Levo Time and Temperature Calculator
Expert-grade precision for your botanical infusions
165°F / 2.5 Hrs
1050 mg
32.8 mg
~85%
Infusion Efficiency Curve
Optimizing levo time and temperature calculator output
The green dot indicates your selected time/temp optimization point.
| Botanical | Standard Temp (°F) | Standard Time | Max Temp (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flower (Decarb) | 240°F | 30-45 Mins | 250°F |
| Flower (Infuse) | 160-175°F | 2-4 Hours | 190°F |
| Lavender/Mint | 120°F | 3 Hours | 140°F |
| Roots/Bark | 185°F | 5-8 Hours | 200°F |
What is the Levo Time and Temperature Calculator?
The levo time and temperature calculator is a specialized tool designed for herbal enthusiasts who use Levo infusion machines to create oils, butters, and honey. Unlike traditional stovetop methods, a levo time and temperature calculator accounts for the precise temperature controls and the closed-system environment of the machine, ensuring that sensitive botanical compounds are neither under-extracted nor burnt.
Who should use it? Anyone from professional culinary chefs to home wellness practitioners. A common misconception is that “higher heat equals more potency.” In reality, the levo time and temperature calculator helps you find the “sweet spot” where extraction is maximized while preventing the degradation of terpenes and cannabinoids, which can occur at temperatures as low as 200°F.
Levo Time and Temperature Calculator Formula and Mathematical Explanation
The core logic behind the levo time and temperature calculator involves calculating the total available milligrams of compounds and adjusting for extraction efficiency based on the time-temperature curve. The primary formula used for potency calculation is:
Potency (mg/tbsp) = [(Herb Weight in g × 1000) × (Potency % / 100) × Efficiency %] / Total Servings (tbsp)
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Herb Weight | Mass of dry botanical used | Grams (g) | 3g – 14g |
| Potency | Concentration of active compounds | Percentage (%) | 5% – 25% |
| Volume | Amount of carrier oil/fat | Cups | 0.5 – 2 Cups |
| Efficiency | Ratio of extracted vs total content | Percentage (%) | 60% – 90% |
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: High-Potency MCT Oil
A user inputs 7 grams of 20% potency flower into the levo time and temperature calculator. They choose 2 cups of MCT oil. The calculator recommends 170°F for 3 hours. The output shows a total of 1,400mg potential compounds. With an 80% efficiency rate, the result is 1,120mg total or roughly 35mg per tablespoon. This allows the user to dose their morning coffee precisely.
Example 2: Gentle Lavender Body Oil
For a topical application, a user uses 10g of dried lavender in 1 cup of almond oil. The levo time and temperature calculator suggests a lower heat of 120°F for 4 hours to preserve the floral scent. Since lavender potency isn’t measured like CBD, the calculator focuses on the “Infusion Intensity Index,” suggesting a 5-hour soak for maximum fragrance transfer without a “cooked” smell.
How to Use This Levo Time and Temperature Calculator
- Enter your Herb Weight: Weigh your dry material after decarboxylation (if applicable).
- Input Potency: Enter the percentage of the main active compound from your lab results or estimate based on strain profiles.
- Define Oil Volume: Specify how many cups of carrier oil you are pouring into the reservoir.
- Select Botanical Type: Choose the material type to adjust the recommended levo time and temperature calculator heat profile.
- Review Results: Look at the “Potency per Tablespoon” to understand how strong your finished product will be.
Key Factors That Affect Levo Time and Temperature Results
- Surface Area: Ground herbs increase surface area, leading the levo time and temperature calculator to assume higher efficiency, but too fine a grind can lead to sediment.
- Carrier Oil Saturated Fat Content: Butter and coconut oil (high saturated fat) bind to compounds more effectively than olive oil, influencing the efficiency variable.
- Decarboxylation: The levo time and temperature calculator assumes you have already “activated” your herbs in the “Activate” cycle. Skipping this reduces efficiency by up to 90%.
- Moisture Content: Wet or fresh herbs can lower the internal temperature and introduce bacteria, potentially ruining long infusions.
- Agitation: The Levo magnetic stirrer ensures even heat distribution, which the calculator assumes is active throughout the cycle.
- Ambient Temperature: In very cold kitchens, the machine may take longer to reach the target temperature set by the levo time and temperature calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I infuse for longer than the calculator suggests?
While you can, the levo time and temperature calculator suggests a limit because exceeding 4-5 hours for flower can result in excessive chlorophyll extraction, making the oil taste “grassy” without adding significant potency.
2. Does the type of oil change the temperature?
Generally, no, but the levo time and temperature calculator recommends staying below the smoke point of your carrier oil. For example, avoid exceeding 160°F for delicate extra virgin olive oil.
3. What if I don’t know my herb’s potency?
The levo time and temperature calculator uses a default of 15% for average flower, which is a safe starting point for most users.
4. Why is my result showing a range for time?
Infusion isn’t an instant process. The levo time and temperature calculator provides a range because personal preference for flavor profile (mild vs. strong) varies.
5. Should I use the “Dry” cycle first?
Yes, the levo time and temperature calculator works best when starting with properly dried and decarboxylated material to ensure chemical stability.
6. Can I double-infuse using these settings?
Double-infusing (using the same oil with fresh herbs) is a great way to boost potency. You can use the calculator for each cycle, adding the mg totals together.
7. Does the Levo Gummy Mixer change these results?
The gummy mixer is for the final step. These levo time and temperature calculator settings are specifically for the oil infusion phase prior to mixing.
8. Why does the chart dip at very high temperatures?
The chart in the levo time and temperature calculator shows a dip after 200°F because extreme heat causes thermal degradation of the active compounds you are trying to save.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
- Herb Decarboxylation Guide: Learn why activation is the essential first step before using the levo time and temperature calculator.
- Best Carrier Oils for Infusion: A guide to choosing fats with the highest bioavailability.
- Levo II vs Levo Lux: Comparing the hardware that powers these calculations.
- Infusion Potency Table: A quick-reference chart for various herb/oil combinations.
- Botanical Temperature Chart: Deep dive into the boiling points of specific terpenes.
- DIY Herbal Salve Recipe: How to use your calculated oils in topical applications.