Over the last few years the popularity of rosin presses have rapidly risen. Unlike other extraction methods, the production of rosin only requires two elements – heat and pressure to extract the rosin. Solvent-free, this innovative method is now being used by millions of people across the world.
If you’re interested in finding out more, we’ve created a guide that will outlay why the temperature is key to pressing the rosin, which temperature you should use and what to look out for when choosing a rosin press.
Why does temperature matter when pressing rosin?
Temperature is key when you are pressing your rosin. Why? Because it will determine the consistency of the material that’s produced. For example, if you turn the dial on the press so that it’s at a lower temperature, you’ll likely have a rosin that’s thicker and full of flavor. Whereas if you use a higher temperature, it will come out in a syrup-like consistency with a more subtle taste – in a hash oil form that can usually be used to create edibles.
Although of course, pressing rosin is a trial and error process, when you are adjusting your press machine at the start, you want it to be at a temperature that produces a high-quality rosin in a quantity that is fit for purpose.
Experimenting is key to determining this and improving the quality of your rosin over time. Therefore, the right rosin press temperature is often debated, making it a personal choice – as it really depends what consistency you’re looking for in the first place.
Typically, when deciding which temperature you should use, you’ll take into account the following:
- How potent you want the flavor – if you want rosin that’s less potent, lower temperatures are better. Whereas for a more potent flavour, you may want to increase the rosin press temperature.
- The amount of resin you want to create – typically, to create more along with increasing what you put into the press, higher temperatures will produce ‘more’ rosin as it’s in a liquid form.
- The type of material that you’re pressing – e.g dry-sift, hash or a flower.
- How fresh the material is you’re using.
A crucial factor within the process it is, however, something that you don’t want to compromise on.
Some may argue that hot pressing is the ideal method to use to create rosin, whereas others might opt for cold pressing. Even though it’s largely based on your desired results, it’s vital to understand that heat and pressure is vital to effectively liquifying the plant’s trichome heads.
As it is the crystals within the flower that produce flavonoids, terpenes and cannabinoids (delivering a fresh and delicious flavor), the rosin press temperature needs to be just right from the get-go.
This, along with the timing and pressure are crucial elements within the THCA process that can’t be ignored. Through the heat, the conversion to liquid occurs – a process formally known as decarboxylation. So without the correct temperature, the process can’t occur properly.
Which is why although people may opt to use hair straighteners or other DIY methods to start with (as they are more budget-friendly and readily accessible), you simply won’t achieve the best temperature for the extraction process without a professional rosin press machine.
Through consistent temperature and the pressure created by the machine, the final product will be improved – there’s no doubt about that. A foundational principle to rosin extraction, you’ll require a press that will not degrade the oil or overexpose the flower or hash that you’re using.
What are the most common temperatures for a rosin press?
Although, as aforementioned, it will depend on your individual tastes as to what temperature you use with your rosin press, it’s still important to identify exactly what each temperature can do to the rosin, along with the maximum temperature that a rosin press machine can reach.
Out of all the aspects, the most suitable temperature is generally the most debated variable. However, did you know that you should try and keep the temperature of the press below 220 degrees Fahrenheit to achieve the best results? This is applicable no matter whether you’re using hash, sift or flowers. Why? Because if you go above this temperature, you might find that the terpenes start to evaporate leading to rosin that lacks in flavor.
It’s crucial to understand how the temperature influences the reaction that occurs. And although there is a difference between the starting materials and press that you’re using, you can usually stick to this formula:
- 150–190°F – the terpene content will be higher but the yield for the rosin will be lower. This lower temperature as mentioned above will cause a more stable and flavorful rosin.
- 190-220°F – the terpene content will be lower but the yield for the rosin will be lower. This created a substance that’s lighter and more subtle.
Using a rosin press for extraction from flowers
Therefore, if you want to extract the oil successfully from a flower, it’s a good idea to keep it between 190°F and 220°F when hot pressing. For cold pressing, to produce a batter consistency with rich terpene preservation, a temperature of 160°F to 180°F is suitable.
