Best Pre-Roll Machines in 2025 [Guide for Operators]

As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, so does the machinery that powers it. From rolling by hand to Knockboxes, to machines that produce thousands per day, automation equipment is taking over behind the scenes for pre-roll manufacturers, freeing up valuable time and increasing margins to scale. 

So, if you’re an existing or emerging brand looking to scale in 2025 and beyond, our guide to the best pre-roll machines is for you. 

Here, we’ll break down the seven best machines for pre-roll automation on the market today and cover insider tips on when it’s time to automate and what to look for when investing in automation. 

Keep reading to explore the modern world of pre-roll machines and find the equipment that’s right for your operation. 

A Quick Look at the Best Pre-Roll Machines

Machine	Estimated Production Volume	Production Capabilities	Estimated Price	Notable Customers
Hefestus AuraX	2,000+/hr	Cones, straight rolls, and every other pre-roll shape and size; every kind of infused pre-roll	$230k	AWH, Verano, Lowell Herb Co, STIIZY, MUNCHIES!, Juicy Joints, Jetleaf, High Grade
RollPros Blackbird	900/hr	Straight rolls only; some types of infused pre-rolls	$225k	Mello, Rebel Spirit, Green Thumb Industries
Accelerant PRO2	1,500/hr	Cones and straight rolls; some types of infused pre-rolls	Pay-per-joint pricing model	Ilera Holistic
PreRoll-Er-200	1,300/hr	Cones and straight rolls; some types of infused pre-rolls	$275,00	Garden Remedies
Apehex Pre-Roll Machine	1,200/hr	Cones only; some types of infused pre-rolls	Unknown	Leafers, Chico California Cannabis Company
Futurola Knockbox	1,000/hr	Cones only; some types of infused pre-rolls	$3,000-$15,000 (model-dependent)	Mike Tyson Brand, Leafs by Snoop
King Kone Pre-Roll Machine	1,000/hr	Cones only; dry flower only	$2,049	Unknown

Best Pre-Roll Machines in 2025

From equipment’s major features to what type of operation it’s best for, here’s the complete guide to the best pre-roll machines in 2025. 

1. Hefestus AuraX 

If you run a high-volume pre-roll operation or plan to, the Hefestus AuraX is the best choice on the market today. Our flagship machine is fully automated and capable of producing over 2,000 pre-rolls per hour with just one operator. 

Beyond filling and folding, the AuraX is adaptable with add-ons that further boost efficiency, such as the Weight Checker (inline validation) and AutoTube (automated tubing), making it one of the most advanced pre-roll automation systems available. 

When it comes to pre-roll production, a major risk you face is reaching your production ceiling without generating a profit. The higher the output, the higher your labor costs, meaning your profit per pre-roll becomes nearly impossible to improve. 

This is where Hefestus comes in. The AuraX allows you to replace three or more full-time employees while producing more consistent pre-rolls and reducing waste and downtime, thanks to 24/7 customer support from our technicians in the US and Israel.

Another risk you face is expending large amounts of capital for a machine that can only produce one type of product: introducing and scaling new SKUs to drive growth is off the table.

The AuraX mitigates this risk. We’re able to produce cones and blunts in every size imaginable, and our machines handle infused materials with ease. This means you can expand your product line at will and see the same profit for new SKUs as you do for your flagship pre-rolls. 

When you pair the ability to scale throughput to previously unachievable numbers with the ability to make any variant of pre-roll you want, you’ll achieve ROI with the Hefestus AuraX faster than with any other machine on the market. 

Premium comes with a price tag, though, and we’re the first to admit that our machine is a significant investment. That’s because when you invest in an AuraX, you’re not just getting the machine: you get a full week of on-site training so you can start making pre-rolls immediately. 

And during this training, our technicians will help you create standard operating procedures (SOPs) for every product you want to produce, ensuring your operation is ready to flip the switch to seamless, maximized production. 

At Hefestus, we understand the cash constraints of the industry. That’s why, in addition to engineering a best-in-class machine and providing training to help you start producing pre-rolls immediately, we offer flexible financing to not only deliver the machine you need but a business case that makes sense.

All in all, whether you’re an MSO, co-packer, or other other type of business making 10-30k joints per month, the AuraX is the best end-to-end automated pre-roll production system out there. 

