Nova vs. FX: Which Device Is Right For You? (2024)

Nova vs. FX: Where it all started

When the Ardent Nova Decarboxylator was developed in 2015, there was very little research on the science of decarboxylation. Ardent’s founder, Shanel Lindsay, however, was determined to stretch her cannabis and infusions further to treat a painful medical condition.

In her experimentation to perfect edibles beginning in 2001, it became clear that traditional appliances like the oven, crockpot, and toaster oven were either burning off essential cannabinoids or failing to activate them entirely. She was done wasting her material.

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Nova vs. FX: Which Device Is Right For You? (1)

The Nova, Ardent’s flagship device, was invented to meet the need for precision decarboxylation, and has done amazing things for patients and cannabis consumers around the globe by completely streamlining the activation process by bringing a lab-grade device into the home. A one-touch system, the Nova uses a proprietary thermal blanket and dual sensors for precision decarboxylation and infusion, so you use far less material and stretch your supply further. It has also become a great resource for home growers and those living in discreet housing situations. An upfront investment that quickly pays for itself and makes life a lot easier, Nova helps any consumer or mmj patient on their wellness journey!

Nova vs. FX: Which Device Is Right For You? (2)

The Nova decarboxylator was joined by big little sister, the Ardent FX, in 2020. Keeping the same goals in mind, with an upgraded, modern twist, the FX brought all-in-one portable cannabis cooking capabilities to the scene.

Here’s how our two devices compare:

Nova Decarboxylator & Infuser

Nova vs. FX: Which Device Is Right For You? (3)

Nova key features

Decarb Capabilities: Easily activate THCA with the press of a button. Achieve over 97% activation of plant material in every cycle. Also activates CBD to over 85% activation.

Fits: Up to an ounce of plant material at a time - perfect for single-consumption households. No minimum amount required!

Infusion Capabilities: Infuse small batches of butter, ghee, and oils like coconut, MCT, extra virgin olive oil, avocado, and more. Use the Nova’s Concentrate and Infusion Sleeve for mess-free infusions inside the unit.

Baking Capabilities: Personal sized cakes can be made in the Nova, either following your own recipe, box, or using our Cloud Cake Sampler Kit.

Dishwasher Safe: No. Please hand wash the Nova’s inner canister between uses, making sure it’s thoroughly dry before each use.

How much does it cost?

Price: $260

Buy: Here

Nova Accessories: (New) Nova Lifter,

Ardent FX

Nova vs. FX: Which Device Is Right For You? (4)

Ardent FX key features

Decarb Capabilities: Two different activation settings for full activation of all cannabinoids: A1 setting to decarb THCA and A2 for CBD. Achieve over 97% activation of plant material in every cycle.

Fits: Nearly 4x the capacity of the Ardent Nova. Up to 4 ounces of plant material. No minimum amount required!

Infusion Capabilities: Yes! Press the device's “infuse” setting to effortlessly combine decarbed material with butter, ghee, or oils like coconut, MCT, extra virgin olive oil, avocado, and more. Use the FX’s Concentrate and Infusion Sleeve for mess-free infusions inside the unit. To strain, use the Infusion Press, which replaces the FX lid after decarb, and allows you to easily separate the usable material from the raffinate. If you prefer higher infusion temp, you can also infuse using the A1 setting.

Baking Capabilities: Yes! Use the Bake setting to cook mini cakes, loaves, pies, tarts, and other sweet treats, along with beans, pasta, and other savory favorites directly inside the FX.

Dishwasher Safe? Yes! Remove the FX from its power base, and either toss it in the dishwasher or wash the unit by hand.

How much does it cost?

Price: $350

Buy: Here

FX Accessories: (New) Infusion Press, (New) FX Lifter, Infusion Sleeve

Both the Nova and the FX are discreet appliances that blend in seamlessly with your other kitchen gadgets.

Each device is equipped with Ardent's patented technology for full activation of cannabinoids to easily create cannabis and hemp foods, tinctures, capsules, topicals, and more - dosed, flavored, and served your way.

Nova vs. FX: Which Device Is Right For You? (5)

Which Device is Best for Me?

The biggest difference between the FX and Nova is the size of the units. If you are someone who likes to make their own edibles frequently, and will typically be working with stronger infusions, thus requiring more material, the FX would be the best choice for you. If you are someone who likes to make edibles, but typically makes smaller batches and strengths, the Nova will likely be a better fit for you.


Stop spending your hard earned money on pre-packaged edibles and topicals - make your own with plenty of leftovers for your headstash. You will make less trips to the dispensary with Ardent technology. Shop the full suite of Ardent technology, accessories, and kits on our website.

