Ardent FX Decarboxylator Review

I’ve been making edibles for over 20 years, and I can confidently say there is nothing on the market like the Ardent FX decarboxylator when it comes to consistency and ease. 

Below I dive into why I love this machine and why you will too in this Ardent FX Decarboxylator review. 

Ardent FX Decarboxylator Review

More than just a run-of-the-mill decarboxylator, the Ardent FX is a highly sophisticated cannabis processing device.

Often referred to as a ‘full cannabis kitchen’ in regard to its ability to effortlessly transform raw weed into a variety of edibles, oils, and tinctures.

PROS (+)

• No grinding necessary
• Easy to operate and extremely easy to clean up
• Cool to touch

CONS (+)

• Expensive
• No sound alert when finished

Compact and lightweight in design, the Ardent FX can conveniently plug into any standard electrical outlet so that it can perform its magic virtually anywhere in your home. 

It’s perfectly suited to a kitchen motif and incorporates itself well into an already existing lineup of countertop appliances.

Most importantly, the Ardent FX is not only perfect for decarboxylating and infusing botanicals, but it can also take the process one giant step further by actually baking your edibles right inside the device itself.

In addition to full activation of the THC, CBD, and CBG within the flower being processed, the Ardent FX provides you with 4 different settings to accommodate a full range of functions, including activation, infusion, melting, baking, and more.

The “M” mode button will cycle you through the 4 settings – A1, A2, Infuse, and Bake, which then set the foundation for how you use the Ardent FX.

A1 – Activate THC: This setting regulates the optimal temperature necessary for decarboxylating both THC and CBG.

A2 – Activate CBD: This setting is specifically designed for CBD, as it has a different ideal decarb temperature than THC or CBG.

Infuse: This is a lower temperature setting and not for decarboxylating. It is calculated for infusing your butter or oil with material that has already been activated. 

The Ardent FX infusion time takes between 2 and 3 hours, depending upon the type of processing being done. This does not include the time spent in straining the final product.

Bake: This is the highest temperature setting and is designed for baking your infused treats.

When using either the A1 or A2 settings, you can simply fill the receptacle with a flower, either whole or ground, and power it up. When infusing oil you can put it right into the stainless steel inner cavity.

The machine itself comes with four parts; the main chamber, lid, a durable base with an electrical connector, and a custom carrying case that makes it easy to transport.

Also included in the manufacturer’s package is a quick-start guide with easy-to-understand instructions, along with a digital in-depth instruction manual, which is available to you immediately after you have registered the product online.

What’s Good

The Ardent FX is a premium device that is well constructed and has the capacity to process up to 4 times more herbal material at a time than its predecessor, the Ardent Nova. 

Additionally, unlike the Nova, which some users said occasionally emitted detectable cannabis-related aromas, the improved silicone lid and the tight new cover for the Ardent FX perform together perfectly to trap all of the smell and makes the operation virtually odorless.

The temperature settings have been adeptly calculated to facilitate optimum results from each session. The Ardent FX reliably offers exceptional results when it comes to producing pure, potent, and terpene-rich extracts. 

The unit is also perfectly suited for individuals who have a desire to supplement their diet with cannabinoid compounds such as CBD and CBG, as well as THC.

What Could Be Better

The Ardent FX is only available in the color purple. 

While some might fancy this choice as being stylish, it will easily set the unit apart from all of the other appliances on your counter, which are usually white, black, chrome, or variations thereof. 

This may seem a bit picky until you realize the possible ramifications. The color is rather loud and can quickly draw the attention of visiting guests and lead to the obvious question, “What is that?”

Of course, this situation can be easy to deal with when responding to that query coming from the most enlightened individuals these days. 

However, you may occasionally entertain certain people or family members who are definitely not cannabis-friendly, in which case such a high-profile presence on your countertop could lead to an awkward moment for all.

Although it is an extremely high-quality product, its price point of around $300 makes it one of the most expensive decarboxylators on the market.

And, while a vast majority of its features are state-of-the-art, it does seem a bit surprising that the Ardent FX does not offer the user any type of audio prompt to let them know when any of the processes have been completed.

Design Features

The Ardent FX is sleek and sophisticated in its appearance and has been manufactured to meet the highest industry standards in regard to its construction.

When compared, both the upgraded Ardent FX and the original Nova model allow you to efficiently decarboxylate herbs with the simple push of a button. 

