Most cannabis concentrates are made with chemical solvents, which may not be great for your lung health. But now you can make your own solventless rosin at home.
You just need a rosin press, some herb (or kief), and your best dab rig. Read on to discover the best weed press for your needs.
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1.
Dulytek DHP7 7-Ton Hydraulic Heat Press Machine
Pros:
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Easy and intuitive interface with timer and temperature control
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Seven tons of pressure
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Comes with a two-year warranty
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Great customer service
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Ergonomic handle for ease of use
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Suction cups on bottom attach strongly to work surface
Cons:
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Very expensive
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Smaller plates than some other machines on this list
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Makes a "cruchy" noise while working
This Dulytek DHP7 7-Ton Hydraulic Heat Press Machine stands out because it can exert seven tons of pressure, yet the included pump jack and ergonomic handle make pressing feel like a breeze.
It includes a temperature gauge and press timer, which are easy to set. You can also use this machine at a lower temperature than with some other presses, which some connoisseurs believe can help increase the flavor of your finished product. The easy digital interface makes it easy and fun to play around with your ideal pressing temperature.
Thanks to the strong pressure jack, you can actually press your herb with all five tons of pressure, without wearing out your arms and hands.
It also comes with a two-year warranty.
Find more Dulytek Hydraulic Heat Press Machine information and reviews here.
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2.
Dulytek DW8000 4-Ton Hybrid Heat Press Machine
Pros:
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Exerts 4 tons of pressure
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Does not require bottle jack or manual pressing
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Plug-and-play design
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Two-year warranty and responsive customer service
Cons:
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Expensive
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Heavy
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Not designed to be portable
The Dulytek DW8000 4-Ton Hybrid Heat Press Machine stands out because you don’t need to buy any additional equipment to get it to operate. You just plug it in, and press a button, and it exerts four tons of pressure, between two heated plates, which are both three by five inches.
If you don’t know how to operate a bottle jack press, or an air compressor, or how to use a 5/8 coupler to make your air compressor match your rosin press, this plug-and-play option could be perfect for you.
Of course, the downside is that these electric presses tend to cost more. You’ve got a lot of advanced electronics at work, all packed into a small, mighty machine.
Find more Dulytek DW8000 4-Ton Hybrid Heat Press Machine information and reviews here.
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3.
ROSITEK RMP2 2-Ton Manual Heat Press
Pros:
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Affordable model
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Manual pressure of up to two tons
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Heats to 399 degrees Fahrenheit
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Heats up fast
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Most users can expect yields around 20 percent or more
Cons:
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Heated plates are only 3 inches by 3 inches
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Temperature gauge only for bottom plate
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Need some strength
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Designed to be used on floor or short work bench
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Maximum pressure of two tons
The ROSITEK RMP2 2-Ton Manual Heat Press stands out because it’s an affordable unit that gets the job done. You need a little more arm strength than you would with a hydraulic machine, but still, you can get reach the machine’s maximum pressure of two tons with a little elbow grease. (It’s easier if you put the machine on the floor, the company says.)
The plates are only three inches by three inches, so you may need to use your own paper or smaller rosin bags like these. And you probably shouldn’t press more than five grams at once.
But it heats up quickly, and works for most beginners. If you have some strength, and you don’t need to press much material at once, this press could be perfect for you.
Find more ROSITEK RMP2 2-Ton Manual Heat Press information and reviews here.
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4.
Dulytek DHP20 Hydraulic All-in-One Heat Press Machine
Pros:
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Two-channel temperature control
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Heat plates are three inches by eight inches
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Strong suction cups on bottom to attach to work surface
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Can tilt machine up to 90 degrees for ease of use
Cons:
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More expensive than other Dulytek models
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More expensive than other weed press brands
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Heavy
The Dulytek DHP20 Hydraulic All-in-One Heat Press Machine has all the benefits of the Dulytek DHP7, but you can exert 20 tons of pressure at once. You can smash with ease, thanks to the hydraulic jack.
This sturdy hydraulic jack can enable you to press at relatively low temperatures, which is awesome if you’re starting with some incredible bud and trim, and you want to preserve all those magical terpenes in your finished product.
The plates are a little bigger than some other models, allowing you to press more material in each pressing. You can also attach the machine to your table or work surface with the strong suction cups on the bottom, which can help you get a handle on things, during your process.
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5.
