I typically use the microwave to melt my stuff, but want to make it a little easier on myself, and possibly use an electric griddle that you make pancakes on, not one on the stove, but one that you can put on a table or counter top. would i be able to use ceramic bowls on this? or would they just crack and break?

You could try it, but not with your best bowls, and keeping the heat very low. I think a metal bowl over barely very hot (not boiling) water works best for me. dump in the chocolate and walk away. As long as it water isn't too hot, the chocolate melts nice and slow.

By the way, NOVATO??? I went to high school there a very long time ago. My dad was in the Air Force when the base was still active.

JoAnn

Yeah, that's actually the housing we live in. we live up on the hill. Thanks. I realized i don't have all the colors i need, so i'm not working on anything until after i go shopping

I find that if I melt the chocolate/candy melts in the microwave first and then transfer the bowls to my electric skillet set to warm AND WITH A DOUBLE LAYER OF DISH TOWEL under the bowls (either plastic or glass), I can keep things at a fine texture for piping or filling molds. I can keep a lot of product ready to go for a long time doing it this way--but the toweling is important for eliminating hot spots!

Rae

so just a plain dish towel will work? it won't get to hot or anything?

I use an electric fry pan. I fill it with some water, keep it on low, & I use glass bowls for the larger amounts of chocolate, and small glass jars for the colored chocolate. I have it on for up to 16 hours a day & no problems.

If the skillet is set on the lowest "warm" setting, the towel will get warm enough to keep the product melted evenly and insulate the bowl from the direct heat. The towel will be fine.

Rae

ok thank you.