If you’re a brand, you can expand your product lines with ease, capturing new segments of the market and increasing lifetime value on existing customers. 

If you’re a co-packer, your services become much more versatile – now you can produce any and every infused joint idea that your prospects can come up with. 

When it’s time to take your pre-roll operation to the next level, there’s only one logical choice: the Hefestus AuraX. 

Best For: Operators who prioritize maximum output, versatility, and long-term reliability over initial investment. The Hefestus AuraX is the best option on the market for producing the greatest volume of pre-rolls across any size, strain, or infusion type, while keeping downtime to a minimum. 

Pricing Information: ~$230,000; contact us to request exact pricing

Notable Customers: AWH, Verano, Lowell Herb Co, STIIZY, MUNCHIES!, Juicy Joints, Jetleaf, High Grade

Pros

• High Output: 2,000+ pre-rolls per hour with just one operator.
• Highly Versatile: Runs cones and blunts in any size (up to 2.5g), plus infused SKUs, including diamonds, isolate, live resin, kief, and wax, seamlessly.
• On-Site Training: Week-long onsite setup, training, and SOP development is included with every AuraX purchase. 
• World-Class Support: 24/7 support from the US and Israel reduces downtime for your operation, and the price includes 5 days of on-site training with custom configuration.

Cons

• Upfront Cost: Higher investment than entry-level systems.
• Not A Good Fit For Very Small Operations: The AuraX is a high-level system best suited for mid- to high-volume producers.

2. RollPros Blackbird

If you’re searching for a cost-effective machine to produce straight roll style joints, then the RollPros Blackbird is a straightforward option. Rollpros has mastered the mechanisms to produce consistently filled, high-quality straight rolled joints. 

Among the companies using it, the Blackbird is praised for its ability to manufacture over 900 joints per hour (approximately 5,000 per shift) while having a compact footprint. 

By doing so, the machine helps your operation reduce the inefficiencies of manual workflows, while maintaining the consistency of quality that your customers expect.  

The ability to scale helps you stand out in the crowded cone market, as does RollPros’ TruRoll technology, which improves joint flavor and produces joints that burn evenly. 

It can produce 15k-20k pre-rolls per month, which allows you to achieve considerable scale with your setup. 

Just keep in mind that while the Blackbird does a wonderful job at straight-roll joints, that’s all it does. 

This may be an advantage if that’s all you need to produce, and Blackbird offers financing options as well so the investment is easier to make. 

But in the end, it means you’ll be investing in equipment that only produces one SKU. Not every operation will require all the bells and whistles that the Hefestus AuraX has to offer, and that’s ok. 

If you have plans to extend your product line, though, choosing the Blackbird can quickly become problematic. 

You’ll have to roll your cone-style joints by hand or buy another machine, which means you’ll either degrade your margins or need to start all over on achieving ROI with a new setup. 

All in all, if your brand identity is straight-roll joints and only straight-roll joints, then the Blackbird is one of the best pre-roll machines on the market for bulk production.

But if you plan to capture new markets and improve customer lifetime value by expanding beyond straight-roll joints, a more versatile machine – like the Hefestus AuraX – is the option. 

The AuraX produces straight rolls and cones in every size imaginable, and our machines handle infused material at high volumes without breaking down and causing downtime in your operation. We also allow you to achieve a level of efficiency – 2,000 joints per hour, to be exact – that the RollPros Blackbird simply cannot. 

On the other hand, if you don’t have plans to scale soon and are looking to automate your workflows more affordably, the PreRoll-Er-200 could be a better fit. 

Both options help avoid the limitations of the Blackbird, which doesn’t produce cones. 

Best For: Operators who produce straight-roll joints exclusively and are seeking to increase production and maintain or improve product quality. The Blackbird is an effective pre-roll machine for mid- to high-volume producers seeking to enhance margins in this product category.  

Pricing Information: ~$225,000; contact manufacturer to request pricing

Notable Customers: Mello, Rebel Spirit, Green Thumb Industries

Pros

• Strong Output: Produces 900+ straight-roll joints per hour (≈5,000 per shift).
• Consistent Results: TruRoll tech ensures smooth flavor and even burns.
• Budget-Friendly: Slightly more affordable than versatile, high-volume systems like the AuraX.

