As Phil “Soilgrown” Salazar went about his typical business of melts, little did he know that a happy accident was lurking around: the rosin press machine, also known as a dab press!
Phil “Soilgrown” Salazer is one of the foremost proponents of the now popular rosin press technique. While this is interesting, there is an even more interesting fact – that this discovery was accidental. The “accident” came about during his routine hash melting. He discovered that a waxy substance came out of the hash. A lot of credit goes to him as being the one who popularized the rosin technique in early 2015. However, in sharing his discovery with others, new users came on board and started devising various ways to achieve the solventless extraction method.
This article aims to shed light on an integral aspect of the cannabis industry: rosin pressing. Suppose you are wondering what rosin pressing entails; it simply involves pressing cannabis materials with enough pressure and heat that the cannabinoids and the terpenes flow out of such materials in an oily form called rosin. In simpler terms, rosin is what you get when you subject cannabis materials to intense pressing and heat.
What do you know about rosin press machines? Have you ever come across one? Have you come across one but do not know how it works? Are you interested in the concept of rosing pressing? Do you desire a better cannabis experience?
Whatever category you belong to, know that you are certainly in the right place. This piece sheds light on rosin presses and everything you need to know about rosin press machines.
Best hydraulic Rosin Press
Dabpress 10 Ton Driptech
We chose the Dabpress 10-Ton Driptech Rosin Press with Pump and Pressure Gauge as the best manual hydraulic rosin press machine. The pump and pressure gauge are sold separately, but we’ve considered that in the evaluation.
The rosin press plates measure 3”x5” and are constructed from 6061, anodized aluminum.
The Dabpress 10-Ton Driptech rosin press uses a hydraulic cylinder as opposed to a bottle jack, which is another plus. Hydraulic cylinders are considered superior to bottle jacks, in terms of reliability and function.
The Driptech feature is also another benefit. Dabpresses’s Driptech means you can put the rosin press on its side so that the end product can fall directly onto the receptacle or parchment paper. This helps keep everything nice and clean, without having to worry about rosin falling into the wrong places.
What is a Rosin Press?
A rosin press is a machine used for cannabis extraction that uses only heat and pressure to separate cannabinoids and terpenes from the raw material (cannabis flower). A rosin press is A.KA., a wax press, and a tool that utilizes two heated plates to press a cannabis flower with so much force that the cannabinoids and terpenes seep out in an oily state called “rosin.” It has proven to be a straightforward way through which anyone can produce extracts without solvent. Rosin can also be described as a “cannabis-in, concentrate-out” machine. Rosin press machines are used with rosin press filter bags to get the most from your rosin extraction.
The rosin press or dab press has come on board to make things easier for the cannabis industry. And guess what, it has come to stay for a long time!
Features to consider when buying a Rosin Press
Having considered the definition of a rosin press let us consider some essential features of rosin presses.
The following are some important features to look for when buying a rosin press:
Digital temperature control: The usefulness of digital temperature control for a rosin press cannot be overemphasized. The degree to which an extraction process is successful relies on effective temperature control. Digital temperature control is a key feature, as it allows one to easily program and monitor the temperature settings. Controlling temperature is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the rosin, meaning not burning it, or simply getting the most material out of your press. Buying a rosin press with digital temperature control is ideal, if not a necessity. Gladly, most rosin press companies automatically add digital temperature control as a standard feature.
Timer: A digital timer is also an essential feature of a rosin press, and timers typically run into two decimals, ensuring more effective control and smooth extraction. Getting an automated timer is great but not essential. Watching the timer and knowing how to handle the press is enough to guarantee excellent rosin extraction.
Long, narrow heat plates: Long and narrower rosin plates are the best as they allow the product to stay in the center, which allows the rosin to move swiftly to the edge.
As opposed to larger heat plates that tend to pool the rosin into the center of the plates, making it more susceptible to degradation or burning.
