Levo Time And Temperature Calculator

Your expert tool for perfect herbal infusions every time.

Recommended Settings

Temperature Safety Visualizer

This chart shows the recommended infusion temperature relative to the oil’s smoke point. Avoid exceeding the smoke point.

What is a Levo Time and Temperature Calculator?

A levo time and temperature calculator is a specialized tool designed to help users of Levo oil infusers determine the optimal settings for their infusions. Achieving a perfect herbal infusion is a science. The temperature must be high enough to extract the desired compounds from the botanical ingredients but low enough to avoid destroying them or scorching the oil. Similarly, the duration of the infusion affects its potency and flavor profile. This calculator removes the guesswork, providing scientifically-backed recommendations for various combinations of herbs and oils.

This tool is for anyone from home cooks and DIY skincare enthusiasts to medicinal herb users who want consistent, effective results from their Levo machine. A common misunderstanding is that “hotter and longer” is always better. This is false and can lead to degraded, bitter-tasting infusions with reduced potency. Using a precise decarboxylation calculator for active herbs first is also a critical, often-missed step.

Levo Infusion Formula and Explanation

Unlike a mathematical equation, the “formula” for a levo time and temperature calculator is a lookup-based algorithm. It relies on a database of tested values for different botanical and carrier oil pairings. The calculator cross-references your selected ingredients to find the ideal point of thermal extraction without degradation.

The core logic is: Settings = f(Herb, Oil) where the function ‘f’ retrieves a pre-determined time and temperature value. The key variables are:

Infusion Variable Explanations

Variable	Meaning	Unit (Auto-Inferred)	Typical Range
Herb Type	The botanical ingredient being infused.	Categorical	(e.g., Cannabis, Lavender, Garlic)
Oil Type	The carrier liquid for the infusion.	Categorical	(e.g., Olive Oil, MCT Oil, Butter)
Temperature	The heat applied during the infusion cycle.	°F or °C	105 – 250 °F (40 – 121 °C)
Time	The duration of the infusion cycle.	Minutes / Hours	30 – 480 minutes

Practical Examples

Example 1: Potent Cannabis-Infused Butter (Cannabutter)

A user wants to make a classic cannabutter recipe. They have already decarboxylated their cannabis using the ‘Activate’ cycle.

• Inputs:
  • Herb: Cannabis (Infuse)
  • Oil: Butter
  • Unit: Fahrenheit
• Calculator Results:
  • Recommended Temperature: 175°F
  • Recommended Time: 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Notes: Ensure butter is clarified or use ghee to reduce water content for a better infusion and longer shelf life.

Example 2: Calming Lavender-Infused Olive Oil

A user wants to create a soothing, aromatic oil for skincare or culinary use.

• Inputs:
  • Herb: Lavender
  • Oil: Olive Oil
  • Unit: Celsius
• Calculator Results:
  • Recommended Temperature: 74°C
  • Recommended Time: 60 minutes
  • Notes: Use high-quality, dried lavender buds for the best flavor and aroma. Avoid powder.

How to Use This Levo Time and Temperature Calculator

Using this tool is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect infusion:

1. Select Your Herb: From the first dropdown menu, choose the botanical you are infusing. If you are using cannabis, be sure to select ‘Activate’ for the first cycle to decarboxylate it, then select ‘Infuse’ for the second cycle with your oil.
2. Select Your Oil: From the second dropdown, pick the carrier oil or liquid you’re using. The calculator accounts for different smoke points and properties.
3. Choose Your Unit: Select Fahrenheit (°F) or Celsius (°C). The results will automatically convert for you.
4. Review the Results: The calculator will instantly display the recommended temperature and time. Pay close attention to any notes provided, as they offer crucial tips for success.
5. Visualize Temperature Safety: Check the bar chart to ensure your infusion temperature is safely below the oil’s smoke point, preserving the quality of your infusion. Read our herbal infusion guide for more details on why this matters.

Key Factors That Affect Levo Infusion

While our levo time and temperature calculator provides a strong baseline, several factors can influence the final outcome:

• Herb Freshness and Dryness: Drier herbs infuse more efficiently than fresh ones, which contain water that can hinder oil extraction and reduce shelf life.
• Grind Consistency: A coarse grind is ideal. A powder-fine grind can make the infusion cloudy and difficult to strain, and may impart a grassy taste.
• Material Purity: The quality of your herbs and oils will directly impact the quality of the final product. Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
• Decarboxylation: For psychoactive herbs like cannabis, proper activation (decarboxylation) before infusion is the single most important factor for potency.
• Carrier Oil Type: Different oils have different molecular structures and smoke points. Saturated fats like coconut oil and MCT oil are highly effective at binding with cannabinoids. Explore our LEVO vs. Magic Butter Machine comparison to see how hardware handles different oils.
• Altitude: At higher altitudes, liquids boil at lower temperatures. While Levo machines are sealed, extreme altitudes might require slight time adjustments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What happens if I use a temperature that is too high?

Using a temperature that’s too high can burn your oil and destroy the delicate chemical compounds (like terpenes and minor cannabinoids) in your herbs. This leads to a bitter taste and reduced effectiveness.

2. What is the difference between the ‘Activate’ and ‘Infuse’ cycles?

The ‘Activate’ cycle (decarboxylation) is a higher-heat, dry cycle used to “turn on” compounds like THCA in cannabis, converting them to psychoactive THC. The ‘Infuse’ cycle is a lower-temperature cycle used to gently transfer the activated compounds and flavor into your oil.

3. Can I infuse for longer than the recommended time?

You can, but it may not make your infusion stronger. After a certain point, you reach maximum saturation. Infusing for too long, even at a low temperature, can start to extract chlorophyll and other undesirable compounds, making the oil taste grassy.

4. Why does the calculator recommend different settings for the same herb in different oils?

Different oils have different heat-transfer properties and smoke points. The calculator adjusts to provide the optimal extraction temperature while staying safely below the point where the oil begins to break down and smoke.

5. Do I need to dry my fresh herbs before infusing?

Yes, it is highly recommended. Levo’s “Dry” cycle can prepare your fresh herbs. Removing moisture prevents water from getting into your oil, which improves the infusion quality and extends the shelf life of your final product.

6. How accurate is this levo time and temperature calculator?

The recommendations are based on extensive testing and data from Levo and community sources. They provide a highly accurate starting point for a perfect infusion. Consider these as your baseline, and feel free to experiment with minor adjustments to suit your personal taste.

7. Can I reuse my herbs for a second infusion?

You can, but the second infusion will be significantly less potent as most of the active compounds will have been extracted during the first run. It’s generally not recommended if you’re seeking strong effects.

8. What are the best herbs to get started with?

Besides cannabis, garlic, rosemary, and ginger are fantastic starting points for creating savory DIY infused oils for cooking. For something aromatic and calming, lavender or chamomile in a carrier like MCT oil is excellent.