Cons

• Single SKU Only: Limited to straight-roll joints – no cones.
• Frequent Maintenance: Users report regular cleaning and strain adjustments.
• Limited Growth: No upgrade path or modular add-ons for future expansion.

3. Accelerant PRO2

If you want to automate pre-roll production while reducing upfront costs to nearly zero, Accelerant’s unique pay-per-joint model makes its PRO2 machine one of the best options on the market. 

Accelerant offers you zero cost machine installation and setup, instead of billing per joint produced. This Production-as-a-Service business model helps you scale at your own pace. 

The equipment can produce over 1,500 pre-roll cones per hour and is best suited if you want high-production automation without the high initial investment. 

With labor costs being a significant factor for every operation, brands can benefit from flexible entry options, like those Accelerant offers. They also offer training, service, and monitoring as added value. 

But while the PRO2 is a good entry point into fully automated systems, the costs add up very quickly as you scale up your operation. You’re paying per joint, which means you don’t receive the same economic benefits – progressively higher margins – typically associated with scaling. 

While partnering with Accelerant might be attractive for a company that’s just starting up, you’ll want to have your eye set on the future as you make a decision. 

If you want to scale to 10k-30k joints per month consistently, the Accelerant PRO2 is a good option. But as you scale past this amount, the benefits of ownership greatly outweigh not having to make the initial investment. 

At that point, exploring an automation system that your business can actually own is the best course of action. 

The Hefestus AuraX does everything the PRO2 does, and then some. We can handle both straight rolls and cones, can produce 2,000+ joints per hour, and handle all types of infused cannabis with ease. 

While our machines cost ~$230k, we offer flexible financing so that you can scale your operation without having all of the capital upfront. You can then proceed to pay down your machine after you’re already scaling and increasing your profit.

Accelerant’s business model is an excellent stop-gap measure if you need to achieve scale, fast, but if you want to build a sustainable, profitable operation in the years to come, partnering with a company like Hefestus will drastically improve your success rate. 

Best For: The Accelerant PRO2 is the best pre-roll machine for operations just starting to scale or those without immediate access to the capital necessary to invest in long-term equipment. It’s ideal for high-volume producers who have the demand and need higher throughput, fast. 

Pricing Information: pay-per-joint model; contact manufacturer to request pricing

Notable Customers: Ilera Holistic

Pros

• No Upfront Cost: The pay-per-joint model eliminates the need for significant capital investment.
• High Output: Produces 1,500+ pre-rolls per hour for rapid scaling.
• Full Support: Includes training, service, and vendor-managed uptime for reliability.

Cons

• Rising Costs: Per-joint fees add up quickly at higher production volumes.
• Short-Term Solution: Becomes less cost-effective over time compared to ownership.
• Limited Equity: Operators don’t own the equipment, reducing long-term ROI.

4. PreRoll-Er-200

If you’re a medium-sized facility that wants to maximize output with versatile SKU capabilities, the PreRoll-Er-200 is one of the best choices on the market today. This machine produces up to 1,300 pre-rolls per hour, featuring fine-tuned settings that ensure a ±0.01 g weight tolerance. 

Facilities choose it for its ability to handle both cones and tubes with auto-loading, as well as its special attention to infused products, featuring exit weight checks and reject stations for added quality assurance. 

Of the machines we cover in this article, it’s closest in similarity to the RollPros Blackbird, but with greater SKU versatility. 

As you know, in the ever-evolving cannabis industry, flexibility and adaptability are essential to survival and scaling, making the PreRoll-Er equipment’s infused capabilities particularly beneficial as you expand your SKUs to acquire customers and improve customer LTV. 

To support variety and efficiency, this machine has the capacity to fill both conical and cylindrical pre-rolls and replaces 15–20 employees per shift for rapid ROI. 

Beyond that, the machine prioritizes compliance with accurate weighing systems and features a built-in reject station, reducing the need for manual oversight after filling. 

It also provides your operation with visual remote access to the machine, featuring integrated IT cameras that collect insights and data to facilitate troubleshooting. With bonus features come drawbacks in throughput, resulting in a slightly lower output than other machines, such as the AuraX or Accelerant. 

The machine’s cost can also be prohibitive for cash-strapped companies, and you’ll need to budget for ongoing upkeep and maintenance to ensure the equipment continues to run optimally over time. 

