Laboy Glass Soxhlet Extraction Apparatus Set, 300 mm Allihn Condenser, 55/50 & 24/40 Joints, Reusable Glass Thimble with Fritted Disc, Borosilicate 3.3, Flask Not Included

This glassware is very high quality. I've been very impressed with the tinctures I've been able to produce with this extractor. It allows me to condense one to two months of work into 18 hours. In addition the potency and quality of medicine has increased greatly. The thimble is relatively heavy, so I had to modify a kitchen utensil to lower it into the extractor body gently, otherwise you will likely break the extractor body if you just drop it in. Other companies use disposable paper filters, which have their conveniences but aren't exactly cheap or easy to replace. The thimble has a "frit disc" (basically it's finely smashed glass that's gently melted together so it still allows fluid to pass through) at the bottom which allows the extract to pass through with the menstruum. The downside to this is, if your extract has very dense oils, it can clog the frit disc and drastically slow or even stop the extraction process. Only once out of dozens of uses have I actually had to abort a project because of clogging. I've found soaking the disc in industrial hydrogen peroxide between uses keeps it "like new" and running smoother. Above all, my 5star rating is for their amazing customer service. I have grown to expect a cold shoulder from retailers shipping out of Asia in regards to returns etc. Let me tell you, this is not the case with Laboy. After using this extractor for over three months, I noticed a subtle defect in the glass that could potentially cause a safety concern down the road. I sent them an email expecting no help, as I was way outside amazon's window for returns. They promptly shipped me a brand new condenser in immaculate condition, and did not require me to hassle with return shipping of the old condenser. Also I will say that the shipping is much faster than Amazon says, surprisingly fast for shipping out of Beijing.

Extraction chamber volume is 200ml to the siphon. I ran it on a 200w stirring hot plate with a 1L flask but it could easily run on a 500ml boiling flask. I installed some bubble mylar insulation on the extractor to help protect the delicate arms from damage and added insulation to keep heat in for extraction. The condenser is beautiful and well designed. Even has a bit of a barb on the bottom if you wanted to use it elsewhere with a 1/2" ID silicone tube.

On first use, one of the glass pieces broke upon heating.

When it comes to Amazon lab glass, I only buy Laboy. This thing works as expected, arrived in great condition and I absolutely love it. I only buy Laboy Labware, I've legit have had round bottom flask drop from my overhead counters, land on a drinking glass, shatter it, fall to the ground and roll away. Not a crack or scratch on it

By all accounts a good purchase. I use it for tinctures. I have heard that US made Soxhlets are thicker but at around $500 would place it way out of my price range. Item is well made & works great. Just be gentle & if it breaks ... I'll buy another.

This extraction kit is great. No need for paper filters, there is a filter built into the included glass thimble. I enjoy the shape of the condenser, kinda looks like anal beads, butt hey it works very well. Kinda challenging getting the thimble out without tilting the apparatus, I used flask tongs. Depending on what you're up to, I suggest hexane as your solvent.

This is a beautiful set of lab glassware. Packing was done VERY well as it arrived in perfect condition. I would make one note that was mention in another review about the thimble. Just be careful when inserting into the extractor and not to drop it in. The thimble bottom with the filter disc is a bit heavy and could break the extractor. A wad of glass wool would give a little cushion. Unbelievable workmanship... How do they do that?

It's quality glassware, and was siked to make some chili extract but I never got the chance cause it arrived broken, I could have happened anywhere. Sending it back tomorrow and getting a new one, hopefully not broken this time.......

Well thank you Laboy for sending out the missing pc.