The ultimate guide to making rosin: Discover the best rosin presses, from inexpensive hair irons to DIY rosin plate kits and heat press machines.
The Birth of Rosin
So you heard about rosin… Here we go. Let me start from the beginning.
Hash Church Episode XXV ROSINTECH (March 15th, 2015 YouTube). We had all been happily watching Bubbleman and his crew of dabbers for weeks, never expecting that Soilgrown Sal would be invited on to share a new and soon-to-be revolutionary technique he had discovered. While pressing some bubble hash with a hair straightener to make it dabbable, he discovered rosin.
Rosin is, by definition, the softening of trichomes through heat, followed by the extrusion of the softened trichomes using pressure. In the early days, all we had was a hair straightener: grab a bud, stuff it in some parchment, squeeze… and voilà! Fresh, tasty (sometimes), and ready-to-smoke dabs.
How To Make Rosin (Rosin Pressing)
The simply described way to make rosin is as follows:
- Take a rectangle of parchment paper and fold it in half lengthwise.
- Place a bud in the center of the fold.
- Insert the wrapped bud into a preheated hair straightener or rosin press and apply pressure.
- Remove the “squished” bud and collect the rosin.
Let me elaborate on all of these steps.
When selecting parchment paper, it’s best to choose a natural or organic option, if available. Make sure there’s enough room for the bud to expand as it’s compressed, and enough space for the oil to spread around it.
An additional tech that came along is called directional flow. This method involves folding the parchment in a way that directs the rosin off the heated plates and down the paper, minimizing the time it remains heated and preserving quality.
The most important factor in rosin production is the starting material. High-quality fresh nugs or bubble hash will yield the best rosin. Keep in mind that different strains will produce different results. Start with small batches, experiment, and continue if you’re satisfied with the outcome.
When pressing bubble hash or shake, use an unbleached coffee filter, tea bag, or specialized rosin bags like these on Amazon to to prevent plant material from contaminating your fresh rosin.
Tips for High Yield Rosin Pressing
When pressing rosin, there are 3 key factors: 1. TIME of press, 2. TEMPERATURE of plates, and 3. PSI! Since every cannabis strain reacts differently, you’ll need to experiment with time and temperature to find what works best for your product.
How to Find the PSI of a Rosin Press
To calculate the PSI of your setup, divide the pressure (in tons, pounds, etc.) by the surface area of your plates. I recommend staying above 200 PSI for the most effective press.
For example:
| 3″x3″ plate on a 1-ton press: |
| 3 x 3 = 9 sq in of surface area |
| 1 ton = 2,000 lbs |
| 2,000 / 9 = 222 pounds per square inch (PSI) |
Best Temps and Time for Rosin Pressing
When dialing in the ideal time and temperature for rosin pressing, it’s a balance between maximizing yield and preserving terpenes. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—you’ll need to feel it out with your specific press and material.
🔥 Hot press is 190–240°F for 30–180 seconds. Hot pressing rosin gives an oily or shatter consistency. The terpene profiles may not be as carefully preserved, but yields are higher than cold pressing.
❄️ Cold press is 160–190°F for 60–300 seconds. Cold pressing rosin makes a thick budder consistency. The best terpene preservation, but yields are lower than hot pressing.
⚠️ Terpenes often degrade at over 250°F. Flowers (buds) are usually pressed hotter than bubble hash or sift, which extracts fine at lower temps.
| Recommended Temps |
| Buds: 180–230°F |
| Hash: 160–190°F |
When collecting rosin, if the product is too sappy, place it on a moisture-absorbing surface to help it firm up.
Cheapest Way to Press Rosin: Hair Straightener
Not just any hair straightener will do. Try to find a wide flat iron (over 1½ inches), which provides more surface area for pressing. Many flat irons run too hot, so look for models that can be turned down below 300°F like this one on Amazon. But here’s the thing about using hair straighteners for making rosin: eventually, you’re going to break it. One way or another… you’ll stand on it, clamp it in a vise, and sooner or later, it’ll give out.
Temp guns are necessary because the plate temperature often differs from the display readout by 5–30ºF.
Quick-Grip Trigger Clamps for DIY Rosin Pressing
This is a cheap hack for upgrading your rosin pressing setup on a tight budget. To get even craftier, you can disassemble the hair straightener and remove its plastic casing, leaving only the two heated plates and the controller.