If you run a medium-volume operation or co-packing company producing 15-25k pre-rolls per month, the PreRoll-Er-200 is a good fit. 

But ultimately, as you scale beyond this amount and near 30k a month, labor costs will increase and a higher-tier system will become crucial. 

This is where your bottom line will benefit from a machine like the Hefestus AuraX, which produces every joint the PreRoll-Er 200 does while giving you more than 50% more throughput (2,000 joints/hour). 

When it comes to choosing between the PreRoll-Er 200 and the AuraX, it all depends on your brand’s end goal and how soon you plan to achieve it. 

Best For: The PreRoll-Er 200 is best for facilities producing infused and multiple SKUs that prioritize precision and accuracy and can oversee lower throughput. It’s ideal for mid-tier operations versus enterprise-level facilities, and is suitable for anyone who could benefit from leasing. 

Pricing Information: ~$275,000; contact manufacturer to request price

Notable Customers: Garden Remedies

Pros

• Infused-Ready: Designed to handle infused pre-rolls with ±0.01 g accuracy.
• Versatile Output: Fills both cones and tubes with automated loading.
• Labor-Saving: Replaces 15–20 operators per shift, offering rapid ROI.

Cons

• Lower Throughput: Produces fewer pre-rolls per hour than high-output machines.
• High Cost: Advanced features come with a higher price tag.
• Mid-Tier Focus: Large-scale facilities may quickly outgrow their capacity.

5. APEHEX Pre-Roll Machine

If you run a lower-volume operation but still want to invest in an automated pre-roll system, one of the best options to consider is APEHEX. This machine is a single-operator model, designed to help reduce labor costs, and produces up to 1,200 pre-rolls per hour, including infused material.

It offers the ability to manufacture multiple sizes across 0.3–1.25 g cones, expanding product SKUs. Unlike most machines (besides the AuraX), it is also skilled in the folded “Dutch crown” finish.  

In cannabis, no matter the product category, labor and HR problems will always remain a hidden cost. From employees not showing up to rising labor costs, the cost of filling pre-rolls manually is often too much to bear for many smaller operations. 

APEHEX alleviates this stress by reducing the number of staff required for workflows while simultaneously increasing output. The cost of the equipment also includes five days of on-site training, assuring your operation that your team will be ready to run the machine optimally from the start. 

From there, however, customers do report long dial-in times and difficulty hitting the reported max throughput due to the machine’s limitations. And while its compact size makes it ideal for facilities with limited space, it lacks multi-style flexibility, which is necessary for keeping up with consumer demand and trends. 

In addition, many people report the accuracy as less reliable than that of advanced machines like Hefestus or PreRoll-Er, although its specifications insist on precision for perfectly weighted and packed joints. 

With that said, the APEHEX equipment is on our list for good reason. Boutique and lower-mid volume operators who are producing 10k-20k joints per month can see immediate impact from more professionally filled pre-rolls, with improved consistency. 

Considering the company’s financing and leasing options, it’s easy to see why operations choose the APEHEX equipment for upgraded workflows without the initial upfront investment. 

It’s optimal for lower-volume facilities, but if you have plans to grow, it will eventually hard-cap production. So, if you have long-term aspirations to continue scaling production, it’s wise to consider machines like the AuraX, which is built for growth-minded operations. 

Best For: The APEHEX Pre-Roll Machine is ideal for operations with lower volumes that produce joints in multiple sizes, aiming to reduce labor costs and improve margins while ensuring consistency. 

Pricing Information: contact manufacturer to request price

Notable Customers: Leafers, Chico California Cannabis Company

Pros

• Single-Operator: Produces up to 1,200 pre-rolls per hour with minimal labor.
• Size Flexibility: Accommodates multiple cone sizes ranging from 0.3 to 1.25 g.
• Training Included: Comes with five days of on-site training.

Cons

• Size Limitations: While it can accommodate cone sizes up to 1.25g, it can’t reach larger sizes like 2.5g (as the AuraX can). 
• Dial-In Challenges: Longer setup times and difficulty reaching max throughput.
• Limited Versatility: Lacks multi-style functionality in comparison to other models.
• Lower Accuracy: Weight precision and consistency may lag behind others. 

