A rosin press machine is one of the easiest, cheapest, and most enjoyable ways to start producing quality rosin. This solventless extraction process can be done comfortably at home.
However, it is also a highly popular method for commercial extraction, with entire businesses centered on rosin production. We'll explain what rosin is, how a rosin heat press works, and share some of our top picks for wax presses.
What is the difference between rosin and resin?
Though they sound similar, rosin is considered superior. Rosin uses a solventless extraction process, meaning you only smoke the plant. Resin, however, is typically extracted using freezing and chemicals.
Can you make live resin with a rosin press?
Simply put, you cannot create live resin with a rosin press. Live resin is made through hydrocarbon extraction, which requires different equipment.
Which is more potent, resin or rosin?
Resin is generally more potent than rosin. However, the effects are quite similar. The choice depends on what the user prefers and their budget for the extraction process.
What is a rosin heat press?
A rosin heat press is used to produce rosin, one of the most sought-after solventless extracts. Compared to traditional methods like dry sift and bubble hash, rosin is a newer extraction type.
Many prefer rosin because it avoids solvents, making it appealing to those that are cautious about solvent contact despite the safety of purged solvent-based extracts.
You might wonder how a rosin heat press works. It doesn’t use solvents to extract compounds and terpenes. Instead, it uses heat and pressure to create the golden extract.
How does a rosin press machine work?
A rosin press machine uses low heat and a significant amount of pressure to melt and squeeze resin onto parchment paper.
Place your flowers or trim into the press, and let it do its magic! The exact process varies by rosin press type, but the outcome is the same: desired compounds are pressed from the plant onto parchment paper.
For rosin production, high-quality flower is crucial. The saying goes, "quality in, quality out."
We've found the best results when starting with dry sift or bubble hash, which increases yields and removes unwanted plant material. At a minimum we recommend, using high-quality, manicured flowers.
What are the different types of wax presses?
There is truly a rosin press machine for every budget. Whether you’re shopping for a handheld press for home use or a commercial pneumatic press to elevate your extraction business, we have you covered!
Different types of wax presses operate slightly differently. Some of the more affordable ones require more effort from the user, while others are plug-and-play. Let’s start with the most budget-friendly option: the manual press.
Designed with home growers in mind, these portable rosin presses are cost-effective and do not require an air compressor. They use a hand crank or twist-style mechanism to apply force. If you're just starting with rosin pressing, a manual press is a great low-budget option.
The one drawback is that manual rosin presses can be inconsistent compared to other types.
These heavy-duty presses use a hydraulic ram powered by an air compressor or external pump. Hydraulic presses generate immense pressure, making them ideal for industrial or commercial applications, and are among the most popular styles at Hydrobuilder.
Top-tier in the extraction industry, pneumatic presses use an air compressor to activate the pneumatic cylinder. Professionals favor them for their even weight distribution and oil-free cylinder, minimizing maintenance.
Electric presses are gaining popularity for their ease of use. They don't require an air compressor or external pump, and are completely plug-and-play. Just plug into a wall outlet and you're ready to go. While they are more expensive, their convenience can justify the cost.
What Is The Best Temperature To Use A Wax Press At?
When pressing flowers, we suggest temperatures around 220°F - 240°F for about 30 - 45 seconds. If pressing longer, remove the rosin from the heated plates quickly to prevent terpene degradation.
For pressing dry sift or bubble hash, use temperatures around 180°F - 210°F for 45 - 90 seconds. Again, remove the rosin from the heated plates promptly to avoid terpene loss and rosin darkening.
Can you cold press rosin?
"Cold pressing" rosin involves using temperatures between 160-190°F, which is lower than standard. This method requires longer pressing times (1-5 minutes) and more pressure, resulting in increased terpene retention but potentially lower potency.
How much pressure does my rosin press need?
When shopping for a rosin press, you'll likely wonder about the necessary amount of pressure. Some machines provide an extreme amount of pressure, which can be overkill for certain extracts. To press quality rosin, aim for 300-1,000 psi. The exact PSI depends on your raw material. Flower, hash, and trim all require different combinations of pressure and heat. For example, pressing flower needs higher psi, while hash requires lower psi.
Which Rosin Bags Should I Use?
Use 36-micron or 72-micron bags for dry sift or bubble hash. While 72-micron rosin bags offer higher yields, 36-micron bags provide the highest quality product.
- 36 micron - Most filtration available, highest quality output rosin for dry sift or bubble hash.
- 72 micron - High level of filtration, increased yields compared to 36 microns for dry sift or bubble hash.
For trim, flower, or shake, use 115-micron or 90-micron bags. You'll get the highest yield from a 115-micron rosin bag, while a 90-micron bag offers more filtration and slightly higher quality.
- 90 micron - Higher filtration for flower, trim, and shake.
- 115 micron - Ideal filtration and high yield for flower, trim, and shake.
What's the best rosin press machine?
The best rosin press machine depends on your budget, the amount of rosin you want to produce, and personal preference.
If your budget is limited, you may not afford the top wax press. That's fine! We offer amazing options for budget-conscious growers, including Longs Peak & Pikes Peak by PurePressure, Sasquash M1, Triminator TRP series, and the entire NugSmasher line.
We highly recommend reading our Best Rosin Presses Of The Year review. After that, you'll understand which rosin heat press suits you best. Look for features like:
- Digital Temperature Control
- Stainless Steel or Aluminum Plates
- Drip Protection
- Pre-set Recipes to Automate Batches
- Automated Pressure Control
Whether you need a handheld device or a 12-ton unit, you’ll find the best selection here. Here's why Hydrobuilder is the right choice for your rosin needs.
Why Shop For Rosin Press Machines At Hydrobuilder?
You’ll have plenty of options when seeking the perfect rosin press machine for your budget.
Hydrobuilder offers the most diverse selection of brands and products at the best prices online.
With the help of experienced growers and extractors, you can find exactly what you need. Call us, and we’ll assist in choosing the perfect press and getting it to you quickly. If you’re ready to start extracting, we've got your back. Call one of our experienced growers at 888-815-9763 to learn more about rosin production and using a press.