I use an electric stove in my basement. In the past I've used my propane stove, but be careful if you do that parafin wax is extremely flamable. A wood stove will work fine. I stir mine with a wooden spoon, unless I leave it someplace stupid and contaminate it, then I just find a sturdy stick that won't break when stirring it. There is plenty of room for error so don't over think it. Just keep it clean. I put mine in a clean 5 gal pail with a cover. A rubbermaid tub or similar will also work.

CT, I talked to a guy who does a 55 gal drum a yr. Man I'd like to have half that next yr! I think I'll try to make 2 big totes full by fall.
How many gals. of dirt are you heating at once? RD

Only three gals in one of those big canning pots, but I have a very short coyote line. Dirt winds up being about 2/3 to 3/4 of the way up, leaving plenty of room for wax on top. The CT legislature approved (or re-approved) a land trapping season here only three years ago, so I haven't been at it long. Traps have to be padded and I own only a dozen vic #3s so far. I learned how to make dirt from an old timer at my state rondezvous a couple years ago.