6. Futurola Knockbox

If you’re a small operation that wants to reduce the labor of rolling joints by hand, but not ready for fully automated equipment, then the best semi-automatic pre-roll machine on our list, the Futurola Knockbox series, might be right for you. 

Made by Futurola Amsterdam, the Knockox series is available in 50, 100, 300, and 500 cone versions, designed to suit the size of individual operations best, all utilizing the same semi-automated technology workflows.

In real-world use, the machines are capable of producing 1,000–1,200 cones/hour and are customizable for added productivity with a variety of accessory attachments, such as the Dutch Crown Device, to speed up finishing.

Knockbox is typically the first step to move away from manual filling and packing. The systems enable smaller volume operations to move away from exclusively handpacking, allowing workers to increase batches to thousands per shift, rather than hundreds. 

However, while technically, the Knockbox automates a part of the process, it does so in the least efficient way possible. The machine still requires manual twisting, quality assurance, and packaging. 

Furthermore, the quality still depends heavily on the operator’s grind and pack, meaning it’s one of the least likely to produce consistent results on our best-of list. But for small craft or boutique brands, the Knockbox system’s lower cost may outweigh the labor required to operate it. 

So, if you’re a brand that’s making 2k-5k joints a month, the Knockbox series could be beneficial to increase production, now. It serves as a temporary bridge between hand-packing and fully automated systems, helping you gain the capital required for the higher equipment investment. 

When considering Futurola’s Knockbox, however, be aware that inefficiencies often resurface once volumes reach 5k-10k a month, meaning you could outgrow the entire process faster than it’s worth getting set up and trained on. 

In that case, if you predict your demand will scale rapidly, thanks to your market or growing retail relationships, it may be wiser to consider mid-size options, such as the APEHEX, PreRoller-Er, or the AuraX, to ensure maximum capacity for future production. 

Best For: The Futurola Knockbox series is ideal for operators who want to customize equipment to their current capacity, with options ranging from 50 to 500, and for those who are cost-effectively bridging the gap between hand-filling and automation with simple mechanics.

Pricing Information: ~$3,000-$15,000+ (model-dependent)

Notable Customers: Mike Tyson Brand, Leafs by Snoop

Pros

• Scalable Options: Available in various cone versions to match production size.
• Entry-Level: Seamless transition from manual hand-packing to semi-automated.
• Customizable Add-Ons: Compatible with accessories to boost efficiency.

Cons

• High Labor: Still requires manual labor for finishing, limiting true automation.
• Inconsistent Results: Output quality depends heavily on operator traits. 
• Short-Term: Becomes inefficient once volumes exceed 5k–10k joints per month.

7. King Kone Pre-Roll Machine

If you’re a low-volume producer who wants to ditch rolling joints by hand and fill cones consistently, then the King Kone pre-roll machine is one of the best options. It’s often the first step operations take towards automation, and it’s budget-friendly, too. 

The King Kone pre-roll machine enables workflows to transition from nug to fill in just a few steps, requiring only a single operator to complete the process. 

It also operates on 110V, eliminating the need for any facility upgrades. Put simply, if you want to upgrade your workflows quickly and affordably, King Kone is a go-to solution. It reduces your facility’s reliance on manual filling and provides a simple, easy-to-train solution for producing high volume at low costs.

Whether you’re a microbusiness or a small-batch craft producer, the King Kone’s simple design boosts your production’s versatility with cone sizes ranging from 84 to 109 mm, enabling bulk batches without significant investment.

Some companies consider hand-packing the best way to ensure quality, but with the King Kone, some companies may justify a drop in consistency as a trade-off in labor costs. However, keep in mind that its workflow is still manual-heavy and requires an operator to assist with nearly every step, from loading to finishing, quality assurance, and packaging. 

At the end of the day, even though automating a part of the process, operators often find that the price per joint remains the same as they add more staff to meet growing production demands. 

Clearly, if you have a large-scale operation producing 10k+ in joints per month, the King-Kone machine won’t suffice for the volume. Instead, it’s a viable option for emerging or start-up brands that are micro- to small-sized in volume and producing under 2k joints a month. 

The machinery provides you with the opportunity to explore automation and increased output, allowing you to test demand before investing further to scale. So, is King Kone right for you? If you’re a small operation or start-up, it’s the natural first step before upgrading to more advanced machines as the business scales. 