Pressure generation: There are different ways through which presses create pressure. The most prevalent types utilize hand-turned cranks, pivot and lever clamps, hydraulic cylinders, or ram. There are pros and cons to each method of generating pressure, however, hydraulic pressure is most commonly used and tends to be the best option. Keep in mind, that some hybrid rosin presses use electricity or pneumatic power to activate hydraulic cylinders or rams, which in turn forces the hydraulic platens to clamp down.
Capacity: If you are on the commercial side of rosin extraction, your rosin press needs a lot of capacity. An essential feature of a standard rosin press is a 20-gram capacity (it could be higher). Remember that increasing the capacity necessitates increasing the pressure to sustain an excellent extraction. To put it simply, the bigger the plates, the more pressure you need!
Warranty: Some consumers may weigh heavily on the product’s warranty, while others do not. What’s covered in the warranty is also an important factor for some people. Read the small print and know what’s included and excluded in their warranty program. Time frame is another important component in a rosin press warranty. Longer and more comprehensive warranties, with fewer exclusions, should be what you’re looking for.
Types of Rosin Press Machines
There are various types of rosin press in the market today. Your choice really depends on your needs and wants. Typically, most people choose a personal over commercial use, rosin press. There’s no surprise here since there are more people merely, consuming cannabis rosin rather than manufacturing it for commercial sale. However, important factors need to be considered in making your choice.
Let us consider some of these factors in no particular order:
These factors must be carefully considered as they will help you determine the type of rosin press to purchase.
Manual Rosin Press
Twist crank and toggle lever-operated presses are all considered manual since they require physical manipulation by using your hands to operate.This type of press is simple, straightforward; powered by your hands! If you’re looking for a cheap option, a toggle lever or twist crank rosin press machine is most likely the way to go. Some examples of a toggle lever and twist crank press would be the Dulytek DM800, and Dulytek DM1005. Rosin Tech Twist, Mypress Gen 2, and Ju1ceBox Twist Top, to name most of them. Amazon carries more options when it comes to manual rosin press machines but we won’t get into too much detail regarding individual models.
In our opinion, it’s best to avoid these types of presses since they are the least effective and efficient. Pivot and lever clamps do not allow for a smooth application of pressure, but rather an abrupt one compared to hydraulic pressure. When squishing rosin, it’s important to go slowly and apply pressure gradually. If done too fast you won’t allow the rosin to gradually seep through, but instead, stop it in its tracks. Also, applying too much pressure could release particulate in your end product. This is where a hydraulic rosin press outshines the toggle clamp-type rosin presses. Although you can adjust the pressure on a toggle-style rosin press, the breadth of pressure is narrowed with an “on or off” type of activation. This can limit or restrict efficiency. Too much pressure, too fast, is never a good thing when it comes to pressing rosin. The only exception would be a twist crank rosin press since they are easier to operate and comparable to hydraulic performance.
Crank-wheel type presses rely on the mechanical force of twisting a crank wheel to generate pressure. Crank wheel presses can be considered better than a toggle clamp style as you can increase pressure in small incremental movements, similar to mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electric presses. Essentially, the crank wheel-style rosin press allows for better control compared to a toggle clamp press. The only drawback of a twist crank arm rosin press is that you need to be able to secure it to something sturdy so it doesn’t move sideways on you. The Ju1ceBox Twist has mounting holes on each side for securing the unit.
If your budget restricts you from moving up to a hydraulic press, then stick to a twist crank rosin press machine, like the Rosineer Grip Twist, YaeTek, or Ju1ceBox Twist Top. If you can afford to spend an extra $150 to $300 you can get yourself a nice hydraulic rosin press!
Best Manual Rosin Press
Rosineer Grip Twist
Hydraulic Rosin Press
Hydraulic pressure is the most common method used to activate the rosin platens in the press. This can be done through a hand pump or bottle jack, hydraulic cylinders, electricity (automatic), and even pneumatic power (air-powered). However, most tend to associate hydraulic rosin presses with a bottle jack-style hand pump.
