Rosin presses are tools that can produce solventless cannabis concentrate (rosin), which is a pure extract created without the use of chemical solvents. These presses use heat, pressure, or agitation to separate essential compounds from the plant.
The basic concept is straightforward. You place your cannabis between parchment paper, apply heat and pressure using the press, and watch as golden rosin oozes out. But there’s a bit more about the process that you should understand if you want to produce high-quality rosin every time. Here’s everything to know about using a rosin press.
Do the Basic Prep Work
Start with high-quality flower that’s been properly cured. Dry, old buds won’t yield much rosin, so stick with fresh, sticky material. You’ll also want to have parchment paper ready—never use wax paper, as it can contaminate your rosin.
Most beginners make the mistake of pressing too hot or too long. Don’t do this—instead, stick to lower temperatures, which preserve more terpenes and create better-tasting rosin. You might sacrifice some yield, but it’s worth it to avoid the darker, harsher concentrates that high temps produce.
Fine-Tune the Temperature and Pressure Settings
If you’re pressing flower, you’ll get the best results with temps of around 180–220°F. But it’s generally best to stick to the lower end of this range, avoiding anything over 200°F unless necessary.
As for pressure, remember that it should build gradually—don’t just slam down on the plates immediately. Apply only light pressure first, letting the material warm up for about 30 seconds, then gradually increase the force.
Learn Maintenance and Care
Regular maintenance keeps your press running smoothly and producing quality rosin. Clean the plates after each session while they’re still warm—dried-on plant material becomes much harder to remove later. Also, make sure to properly lubricate the tool, especially its moving parts, because this prevents sticking and extends the life of your equipment.
Using a rosin press correctly and maximizing its yield can be tricky at first, but all it takes is time and practice. We hope this guide has helped you understand the basics of what you should know, making your entry into the world of rosin presses easier and more productive.