Now how do you apply pressure? The best tool for the job is a handheld “Trigger Clamp” or “Quick Grip Clamp.” Popular options include the Dewalt Trigger Clamp and Irwin Hand Clamp.
Here’s an example of a homemade trigger clamp flat iron rosin press with the controller intact, allowing for adjustable temperature settings:
The Reddit user explains that it was built for only $80 and achieved rosin yields of over 20%. The build involves removing the plastic housing around the plates and gluing them to wood using heat-resistant glue.
Another variation of the DIY hair straightener quick-clamp is shown above, also found on Reddit. In this version, the heat plates were glued directly to the clamp using reinforced epoxy. However, the controller was removed, making it suitable only for single-temperature flat irons.
The Next Step
Now that you’ve seen rosin made right in front of you, you’re excited to make more and more. You’ve gone through four hair straighteners, a roll of parchment, two ounces of bud… and you still have barely any rosin to show for it. If you want to process more than a gram or two at a time, you’ll need to invest in a rosin press with higher PSI. Simply put, this is a shop press, bottle jack, or hydraulic press equipped with two heated plates.
DIY Rosin Press Plates Kit
You can retrofit a standard hydraulic shop press with a custom DIY kit to turn it into a fully functional rosin press. These kits typically include rosin press plates, heating rods, a dual PID controller, and the necessary cords.
Featured: DIY Rosin Press Retrofit Heat Plate Kit by Dulytek: 3″ x 4″ Plates for 3–15 Ton Shop Presses.
Caged DIY Rosin Press Plates Kit
Caged rosin press designs help maintain perfect plate alignment during operation. The added stability of the frame ensures long-term use with consistently flush plates.
Featured: Caged Rosin Heat Plate Kit by Dulytek: Retrofit Two Channel 3″ x 6″ Plates for 10–20 Ton Shop Presses.
Manual Rosin Press
The next cheapest option is also the most reliable… but it will make you work for it. If you’ve ever jacked up a car, this is the same kind of jack. No extra features to worry about, and total control makes this the best option for a beginner. Don’t forget your PSI! Have your plates in mind before buying a press, or check the sizes when purchasing a kit (T-shirt presses don’t work well for making rosin because their plates are too large).
Best Cheap Manual Press:
The DM800 Mini Rosin Heat Press by Dulytek weighs just 10 lbs, yet it generates up to 1,500 lbs of force. This portable, affordable, and efficient rosin press (priced under $200) features 2.5″ x 3″ dual-heating, insulated aluminum plates and two-channel temperature controls located on the back. It’s easy to use—simply turn it on, set the desired temperature, insert your paper or flower, and pull down the locking handle. A built-in timer tracks when the plates are closed and reopened, helping you optimize settings for the best yield or quality.
| Max Rated | 1,500 lbs |
|---|---|
| Temp Range | Room temp to 302ºF / 150ºC |
| Plate Size | 2.5” x 3” |
| PSI | 200 |
Best Overall Manual Press:
The DM2 Personal Heat Press by Dulytek is a compact but powerful manual press that delivers up to 4,000 lbs (2 tons) of force. An upgrade from the mini DM800 (priced just over $250) it features slightly larger 3″ x 3″ dual-heating insulated aluminum plates, two-channel temperature controls, and a built-in timer. A complimentary table clamp adds stability during pressing. Easy to use and solidly built, the DM2 is ideal for home users seeking higher pressure and precision without sacrificing portability.
| Max Rated | 4,000 lbs (2 ton) |
|---|---|
| Temp Range | Room temp to 302ºF / 150ºC |
| Plate Size | 3” x 3” |
| PSI | 444 |
Hydraulic Rosin Press
A hydraulic rosin press uses hydraulic pressure to generate the force needed to extract rosin—no air compressor required! Once the pressing plates are heated to the desired temperature, simply crank the hand pump to operate the press. When shopping for a hydraulic rosin press, look for a high-pressure model starting at 5 tons (10,000 lbs).