Most companies use hydraulic pressure, with only the Purepressure Longs Peak as an exception. (100% pneumatic)
Some companies offer hybrid or variable-hydraulic rosin press machines, which allow interchangeable components to power the press. These include external, pneumatic, or electric-powered foot or hand pumps. These external devices can make extracting rosin much easier for the User, as they do not require any physical manipulation or exertion.
Brand/Model | Pros/Cons | Learn More |
  Dulytek DHP7 |
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 NugSmasher Mini |
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  Dabpress 6 Ton Hydraulic |
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  Dabpress 10 Ton Driptech |
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 NugSmasher Original |
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  NugSmasher XP |
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2nd Best Hydraulic Rosin Press
Nugsmasher XP
At this tier, we chose the Nugsmasher XP. Quite simply, there is more value for the money with a Nugsmasher XP than with comparable models of the same brand. The XP comes ready to go, out of the box, and also includes a pressure gauge baked into the design. The XP is a manual hydraulic rosin press machine that can deliver 12 tons of pressure and comes equipped with a pressure gauge and electronics. The XP can easily squish up to 28 grams of material.
Although the XP and OG models are both rated for 12 tons, the XP can extract twice the amount, due to the Nugsmasher XP’s 6” x 4”, quad heated rosin press plates! The LED workstation light is also a nice feature that really helps, although it might seem like no big deal.
The Nugsmasher XP is more expensive than the Dabpress, but has everything you need, including a pressure gauge, bigger, quad heated plates, and a lifetime warranty!
Pneumatic Rosin Press
A pneumatic rosin press machine can be categorized as a variable or hybrid rosin press since hydraulic power is still being used to compress the heat platens. The pneumatic power simply powers the hydraulic cylinders through an air compressor, which in turn, power or squeeze the rosin plates together.
Pneumatic rosin presses tend to be the largest and most expensive type of rosin press machines. Pneumatic presses are often used in commercial operations as they don’t require any manual effort and can process large volumes of rosin in shorter time frames. Pneumatic rosin presses require an air compressor!
Although pneumatic rosin presses can be noisier, they are much cleaner and not prone to potential contamination from hydraulic fluid leaks.
There aren’t many rosin presses on the market that are internally and externally pneumatic. There are only 3 models and 2 brands that make them: Purepressure and Rosin Tech. PurePressure manufactures the “Pike and Longs Peak”, and Rosin Tech the “Pro Touch.” They also have some of the most expensive rosin presses on the market!
Best Pneumatic Rosin Press
The best pneumatic rosin press machine is PurePressure’s Longs Peak 8-ton press. The Longs Peak 8-ton rosin press is 100% pneumatically powered. This means that the rosin press is powered by internal pneumatic cylinders, which are powered by an external pneumatic pump. The pneumatic cylinders are oil and maintenance-free, thus eliminating any potential for leaks and ongoing maintenance.
 PurePressure Longs Peak 8 Ton PROS:
CONS:
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The Longs Peak 8-Ton rosin press comes in 2 versions: the dual pressure, and the automated pressure control. The dual pressure option allows you to manually control pressure with 2 air regulators and a toggle, while the automated version offers digital pressure control with a single air regulator. The latter version is a bit more expensive.
The Longs Peak comes with quad-heated, 3” x 10” 6061 aluminum rosin press plates. The press can process 35g of flower and 70+g of kief.
As with all PurePressue’s presses, the Longs Peak comes with their custom software (Pressware) that allows you to set up to 29 pre-set recipes and a full-color LCD.
The Longs Peak comes with a 2-year warranty with the option to extend the warranty for 5 years.
Electric Rosin Press
The electric or automatic rosin press machine is somewhat new to the market but gaining popularity. Electric rosins do not need external pumps or compressors to work effectively, only electricity and the press of a button or flick of a switch. The ease of use and portability are the main features of the electric rosin press, making it a great choice for people who want an automatic, no-fuss, extraction process. All you need is an electric outlet, and you are ready to go! The only drawback to electric rosin presses is that they can’t extract large quantities compared to other types of rosin presses on the market. This makes them ideal for personal use but not really for commercial applications. CLICK HERE FOR THE BEST ELECTRIC ROSIN PRESSES
Some examples of the electric rosin press include:
DIY and Cheap Rosin Press KITS
Some consumers prefer cheaper options or are willing to go the extra step to keep costs down by building their own rosin press.