Many facilities start with the King Kone, then move to a fully-automated system like the AuraX to achieve the highest levels of production and improve profit margins.

Best For: The King Kone pre-roll machine is best for smaller, start-up operations that are testing the transition from manual filling to semi-automated filling for the first time. It’s cost-effective and offers increased productivity to test product demand. 

Pricing Information: $2,049

Notable Customers: Unknown

Pros

• Affordable Entry: Budget-friendly option for small or start-up operations.
• Simple Operation: Single-operator design with easy setup and minimal training.
• Compact & Versatile: Runs on 110V power and accommodates multiple cone sizes.

Cons

• Limited Automation: Still heavily manual, requiring operator involvement.
• Inconsistent Quality: May see variation in fill or pack compared to other systems. 
• Low Scalability: Short-term solution, inefficient beyond 2k–3k joints per month.

When Should You Invest in a Pre-Roll Machine?

Is right now the right time to invest? To help answer that question for your facility, let’s cover some of the key indicators that indicate your operation is ready for the next step.

When to Invest in a Semi-Automated Pre-Roll Production System

For the most part, operations tend to start small, ensuring there’s enough demand for their product to justify investing in more efficient workflows. 

As your operation approaches 200 pre-rolls per day or 3,000 per month, you’ll want to consider starting with semi-automatic equipment, such as a Futurola Knockbox, and then scaling up from there.

When to Invest in a Fully Automated Pre-Roll Production System

While a Knockbox is a great way to scale pre-roll production initially, when you reach 10k-30k joints per month and want to scale past this point, it’s time to invest in an automated pre-roll production system. 

When you reach this level, you’ll notice demand and retail footprints increasing, necessitating increased throughput to maximize your profits. But you’ll notice the increased labor costs straining your margins. 

At this point, investing in an automated system, such as the Hefestus AuraX, is the logical next step so that you can increase throughput and decrease labor costs at the same time. 

The financial equation becomes clear when you consider labor costs. If three people are working full-time making joints, a fully automated machine operated by a single person will often cost less on a monthly payment basis than maintaining that three-person team. 

And with high-end machines like the AuraX, replacing 4-7 people with a single machine is possible. In fact, for our clients, it’s standard. 

With flexible financing options, including zero-down-payment plans, you can generate revenue from day one and achieve ROI quickly. 

However, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach; you need to evaluate your specific production volume, labor costs, and growth trajectory to determine the right timing for automation. 

More importantly, you must be cautious not to sacrifice quality to quantity while scaling, to avoid losing customer loyalty.

Choosing the right machine goes a long way toward striking this balance, but every situation is different.

What to Look For When Shopping for a Pre-Roll Machine

Here are the main factors you’ll want to weigh when researching which pre-roll machine is best for your business:

1. Production Capacity vs. Labor Efficiency: Because you’re investing in automation to scale profitably, the most important factor to consider is how many pre-rolls can be produced per hour with one operator. A high-output, fully automated system like the Hefestus AuraX can replace multiple employees while producing over 2,000 joints per hour. Smaller or semi-automated systems often seem cost-effective at first, but once labor, downtime, and waste are factored in, they quickly lose their advantage.
2. Versatility and SKU Expansion: If you plan to extend your product line to capture new customers and improve the LTV of your existing ones, versatility is top of mind when choosing a system. Machines that can handle cones, straight rolls, blunts, and infused products give you the flexibility to expand your product line as trends evolve. Systems like the AuraX allow you to create every pre-roll style and size, helping you adapt quickly to demand without buying additional equipment or going back to semi-automated processes. 
3. Reliability and Support: Downtime is one of the most expensive problems in pre-roll production. Reliable machines with comprehensive service programs and on-site training protect your investment and keep your line running. Hefestus provides 24/7 technical support from our technicians in the US and Israel, along with a full week of training and SOP development, ensuring your operation runs smoothly from day one. Strong support and fast maintenance are what separate profit-driving systems from expensive paperweights.
4. ROI and Total Cost of Ownership: The smartest operators think beyond the sticker price. A more expensive, fully automated machine that eliminates labor and runs 24/7 will outperform lower-cost or pay-per-joint options in profitability. Consider your true cost per joint, including maintenance, labor, and efficiency. Machines that offer higher throughput and minimal downtime deliver faster payback and stronger long-term margins.
5. Financing and Accessibility: Capital is one of the biggest barriers to automation, which is why financing terms matter. Options like flexible financing make it easier for growing facilities to scale immediately without straining cash flow. While pay-per-joint models are helpful for short-term needs, ownership provides better control over costs and higher profit potential as your operation grows. Flexible financing helps you start strong and scale sustainably.

