7virides.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}