Beekeeping Beeswax Rendering Calculator
Created by: Olivia Harper
Last updated:
Estimate how much clean, filtered beeswax you'll recover from raw cappings or old comb. Compare rendering methods and calculate the market value of your wax harvest.
What is a Beeswax Rendering Calculator?
A beeswax rendering calculator helps beekeepers estimate how much clean, filtered beeswax they will recover from raw material like cappings, burr comb, or old frames. Understanding expected yields helps you plan processing sessions and estimate the value of your wax harvest.
Beeswax is one of the most valuable products from your hive, suitable for candles, cosmetics, crafts, and foundation making. Different source materials and rendering methods produce varying yields and quality levels.
Wax Yield by Source
Fresh Cappings: 85-95% yield - Highest quality, light colored wax
Burr/Brace Comb: 75-85% yield - High quality, may contain some propolis
Old Honey Comb: 60-75% yield - Medium quality, darker color
Old Brood Comb: 30-50% yield - Lower quality, contains cocoons
Frequently Asked Questions
How much clean wax can I get from raw cappings?
Fresh cappings typically yield 85-95% clean wax by weight. Old brood comb yields only 30-50% due to accumulated cocoons and debris. The rendering method also affects yield - solar wax melters have lower yields (70-80%) compared to water bath or steam methods (85-95%).
What is the best method for rendering beeswax?
The best method depends on your scale. Solar wax melters work well for hobby beekeepers with small amounts. Water bath (double boiler) method gives clean wax with good yield. Steam rendering is efficient for larger quantities. Never heat wax directly over flame.
What temperature should beeswax be heated to?
Beeswax melts at 144-149°F (62-65°C). For rendering, maintain temperatures between 160-180°F (71-82°C). Never exceed 185°F (85°C) as this can darken the wax. Beeswax is flammable above 400°F (204°C).
How do I clean dark or dirty beeswax?
Multiple filtration steps can clean dark wax: strain through cheesecloth while liquid, then re-melt and filter through finer cloth or paper towels. For very dark wax, the water bath method helps as impurities sink. Sunlight exposure naturally bleaches and whitens wax.
How much beeswax does a hive produce per year?
A healthy, productive hive typically produces 1-2 pounds of harvestable beeswax per year from cappings during honey extraction. Beekeepers who also render old comb may get an additional 1-3 pounds, though this darker wax is lower quality.
Sources and References
- Coggshall, W.L. & Morse, R.A., "Beeswax: Production, Harvesting, Processing and Products"
- University of Florida IFAS Extension, "Rendering Beeswax"
- American Bee Journal, "Wax Processing Guidelines"