Cannabis Cooking Tools and Equipment Guide
Cannabis Cooking Tools and Equipment Guide
The right tools transform cannabis cooking from challenging to effortless. This guide covers essential equipment for every budget, from basic kitchen items to specialized cannabis devices.
Quick Answer
Essential cannabis cooking tools include: kitchen scale (accurate to 0.1g), thermometer, double boiler or slow cooker, cheesecloth, airtight containers, and silicone molds. Specialty devices like the Ardent or Magical Butter automate the process but are optional for beginners.
Essential Tools (Under $50)
Digital Kitchen Scale
Why essential: Accurate cannabis measurement is critical for consistent dosing.
Features to look for:
- 0.1g accuracy minimum
- Tare function
- Portable size
- Backlit display
Price range: $10-25
Tip: Spring for 0.01g accuracy for concentrate work.
Oven Thermometer
Why essential: Many ovens run 25°F or more off stated temperature. Precise temperature matters for decarboxylation and preventing THC degradation.
Features: Simple analog or digital, clips to oven rack
Price range: $5-15
Instant-Read Thermometer
Why essential: Monitor infusion temperature to stay in optimal 160-185°F range.
Features: Fast reading, wide temperature range
Price range: $10-25
Cheesecloth or Fine Mesh Strainer
Why essential: Separating plant material from finished infusion.
Options:
- Cheesecloth (single-use, very fine)
- Nut milk bags (reusable, excellent filtration)
- Fine mesh strainer (durable, less fine)
Price range: $5-15
Silicone Baking Mat
Why essential: Non-stick surface for decarboxylation. Cannabis does not stick, easy cleanup.
Price range: $8-15
Glass Mason Jars
Why essential: Storage of infusions, decarbing (mason jar method), and ingredient organization.
Recommended sizes: Pint (16oz) and half-pint (8oz)
Price range: $8-12 for multi-pack
Helpful Tools ($20-75)
Double Boiler
Why helpful: Gentle, indirect heat prevents burning during infusion. Critical for butter and oil infusions.
Alternative: Glass bowl over pot of simmering water
Price range: $25-50
Slow Cooker
Why helpful: Hands-off infusion for hours. Consistent low temperature.
Features: Low setting should maintain 150-180°F
Price range: $20-50
Silicone Molds
Why helpful: Essential for gummies, chocolates, and portioned edibles.
Types:
- Gummy bear molds (50-100 cavities)
- Chocolate molds (various shapes)
- Ice cube trays (portion storage)
Price range: $8-15 each
Dropper Bottles (Amber Glass)
Why helpful: Store and dispense tinctures precisely.
Features: 1oz or 2oz size, measured droppers, dark glass protects from light
Price range: $10-15 for multi-pack
Funnel Set
Why helpful: Transferring liquids without mess.
Features: Multiple sizes, wide-mouth for straining
Price range: $8-12
Specialty Devices ($100-350)
Decarboxylation Devices
#### Ardent Nova/FX
What it does: Automated decarboxylation with precise temperature control.
Pros:
- Odor containment
- Precise activation
- Easy to use
- Also does infusion
Cons:
- Expensive ($200-350)
- Small batch size
Best for: Those who value precision and discretion.
Infusion Machines
#### Magical Butter Machine
What it does: Automated infusion with built-in heating and stirring.
Pros:
- Hands-off operation
- Large batch capacity (2-5 cups)
- Built-in timer
Cons:
- Does not decarb (must decarb first)
- Some odor production
- ~$175
Best for: Frequent infusion makers.
#### LEVO II
What it does: Decarbs and infuses in one modern device.
Pros:
- Sleek design
- App connectivity
- Good odor control
- Herb pod system
Cons:
- Smaller batches
- ~$250
Best for: Design-conscious, tech-savvy users.
Sous Vide Circulator
What it does: Precision water bath cooking for consistent temperature control.
Pros:
- Laboratory-level precision
- Excellent odor control
- Multipurpose kitchen tool
Cons:
- Requires vacuum bags
- Learning curve
- $80-200
Best for: Those who value consistency and already sous vide cook.
Storage Equipment
Airtight Containers
Why essential: Protect finished infusions and edibles from air, light, and moisture.
Types:
- Glass jars with silicone seals
- Vacuum containers
- UV-protective containers
Price range: $10-30
Silicone Storage Jars
Why helpful: Non-stick storage for concentrates and sticky infusions.
Features: Comes in various sizes, easy to clean
Price range: $5-15
Labels
Why essential: Track potency, date made, and contents. Critical for safety.
Tip: Use freezer-safe labels for frozen storage
Price range: $5-10
Ventilation Tools
Range Hood
Why helpful: Removes cannabis odor during decarb and infusion.
Alternative: Box fan in window, carbon filter
Air Purifier
Why helpful: Activated carbon filters reduce lingering odor.
Price range: $50-150
Portioning Tools
Cookie Scoop Set
Why helpful: Consistent portioning for cookies and edibles means consistent dosing.
Sizes: 1 tablespoon, 2 tablespoon common
Price range: $12-20
Melon Baller
Why helpful: Perfect for portioning truffles and ganache.
Price range: $8-12
Candy/Chocolate Molds
Why helpful: Professional-looking edibles with precise doses.
Price range: $10-20
Recommended Starter Kit
Budget Starter (Under $75)
- Digital scale (0.1g accuracy)
- Oven thermometer
- Instant-read thermometer
- Cheesecloth pack
- Silicone baking mat
- Mason jars (variety pack)
- Fine mesh strainer
Total: ~$50-75
Intermediate Kit ($150-250)
Everything in starter kit plus:
- Slow cooker
- Silicone molds
- Dropper bottles
- Cookie scoop set
- Double boiler
Total: ~$150-200
Advanced Kit ($400-600)
Everything above plus:
- Ardent Nova or LEVO II
- Sous vide circulator
- Vacuum sealer
- UV-protected storage containers
Total: ~$400-600
Tool Maintenance
Cleaning
- Clean all tools immediately after use
- Isopropyl alcohol removes residual cannabis oil
- Dishwasher-safe items simplify cleanup
- Replace cheesecloth after each use
Storage
- Keep specialty devices in cool, dry location
- Store glass thermometers carefully
- Label equipment used for cannabis separately
What You Do NOT Need
Overrated for Home Cooks
- Professional extraction equipment
- Vacuum ovens
- Lab-grade testing equipment
- Commercial decarb devices (unless very frequent use)
Adequate Substitutes
The right tools make cannabis cooking easier, safer, and more consistent. Start with essentials and upgrade as your skills and frequency increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Essential starter tools: digital scale (0.1g accuracy), oven thermometer, instant-read thermometer, cheesecloth, silicone baking mat, and mason jars. Total cost under $75.
Related Guides
Best Cannabis Brownies Recipe: Classic Pot Brownie Guide
Perfect cannabis brownies recipe with step-by-step instructions. Learn proper cannabutter ratios, baking temperatures, dosing calculations, and tips for consistent, delicious pot brownies.
Calculating THC Dosage in Edibles: The Complete Math Guide
Master the math behind cannabis edible dosing. Complete formulas for calculating THC content, extraction efficiency charts, worked examples, and a quick reference cheat sheet.
How to Make Cannabis Chocolate Truffles: Infused Confection Recipe
Elegant cannabis chocolate truffle recipe with precise dosing. No-bake ganache method using cannabis coconut oil. Coating options, flavor variations, and storage tips.