Pre-Roll Machine Under $1,000 Compared
Under $1,000, Humboldt Filling Machines starter kits start at $369 for a 19-cone 109mm setup, and $899 gets you a 300 Series 70mm kit that fills up to 389 cones in one session. Every kit ships with the vibration table, cartridge, riser, tamping tool, mat and switched cord. King Kone V2 is $2,049, RollCraft MRB is $3,500 and Futurola Knockbox 50 is $3,748.75. Rival prices checked Oct 4, 2026.
Quick pick: home and hobby, start with a C-ONE or a 19- or 55-cone kit. Small batch, go with a 121-cone kit. High volume, get the 300 Series. Several cone sizes, buy one table and add a cartridge per size.
Quick comparison
| Humboldt Filling Machines Starter Kit | King Kone V2 | Futurola Knockbox 50 | RollCraft MRB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (checked Oct 4, 2026) | $369–$1,199 | $2,049 | $3,748.75 | $3,500 |
| Cones per batch | 19 / 55 / 121 / 315–389 by size | 169 | 50 | 72 (143 tray option) |
| Cone sizes (checked Oct 4, 2026) | 70, 84, 98 Classic, 98 Slim, 109, 140mm cones + 84mm tubes | 84, 98, 109mm; 60 and 70mm with $375 trays; tubes with conversion kit | Futurola cones 84/26, 98/26, 109/21, 109/26 | 70, 84, 98, 109mm |
| Based in | Humboldt County, CA | Corona, CA | — | Spokane, WA |
| Price per cone slot (full-size option) | $2.31 (70mm, 389 cones, $899) | $12.12 | $74.98 | $48.61 (72 tray) |
Humboldt Filling Machines starter kits: the $369–$1,199 entry to bulk filling
Humboldt Filling Machines builds vibration cone fillers in Humboldt County, California. The idea is simple: a cartridge holds your empty cones upright, the vibration table shakes material down into every cone at once, and you tamp as it settles. When the cones are full, you set the cartridge on the riser, the cones push up, and you lift each one out and twist it closed.
Here's how a session runs, straight from Humboldt Filling Machines' instructions:
- Set the vibration table on the stabilization mat and plug it into the switched cord.
- Place the cartridge on the table and fill the holes with empty cones.
- Switch the table on and pour your material over the top of the cartridge.
- Tamp firmly early in the fill for a tight pack.
- When the cones are nearly full, switch off, set the cartridge on the riser, and lift out each cone.
- Twist the ends to finish.
Each cartridge, riser and tamping tool is precision crafted by machine and hand finished in Humboldt Filling Machines' Northern California facility. The vibrating device is CNC-machined from stainless steel, then hand-configured and quality-control tested. The cartridges are made from sustainably sourced, durable bioplastic, and they clean up with hot water up to 130°F.
What's in every kit
Every starter kit ships with everything you need to start filling:
- Filling cartridge, sized to your cone
- Riser (the 300 Series uses a detachable base)
- Tamping tool
- Vibration table
- Stabilization mat, so the table stays put on hard surfaces
- Extension cord with a built-in power switch
Lifetime warranty. Every piece is covered for the life of the unit, including cartridges, the C-ONE and both vibration tables. If it breaks, from normal use or otherwise, Humboldt Filling Machines replaces it.
Capacity options from 19 to 389 cones
| Kit | Cones per session → price |
|---|---|
| 109mm King | 19 → $369 · 55 → $549 · 121 → $799 |
| 70mm Dogwalker | 55 → $449 · 121 → $549 |
| 84mm 1¼ Special | 55 → $469 · 121 → $599 |
| 84mm Artisan Tube | 55 → $469 · 121 → $599 · 389 → $999 |
| 98mm Classic | 55 → $499 · 121 → $619 |
| 98mm Slim | 121 → $619 |
| 140mm Peacemaker | 55 → $749 · 121 → $999 |
| 300 Series | 70mm 389 → $899 · 84mm 389 → $999 · 98mm 331 → $1,099 · 109mm 315 → $1,199 |
The 315–389-cone options in each size are the 300 Series.
Under $1,000, the 300 Series fills up to 389 cones per session: $899 for 70mm, $999 for 84mm.
Add sizes with cartridges from $29
Buy the table once. The standard 7–121-cone cartridges are designed for the VB1 or VB2 vibration table, so adding a cone size means adding a cartridge, not a second machine. The 300 Series (315–389 cones) runs on the VB2 ($449), which Humboldt Filling Machines builds in house. Cartridges run from $29 for a 7-cone to $799 for a 315-cone King, and each one comes with its own riser and tamping tool. Start with one size, then add 84mm, 98mm or 109mm as your menu grows. Shop cartridges →
King Kone V2
King Kone V2 is a step up for producers who want a 169-cone tray. It lists at $2,049 and fills 169 cones per cycle. It takes 84, 98 and 109mm cones, with $375 trays for 60mm and 70mm and a conversion kit for tubes. King Kone also sells a Dutch Crown closer from $1,799. Rival prices checked Oct 4, 2026.