DABPRESS 12-Ton Bottle Jack Heat Press
Pros:
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Four-inch by seven-inch heated plates
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Twelve tons of pressure exerted by hydraulic bottle jack
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Accurate temperature control
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Easy to replace bottle jack eventually to extend the life of your press
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Don't need to buy a pump separately
Cons:
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No pressure gauge
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May be easy to exert too much pressure too fast
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More expensive than other DABPRESS models
The DABPRESS 12-Ton Bottle Jack Heat Press stands out because it exerts more pressure than other Dabpress models, and has larger plates than other Dabpress models.
While most Dabpress machines have three-inch by five-inch plates, this one has four-inch by seven-inch plates. It can press more material than other Dabpress models.
Plus, it exerts 12 tons of pressure. This is the most serious machine Dabpress makes.
But be careful not to exert too much pressure too quickly. If you notice the rosin has stained through the parchment paper afterwards, that’s a pretty good sign you exerted too much pressure.
We get it: When you have 12 tons of pressure at your fingertips, it’s easy to get excited and go too big too fast. Plus, Dabpress machines don’t come with pressure gauges, so it can be hard to tell exactly how much pressure you’re exerting. One good way to avoid this problem is to start heating the product first, so it can start breaking down before you even begin to exert pressure. You can also remove stems before you begin.
If you do misuse your machine and break the bottle jack, Dabpress makes it really easy to replace the bottle jack.
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6.
The NugSmasher Pro Touch Screen Edition
Pros:
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Presses up to 84 grams at once
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Pneumatic pressure
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Top and bottom plates controlled individually
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Precise temperature gauge for consistent results
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20 tons of pressure
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Lifetime warranty
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Awesome customer service available seven days a week
Cons:
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Expensive
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Requires an air compressor and water separator
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Air compressor and water separator sold separately
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Weighs over 200 pounds
The NugSmasher Pro is perfect for mid-scale commercial operations. It can extract up to 84 grams at once, with up to 20 tons of pressure.
It can be fitted to an air pump, so it operates as a pneumatic pump. You can apply all 20 tons of pressure with the touch of a button.
You need an air compressor with a PSI between 90 and 120 and a tank that fits at least three gallons. (For example, this air compressor would work well.) The air compressor is not included with the purchase.
With this professional-level NugSmasher model, you also need a water separator, which you’ll attach to the machine after the air compressor. Luckily, Nugsmasher representatives can be reached by phone or email seven days a week, and they can help walk you through this process.
The large smash plates are seven inches by 10 inches, which are the largest of any machine included in this guide.
But it’s not all about pressing as much as you can at once. The accurate pressure gauge will help you get consistent results — which is important for any commercial operation committed to providing its customers with the best rosin possible. If that’s you, this machine is perfect for you.
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7.
NugSmasher Mini Heat Press
Pros:
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Can press up to 6 grams at once
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Manual press is easy to use
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Up to 2 tons of pressure
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No additional equipment needed
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Heats up quickly
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Delivers consistent results
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Lifetime warranty
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NugSmasher representatives available seven days a week to answer questions
Cons:
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No pressure gauge
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Not hydraulic or pneumatic
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Must be manually operated
The NugSmasher Mini stands out because it’s an efficient manual press that comes with a lifetime warranty — and seven-days-a-week customer service.
If you have any problems, you can simply call or email Nugsmasher. This U.S.-based company is committed to helping their customers acheive excellence in their rosin.
(Of course, they caution that you need to start with top-shelf cannabis; no machine can magically turn old, low-quality herb into amazing rosin.)
But as long as you have good cannabis, you shouldn’t have many problems turning it into rosin with this machine. The NugSmasher OG is easy to use, and the company puts out many YouTube videos explaining every step of the process.
Plus, it’s a manual press, so it doesn’t require an air compressor or any additional equipment. (Except NugSmasher’s Premium Extraction Bags.)
Find more The NugSmasher OG information and reviews here.
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8.
Dabpress 6-Ton Manual Heat Press Machine
Pros:
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Easy to apply plenty of pressure by hand
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Great value option
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Heats up fast
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Dual heated plates
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Less expensive than comparable brands
Cons:
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No pressure gauge
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Less pressure than other DABPRESS models
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Manual machines require some elbow grease
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Power box may slide around on your table
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Very heavy
This Dabpress 6-Ton Heat Press Machine is made by Dabpress, which is known for making some of the absolute best dab presses for cannabis. This six-ton unit is one of their more affordable machines.
This machine features a temperature gauge, which reviewers say is very accurate. The plates heat up to above 200 degrees very quickly, and you can load about seven grams of flower at once.
