You may have read or heard the hottest new concentrate on the block, rosin, and perhaps wanted to dig deeper into what it actually is & get some questions you have about the topic answered. Well, you've found the ultimate resource on the Internet on everything you need to know about rosin.
In this post, we'll cover what exactly rosin is, how to make rosin, what variables affect the quality of your rosin, and finally, the best instruments & tools to make rosin out of.
Table of Contents
- What is Rosin?
- What is Rosin Used For?
- Key Benefits of Rosin
- How Do You Make Rosin?
- Starting Material
- What Yields Can You Expect?
- Starting Temps & Pressure Guidelines by Material
- Storing Your Rosin
- What is a Rosin Press?
- Types of Rosin Press
- What is the Best Rosin Press?
- Expert Tips to Level-up Your Rosin Game
- Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Conclusion
What is Rosin?
Rosin is a unique concentrate obtained by extracting the essential oils of the cannabis plant, which encapsulate its distinctive taste and aroma. This is achieved through a combination of heat and pressure, a method that is relatively straightforward and doesn't involve any foreign substances, setting it apart from extraction techniques that utilize butane or propane.
One crucial aspect to note about rosin is its state of activation. Since the process involves heat, rosin is typically decarboxylated during extraction. This means that the THC in rosin is already activated, making it readily consumable without the need for further heating or cooking. This feature contributes significantly to its rising popularity, positioning rosin as a strong contender in the extracts market. The final product is not only potent and pure but also retains the authentic taste and smell of the cannabis strain it was derived from.
What is Rosin Used For?
Rosin can be enjoyed in several ways, each offering a unique experience. The most popular methods include:
- Dabbing: This involves using a dab rig, which heats the rosin to a very high temperature, vaporizing it instantly for a powerful and immediate effect.
- Vaping: Rosin can be used in vaporizers designed for concentrates, offering a more controlled and gradual experience.
- As an Edible Ingredient: Already activated, rosin can be directly added to foods or used in edibles for a longer-lasting effect.
- Sprinkled on Flower/Infused Pre-Rolls: Rosin can be sprinkled over cannabis flower to enhance potency and flavor. Additionally, many enthusiasts enjoy using rosin in infused pre-rolls, where the rosin is either mixed with the flower or coated on the exterior, offering a convenient and potent smoking experience.
- Twaxing: This creative method involves rolling rosin around the outside of a joint or blending it with the flower inside.
Each method provides a unique way to enjoy rosin, and the best choice depends on personal preference and the desired effects.
Key Benefits of Rosin
Solventless Purity
Unlike BHO, Rosin stands out due to its solventless extraction process, relying solely on heat and pressure. This eliminates the potential for harmful residual solvents that might linger in other concentrate types. The result is a cleaner, potentially healthier product, making rosin exceptionally appealing for medicinal users seeking purity.
Superior Flavor and Terpene Preservation
By avoiding solvents, rosin safeguards the delicate terpene profile of the original cannabis plant. Terpenes are responsible for the unique aromas and subtle flavor notes in cannabis. This preservation translates to a richer, more complex, and ultimately more enjoyable flavor experience that connoisseurs highly value.
Potency and Variety
Rosin packs a serious punch, with cannabinoid concentrations often rivaling or even surpassing other concentrates. Moreover, the extraction process allows for a remarkable range of textures and consistencies. You can find rosin in forms like budder, shatter, or sauce, appealing to a wide variety of preferences.
Versatility
Rosin's allure isn't limited to traditional dabbing. Its adaptability makes it a star ingredient in edibles, providing a potent infusion. It can also enhance topicals or even fill specialized vape cartridges for discreet use. Rosin can even be sprinkled into prerolls for a flavor and potency boost – and the leftover pressed pucks can find new life in infused creations.
Accessibility for Home Production
Commercial-scale rosin production certainly involves specialized equipment. However, the beauty of rosin lies in its accessibility. Enthusiasts can explore small-scale presses and DIY techniques, opening the door to experimentation and personalized rosin creations.
How Do You Make Rosin? 3 Crucial Factors
Making rosin is very simple because it only requires minimal equipment and minimal investment. You can produce rosin at home and put together a rig for less than $500 or buy one from a reputable brand for about the same cost.
A typical rosin production setup consists of:
- A rosin press
- Choice of starting Material (this can be cannabis flowers, bubble hash, or kief)
- Rosin filter extraction bags
- Parchment paper (unbleached, if possible)
There are three only three variables that go into play that determines the quality of the rosin produced: heat (temperature), pressure and time.
