One of the mistakes we’ve seen new hash makers make is overextending themselves trying to go from zero to full scale production overnight. We’ve seen passionate solventless enthusiasts dropping thousands on freeze dryers before they've even figured out how to properly collect resin from a bubble bag. Do you really need a freeze dryer to start? Nope. Not even close.

This guide breaks down five levels of hash lab setups with clear priorities for each phase so you can spend smart, scale wisely, and make fire hash at any stage. Whether you're working with a shoestring budget or envision a full commercial buildout, we've got you covered.

Level 0: The Minimalist Hashmaker

If you're curious about hash making but not ready to commit serious cash, this is your starting point. With a modest budget, you can absolutely make quality bubble hash. Grab a 5-gallon bucket, some ice, clean water (RO or filtered is best), a set of 5-gallon bubble bags, and a spoon for collection. Assemble a drying box from cardboard and parchment, and you're ready to dry your fresh hash.

The key here isn't fancy equipment, rather it's technique, cleanliness, and process. Learn the full process of making hash in our article How To Wash Bubble Hash.

Find the coldest room in your house, whether that's your basement or a bathroom with the A/C cranked. Focus on learning the fundamentals before you start throwing money at problems.

Don’t cut corners on the quality of bubble wash bags you’re using. Cheap, low-quality bags have a tendency to stretch and warp, negating the micron-specific controls you’re striving for. They can also potentially shed plastic into your product. 

The Press Club has you covered with premium quality bubble bags at a beginner friendly price. 

For pressing your loose resin into hash rosin, a hair straightener is a fine option at this point. Read more in our article Can You Really Press Rosin with a Hair Straightener?

Level 1: The Foundation

Your gear upgrades to either a small washing machine, or a 20-32 gallon mixing vessel if you’re mixing by hand. 

This is also a great time to purchase a rosin press, and upgrade from your hair straightener. 

With more equipment, organization is key. Treat your setup like a kitchen where everything has its place and everything stays clean. Start with small batches and perfect your workflow before scaling up.

Level 2: Environmental Control

At this level it's time to get more intentional about temperature control. This means investing in a CoolBot system with an A/C unit, proper insulation, and monitoring equipment to track temperature and humidity.

Why does this matter so much? Cold water and air mean better trichome preservation, less greasing of your resin, and higher yields. 

Read more in our article about How To Set Up a Cold Room for Washing Hash. 

Level 3: Freeze Drying

The Harvest Right units are the industry standard. Yes, they're an investment, but they solve real problems including consistency, terpene retention, and efficiency. If you're scaling production or selling to dispensaries, this isn't optional.

Read more in our article How To Use a Freeze Right To Dry Bubble Hash.

Level 4: Moving from Manual to Automatic

At this stage, hand washing is getting laborious so it's time to upgrade your wash setup. Even with machine washing, it doesn't need to be expensive since you can retrofit a laundry machine and make beautiful award winning hash. 

For rosin pressing, this means that it's time to upgrade your press from manual to automatic.

This is also where you enter into commercial territory. This includes cold wash rooms with industrial insulation, commercial washing machines, freeze dryers, a large rosin press, water chiller, and compliance-ready zones for every step of the process. This is where you need SOPs, lab logs, and all the documentation that comes with legitimate business operations.

Read more about different types of rosin presses in our article Best Types of Rosin Presses.

The Bottom Line

Clean, cold, and consistent will take you farther than fancy gear alone. Start small, build smart, and let your lab grow with intention. Whether you're washing in 5-gallon buckets in your bathroom or designing a commercial facility, what matters most is technique, care, and passion for solventless.

The best hash makers aren't the ones with the most expensive equipment, they're the ones who understand their process inside and out.

Thoughts? Let us know by joining our secret Facebook group. Hang out with a community of like-minded solventless heads like yourself. Ask our head extractor questions, share your latest press and learn from hobbyists and experts in the industry.