A rosin press machine can be the easiest, cheapest, and most fun way to get started making extracts. This solventless extraction technique can be used in the comfort of your own home.
But, it is also one of the most popular forms of commercial extraction, with entire businesses built on rosin production. We are going to explain what exactly rosin is and what a rosin heat press does. Then, we'll cover how to use a wax press, and share some of our personal favorites.
What is the difference between rosin and resin?
Though they sound similar, rosin is considered the superior of the two. Rosin is solventless, one of the benefits of pressing. This means all you smoke is that of your plant. Resin on the other hand is usually extracted through a mix of freezing and chemical processes.
Can you make live resin with a rosin press?
Simple put, you cannot create live resin with a rosin press. Resin is made through hydrocarbon extraction. This means you won’t find a resin press if that was the end result you were looking for.
Which is more potent, resin or rosin?
Resin is generally more potent than rosin. That being said, the effects of these two are very similar. It all comes down to what the end user is looking for, as well as how much money you want to spend upfront.
What is a rosin heat press?
As you can probably surmise just from the name alone, a rosin heat press is used to produce rosin. This is one of the most highly sought-after solventless extracts on the market.
Rosin is a newer extraction type compared to others like dry sift, ice water, and dry ice extractions that have been around for quite some time.
Some people are still hesitant to consume anything that comes in contact with solvents. While solvent-based extracts are relatively safe due to purging. For this reason, rosin is a really appealing extract.
You are likely wondering how a rosin heat press works. They don't use any solvents to extract the compounds, terpenes, and other parts of the plant. So how do you end up with that beautiful, golden extract?
How does a rosin press machine work?
A rosin press machine uses low heat and high pressure to melt and force the resin from the plant and onto parchment paper.
Essentially, you just stick your flower or trim into the press, and let it do its magic! The exact process will depend on what type of rosin heat press you have. But the end result is the same. The compounds you want to consume are squeezed from the plant matter onto the parchment paper.
When it comes to rosin, you definitely don't want to throw in low-quality flower. The saying is "quality in, quality out".
We have seen the most success making rosin when actually starting with either dry sift or bubble hash. This will produce the largest yields per press while removing any unwanted plant matter. We recommend at the very least using high-quality, manicured flower.
What are the different types of wax presses?
There is truly a rosin press machine for every budget out there. Maybe you’re shopping for a handheld press to use at home. Or perhaps you need a commercial pneumatic press to take your extraction business to the next level. Whichever the case, we have something for you here!
As we briefly mentioned, different types of wax presses will operate slightly differently. Some of the cheaper ones require more work on the operator's part, whereas others are super easy plug-and-play presses. Let’s start with the most budget-friendly option: the manual press.
These are designed with the home grower in mind. These portable rosin presses are lower cost compared to others and do not require an air compressor or pump to operate.
They use a hand crank or twist-style mechanism to apply force onto your material. If you are just looking to dabble (no pun intended) in rosin pressing, you can't go wrong with a manual press. This is a great way to get started on a low budget.
The one problem with these manual rosin presses is that they tend to be inconsistent compared to others.
These heavy-duty presses use a hydraulic ram powered by an air compressor or external rosin pump to operate.
Hydraulic presses are the most commonly used wax press and produce insane amounts of pressure. These are best for industrial or commercial applications and are one of the most popular styles we have here at Hydrobuilder.
These presses are considered top-tier in the extraction industry and use an air compressor to activate the pneumatic cylinder.
Pneumatic presses are revered by professionals for their even weight distribution and oil-free cylinder, minimizing any maintenance.
Electric presses are gaining popularity for their ease of use. There is no need for an air compressor or external pump, and these are all completely plug-and-play.
If you have a wall outlet, you can use an electric press. While they carry a higher price tag, they can justify it by their ease of use.
What Is The Best Temperature To Use A Wax Press At?
When Pressing Flowers - When pressing flower, we suggest temperatures around 220°F - 240°F for about 30 - 45 seconds. You can press longer than this. If you do, make sure you get the rosin off the heated plates as quickly as possible. This will prevent any degradation of terpenes.
When pressing dry sift or bubble, we recommend temperatures around 180°F - 210°F for 45 - 90 seconds. Again, we suggest removing the rosin off the heated plates as soon as you can. It's important to prevent the loss of terpenes and the darkening of the rosin.
Can you cold press rosin?
There is a technique for pressing rosin known as "cold pressing". This involves operating at temperatures much lower than what is considered standard. "Cold" refers to temperatures between 160-190 degrees Fahrenheit, which really isn't cold at all! However, compared to the normal temperatures you would press rosin at, it is much lower.
So really, cold pressing is just the use of a low temp rosin press. You will also need to press much longer (1-5 minutes), and with more pressure. You'll see an increase in terpenes, but likely a decrease in potency.
How much pressure does my rosin press need?
When you’re shopping for your own rosin press, you’ll likely wonder how much pressure is necessary. Some of these machines provide an insane amount of pressure, which would likely be overkill for certain extractors. To press the best rosin, you need to apply 300-1,000 psi.
The actual PSI you end up landing on will greatly depend on what exactly you’re using as your raw material. Flower, hash, and trim all require different combinations of pressure and heat. For example, pressing flower will need higher psi, whereas hash will require lower psi.
Which Rosin Bags Should I Use?
Use 36 micron or 72-micron bags for dry sift or bubble hash. 72-micron rosin bags will offer higher yields compared to 36-micron rosin bags. The 36-micron bags will provide the highest quality product though.
- 36 micron - Most filtration available, highest quality output rosin for use with dry sift or bubble.
- 72 micron - High level of filtration, increased yields over 36 microns when dry sift or bubble.
Use 115 micron or 90-micron bags for trim, flower, or shake. You will get the highest yield from a 115-micron rosin bag over a 90-micron rosin bag. A 90-micron bag will give you more filtration and a slightly higher quality product though.
- 90 micron - Higher level of filtration for use with flower, trim, and shake.
- 115 micron - Ideal level of filtration and high yielding for use with flower, trim, and shake.
What's the best rosin press machine?
The best rosin press machine is not one size fits all. It will depend on your budget, how much rosin you want to press and how often, and will also come down to personal preference.
If your budget is limited, you won't be able to afford the "best" wax press. And that is totally fine! We still have some AMAZING options for growers on a budget. Some of our personal favorites include the Longs Peak & Pikes Peak by PurePressure, the Sasquash M1, the Triminator TRP series, & the entire NugSmasher line.
We highly recommend you read our full review of the Best Rosin Presses Of The Year. After that, you'll have an understanding of which rosin heat press we would recommend for you. But, here are some features worth looking for:
- Digital Temperature Control
- Stainless Steel or Aluminum Plates
- Drip Protection
- Pre-set Recipes to Automate Future Batches
- Automated Pressure Control
Whether you’re looking for a little handheld device or a 12-ton unit, you’ll find the best selection here. Let’s explain why Hydrobuilder is the right choice for you and your rosin needs.
Why Shop For Rosin Press Machines At Hydrobuilder?
You’ll have plenty of options when you start your journey to find the perfect rosin press machine for you and your budget.
But nowhere offers the diverse selection you’ll find here at Hydrobuilder. Here, you’ll have access to the widest range of brands and products available, at the best prices online.
You have the help of experienced growers and extractors along the way if you aren’t exactly sure what you want. Simply give us a ring, and we’ll help you pick the perfect press and get you it quickly. If you want to get started with extraction, we've got your back. Give one of our experienced growers a call at 888-815-9763 to learn more about making rosin and using a press.