Applying the pressure for less than 40 seconds, you’ll hopefully get a result that you’re happy with. Keep in mind that it’s often recommended that when pressing buds, you also use a filter bag so that it doesn’t come in direct contact with the machine. Although you may think that this filter bag will detract from the flower, it’s a must-have for those wanting to get the most out of their product.
If you want to achieve a lighter color rosin, then you can always set the temperature lower; although the color that’s created will depend on the strain. It’s no secret that the better the quality product, the better result. So even if you want to create a lighter color, if the quality is poor then it may not happen.
Although each batch, variety and phenotype is different, when you’re planning on pressing flowers that are dryer or older, you’ll need to use higher temperatures in order to extract the rosin. However with fresher flowers, you may be able to lower the heat. By doing this you’ll be able to preserve the best amount of terpenes possible.
To compare the different qualities of the rosin samples, you could try and press a few samples of the flower. Testing it out one gram at a time at different temperatures, you’ll be able to see which temperature works best for extraction. Giving you an insight into the flavor and yield of the rosin, you’ll then have a benchmark that you can use when pressing rosin in the future.
Using a rosin press for extraction from sift or hash
If you’re pressing high-quality sift or hash, then it’s typically recommended that you lower the temperature to sit around the 150-190° mark and that you (similarly to when pressing flowers) use a filter bag. As the temperature that’s required to successfully extract the rosin is very similar for both hash and sift, they are usually discussed under the same bracket.
For lower quality sift or hash, 180-220° is a suitable temperature for the process. This will ensure that the sift or hash isn’t overexposed to the heat and that it’s successfully extracted. Hold the hash under the press for around 50-60 seconds to get the desired outcome that you want.
With dry sift or hash it’s a good idea to use a lower temperature than when pressing flowers, but to increase the amount of time that you apply pressure to it. Why? Because it will ensure that you get good yields without degrading the terpenes.
As they have already been concentrated and processed, the extraction process isn’t exactly the same. With a flower, the oil has to navigate its way through the plant – which occurs the moment the material starts to heat up under the press. Whereas with hash or sift this doesn’t have to happen as it’s already been filtered; meaning that you can use lower temperatures.
Similarly to flowers, however, the fresher the sift or hash, the lower the temperature that you can set the machine at. This will ensure that it produces better quality rosin with more flavor. By experimenting with different types, temperature, PSI and duration of extraction you’ll find the ideal balance.
Lipids
Another factor that will affect the extraction process and what temperature you use on either material is the lipids within them. Bio-active compounds, lipids are found within trichomes in the cannabis plant. Many people don’t realize that the amount of these that exist depends highly on both the growing method of the plant and the strain.
So why is this important in the process? Well, lipids have an immense influence on how the material acts within the rosin press. As the material dries and ages these will start to evaporate; making it harder to press out the oil. It’s therefore, better to identify the age of the product at the start, so that you can increase the temperature if need be.
Maximum temperatures for rosin presses
No two rosin presses are the same. So when looking at them, it’s vital that you pay attention to the maximum temperature that it can deliver. This can be anywhere from 220 to 260°F for the more powerful machines.
So before purchasing one, consider what consistency you want to achieve (along with the product you’ll use). This will give you an indication as to what temperatures you should be looking out for in product descriptions.
How to choose the right rosin press for your requirements
So how do you choose the best rosin press for your requirements? Well there are several different types currently available on the market for users. All differing on what temperature, pressure and the time that they deliver, it’s up to you which one you choose.
Here are a few examples of rosin press that you can choose from:
Pneumatic press
Perhaps the most powerful rosin press on the market is a pneumatic press. Reaching up to 2000 PSI, they extract the oil by compressing air. Using an air pump, it will automatically take care of the process for you. Allowing you to set the pressure and a precise level of temperature, you’ll have a consistency that suits your requirements in less than 60 seconds.
However, due to the technology of a pneumatic press they are usually more expensive. Although if you’re looking for an upgrade to smaller, less powerful machines then this reliable option is always a winner. They also tend to require less maintenance and don’t require oil, making them more affordable in the long run.
