Summary
Choose your path based on product type, batch size, and growth goals.
Operators frequently want to know “What do I actually need to start?” and “What does a professional high-volume setup look like?”
This comparison gives clear guidance whether you're a startup or planning full-scale manufacturing.
BASIC SETUP (Startups | Small-Batch | R&D | Cottage-to-Commercial Transition)
Best for:
- New edibles brands
- Small-volume gummy or chocolate makers
- Early-stage R&D
- Limited budgets
- Shared kitchens or small licensed space
Typical Output:
- 1–20 lbs per batch
- 50–2,000 gummies/hour
- 10–50 chocolate molds/hour
- Occasional baked goods
Core Equipment – Basic Setup
Mixing & Homogenization
- 5–20 qt planetary mixer
- Immersion blender
- Basic emulsifier or handheld homogenizer
- Small food processor
Heating & Cooking
- Countertop or single-deck convection oven
- Induction burner or small electric range
- Countertop cook-and-hold
- Small double-boiler setup for chocolate
Cooling & Refrigeration
- 1–2 reach-in refrigerators
- 1 reach-in freezer
- Ice bath OR small countertop blast chiller (optional but helpful)
Holding & Melting
- Countertop bain marie
- Small chocolate melter (5–20 lb tank)
- Small warming cabinet
Sanitation & Cleaning
- 3-compartment sink
- Hand sink
- Basic sanitizer station
- Wire drying racks
Storage & Security
- 2–3 NSF shelving units
- Small ingredient bins
- Locking cabinet for THC ingredients
- Limited packaging workstation
Utilities Needed
- Standard 110/120V outlets
- Small 208V plug for one oven
- No hood required if no grease or high-heat cooking
- Basic HVAC
Team Skills Required
- 1–2 trained staff
- Light food safety knowledge
- Moderate cooking skills
- Basic understanding of emulsification & infusion
Estimated Cost:
$15,000–$85,000
ADVANCED SETUP (Commercial Scale | High Throughput | Multi-State Ops | Private Label Production)
Best for:
- Full-scale edible manufacturers
- Dedicated gummy, chocolate, or baked goods operations
- Multi-state operators (MSOs)
- Contract manufacturers (white label / private label)
- High-throughput CPG production
Typical Output:
- 50–500+ lbs per batch
- 5,000–50,000 gummies/hour
- 200–2,000 chocolate molds/hour
- Consistent daily production
Core Equipment – Advanced Setup
Mixing & Homogenization
- 20–80 qt planetary mixer
- Industrial high-shear mixer
- Inline homogenizer
- Automated emulsification system
- Large food processor or cutter-mixer
Heating & Cooking
- Full-size combi ovens
- Deck or roll-in ovens
- Steam-jacketed kettles (40–100 gal)
- Precision decarboxylation ovens
- Automated candy kettles with PLC controls
Cooling & Refrigeration
- Walk-in coolers & freezers
- Dedicated chocolate cooling tunnel
- Industrial blast chiller
- Temperature/humidity-controlled rooms (critical for gummies & chocolate)
Holding & Melting
- Bulk chocolate melters (50–500 lb tanks)
- Large heated holding cabinets
- Portable heated carts
- Multi-zone warming systems
Sanitation & Cleaning
- High-temp commercial dishmachine
- Multiple hand sinks
- Floor drains
- Automated sanitation systems (foamers, sprayers)
- Full GMP cleaning program
Storage & Security
- High-density NSF shelving systems
- Walk-in ingredient coolers
- Secure caged vault for THC distillate
- Staging & pallet racking for packaging
- Cart systems for molds & trays
Utilities Needed
- 208/240V 3-phase power
- Type I or II commercial hood
- Fire suppression (UL 300)
- Large HVAC & dehumidification systems
- Floor drainage system
Team Skills Required
- Trained production techs
- Food safety manager
- Cannabis compliance lead
- Process engineer (recommended)
- Dedicated sanitation team
Estimated Cost:
$200,000–$1,500,000+
Quick Comparison Chart
CTA: Not Sure Which Setup You Need?
Aldevra can build a customized equipment plan based on your:
- Product type
- Production volume
- Budget
- State regulatory requirements
- Available electrical & mechanical capacity
- Growth roadmap
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