Heat x Pressure x Time
Heat (Temperature)
Temperature is key to making good rosin! A good rule of thumb to remember is:
- Lower temperatures (190°F- 220°F) = more flavor/terpenes, less yield, end material is more stable (butter-like/honey consistency)
- Higher temperatures (220°F- 250°F) = less flavor/terpenes, more yield, end material is less stable (sap-like consistency)
Bearing these in mind, if your press is more than capable of delivering the right pressure, we don't recommend you going higher than 250°F.
Pressure
While it's tempting to go out to build or buy a rosin press with the highest capacity, science has shown that higher pressure does not necessarily equate to higher yields.
Sometimes the higher pressure can, in fact, produce less desirable results because the increase in pressure actually forces less desirable materials such as lipids and other fine particles into your rosin.
Our friends at Pure Pressure broke the science down to a tee on this on their blog if you want to read more about it.
Time
The time it takes to produce rosin varies depending on the material, a strain that you’re using and if there’s enough pressure
Starting Material
You can press flowers, bubble hash, kief, or even high-quality trim but each material will give you different yields.
A brief word of caution: not all strains produce rosin equally. Some strains are known for producing more rosin, while some strains barely produce any rosin at all.
What Yields Can You Expect?
- Trim: 3% - 8%
- Shake: 8% - 15%
- Flower: 15% - 30%
- Kief/Dry Sift: 30% - 60%+
-
Bubble Hash/Hash: 30% - 70%+
*Figures are rough estimates
Pressing flowers will give you the best quality rosin but not necessarily the best yields. Generally, the best strains for pressing rosin are frostier on the inside when you break the bud in the middle are the best ones for making rosin.
When pressing flowers, try to go with the smaller nugs since they have more surface area, the more surface area means more travel for the rosin as it is being pressed.
Pressing kief or hash, on the other hand, will give you great quality and decent yields.
Starting Temps & Pressure Guidelines by Material
The time it takes to produce rosin varies depending on several factors, including the quality of your starting material, the specific strain you're using, and the amount of pressure applied. Use the timetable below as a starting point to determine how long you should be pressing based on your starting material. Remember, these are just guidelines, and experimentation is key to finding the ideal settings for your specific needs and preferences.
| Material | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Flower | 190°F-220°F | 15-60 Seconds |
| Good Quality Sift/Bubble | 150°F-190°F | 20-60 Seconds |
| Average To Low-Quality Sift/Bubble | 180°F-220°F | 20-60 Seconds |
Storing Your Rosin
Rosin is a perishable concentrate, and its quality degrades over time due to exposure to light, heat, and oxygen. To protect the potency and flavor of your rosin, proper storage is essential. Always store it in airtight glass containers in a cool, dark location like a refrigerator. Avoid plastic, and opt for silicone only for short-term use. Minimize how often you open the container to limit oxygen exposure. For larger amounts of rosin, divide it into smaller containers to reduce the frequency of handling the entire stash. Clearly label your rosin with the strain, creation date, and any other relevant information.
What is a Rosin Press?
A
rosin press is a machine that uses a pair of heated plates to press with enough pressure any cannabis material, such as buds, keif, or hash, which causes the cannabinoids and terpenes to seep out in an oily form called rosin.
Rosin gained popularity with its solventless yet easy extraction process. With the help of micron filtration bags, you get rosin in a matter of minutes with a rosin press.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Rosin Press
Here are a few guiding questions to ask yourself to help you determine which rosin press you should buy:
- Will you be using this for personal or commercial use?
- How much are you willing to invest?
- How much rosin do you expect to produce or consume on a regular basis?
- How much space is available for the press and any accessories?
- Do you need something that is portable?
- How comfortable are you with more complex equipment?
- Do you want fine-tuning capabilities or prefer ease of use?
- Are there certain features that are essential for you like ke large plates, built-in pressure gauges, or digital displays?
- Are you comfortable setting up and using additional accessories (such as an air compressor for pneumatic presses)?
Without further ado, let's dive into the extensive world of rosin presses.
Types of Rosin Press
There are different types of rosin presses in the market; you've got your DIY heat plate kits, hydraulic presses, manual presses, variable-hydraulic presses, pneumatic presses, and finally, electric rosin presses.
DIY Heat Plate Kits
As the name suggests, these heat plate kits are typically used when putting together your own rosin press. Putting together your own rosin press is simple and typically involves buying a 10-ton or 20-ton hydraulic shop press and rigging it with ready-made heat plates, heaters and a controller to control the heat on the plates.