Electric press
Unlike other options available, an electric press is one that you can’t easily transport due to the equipment it requires. However, if you’re looking to create rosin in a commercial space then it may be the most suitable. Delivering up to 7000 pounds of electric pressure, you can easily press up to 15 grams.
Although, electric presses can also be suitable for home use as you can purchase models that provide less force – around one ton of force.
Hybrid press
A hybrid rosin press is a combination of an electrical and pneumatic press. This ensures that you can achieve whatever rosin production you want. However, they do tend to be more suited for commercial processes due to the large amount of pressure they can apply. Offering up to 30,000 pounds worth, the larger plates will allow you to create higher quantities.
Hydraulic press
A hydraulic press is one of the more transportable machines available. Ideal for commercial operations as they are cheaper and come in a variety of sizes, they can deliver up to ten tons in pressure. This allows you to lower the temperature, increasing the quality of the terpenes and flavor.
Manual press
Manual presses are suitable for both home use and commercial use. Although they are transportable and lower in cost they often deliver high pressure – making them the ideal candidate for those just starting out.
DIY rosin press – e.g using hair straighteners
Many people opt to use the DIY method before purchasing a professional rosin press machine. By using a hair straightener, you can utilize the hot ceramic plates to squeeze the oil out of the flower.
To ensure that it doesn’t stick to the plates, you’ll have to use grease-proof paper. Although it can be a good process to use when you’re first starting out, it might not create the best consistency as the plates tend to be too hot. Plus, the pressure that you can apply to them is incomparable to that of a machine.
Qualities to look out for:
Providing the user with an efficient, safe and effective way of extracting rosin, the range of presses have diversified throughout the years. Therefore, before buying a rosin press you’ll want to consider:
- How frequently you’ll use the rosin press
- Whether you want it to be portable
- Whether you’re using it for commercial or personal purposes
- The price of the rosin press
- The top temperature you want it to heat to
- The pressure you want it to apply
- What shape the plates are – e.g are they square or rectangular
Advancements within the rosin press technology have meant that people, as well as companies can access machines that create non-solvent cannabis products. Rising in popularity as more and more people discover the benefits of CBD, a series of factors have been created that helps you to determine the most suitable one for you.
These will typically include:
The pressure and temperature
Following on from the above, it’s clear that the pressure and temperature are key factors when choosing a rosin press. For example, did you know that if the machine offers a high level of pressure, you’ll be likely to have more leeway when it comes to delivering consistent temperature – giving you a better rosin.
The quality of the heat plates
When you’re extracting rosin from the flower, you want the process to run as smoothly as possible. And a big factor in that is having quality heat plates that have been carefully measured to deliver the best rosin possible. So when you’re looking at a rosin press, pay attention to the design of the plates. If they are narrow and long, they will automatically reduce the distance that the rosin has to travel. This, in turn, means that it’s not over exposed to the heat.
Whereas if you’re looking for a less potent flavor, then a rosin press that’s shorter with wider plates may be more suitable.
The yield amount
When you’re attempting to produce rosin commercially, you’ll need a machine that offers a higher yield. However, if you’re using it for home use then a lower rate may be more suitable for your requirements.
How easy it is to use
When deciding which method is right for you, you may want to consider ease of production. For example, do you want one that will automatically take care of the process for you? Or one that requires you to crank a pump to produce consistent pressure/temperature?
Quality of the press
Another important factor to consider is the quality of the rosin press. The price will undeniably affect the quality and consistency of the rosin it creates in the long term. So even though you may be tempted to purchase a cheaper machine, keep in mind that this may affect the extraction process.
How safe it is
As a rosin press has many elements to it, you want to make sure that it’s as safe as possible when using it. Therefore, you’ll want to check that the machines you are looking at correctly and efficiently adhere to best practices and safety standards.
Conclusion
Taking the time to really learn about rosin press machines and the types of pressing techniques that are required for your exact machine is certainly worth doing. Investing time in learning all about rosin pressing initially may also save you both time and money later down the line!
