Using an Infusion Machine

Decarb: 30–45 min | Infusion: 1–4 hours | Capacity: 1–5 cups (varies by machine)

A countertop infusion machine replaces the oven + double-boiler workflow with a single device. It handles decarboxylation and oil/butter infusion with precise temperature control, built-in stirring, and no babysitting. These machines are sold under many names — LĒVO, Dabpress Infuso, Magical Butter, Rosineer, and various unbranded versions from AliExpress — but they all work the same way.

What It Replaces

Instead of a two-step manual process (oven decarb → stovetop double-boiler), the machine does both in sequence. The main advantages:

• Precise temperature — digital controls hold exact temps, no thermometer babysitting
• Smell reduction — sealed lid traps more odor than an open oven (though it's not odorless)
• Automated stirring — internal blade or agitator keeps the infusion moving for consistent extraction
• Hands-off — set it and walk away; the machine beeps when done
• Consistent results — same settings = same potency every time

Know Your Controls

Most machines have three buttons:

• Temp — Sets the target temperature (°F or °C). Press to cycle through or hold to adjust.
• Time — Sets the countdown timer. The timer starts when the machine reaches the target temperature (not when you press start).
• ON/OFF (Start/Stop) — Begins or ends the cycle.

Some machines also have a Stir button (adjustable intensity) and a Mode selector for switching between Decarb, Infuse, and Dry cycles.

Step 1: Decarboxylation

If your machine has a decarb mode, use it. If not, just set the temperature and time manually — the machine doesn't know the difference.

Settings

How To

1. Break or tear cannabis buds into small pieces. Don't grind — small chunks are fine.
2. Place cannabis into the machine's strainer basket or herb pod. Don't pack tightly — air needs to circulate.
3. Do NOT add oil or butter yet. Decarb is a dry process.
4. Close the lid. Set your temperature and time per the chart above.
5. Press Start. The machine heats up, then the countdown begins automatically.
6. Stirring during decarb is optional — it won't hurt, but isn't necessary for dry material.
7. When the cycle ends, the machine beeps. Do not open immediately — let it cool for 5–10 minutes to retain volatile compounds.

Step 2: Infusion

This is where the magic happens — cannabinoids transfer from the plant material into your oil or butter.

Settings

See the full infusion times & temps chart for more carrier options.

How To

1. If you just finished decarbing, leave the cannabis in the strainer/pod. If using pre-decarbed cannabis, add it now.
2. Pour your carrier oil or melted butter into the machine's reservoir, covering the cannabis. Most machines need at least 1 cup minimum to operate properly.
3. Close the lid. Set your temperature and time per the chart above.
4. Press Start. Turn on stirring — this is important during infusion. It keeps the oil moving over the plant material for maximum extraction.
5. When the cycle ends, the machine beeps. Open the lid carefully — steam will escape.
6. If your machine has a dispense valve, use it to drain the infused oil into a glass container. If not, carefully pour through the strainer.
7. For extra clarity, strain the oil again through cheesecloth. Don't squeeze too hard — chlorophyll makes it bitter.

Back-to-Back: Decarb → Infuse

The most efficient workflow is doing both in one session:

1. Load cannabis, run decarb cycle (~30 min)
2. Let cool 5–10 minutes
3. Without removing the cannabis, pour in oil/butter
4. Run infusion cycle (1–2 hours)
5. Strain and store

Total hands-on time: about 5 minutes. Total elapsed time: 1.5–3 hours depending on settings.

Amounts

More cannabis per cup of oil = stronger infusion. See the brownies page for a dosing calculator example.

Tips

• First use: Run an empty cycle with just water to burn off any manufacturing residue. Wash the pot, strainer, and stirrer with mild soap before first use.
• Don't grind too fine. Fine powder passes through the strainer and makes the oil cloudy/gritty. Broken-up buds or a coarse grind is ideal.
• Add lecithin during the infusion cycle (1 tsp per cup of oil) for improved bioavailability and emulsification.
• Use the machine on a stable, heat-resistant surface. Countertops are fine; wooden cutting boards might warp.
• Longer ≠ always better. Infusing beyond 4 hours pulls more chlorophyll and plant waxes, making the oil taste more "green." 1–2 hours is the sweet spot for most oils.
• Cleaning: Wipe the interior with a paper towel while still warm (not hot). Wash the removable parts with warm soapy water. The reservoir and strainer are usually dishwasher-safe — check your manual.
• Smell management: These machines reduce odor vs. oven decarbing but don't eliminate it. Run near an open window or range hood if this matters.

Popular Machines

Name Brand

LĒVO II+

~$329

The most popular. Dry, decarb, and infuse cycles. Push-button dispense, 2-cup capacity, dishwasher-safe parts. App with potency calculator.

levooil.com

Dabpress Infuso 5

~$130

2–5 cup capacity (largest of the bunch). Stainless steel chamber, microprocessor-controlled stirring. Complete kit with filters and accessories.

dabpress.com

VIVOSUN

~$100

2-in-1 decarb and infusion. 4-blade rotation system. Comes with silicone molds, spatula, heatproof glove, and filter bag.

vivosun.com

MagicalButter MB2e

~$175

The OG. Large capacity, built-in blender-style blade, 2-hour and 4-hour presets. Does not decarb — you still need to oven-decarb first.

magicalbutter.com

Budget / AliExpress Clones

Generic Herbal Infuser

~$80–$100

Functionally identical to name-brand machines. Same Temp/Time/Start controls, built-in strainer and stirrer. No brand support or app, but the hardware does the same job. This is what I have.

AliExpress listing