Dulytek 3" x 6" Retrofit Rosin Press Kit
If you are interested in putting together your own rosin press, we wrote a post about it and put together different configurations where you can spend as little as $500 for your very own rosin press.
Manual Rosin Press
What's not to love about a simple, hand-crank, hand-powered rosin press that requires nothing but elbow grease to produce rosin?! Typically, manual rosin presses are operated using a pull-down lever or through a twist-style lever to apply pressure onto the plates as you press.
Hydraulic Rosin Presses
Hydraulic rosin presses are primarily made up of a hydraulic cylinder in order to produce the pressing force needed to apply enough pressure to make rosin. Having enough pressure especially when working with more material is crucial in order to achieve the highest yields. This is why most of the rosin presses that have the highest pressure outputs are hydraulic.
On one end of the spectrum, hydraulic rosin presses are powered using a hand crank to apply the pressure to the plates. However, on the other end, you have your variable-hydraulic rosin presses that has the ability to power the internal hydraulic cylinder using an external pump. These external pumps are typically operated using an air compressor or electrically controlled, though it is also common to see external hand or foot pumps.
Variable-Hydraulic Rosin Press
Pneumatic Rosin Presses
A pneumatic rosin press is powered by an air compressor. With an air compressor, it's literally as simple as pushing a button and you can even increase pressure in small but precise increments (if the press is equipped to do this.).
A lot of commercial-scale producers love using pneumatic presses because of the accuracy, consistency, and rigidity of these units. They do, however, require an external air compressor to run, which may not be the quietest unit to operate.
Electric Rosin Presses
Electric rosin presses, while relatively new to the market, are rapidly gaining popularity. The absence of Rosinbomb, a pioneer in the space, leaves room for innovation. While manufacturing costs, potential pressure limitations, and smaller plate sizes remain considerations, exciting developments like the Dulytek DE10K press are continuing the evolution of this technology.
Electric presses offer advantages like ease of use, portability, and quiet operation. As the market evolves, buyers should consider their pressure needs, plate size requirements, and desired features. Exploring hybrid options can be beneficial for those seeking maximum power. It's important to note that popular electric rosin press models can experience stock shortages, so research availability before making a decision.
What is the Best Rosin Press?
Finding the perfect rosin press depends on your needs and budget. We've done the research to break down the best options in different categories, making your decision easier. Whether you're a beginner on a budget or want maximum yields, there's a press for you.
Best Overall Rosin Press
NugSmasher XP
Why we like it:
The Nugsmasher XP delivers up to 12 tons of pressure with its manual pump arm. The 6 x 4-inch plates make it ideal for extracting larger quantities. You can extract as much as 28 grams, which you may use for kief brick and hash. As a bonus, the XP pressure gauge and temperature control ensure you get the best rosin possible: no burns and blowouts.
Best Value Press Rosin Press
Dabpress 6 Ton
Why we like it:
The Dabpress 6-Ton stands out as a best-value option for both enthusiasts and beginners alike. With 3x5" Anodized Heated Platens, it's capable of handling up to 10 grams of material. Its dual heating mechanism ensures precise temperature control, while the upgraded extra machine legs add stability.
What sets the Dabpress 6-Ton apart is the combination of quality and affordability, offering these remarkable features for well under $500. Compact and weighing just a tad over 40 lbs, it's a versatile and efficient option for those looking to meet their rosin extraction needs without breaking the bank.
Best Handheld Rosin Press
Ju1cebox
Why we like it:
Designed to take with you wherever you go, the Ju1cebox rosin press is as compact as a woodshop clamp and fits inside your bag. With its 1.5-inch square heat plates, you can easily extract rosin that's good enough for personal consumption.
Best DIY Heat Plate Kit
Dulytek 3" x 8" Retrofit Rosin Press Kit
Why we like it:
Affordable and quality rarely conjoins together in the same sentence, but we're certain it does for the Dulytek 3" x 8" Retrofit Rosin Press Kit. What you get with this heat plate kit is a pair of large 3" x 8" plates, enough to fit an ounce of material at a time. Couple this heat plate kit with one of the recommended A or H-frame hydraulic presses outlined in our DIY rosin press guide, and you've got yourself a lean, mean, pressing machine that rivals the yield of brand-name presses in the several thousand dollar ranges for a fraction of the price.
Highest Yielding Rosin Press
Triminator TRP Stack
Why we like it:
As the name suggests, the Triminator TRP Stack is stacked against the competition (pun intended). It's the only press that features 3 plates, allowing you to press twice as much as any other press in the market. Designed to produce the most terpene-rich rosin in the least amount of time, it features 6” X 10” plates and pressure output of 25 tons (50,000lbs) of force.
