Direct answer

The Cauldron is a transformation machine: it converts inputs into different outputs (found evidence: plank → Oblivion Essence, essence conversions, plank and wood production). It needs heat and stable inputs. In 1.0 the base heat cost of heating devices was removed — the exact fuel economy is being re-verified.

What kind of machine is it?

Unlike a furnace that processes, the Cauldron transforms: put in known inputs, get a different output. Community descriptions use words like “formula”, “multiple input slots” and “heat requirement”. The official evidence we publish stands on that model.

What it needs to run

UnlockCauldron research (20.7%)
HeatYes; heating base costs removed in 1.0
FuelFuel-type dependent (PENDING figures)
InputsStable feed of the formula’s inputs
OutputTransformed item per formula

Feeding for steady output

  1. Keep the formula’s inputs continuously available — starvation changes output or stalls the cycle.
  2. Keep heat topped up; low heat is the first suspect when cycles slow.
  3. Watch the output buffer — a clogged output stops new transforms.
  4. Log your observed cycle rate; rates are still PENDING for 1.0.

Verified formulas

Plank → Oblivion Essence

Plank → Oblivion Essence
“Tenacity” — official achievement

Vitality Essence → Oblivion Essence

Vitality Essence → Oblivion Essence
“Vitae & Mors” — official achievement

Inputs → Plank

… → Plank
“Overqualified” — official achievement

Inputs → Wood

… → Wood
“Wood by Cauldron” — official achievement

Full table: Cauldron formula reference →

What the community says (leads only)

Community guides describe input-order sensitivity and “stable when fed” behavior. These are research leads until reproduced on the current build — the test protocol (input starvation, input order, duplicate inputs) is public on the data standards page.

Troubleshooting

  • No output? Check heat, then input availability, then output buffer.
  • Wrong output? Confirm the formula is 1.0-verified — Early Access combos may have changed.
  • “The Cashier in the Cauldron” — that’s the “What are you doing?” achievement, not a recipe error.
✓
Evidence boundary

Transformation behavior, unlock and formula existence: OFFICIAL. Heat value, cycle time, input counts: PENDING for 1.0.

ℹ

Independent fan reference for Alchemy Factory. Game data refers to the current official 1.0 build (Steam, PC). Field-level evidence is flagged on each page with OFFICIAL / OBSERVED / COMMUNITY badges; amounts shown without a badge come from the official 1.0 patch notes or store descriptions.