Best, Most Affordable Hydraulic Rosin Press:
The Dulytek DHP5 V5 Hydraulic Rosin Press packs serious power into a compact, durable frame for less than $450. Delivering up to 10,000 lbs (5 tons) of force, it features 3″ x 4″ insulated aluminum dual-heating plates for even heat distribution and efficient extraction. A precision two-channel controller manages both temperature and timer, while the replaceable bottle jack includes overpressure protection for safe, consistent performance. The DHP5 is easy to operate—set your temp and timer, pump the handle, and press. It comes with a starter kit so you can begin pressing rosin right out of the box.
| Max Rated | 10,000 lbs (5 ton) |
|---|---|
| Temp Range | Room temp to 302ºF / 150ºC |
| Plate Size | 3″ x 4″ |
| PSI | 833 |
Best Heavy Duty Hydraulic Rosin Press:
For a more heavy duty setup, the Dulytek DHP20 Hydraulic Rosin Press is a powerhouse delivering up to 40,000 lbs (20 tons) of force through its large 3″ x 8″ insulated aluminum plates—ideal for high-yield, consistent extractions. Featuring an upgraded two-channel digital temperature controller and a leak-free, removable bottle jack for easy maintenance, the DHP20 combines industrial performance with user-friendly operation while staying under $1,000. Just set your temperature and timer, pump the jack handle, and release pressure with a simple turn when the cycle’s done. Rugged, precise, and built for serious production.
| Max Rated | 40,000 lbs (20 ton) |
|---|---|
| Temp Range | Room temp to 302ºF / 150ºC |
| Plate Size | 3″ x 8″ |
| PSI | 1,667 |
Hand Crank Rosin Press
Hand crank and grip twist rosin presses are another manual design, featuring high-pressure, temperature-controlled heated plates assembled into a plug-and-play rosin-making machine. For best results, you’ll want to bolt this model to a secure surface.
Best Hand Crank Rosin Press:
The WLYPE Manual Crank Heat Press is a versatile and efficient hot press extractor, ideal for home use and light-duty applications. It features 2.4″ x 4.7″ thickened aluminum heating plates that heat up quickly with 900W of power, ensuring fast and even heat transfer. The hand crank design allows easy pressure adjustment up to 1 ton, making it simple to dial in the force you need. A dual-display LCD controller provides precise, independent temperature control for both plates, as well as timer and Fahrenheit/Celsius settings.
| Max Rated | 1 ton |
|---|---|
| Temp Range | Up to 491ºF / 255ºC |
| Plate Size | 2.4″ X 4.7″ |
| PSI | 177 |
Hybrid Electric Rosin Press
Hybrid electric rosin presses use electricity to power the hydraulic cylinder, eliminating the need for manual pressing. Simply use the buttons to apply pressure-controlled or gradual pressing. These high-tech rosin presses are far from the most affordable, with many priced in the thousand-dollar range and above. However, they might be your best option if you’re looking to press rosin commercially.
Best Affordable Hybrid Electric Rosin Press:
The Dulytek DW8000 Hybrid Rosin Press combines electric convenience with raw power, generating up to 4 tons of pressure at the push of a button. Featuring 3″ x 5″ dual-heating insulated aluminum plates and a precision two-channel temperature and timer controller, this press offers customizable heat settings and effortless operation. With no manual pumping required, it’s perfect for rosin makers who want consistent, high-quality results with minimal effort and relatively affordable pricing (under $1,000). The DW8000 is ready to press right out of the box—just plug in, set your temps, and go.
| Max Rated | 8,000 lbs (4 ton) |
|---|---|
| Temp Range | Up to 356ºF / 180ºC |
| Plate Size | 3″ x 5″ |
| PSI | 553 |
Best Commercial Heavy Duty Hybrid Electric Rosin Press:
The Dulytek DE40K Industrial Strength Hybrid Rosin Press is an absolute unit, built for commercial, high-volume operations. Generating up to 20 tons of pressure, it features large 10″ x 6″ insulated aluminum plates with built-in DripTek functionality and dual operation modes—automatic or freestyle. Powered by an electric-pneumatic system, the DE40K allows for precise temperature and pressure control via a microcomputer touch panel, making it ideal for producing premium extracts at scale. Capable of processing up to 70 grams per load, this heavy-duty press is engineered for maximum output and efficiency.
| Max Rated | 40,000 lbs (20 ton) |
|---|---|
| Temp Range | Up to 356ºF / 180ºC |
| Plate Size | 10″ x 6″ |
| PSI | 667 |
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I do like how you mentioned that it would be important to keep an eye out for the time of press, the temperature of the plates, and the PSI as the reaction could be different for each strain of cannabis. That sounds like a very helpful thing to keep in mind since we just obtained some Rosin earlier. Just to be safe, we would do our best to get the best possible equipment and filter for it. Thanks!
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