Best Value Hydraulic Rosin Press
Lowtemp Industries V2
Why we like it:
Introducing the
Lowtemp V2 4x7 Rosin Press, a compact yet powerful tool that sets a new standard in precision and durability for rosin extraction. Despite its modest size of 10 x 10 x 6 inches, this press can exert up to 20 tons of pressure, adeptly handling up to 28 grams of plant material. Equipped with the proprietary BVA system and the LT3 Heat Controller, which boasts Bluetooth connectivity, over-the-air updates, and an intuitive touchscreen interface, the Lowtemp V2 combines efficiency with user-friendliness. The anodized, insulated plates, housed in a sturdy, powder-coated steel frame, enhance its premium appeal.
Moreover, the Lowtemp Rosin Press stands out for its versatility, offering various configurations to meet the needs of every enthusiast. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned extractor, the press can be customized to your preferences, ensuring optimal performance and ease of use. This adaptability, coupled with its high-quality build and advanced features, positions the Lowtemp V2 as a top choice in the rosin press market.
Best Electric Rosin Press
NugSmasher IQ
Why we like it:
The NugSmasher IQ Electric Rosin Press distinguishes itself in the vast sea of hydraulic and pneumatic presses, marking its territory in the electric press category. With the recent departure of a prominent brand in electric rosin presses, the NugSmasher IQ steps up as a high-quality, capable electric press option. It offers clean, consistent performance with less manual effort than hydraulic models. Capable of handling up to 28 grams per smash, it ensures top-notch extractions. The press's Interactive Extraction Brain with a 10.1" touchscreen simplifies the process, providing precise control and uniform results. In a market with limited electric choices, the NugSmasher IQ stands out as a reliable and efficient solution for electric rosin pressing.
Best Pneumatic Rosin Press
PurePressure Longs Peak Rosin Press
Why we like it:
The Longs Peak Rosin Press from PurePressure is the latest innovation in rosin extraction technology, offering unparalleled durability, user-friendliness, and cutting-edge features. The Longs Peak incorporates a fully-enclosed pneumatic system to ensure the purity of your rosin by minimizing the risk of contaminants. With the flexibility to operate both vertically and horizontally, thanks to two sets of legs, it adapts seamlessly to various workspace constraints.
The Longs Peak is equipped with 10” x 2” (or 3”) plates, offering precise temperature controls of up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, and it boasts fully customizable software, allowing you to fine-tune your rosin extraction process to perfection. With a formidable 8-tons of pressing force, the Longs Peak Rosin Press can effortlessly press up to 35 grams of flower or 70 grams of kief/hash, revolutionizing the rosin extraction experience.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Issue | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Low Yields |
|
| Dark, Unpleasant Rosin |
|
| Blowouts |
|
Expert Tips to Level-up Your Rosin Game
- Fresh, high-quality flower or hash will always yield the best rosin. Strive for the perfect starting moisture content.
- Rosin too old or too dry? Use Boveda 62% or equivalent humidity pack to rehydrate dry material slightly for better yields. Experiment within the 58%-62% range to find your ideal.
- Learn the "bottle tech" packing style for maximizing yields and consider directional folds to reduce the risk of blowouts.
- For large batches, a second, lower-temperature press on the same material can extract additional usable rosin.
- ry starting at a slightly lower temperature and ramping up gradually during the press for a more nuanced terpene profile.
- Keep detailed notes on every press session – material type, bag size, temperatures, pressure, time, and yield. Analyzing this data will reveal patterns and help you optimize results.
- Lightly misting plant material with water before pressing theoretically increases steam formation, leading to higher yields.
Conclusion
Rosin's popularity is skyrocketing as a high-quality, solvent-less cannabis concentrate. Offering a potent dose of cannabinoids and pure, terpene-rich flavor, it delivers powerful effects when inhaled through a vaporizer or dab rig. Now, thanks to advancements in rosin presses, making rosin at home or on a commercial scale is both easy and efficient.
Ready to master the art of rosin pressing? Dive deeper with our comprehensive guide, "Rosin Pressing Techniques: How to Make Rosin Like a Pro," which explores everything from choosing the right pressure and temperature to essential safety precautions.
Still unsure which rosin press is right for you? Don't worry! Our team of experts is here to help.
Contact us today via email, chat, or by phone at 360-800-5535 to find the perfect rosin press for your needs. Remember, safety is paramount when working with heat and pressure. Be sure to follow recommended guidelines and never hesitate to ask for help if needed.