Nova vs. FX: Which Device Is Right For You? (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between Ardent FX and Nova? ›

The biggest difference between the FX and Nova is the size of the units. If you are someone who likes to make their own edibles frequently, and will typically be working with stronger infusions, thus requiring more material, the FX would be the best choice for you.

Who makes the best decarboxylator? ›

  1. Ardent FX Decarboxylator. The Ardent FX makes decarboxylating cannabis simple and efficient, perfect for both chefs and those less comfortable in the kitchen. ...
  2. Herb Decarboxylator Infuser 2 in 1. ...
  3. Roman Ventures 2-In-1 Decarboxylator & Infuser.
Apr 21, 2024

How long does the ardent nova take to infuse? ›

How long does each cycle run for the Ardent FX? The A1 Cycle and A2 Cycle should never take more than 3.5 hours including cool down. The Infusion cycle will run for close to 3 hours. The Bake cycle runs for 45 minutes.

Is there a machine that decarbs and infuses? ›

Elemax Decarboxylator,Decarb and Infuser Machine with Central Heating Mode to Make Butter,Oil and Tincture.

Is the ardent nova worth it? ›

Overall the Nova was an awesome machine to use and I definitely plan to keep one in my kitchen. It doesn't take up too much space and can easily be stored in the cabinet or on the counter. The ease of use and flexibility in how much cannabis can be decarbed make for wonderful attributes.

What is the ardent Nova used for? ›

What is the Ardent Nova? The Nova is a culinary multi-tool used to decarboxylate cannabis flower and concentrates. It also doubles as an infusion chamber.

What is the best temperature for a decarboxylator? ›

Between 230° F to 266° F is the ideal range for decarbing. At lower temperatures, you may get incomplete conversion and oxidation. At higher temperatures, you increase the risk of denaturing your active compounds through oxidation and creating a sedative effect.

How long does a nebula boost decarboxylator take? ›

You can select either Fahrenheit or Celsius on the machine, ranging from 160°F to 250°F (71°C - 121°C). We recommend setting the time for 1hour:30mins & temperature at 110°C (230°F) for the perfect decarboxylation process.

Is the magical butter machine worth it? ›

Then I bought this on a whim and found this to be just right! Not only is it easy to use (you just add in the herb/oil/butter/alcohol and go) but it has no smell and makes very potent brews. But I've found that I've been using this for much more than my original use. I love making infused oils for my hair and skin too.

Can I infuse honey in the Ardent FX? ›

Pour honey over the decarbed cannabis in the Sleeve and begin an infusion cycle in the Nova or FX. Once you get the green indicator light, it's time to pour your honey into your storage container.

What temperature does Ardent FX Decarb at? ›

Decarboxylation will begin at 225 °F after about 30 minutes and the Ardent FX will fully decarboxylate in around 2-3 hours. The FX uses the lowest possible temperature setting in their decarb heating algorithm and an airtight container to ensure terpenes do not escape during decarb.

Why is the red light flashing on my Ardent FX? ›

The red light flashing on the unit indicates that it is now in the cool down cycle and your decarb process is almost over! What is the difference between A1 and A2 cycles for the Ardent FX? The A1 Cycle activates T*C and C*Band the A2 cycle activates C*D.

Can you infuse too long? ›

Infusing for too long may result in an overly strong, bitter, or sweet drink, so make sure to follow our instructions and timing below!

What temperature does LĒVO Decarb at? ›

Activation removes the acid, or the “A” molecule, by releasing a carbon atom from a carbon chain. This can only be achieved through heat and time. With all LĒVO machines, we recommend our default setting of 240°F / 116°C for 30 minutes, or 45 min for LĒVO C.

What is the minimum amount of ardent FX? ›

Holds up to 4 ounces at a time but requires no minimum material amount — make potent edibles with just a gram of flower!

What does the ardent FX do? ›

Allows you to decarboxylate THC, CBD, and CBG, infuse oils, butters, milks and creams, and bake your favorite edibles, all in the comfort of your own home and with the push of a button.

What is the difference between Ardent FX A1 and A2? ›

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.

How do you infuse with Ardent FX? ›

To infuse right inside the Ardent FX or Minis just add the oil or butter of your choosing over your precisely activated plant material inside the FX's core. Cover the FX with the standard lid or the Ardent FX Scent Shield, and press the “M'' or “mode” button until it's reached the Infuse setting.

What temp does Ardent FX infuse? ›

Infusion Cycle

This cycle peaks at 176 degrees F (or 80 degrees C). Important Note: Ardent's tests have shown that whether the infusion runs for a one hour or a 2 hour cycle, the potency is the same.

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