The cheapest option for extracting rosin is a hair straightener. Hair straighteners work provided you get the right one, but it’s still very time-consuming, and tedious and you possibly risk breaking the hair straightener. Also, the yield is very small and only suitable for personal use on a smaller scale.
Cheaper rosin presses typically come in a manual format, with a toggle lever or twist crank. Toggle levers and twist crank presses tend to be less expensive and smaller in capacity. These types of presses strictly use manual force to generate pressure. Going the DIY method?
DIY vs. All-In-One unit Rosin Press Machines
There are two schools of thought regarding whether one should DIY their rosin press or buy an All-In-One press, ready to go out of the box. Both ways have their pros and cons, but it’s still a subjective decision.
One obvious factor is cost. People that choose to make their own rosin press can save a substantial amount of money. I don’t think anyone could argue this point. Doing it yourself saves money, and sometimes done for the hobby of it. But is cost the only factor to consider? The answer is no!
Lack of Time, Desire, or Knowledge – Some folks have no interest, time, or know-how to make their own rosin press. They would much rather buy a rosin press from a decent company and start using it right out of the box.
Space – Most DIY rosin presses use an H-Frame shop press which takes up considerable space. People, who don’t have the space to accommodate a large unit, will probably buy one from a reputable rosin press company instead.
Privacy – Some people don’t want others to know their business, including housemates, family, or friends. It would be difficult to hide or conceal a DIY H-frame shop press due to its size and weight. Opting for a smaller, all-in-one rosin press that can easily be hidden or removed from view most likely would be a better choice in this scenario. One can argue that a DIY h-frame rosin press could easily and quickly be dismantled, but sometimes even that prospect is unappealing for some.
Portability – Being able to pack up your rosin press and use it on the go, wherever you need to, can influence your decision to make a DIY press or simply buy a unit already made.
Warranty – the case for choosing to make your own DIY rosin press or simply to purchase an all-in-one unit sometimes hinges on the subject of warranty. Building your own press can sometimes be advantageous in that you could have multiple warranties on individual parts. For example, if you purchased a Harbour Freight shop press, and a Dabpress heat plate kit, you’d have two warranties. The benefit of having separate warranties on specific parts is that if a part fails you don’t have to lug around the whole rosin press unit and deal with the extra cost of shipping, and mailing headaches. On the other hand, if anything goes wrong with an all-in-one unit, you’d have to ship back the entire unit, which is a big pain.
If you decide to DIY everything, including the heat plates, your recourse to a warranty is limited since you made it yourself. However, it’s safe to assume that one who builds a rosin press entirely from scratch isn’t too concerned about a warranty. Conversely, one who decides to buy an All-in-One rosin press will want a good warranty. Different strokes for different folks the adage goes!
Rosin Press Companies and Brands
The rosin press industry is still very young and developing, with new players entering the market at a very fast rate. However, it could be argued that some rosin press companies stand above the rest for quality, reliability, and performance.
PurePressure
PurePressure is located in Denver Colorado and manufacturers their rosin presses at their factory in Denver. PurePressure also claims to outsource core components to other US manufacturers.
Their flagship rosin presses are the Pikes Peak and Longs Peak models. PurePressure also offers quality ice water hash sifting equipment and technology.
Some may see PurePressure as an expensive option compared to other rosin presses. However, there are just as many people who put this company on a pedestal for outstanding results and precision. Some have even called it a “rosin press for art” implicating the versatility and precision that PurePressure rosin press machines are known for.