The biggest difference between it and the Nova is the physical size and overall capacity of the respective units.  

If you happen to like frequently making your own edibles, you will likely be working with stronger infusions, which require more herbal material to effectively formulate. 

If this happens to be the case, then the FX would be a far superior choice to satisfy those needs.

Pricing

While it is true that the Ardent FX costs around $300, which is a rather steep asking price for the budget of many potential customers, the fact of the matter is that you get what you pay for. 

At the high price of premium cannabis these days, investing in the Ardent FX makes sense because your flower ends up being converted to something twice as potent after it has been processed in the unit. 

As a result, over time, you could feasibly save enough in continuous usage to easily justify the initial purchase.

Durability

The Ardent FX Decarboxylator is a premium quality device that is manufactured in accordance with the highest industry standards. It is made from high-grade stainless steel, which makes it far more durable than most similar units. 

Its airtight silicone top makes the straining process free from any leakage and unwanted spills and it also features a triple-tier cooling rack that is food-safe and rust resistant. 

With proper care and usage, the Ardent FX should provide you with years of quality performance and service. 

Additionally, the company offers a full warranty on all of its products. However, you must purchase your device directly from the Ardent Life Store in order for it to be applicable.

How To Use Ardent FX 

Remove the FX Unit and power base from the purple carrying case. Plug the base into an outlet. Please note that the power base can short circuit if wet and should be used on a dry surface.

Place the FX unit onto the base charger; note the power light will show as green with one of the four setting options lit as yellow.

Click the “M” Mode Button to cycle through the four settings and choose your desired heat level.

Open the top of the FX, place your material in and reattach the top completely. 

Here are the modes you can pick from:

• A1 – Activate THC; cycle optimized to activate THC from THCA – Also activates CBGA to CBG. 
• A2 – Activate CBD; cycle optimized to activate CBD from CBDA. 
• Infuse – Use this setting to infuse your activated material into oil, butter and more; this cycle runs at a lower temperature. 
• Bake – The highest temperature setting, use this setting to bake treats.

If decarbing flower, only use as much product as fits comfortably in the unit. Do not try to jam more in, as it will negatively impact the flower’s trichomes and may cause the unit to fail. 

Oil for infusion can be placed right inside the stainless steel inner cavity.

Click the Power button to start the cycle. The button color should change from green to red, indicating that the cycle is in progress. 

At the end of the A1 and A2 cycles, the Power button will flash red, indicating the cool-down has started. Please wait until the cool-down stops completely to open the FX.

How to Extract with The Ardent FX

After A1 or A2 activation cycles, choose your oil or butter preference and add it to your activated material inside your FX.

Use the M button to toggle to Infuse mode and click the Power button to start the low-temp infusion.

After the infusion cycle, store your infused oil or add it to your favorite baking recipe and bake in your FX.

Repeat steps 3 & 4 to run the Bake cycle.

Once finished with use, hand wash the FX unit or place it in the dishwasher, making sure the detachable power base does not get wet. Let the device dry completely before placing it on the base.

The Final Verdict: Ardent FX Review

The Ardent FX is specifically designed for people looking for a one-step, push-button method for processing their raw weed into something that is pure, potent, and easily consumed product that takes their cannabis experience to another level without expending a lot of effort on their part. 

If you are only a casual user of infused edibles, then paying $300.00 for an Ardent FX may not be a viable investment unless you can truly afford the investment. 

However, if edibles happen to be your go-to method for consuming cannabis, then it is definitely worth the money that you will be spending to purchase the unit.

The fact that you can easily decarboxylate, infuse, and bake your edible items, all in a single device, makes it perfect for those seeking simplicity, convenience, and efficacy in what would otherwise be an involved and often messy, process.

When it comes to competition, similar devices on the market that cost between $150 and $250.00, do not stand up well when compared to the Ardent FX because of its exceptional capacity and the range of features that it offers to those who are willing to make the investment. 

Ardent also does a good job of standing behind their products with their 1-year warranty. All in all, I’d highly recommend buying this unit if you want to make the best homemade edibles possible with the least effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to decarb CBD in the Ardent FX?

The complete decarbing process for CBD in the Ardent FX takes about an hour and 45 minutes, which is a bit longer than it takes in a conventional oven.

How long does the Ardent FX take to infuse?

While easy to perform, it is important that potential users realize that it is not an instant process. Making infusions in the Ardent FX will take from 2 to 3 hours to fully accomplish, which does not include straining time.