The 10 Must-Have Pieces of Equipment for Every Cannabis Extraction & Edibles Production Kitchen
The cannabis industry is moving fast. Consumers expect high-quality, consistent products, regulators require strict compliance, and operators are facing increasing pressure to reduce costs. For extraction labs and edibles kitchens, automation and precision equipment are no longer optional — they’re mission critical.
At Urth & Fyre, we specialize in connecting cannabis operators with the right equipment at the right time — whether you’re buying new, sourcing premium used machinery, or selling existing assets. Our network of trusted partners and buyers ensures you always have access to the equipment you need to scale.
Below are the 10 essential pieces of equipment every extraction and edibles facility must have, with context on why they matter, brand examples, average lifespans, and costs.
1. Wiped Film Evaporator
A wiped film evaporator (sometimes called a thin-film distillation unit) is the workhorse of cannabis distillation, producing pure, potent distillate for cartridges, edibles, and topicals. Its ability to separate cannabinoids from solvents and impurities with high efficiency makes it a staple in any lab.
- Use case: Distillation of cannabis oil into high-purity distillate
- Prominent brands: Pope Scientific, VTA, Lab Society
- Average lifespan: 10+ years
- Average cost: $65,000–$120,000
- Benefit: Consistently produces compliant, high-value distillate
2. High-Capacity Extraction System
Your extraction system is the engine of your operation. Whether you’re using hydrocarbon (BHO), CO₂, or ethanol systems, this equipment extracts cannabinoids and terpenes from raw cannabis biomass, setting the stage for every downstream product.
- Use case: Extracting cannabinoids for vape oils, concentrates, and distillate
- Prominent brands: Precision Extraction, Eden Labs, Apeks Supercritical, Delta Separations
- Average lifespan: 8–12 years
- Average cost: $90,000–$250,000
- Benefit: Safe, compliant, and scalable oil production
3. Industrial Decarboxylation Oven
Decarboxylation is a required step for activating THC and CBD before infusion. An industrial oven designed for cannabis ensures uniform heating and throughput, a critical step for both edibles and tincture production.
- Use case: Activating cannabinoids in flower or crude oil
- Prominent brands: Cascade Sciences, Across International, Labconco
- Average lifespan: 8–12 years
- Average cost: $15,000–$40,000
- Benefit: Ensures every batch is consistently activated and compliant
4. Homogenizer & Mixer
Infused gummies, chocolates, and beverages require precise cannabinoid distribution. Homogenizers prevent “hot spots” where some units test higher than others — a compliance risk that can cost operators their license.
- Use case: Uniform infusion of cannabinoids into food or beverage matrices
- Prominent brands: Silverson, Ross, IKA
- Average lifespan: 6–10 years
- Average cost: $10,000–$25,000
- Benefit: Reliable potency across every batch and SKU
5. Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer
Preserving cannabinoids and terpenes often requires deep freezing biomass and extracts. Ultra-low temperature freezers extend shelf life and maintain potency.
- Use case: Storage of cannabis flower, crude oil, distillate, or samples
- Prominent brands: Thermo Fisher, PHCbi, Stirling Ultracold
- Average lifespan: 8–10 years
- Average cost: $12,000–$25,000
- Benefit: Protects product integrity and reduces losses
6. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) Analyzer
Potency and cannabinoid profiling are regulatory requirements. An HPLC analyzer ensures your products meet label claims and helps with R&D for new formulations.
- Use case: Testing THC, CBD, and minor cannabinoids in extracts or finished products
- Prominent brands: Agilent, Shimadzu, Waters
- Average lifespan: 10–12 years
- Average cost: $40,000–$100,000
- Benefit: Compliance-ready lab results at your fingertips
7. Industrial Infusion System
Scaling an edibles kitchen requires precision infusion equipment that binds cannabinoids into oils, butters, or syrups. This ensures repeatability in large-batch production.
- Use case: Infusing carrier oils for edibles and beverages
- Prominent brands: Magical Brands Pro line, Beaker & Wrench, Precision Infusion Systems
- Average lifespan: 8–10 years
- Average cost: $25,000–$60,000
- Benefit: Repeatable infusions, reduced manual error
8. Automated Packaging Line
Cannabis packaging must be child-resistant, tamper-evident, and compliant with local laws. Automation reduces labor costs and ensures throughput.
- Use case: Packaging gummies, chocolate bars, pouches, or extract jars
- Prominent brands: Paxiom, WeighPack, Marchesini Group
- Average lifespan: 7–10 years
- Average cost: $20,000–$60,000
- Benefit: Faster order fulfillment and compliance assurance
9. Freeze Dryer (Lyophilizer)
Freeze drying is used to stabilize concentrates and edibles, preserving cannabinoids and extending shelf life. It’s especially critical for gummies, fruit chews, and water-soluble powders.
- Use case: Stabilizing gummies, concentrates, or infused powders
- Prominent brands: Harvest Right, Millrock Technology, SP Scientific
- Average lifespan: 8–10 years
- Average cost: $20,000–$45,000
- Benefit: Long shelf life and maintained potency
10. Industrial Cleaning & Sanitation System
Cannabis kitchens must operate under GMP food standards. Industrial cleaning equipment (CIP systems, stainless steel wash stations, sanitizing solutions) ensures compliance and prevents costly contamination recalls.
- Use case: Daily cleaning of extraction and production areas
- Prominent brands: Diversey, Steris, Custom GMP kitchen solutions
- Average lifespan: 10+ years
- Average cost: $8,000–$20,000
- Benefit: Protects your license, ensures consumer safety
Why Partner With Urth & Fyre
At Urth & Fyre, we don’t just sell equipment — we’re your partner in growth.
- Buying: We source new and premium used equipment from trusted manufacturers, helping you scale faster at lower cost.
- Selling: We connect you with our buyer network, ensuring your equipment finds the right operator when it’s time to upgrade.
- Procuring: Can’t find what you need? We’ll procure equipment on your behalf through our network of manufacturers and sellers.
- Advising: Our team helps you choose the best-fit equipment for your facility, avoiding costly missteps.
Schedule a Meeting With Us to review your production goals, explore listings, or discuss listing your current assets on our marketplace.
Whether you’re setting up a new lab, expanding edibles production, or simply looking to automate and cut costs, Urth & Fyre ensures you get there with the right equipment and the right support.