At $2,049, one King Kone V2 costs more than a Humboldt Filling Machines 300 Series 70mm 389-cone kit plus a 109mm high-capacity 315-cone cartridge ($899 + $799 = $1,698). That buys you two sizes and 704 cone slots, both on the kit's VB2 table. Even Humboldt Filling Machines' biggest kit, the 300 Series 109mm King at $1,199, is $850 less than a King Kone V2. Rival prices checked Oct 4, 2026.
Futurola Knockbox 50
Futurola's Knockbox 50 fills 50 Futurola cones per batch and lists at $3,748.75. It's sized for Futurola's 84/26, 98/26, 109/21 and 109/26 cones. Futurola lists a Dutch Crown Device at $2,187.50 for the Knockbox 100. Rival prices checked Oct 4, 2026.
At $3,748.75, the price of one Knockbox 50 covers a Humboldt Filling Machines 300 Series kit plus three more full-size cartridges, with money left over (see the math below). Rival prices checked Oct 4, 2026.
RollCraft MRB
The RollCraft MRB is made in Spokane, Washington. It lists at $3,500 with a 72-cone tray (a 143 tray is an option), and it fills 70, 84, 98 and 109mm cones. RollCraft also sells an automated closer, and the MRB plus closer bundle is $29,995. Rival prices checked Oct 4, 2026.
At $3,500, the MRB costs nearly as much as four complete Humboldt Filling Machines 300 Series 70mm kits ($3,596), and each of those kits fills 389 cones per session. Rival prices checked Oct 4, 2026.
Which machine fits your volume?
Home and hobby. Start with a C-ONE single cone filler at $9.99, or the 109mm 19-cone kit at $369. You get the full vibration setup at the lowest buy-in on this page.
Small batch. A 121-cone kit ($549–$999 by size) is the sweet spot for small brands and shops. One session fills 121 cones, and you can step up through the 7–121-cone cartridges on the same table. The 315–389 options are the 300 Series, which runs on the VB2.
Growing brand. Run a 121-cone kit for your main size and add a second-size cartridge for a new product. A 55-cone 84mm cartridge is $119, and a 121-cone 84mm cartridge is $249.
High capacity. The 300 Series fills up to 389 cones per session, from $899.
Multi-size shop. Buy one starter kit, then add a cartridge for every size you sell. A second size starts at $29.
Second station. Already running a larger machine? A Humboldt Filling Machines kit makes an affordable second station for short runs, odd sizes or a new product line. The 300 Series 70mm kit (389 cones) is $899.
Size your setup with the cartridge guide → · Run your payback numbers →
Price-per-cone-slot math
Price per cone slot = kit price ÷ cones per session. The lower the number, the more capacity each dollar buys.
| Machine | Price | Cones per session | Price per slot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Humboldt Filling Machines 300 Series, 70mm, 389 | $899 | 389 | $2.31 |
| Humboldt Filling Machines 300 Series, 84mm, 389 | $999 | 389 | $2.57 |
| Humboldt Filling Machines 300 Series, 98mm Classic, 331 | $1,099 | 331 | $3.32 |
| Humboldt Filling Machines 300 Series, 109mm King, 315 | $1,199 | 315 | $3.81 |
| Humboldt Filling Machines 70mm kit, 121 | $549 | 121 | $4.54 |
| Humboldt Filling Machines 84mm kit, 121 | $599 | 121 | $4.95 |
| Humboldt Filling Machines 109mm King kit, 55 | $549 | 55 | $9.98 |
| Humboldt Filling Machines 109mm King kit, 19 | $369 | 19 | $19.42 |
| King Kone V2 (checked Oct 4, 2026) | $2,049 | 169 | $12.12 |
| RollCraft MRB (72 tray) (checked Oct 4, 2026) | $3,500 | 72 | $48.61 |
| Futurola Knockbox 50 (checked Oct 4, 2026) | $3,748.75 | 50 | $74.98 |
All four main sizes at full capacity for $2,996: a 300 Series kit for 70mm ($899) plus 84mm 389 ($599), 98mm 331 ($699) and 109mm 315 ($799) cartridges. That's 1,424 cone slots across four sizes, in high-capacity cartridges up to 389 cones, all on one VB2 table.
Where the rival figures come from
Rival prices and specs are as listed on each maker's public page on Oct 4, 2026. Prices change, so check the maker's page before you buy. (Publish-day note for the team: re-verify every rival price against these pages before going live.)
