Originally Posted by DrIsotope

The autoignition temperature of wax is 199ºC (390ºF.) A Lil' Dipper crock pot maxes out at 88º-98C (190-209ºF) according to the manufacturer. All of mine heat to the mid-90ºC area, 190-195ºF. As the ceramic pot is bonded to the housing, something absolutely catastrophic would have to happen for wax to be able to come into contact with the heating element-- if the pot would even turn on at all in that condition. In terms of safety from fire and vapors, using a crock pot is as absolutely safe as a person can be.