Difference between Pillow Tech, Bottle Tech, and Chottle Tech
Todde Philips
🇺🇸 Retired veteran, father, rock-climbing expert & rosin connoisseur.
In the art of rosin extraction, there are several different methods that extractors can use to accomplish the same goal. For example, all rosin extraction involves pressing cannabis material between heated plates, but there are a variety of ways to pack the starting material into filter bags and position it between the plates. These different approaches are referred to as techniques, or “tech” for short. Pillow Tech, Bottle Tech, and Chottle Tech are different ways that rosin filter bags can be used to hold starting material, and how that material is oriented between rosin plates for extraction.
Pillow Tech
Pillow Tech is the original way that filter bags were loaded and pressed for rosin extraction, and it remains the most predominant method of pressing rosin today. Rectangular rosin filter bags are packed with starting material, then the open end of the bag is folded down to contain the material during extraction. The rosin filter bag lays down horizontally between the press plates, resembling a pillow.
Since the filter bag is laying down horizontally, it uses maximum surface area between the plates during extraction. A 2x4 inch rosin filter bag laying down between the plates takes up a surface area of 8 square inches (2 x 4 = 8).
Pillow Tech is the ideal approach to use when pressing bubble hash or dry sift. However, if you’re pressing flower rosin, then Bottle Tech or Chottle Tech are better options.
Bottle Tech
Unlike Pillow Tech, in which packed rosin filter bags are laid down horizontally between rosin press plates, Bottle Tech utilizes a vertical orientation between the plates. With Bottle Tech the rosin bags stand up straight, resembling a round bottle rather than a flat pillow. This also means that they take up less surface area against the plates.
Rosin filter bags are packed with cannabis flower in a similar way as Pillow Tech, but the open end of the bag is folded inward to the center of the bag as opposed to being folded over in half. This folding inward at the top of the bag helps to maintain the round shape of the rosin bag for Bottle Tech.
Learn more about Bottle Tech and how to pack the rosin bags in How To Press Bottle Tech.
Chottle Tech
Chottle Tech is similar to Bottle Tech, but with one main difference. In both Pillow Tech and Bottle Tech, rosin filter bags with a closed bottom and open top are used to contain the cannabis material.
While Pillow Tech calls for folding the open end with a single crease in order to close off the bag, Bottle Tech calls for sealing in the flower by pushing the edges of the rosin bag inward along the top in order to maintain the round shape of the bag.
But with Chottle Tech, there technically is no bottom or top of the bag, because the bag is completely open-ended on both sides! This reduces the amount of filter bag material in which rosin can become trapped during extraction. For making flower rosin, Chottle Tech is the way to maximize yields.
Not only do you get the advantage of reduced surface area between the plates (which minimizes edges around the rosin bag which captures rosin), but you also use less actual rosin bag material than either Pillow Tech or Bottle Tech.
If you’re using traditional rosin filter bags for Chottle Tech, you can simply cut off the bottom of the bag to make an open-ended sleeve of filter material. Or, you can use a roll of Filter Tubes from The Press Club to make it even easier.
Once you’ve prepared the filter material, simply fill the sleeve with flower as you normally do (with the seam facing inward), then place the open ended bag vertically between the rosin plates. No need to fold or seal off either the top or bottom of the rosin bag.
Conclusion
Increased yield is the greatest advantage to pressing with Chottle Tech. While bubble hash and dry sift is better to press using Pillow Tech (and double bagged), Chottle Tech is the preferred method among many extractors for producing flower rosin. Chottle Tech allows you to leverage the filtration power of rosin bags while minimizing the amount of nylon material surrounding the cannabis flower. This reduction of filter material in turn minimizes the amount of rosin lost to the filter bag.
For the perfect balance of rosin filtration combined with maximum yields, give Chottle Tech a try for your next round of cannabis flower extraction.
What do you think about pressing flower rosin with Chottle Tech? Let us know in the comments!
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Chottle Tech?
Chottle Tech refers to the method of pressing flower rosin with rosin filter bags that are open ended on both sides, and pressed vertically between the rosin plates.
How is Chottle Tech different from Bottle Tech?
Chottle Tech is different than Bottle Tech in the type of rosin filter bag used. Bottle Tech uses a filter bag that is closed on both ends. Chottle Tech uses a filter bag that's opened on both ends.
Why is Chottle Tech better than Bottle Tech?
Chottle Tech is better than Bottle Tech because it involves less excess rosin bag material that can soak up and trap rosin during extraction, which reduces yields.
Can you use Chottle Tech for pressing bubble hash?
No, it's not a good idea to use Chottle Tech for pressing bubble hash. It's best to double bag bubble hash and press it with the traditional Pillow Tech method.
What is Pillow Tech?
Pillow Tech is the traditional way of pressing rosin, with the rosin filter bag laid flat between the rosin press plates. This is in contrast to Bottle Tech and Chottle Tech, in which the rosin bag is positioned vertically between the press plates.
2 comments
No pre-press/puck making when chottling?
Chottle For the Win!