Plus, this press is so easy to use, you can start making your own rosin minutes after you unbox your new machine.
This durable machine is great for anyone who makes rosin for edibles. If that’s you, make sure to check out our guide to the best herbal infusers like the Levo oil infuser. Herbal infuser machines help you make infused canna-butter or oil. But watch out: They’re designed to work with cannabis, so if you put rosin in one, you’d make some extremely potent butter!
If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, you can’t do much better than this press.
Find more DabPress Machine information and reviews here.
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9.
DABPRESS 12-Ton Hydraulic Cylinder Heat Press Machine
Pros:
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Four inch by seven inch plates can press up to 28 grams at once
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Exerts up to 12 tons of pressure
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Includes couplers to attach hydraulic pump
Cons:
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Need to purchase hydraulic pump separately
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Most expensive Dabpress model
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No pressure gauge
The DABPRESS 12-Ton Hydraulic Cylinder Heat Press Machine is the most professional of any DABPRESS machine. It’s similar to their 12-ton bottle jack machine, but you do have to buy the pump separately for this hydraulic model.
Of course, that also gives you greater control over the pressure. And hydraulic cylinders are generally considered superior to bottle jacks, because they are more reliable and durable. (People whou bought the DABPRESS 12-ton bottle-jack model often had to replace parts.)
While most Dabpress machines have three-inch by five-inch plates, this one has four-inch by seven-inch plates, so it can press more material at once than other Dabpress models. With the 12-ton Dabpress machine, you can press up to 28 grams at once.
Find more DABPRESS 12-Ton Hydraulic Cylinder Heat Press Machine information and reviews here.
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10.
Rosineer Auto Hybrid Heat Press Machine
Pros:
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Exerts four tons of pressure
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Each plate has independent temperature controls
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Completely hands-free and automated
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Discreet shipping
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Great customer service
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Very accurate and precise temperature controls
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Capable of gradual pressing
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Plates are three inches by five inches
Cons:
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No pressure gauge
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Expensive
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Smaller plates than some other presses reviewed here
The Rosineer Auto Hybrid Heat Press Machine stands out because it is both electrical and hydraulic.
This means you can use it completely hands-free. Sometimes, hash press users complain of their hands getting tired when using manual clamshell-style presses. But that won’t be a problem with this machine.
This is completely hands-free and ready to use.
It’s also capable of “gradual pressing,” which helps you get the most out of your supply (and helps avoid messes). It’s also helpful because there isn’t a pressure gauge. By using the gradual pressing feature, you’ll be able to avoid exerting too much pressure too fast (which might put unecessary stress on the machine).
This machine exerts four tons of pressure, and uses three inch by five inch plates, which each have independent heat controls.
Find more Rosineer Auto Rosin Heat Press Machine information and reviews here.
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11.
Rosineer Grip Twist Heat Press
Pros:
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Affordable price
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Precise temperature controls and quick heating
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Easy to press at your own pace with hand crank
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Comes with brackets to attach it securely to work surface
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Amazing customer service
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Two-year warranty
Cons:
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Sometimes comes with pressing paper coated in wax
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Requires more manual labor than hydraulic press
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Requires some arm and hand strength
The Rosineer Grip Twist Heat Press stands out because of the affordable price, the unique hand crank, and the company’s swift and helpful customer service.
If a hydraulic press is out of your budget, this hand crank really gets the job done. The press is a little smaller than some others on this list, with 3 inch by 5 inch plates, but this also makes it more portable. It comes with brackets that allow you to firmly attach it to a table or work bench.
The plates heat up quickly, and the temperature controls are accurate. (If yours aren’t, you can definitely contact Rosineer directly. They respond to customers quickly and seem happy to send replacement parts free of charge.)
With this press, you can expect yields of around 30 percent.
Find more Rosineer Grip Twist Heat Press information and reviews here.
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12.
The Brick Press 4-Ton Hydraulic Press
Pros:
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Aircraft quality aluminum construction
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Can be heated, or you can simply use the four tons of hydraulic pressure (without heat)
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Easy to clean
Cons:
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Requires hydraulic power source
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Requires outside heat source
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Not great at separating rosin from brick
The Brick Press 4-Ton Press stands out because it does not necessarily need to get hot, but can be used simply with the four tons of hydraulic pressure.
So if you believe that pressing with pressure alone can help preserve the terpenes of your favorite strains, then by all means, you can use pressure alone. With this unit, you can go ahead and craft some small-bach, never-heated rosin.
But if you want, you can use heat. It’s made of aircraft aluminum, which retains heat better than steel.
