I started out using a hot plate the pot u use needs a thick bottom the thin bottom does not work unless like snake said u put a spacer on the hot plate. Start out less than 1/2 the knob until u see how much it takes to heat your plastic then stir and stir until u reach the temp u need 350f then cut the temp about a 1/4 knob and adjust to keep your temp. Thrift stores are good places to find pots and Microwaves cheap. I just bought a microwave and now i am having to learn the way to use the plastic in it. You can scorch plastic in a MW too LOL Cub48