Automated Infusion Machines: Magical Butter, LEVO II & More
Everything you need to know about automated infusion machines like the Magical Butter Machine and LEVO II — how they work, step-by-step instructions, and how to get the best results.
Guide Notes
BatchCraft Editorial Team
Chaady Research Desk
Content is written for educational recipe-planning use and cross-checked against the calculator, recipe gallery, and process guidance already published on the site.
Updated March 13, 2026
Recipe and planning pages are designed to work with the BatchCraft calculator workflow, including serving-size assumptions, prep notes, and batch-planning helpers.
What Are Automated Infusion Machines?
Automated infusion machines are countertop appliances that combine heating, stirring, and timing into a single device to infuse carrier fats (butter, oil, glycerin) with plant material. They automate the infusion process so you do not need to babysit a pot on the stove for hours.
The Magical Butter Machine (MB2e) is the most popular model and has been on the market since 2012. It uses a built-in immersion blender and heating element to process large batches. The LEVO II takes a different approach with a pod-based system that keeps material separated from the carrier during infusion, making cleanup much easier.
How They Work
Both the Magical Butter Machine and LEVO II automate the three core steps of infusion: heating the carrier fat to the right temperature, maintaining that temperature for the right duration, and agitating the mixture to maximize extraction. Where they differ is in their approach to agitation and material handling.
| Feature | Magical Butter (MB2e) | LEVO II |
|---|---|---|
| Heating | Internal element, 130–220°F | Internal element, up to 215°F |
| Agitation | Built-in immersion blender | Magnetic stirrer pad |
| Material Handling | Material mixes freely in carrier | Material in removable pod/basket |
| Capacity | 2–5 cups of carrier | 6–19 oz of carrier |
| Straining | Requires external straining | Pod removes cleanly — minimal straining |
| Cleanup | Moderate (blended material in unit) | Easy (pod lifts out) |
| Price | ~$175–$200 | ~$200–$250 |
Critical: Decarb First
Neither the Magical Butter Machine nor the LEVO II reaches high enough temperatures to fully decarboxylate your material during infusion. You MUST decarb your material before loading it into the machine. The infusion step extracts active compounds into the carrier fat — it does not activate them. Skipping this step is the number one cause of weak results.
The LEVO II does have a built-in "Activate" cycle that can decarb material at lower temperatures, but many experienced users report that a separate, dedicated decarb step (in an oven or decarb device) produces more reliable results. If using the LEVO II activate cycle, extend the time to at least 45 minutes.
Step-by-Step: Magical Butter Machine
- 1Decarboxylate your source material first using your preferred method (oven at 240°F for 40 minutes, or a dedicated decarb device).
- 2Add your carrier fat to the Magical Butter Machine pitcher. The minimum is 2 cups — the machine will not operate below this level.
- 3Add your decarbed material to the pitcher. A common ratio is 7–14g per cup of carrier, depending on desired potency.
- 4Secure the lid and plug in the machine. Select your temperature: 160°F (71°C) for butter/oil is recommended to avoid scorching.
- 5Set the timer. 1 hour is the minimum; 2 hours is commonly recommended for a thorough extraction.
- 6Press the start button. The machine will heat the mixture and run the blender at intervals to agitate.
- 7When the cycle is complete, the machine will beep. Unplug and allow the mixture to cool for 10 minutes.
- 8Pour through the included Magical Butter straining bag (or cheesecloth) into a glass container. Squeeze gently to extract all liquid.
The Magical Butter Machine requires a minimum of 2 cups (475ml) of carrier fat to operate. If you want to make smaller batches, the LEVO II or a manual stovetop method may be a better fit.
Step-by-Step: LEVO II
- 1Decarboxylate your material separately (or use the LEVO II "Activate" mode, setting 240°F for 45 minutes).
- 2Place the decarbed material into the LEVO II herb pod. Do not overfill — leave room for the carrier to circulate around the material.
- 3Insert the pod into the LEVO II reservoir.
- 4Pour your carrier fat (oil, butter, or glycerin) into the reservoir. The minimum fill line is marked on the interior.
- 5Select "Infuse" mode on the digital display. Set temperature to 160°F (71°C) for butter, or 175°F (80°C) for oils.
- 6Set the timer between 1 and 10 hours. 2–4 hours is typical for a good extraction.
- 7Press start. The magnetic stirrer will gently agitate the mixture while holding at your set temperature.
- 8When complete, remove the herb pod and discard the spent material. Dispense the infused carrier from the built-in valve.
Tips for Best Results
- Always decarb before infusing — infusion temperatures are too low for decarboxylation
- Use coarsely ground material, not powder. Fine particles pass through strainers and create gritty texture.
- Add a tablespoon of sunflower lecithin per cup of carrier to improve emulsification and bioavailability
- For butter, use unsalted and clarified (ghee) if possible — milk solids can burn during long infusions
- Store finished infusions in airtight glass jars in the refrigerator for up to 6 months
- Run a cleaning cycle with hot water and dish soap after each use to prevent buildup
Adding sunflower lecithin (1 tbsp per cup of carrier) acts as an emulsifier, helping the active compounds bind more evenly to the fat molecules. This can improve both the consistency and the effectiveness of your infused carrier.
Efficiency & Expected Results
Automated infusion machines typically achieve 70–85% infusion efficiency, meaning that 70–85% of the active compounds in your decarbed material successfully transfer into the carrier fat. This is comparable to a well-executed stovetop method and slightly lower than a long sous vide infusion.
The primary advantage of machines is not higher efficiency but rather consistency and convenience. Every batch processed at the same settings will produce the same results, which makes dosing calculations far more reliable.
When using BatchCraft Calculator with an automated infusion machine, select the "Standard" efficiency preset (75% infusion efficiency). If you are adding lecithin and using a longer cycle (4+ hours), you can use the "Optimistic" preset.
Common Mistakes
- Skipping the decarb step and expecting the machine to do it during infusion
- Using too little carrier fat — falling below the minimum line causes uneven heating
- Setting temperatures too high — above 190°F (88°C) risks degrading active compounds and burning butter
- Not straining thoroughly — plant material left in the carrier creates bitter, off-flavors
- Overpacking the LEVO herb pod — carrier cannot circulate and extraction is reduced
- Running the Magical Butter blender too long — over-blending creates chlorophyll-heavy, unpleasant-tasting results
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