The warranty on PurePressure products includes Lifetime End-User Support, two years limited warranty against manufacturing defects, structural components (frame, truss, and support legs), and a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects for the entire rosin press including electronic components.
nugsmasher
Nugsmasher rosin press machines are probably the most prolific in the market at the time of writing this article. All rosin press machines and components are fabricated and assembled in their factory located in Corona, California.
Nugsmasher machines are reasonably priced between $500, all the way up to $3,800 for their highest capacity pneumatic press. The rest of the models are all manual hydraulic presses.
Nugsmasher offers a lifetime warranty on all their products, which can give some peace of mind. They also have an upgrade program that allows you to trade in your existing model of rosin press to a newer one. To learn more about the program click here.
dabpress
Dabpress Technologies is a China-based company focused on producing rosin presses, rosin press plate kits, rosin bags, and other accessories.
Dabpress has an outstanding reputation as being affordable and reliable. Dabpress comes with a one-year warranty on heat plates, springs, frame, and cage, and a 6-month warranty on the hydraulic hand pump. After the warranty lapses, Dabpress will send you a new PID Temp. Control unit or replacement cylinder at 50% of the retail cost.
The DIYers also know Dabpress as the go-to company to buy rosin heat plates. Dabpress offers affordable rosin plates, caged and uncaged, for those looking to quickly integrate them with an H-frame shop press. Presses can be purchased through their own website, but are more commonly bought through Amazon.
Dulytek
Dulytek is a US-based engineering company focused on manufacturing, designing, and selling solventless extraction solutions for personal to commercial use.
Dulytek is a very trusted and reputable brand that many would attest to. Their rosin presses and accessories are all manufactured and designed in their US factory location.
Dulytek offers a two-year warranty on all replaceable parts and 6 months on the control unit.
RosinBomb
RosinBomb operates under Maverick Technology Solutions. It started as a family business with a background in the extraction of vegetable and fruit juices. Maverick Technology Solutions is based out of Phoenix Arizona and holds a pending patent for its “Flow Channel” technology. RosinBomb is renowned for its electric rosin presses.
Sasquash
Sasquash rosin presses by Support the Root LLC, a US-based, and family-owned business has been making rosin presses since 2016.
Sasquash rosin press machines are known for their quality, versatility, and sturdy construction. The MRSP for a Sasquash press is roughly between $2,400 for their most affordable option, all the way up to $130,000usd for their 200 Ton Heavy Yeti!
They offer a limited lifetime warranty that covers any material or workmanship defect. Products that are not manufactured by Support the Root LLC, such as electrical components are subject to a 90-day limited warranty.
Best Rosin Press
Trying to find the best rosin press on the market is a subjective exercise. What one may consider the “best”, another might not think the same. This could boil down to personal preference but usually stems from individual requirements.
Example 1 – someone who requires a rosin press for commercial purposes may favor heavy-duty pneumatic rosin press machines over a manual hydraulic one.
Example 2 – someone may want a rosin press that’s not too large, where it isn’t an eye sore, or simply easy to keep hidden away from view. In this case, a smaller press would be the “best” option.
Example 3 – someone who may want an automatic, plug-and-play setup, may choose an electric rosin press as the best option to purchase for its ease of use.
There are many types of rosin press ranging in size, price, and functionality. When trying to decide what rosin press works best for you it is important to know the differences and subtleties of each and every type of rosin press on the market. Without doing market research you may end up buying a rosin press that doesn’t meet your requirements or expectations.
However, here are some things to look for that transcend personal preference:
Pros and Cons of a Rosin Press
The popularity of the rosin press machine in the cannabis industry is undoubtedly attached to certain benefits. Let us consider some of these benefits.
Practically everything with advantages comes with disadvantages, and rosin presses are not left out. Let’s consider some of these disadvantages.
CONCLUSION
Much has been said regarding rosin presses and what you must stand to gain from them. Indeed, they are a welcome development in the cannabis industry. The essence of information is that you can use it to make decisions. Based on the information you have now about rosin presses, the next logical thing is to go for one based on the factors surrounding its intended use.
So, what are you waiting for?