Before we begin, it's worth clarifying that a capsule filler starter kit fills two-piece shell capsules, which is what most home users are looking for. On the other hand, a pill press makes tablets that are pressed and bound together rather than filled. Generally, tablet pressing is less practical and more difficult for the average user, which is why you're most likely searching for a capsule filler.
More Than Just A Machine
Many kits include a capsule filling tray, a powder spreader, and a tamping tool. But the better ones include handy extras, like how our 100-hole Cap & Press™ Capsule Filling Machine includes our patented Capsule Size Checker, a compact tool for confirming capsule sizes of supplements you already have in your pantry. For a visual demonstration of how to use it from setup through your first finished batch, our video on how to use your capsule filler Core Series covers every step.
Gelatin Or Pullulan: Choosing Your Capsule Material
Empty capsules are the other half of the equation. Blated carries single-ingredient capsules only. To start, our fast-dissolving gelatin capsules are made from pure kosher bovine gelatin. But if you have dietary restrictions, our truly vegan pullulan offering is a naturally derived material we consider cleaner than other plant-based choices. Made 100% from natural pullulan gum, these durable capsules have an oxygen barrier 300 times stronger than other “veggie caps” and are 9 times stronger than gel caps.
Synthetic yet popular alternatives like Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) are commonly marketed as vegan, but they are lab-produced and do not meet our vegan standards. Before settling on a size or material, our guide on how to pick the best capsule size is a useful first stop, as it accounts for powder density so you are not guessing before you order. Regardless, whichever you choose, you're sure to be pleasantly surprised by how they work with both powders and oils, and they're both compatible with all of our capsule filling machines.
A Faster Alternative For Taking Powders At Home
As the icing on the cake, every capsule and capsule filler purchase from Blated also comes with free samples of Blate Papes® Gel Film Pouches. For most powder users, they are the fastest and easiest way to take powders without tasting anything. Capsules remain the better choice when pre-measured, portable doses are the priority, but having both gives you flexibility from day one.
The DIY Capsule Starter Stack: The Ultimate Supplement Capsule Filling Kit
For anyone who wants everything in one order, the DIY Capsule Starter Stack is the most straightforward way to get started. It pairs a 100-hole Cap & Press™ Core Series Capsule Filling Machine with 3000 gelatin capsules in your chosen size and a digital precision scale, which are three fundamental components that cover the full filling process without requiring separate sourcing. If you are blending more than one ingredient, run your formula through our free online Capsule Formulation Tool before your first batch. It’s super user-friendly and identifies whether your mix requires geometric dilution while also predicting how much total powder you will need for accurate dosing across every capsule.
Capsules, Color Options, And What To Know At Checkout
The capsules included are pharmaceutical-grade, made from pure kosher bovine gelatin with no fillers, dyes, or preservatives, and are compatible with all Blated capsule filling machines. One important note is that you should select the same capsule size for both the machine and the capsules at checkout for seamless compatibility. In addition, the transparent color option is only available in sizes #00 and #0. Other sizes ship in the teal exterior, though clear and white ingredient-contact surfaces are consistent across all color options to help minimize unnecessary mingling with dyes and low-quality plastics. We also prefer lighter colors as a cleaner choice because black plastic tends to hide powder residue and buildup more easily.
The Digital Scale: Precision That Eyeballing Can’t Match
Meanwhile, the digital scale handles measurements from 0.05g to 500g using a high-precision sensor with a stainless steel platform, tare and auto shut-off functions, onboard batteries, AAA battery backup, and two included trays. Compact enough for any countertop and precise enough to remove the guesswork from dosage planning entirely, you’ll find that it’s perfect for weighing herbs, supplements, and more. For anyone who already has a machine or capsules, it is also available as a standalone purchase. And if you want a detailed look at how Core and Pro Series machines compare before deciding which to pair it with, our Core vs. Pro Series Capsule Fillers Explained article breaks down the differences in materials, tamper design, and cleanability.
Building Your Own DIY Capsule Kit From Individual Components
Prefer to source each piece separately or swap in a different capsule material? Although the DIY capsule kit above gives you everything you need to get started, every component in the Starter Stack is also available on its own.
- Cap & Press™ Capsule Filling Machine, 100 Hole: The same Core Series machine included in the Starter Stack, available individually. Each machine is built for a single size, and you can choose your capsule size at checkout. This includes a metal lab spoon, screwdriver, illustrated step-by-step guide, video tutorial, free Blate Papes® Gel Film Pouch sample pack, and Blated's patented Capsule Size Checker.
- Gelatin Empty Capsules: These are pharmaceutical-grade, fast-dissolving gel caps made from pure kosher bovine gelatin and purified water with no additives, dyes, or preservatives. Available in sizes 00, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, each package includes a free Blate Papes® sample. In addition, they are compatible with all Blated machines as well as powder and liquid fillings.
- Vegan Pullulan Empty Capsules: For anyone who prefers a plant-based capsule, pullulan is Blated's recommended vegan option, naturally derived through fermentation, free from synthetic processing, and available in both joined and pre-separated formats to match your machine setup. Compatible with powders and oils, they provide a stronger oxygen and moisture barrier than gelatin or HPMC, keeping your supplements fresher for longer.
- Digital Scale: The same precision scale included in the Starter Stack, available individually for anyone who already has a machine or capsules and just needs accurate measurement to complete their setup.
Helpful Add-Ons To Your Capsule Filler Starter Kit
If you are working with whole dried herbs, mushrooms, or coarsely ground spices, getting them to a fine, consistent powder before filling matters. Clumpy or uneven grinds pack inconsistently into capsule trays and can throw off your fill from hole to hole. A quick pass through our Electric Herb Grinder solves that in seconds before it becomes a problem. It’s a smart first step for any DIY capsule kit setup that starts with whole or coarsely ground ingredients.
From there, you might want to invest in our Long-Handle Powder Spoon Set, featuring stainless steel powder spoons at the right length for supplement bags, tubs, and jars. Many of us already know the struggle of reaching into deep supplement bags or narrow-mouthed tubs, which can lead to frustrating spills that waste valuable product. A set of stainless steel spoons sized specifically for supplement containers keeps the process cleaner whether you are scooping into a capsule tray or filling a gel film pouch. Useful for both capsule tray loading and filling Blate Papes®, you’ll love how they keep hands and surfaces spotless between scoops.