This press is crafted out of one solid piece of aluminum, which also makes it much more lightweight than other presses.
This press will make a brick of three inches by five inches. You can make it up to two inches thick, depending on how much starting material you have to work with.
This press is also easy to clean, which is important, if you plan on using it a lot.
Find more The Brick Press information and reviews here.
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13.
HXTech Manual Twist Heat Press Machine
Pros:
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Just twist the handle to press
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Can exert three tons of pressure
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Heats up to 485 degrees Fahrenheit
Cons:
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One year warranty only
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Hand-powered
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May be difficult to operate by yourself
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Manufacturer does not recommend turning up the pressure to the max
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Needs to be bolted down
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Not very portable once bolted to your work surface
This HXTec Manual Twist Heat Press Machine stands out because it has the pressure and temperature range of a much larger press.
Its clamp can exert three tons of pressure, and its plates can reach around 485 degrees Fahrenheit. But most users stick to around 195 degrees.
Although it’s small, you can press about four grams of material at once. The top and bottom plates are each three inches by five inches, which is pretty standard for most presses. There is no pressure gauge, and you’re advised to start slow. But some users have struggled to apply much pressure at all unless the machine is bolted down to their work bench. (That can be solved with a pair of lag bolts, but of course means this machine is not as portable as some others.)
It also comes with a one-year warranty.
Find more HXTec Manual Twist Heat Press Machine information and reviews here.
How Does a Rosin Press Machine Work?
A weed press simply uses heat and pressure to extract the cannabinoids and terpenes from your cannabis bud, trim, shake, kief, or even hash.
Many connoisseurs prefer rosin to other forms of cannabis concentrates -- even the ultra-trendy live resin.
Confused? Check out this article on the difference between resin and rosin. (Full disclosure: I wrote that article for another gig.)
Many people prefer rosin to any other concentrates (including live resin, wax, shatter, or oil) because all those other concentrates are made using solvents.
Solvents that are commonly used in cannabis extraction include butane, ethanol, and CO2.
While some extraction experts swear that they "burn off" all residual solvents during their process, many consumers remain concerned. The health effects of consuming butane are not well understood.
Solvents can be particularly concerning for medical marijuana patients. Many consider rosin to be the "cleanest" way to dab.
But to make rosin, you need a lot of cannabis. The best way to do that? Grow your own. If you're new to growing, check out the best grow tent kits for beginners.
What's the Best Cheap Rosin Press?
We think it's the Rosineer Grip Twist Press. Check out our review above to learn why.
What is the Best Press for the Money?
That depends whether you're looking for a manual press, or a hydraulic -- or even pneumatic -- press.
Pneumatic presses are the most expensive because they're the most complex and heavy-duty. They also use air compressors to automate the pressure (and the air compressor is sold separately). They're ideal for a commercial or large-scale operation.
Manual presses are the most affordable option. We've included the best manual presses above.
Which is the Rosin Press Amazon Reviewers Love Most?
That would be a toss-up between the Dabpress 4-Ton Heat Press Machine and the Dulytek DHP7 7-Ton Hydraulic Heat Press Machine.
They're both super heavy-duty presses with accurate temperature controls. For more information, check out our detailed reviews above.
Can't I Just Make a DIY Rosin Press?
Sure -- if you're okay with wasting some of your rosin, making a huge mess, and discovering that your end product is less quality than you expected.
The first heat-pressed rosin was discovered by a clever stoner who thought to use parchment paper and a simple, drugstore-purchased hair straightener. The trichomes melt when you squish the buds in between the heated plates of the hair straightener, and the goopy THC-laden oil is pressed out onto the parchment paper.
Hair straighteners tend to be very high heat, and they are not reliable in terms of temperature control. While they offer a nice and inexpensive at-home solution, and it can be fun to use this method, you can easily end up burning your product and wasting some of your precious rosin. Even if you don't burn it, you will never extract the full amount of rosin from your buds using a hair straightener, so you'll always end up wasting some product.
Professional dab presses, meanwhile, use a combination of heat and pressure to extract the maximum amount of cannabinoids and terpenes from your plants. You can use buds or shake, as long as the moisture content is high enough.
Is your bud super old and dried out? Just rehydrate it by putting these Boveda humidity packs in your jar for a few hours. (They help your bud maintain 62% humidity, which is perfect for pressing.)
And if you really don't feel like investing in a weed press, but your stash box is still overflowing, maybe you could consider other ways to consume your excess marijuana -- like cooking with cannabis.