Types of Pre-Roll Machines

Is it a semi-automated system that’ll benefit your operation the most, or a fully-automated system? Let’s define each more in-depth to help you decide. 

Semi-Automated Systems

Semi-automated systems automate a part of the workflow but still rely on multiple operators or an entire team of employees to function. It’s a step up from hand-packing or manual workflows, but it is still considered the industry’s “starter machines” across the board. 

Two of the most popular semi-automated models, including Futurola Knockbox and King Kone, typically fill 50–300 cones per cycle. 

The semi-automated workflow enables smaller, craft, or boutique operations to produce a few thousand joints per day, with just one to two operators. The machine’s mechanics reduce the repetitive nature of specific tasks, like filling, but often still require finishing work, such as twisting or folding the end, and checking for quality. 

Automated Systems

Automated systems, especially those like Hefestus AuraX that are single-operator run, are what operations turn to when even semi-auto processes start to bottleneck. These fully automatic solutions, which also include those from our list, such as the PreRoll-Er 200, RollPros Blackbird, and APEHEX, produce around 1,000–1,300 pre-rolls per hour with fewer staff, thereby increasing output while decreasing labor costs. 

Another benefit to adding automated systems to your production line is gaining their advanced features that streamline workflow processes that much more, including: 

• Precise weight accuracy (as tight as ±0.01 g)
• Custom pack density
• Dutch crown finishes
• Reject stations to improve compliance. 

For brands scaling rapidly, they offer the most efficiency and flexibility for operations seeking more efficient processes with quality results. 

Enterprise-Grade Automated Systems

Finally, there are enterprise-grade automated systems designed explicitly for co-packers, MSOs, and enterprise producers responsible for producing multiple SKUs or brands in a single facility.  

An example here is the Hefestus AuraX, which can produce 1,500–2,000+ pre-rolls per hour across numerous formats (cones, blunts, tubes, and infused) with minimal changeover to minimize downtime. 

The most significant difference for enterprise-ready systems is throughput, as many of the machines on our list could fit in each category. 

It’s more crucial to strategize long-term and think about where your business plans to go in the future, rather than where you are and what you need right now. 

The Accelerant PRO2 could also be considered in this category; however, at the enterprise level, its pay-per-joint pricing model may not be the most sensible choice. In that case, to achieve enterprise-level operations, consider Hefestus and other manufacturers that offer financing (ours even includes flexible financing to deliver not only the machines but the right business case).

These systems not only enhance efficiency but also emphasize reliability, providing consistent, high-quality results that you can rely on for bulk production. To do so, solutions include modular designs, monitoring tools, and built-in quality assurance stations to catch weight or consistency issues in real-time. 

For operations capable of producing 30k+ joints per month or those expanding into multiple SKUs and formats, these systems are the top choice to scale. 

Conclusion: Choosing the Best Pre-Roll Machine for Your Business

Ultimately, to select the best pre-roll machine for your business, you’ll need to assess your brand’s current position and your long-term growth strategy. 

This will help you determine what’s most important in a machine, and allow you to choose a system that fits your needs. 

If you have a medium- to large-scale pre roll operation and want to increase production and improve profit margins while maintaining quality, look no further than the Hefestus AuraX – the highest-ROI pre-roll machine on the market for high-volume, multi-style production.

Ready to get started? Contact our team now. 

Best Pre-Roll Machines: Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the questions most frequently asked about the best pre-roll machines:

What’s The Best Fully Automated Pre-Roll Machine?

The best fully automated pre-roll machine is the Hefestus AuraX, which is known for producing over 2,000 precisely filled and folded pre-rolls per hour with a single operator.

What’s The Best Personal Pre-Roll Machine for Home Use?

For home use, the best personal pre-roll machine is King Kone, offering an affordable and straightforward way to fill cones at smaller volumes.

What’s The Best Cone Filling Machine?

The best cone filling machine is the Hefestus AuraX, offering efficiency, precision, and flexibility for professional-grade production.