- King Kone V2, $2,049, 169 cones, 84/98/109mm, $375 trays for 60mm and 70mm, tube conversion kit, based in Corona, CA: kingkoneusa.com V2 page and about page, Oct 4, 2026.
- King Kone Dutch Crown Closer, from $1,799: kingkoneusa.com closer page, Oct 4, 2026.
- Futurola Knockbox 50, $3,748.75, 50 cones, Futurola cone sizes: futurola.com Knockbox 50 page, Oct 4, 2026.
- Futurola Dutch Crown Device, $2,187.50 (listed for the Knockbox 100): futurola.com page, Oct 4, 2026.
- RollCraft MRB, $3,500, 72-cone tray (143 tray option), 70/84/98/109mm, made in Spokane, WA: rollcraft.co MRB page, Oct 4, 2026.
- RollCraft closer and MRB plus closer bundle ($29,995): rollcraft.co, Oct 4, 2026.
- Price per cone slot for each rival is price divided by cones per session, from the figures above.
See it fill
Watch a Humboldt Filling Machines kit run from empty cartridge to filled cones.
FAQ
Which pre-roll machine fits a budget under $1,000?
Humboldt Filling Machines starter kits fit that budget. Kits run from $369 (109mm, 19 cones) to $999 (300 Series 84mm, 389 cones). Each comes complete with the vibration table, cartridge, riser, tamping tool, stabilization mat and switched cord, so you can start filling bulk batches right out of the box.
What is a good King Kone alternative under $1,000?
Humboldt Filling Machines starter kits start at $369, compared with $2,049 for King Kone V2. Its kits fill up to 389 cones per session, and you can add other cone sizes by swapping 7–121-cone cartridges on the same table, from $29. A 300 Series 70mm kit (389 cones) costs $899. Rival prices checked Oct 4, 2026.
What is a cheaper alternative to the Futurola Knockbox?
Humboldt Filling Machines starter kits start at $369, compared with $3,748.75 for the Knockbox 50. The Knockbox 50 fills 50 cones per batch; the 300 Series fills up to 389 for $899–$1,199, and the cartridges swap to change cone size. Rival prices checked Oct 4, 2026.
How many cones can a Humboldt Filling Machine fill at once?
19, 55, 121, 315, 331 or 389, depending on cone size and cartridge. The 109mm King kits fill 19, 55 or 121. The 70mm, 84mm and 98mm Classic kits fill 55 or 121, and the 98mm Slim fills 121. 140mm Peacemaker kits fill 55 or 121, and the 84mm Artisan Tube kits fill 55, 121 or 389 tubes. The 300 Series fills 389 (70mm, 84mm), 331 (98mm Classic) or 315 (109mm King).
Can I fill more than one cone size with one machine?
Yes. Keep your vibration table and add a cartridge for each size. Cartridges start at $29 and include their own riser and tamping tool. One VB1 or VB2 table runs 70mm, 84mm, 98mm, 109mm, 140mm and 84mm tube cartridges in 7- to 121-cone capacities. The VB2 also runs the 300 Series (315–389).
What comes in a Humboldt Filling Machines starter kit?
Six items: a filling cartridge sized to your cone, a riser (a detachable base on the 300 Series), a tamping tool, the vibration table, a stabilization mat, and an extension cord with a built-in power switch. Kits that fill up to 121 cones include the VB1 table and SP1 mat; 300 Series kits (315 to 389 cones, plus the 389-tube Artisan Tube kit) include the VB2 table and SP2 mat. Everything you need to start filling comes in the box.
What warranty does Humboldt Filling Machines offer?
Every Humboldt Filling Machines product carries a lifetime warranty, for the life of the unit. It covers every piece on its own, including cartridges, the C-ONE, and the VB1 and VB2 tables. If anything breaks, from normal use or otherwise, Humboldt Filling Machines replaces it. To start a claim, email info@humboldtfillingmachines.com.
Where are Humboldt Filling Machines made?
In Humboldt County, Northern California. Humboldt Filling Machines machine-cuts and hand-finishes every cartridge, riser and tamping tool there, using sustainably sourced, durable bioplastic. The vibrating device is CNC-machined from stainless steel and quality-control tested before it ships.
How much does a pre-roll machine cost?
Vibration starter kits start at $369 with Humboldt Filling Machines. The next tier starts at $2,049 for King Kone V2, $3,500 for RollCraft MRB and $3,748.75 for Futurola Knockbox 50. Rival prices checked Oct 4, 2026.
Ready to start filling?
Shop Starter Kits from $369 → Questions? Text the shop: (707) 296-1355 (Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm).