What are the best very small silver refiner machine

1. Shor Thumb Cell and true bench electrolytic systems — best for jewelers wanting continuous high-purity output

Shor’s Thumb Cell is a compact, continuously running electrolytic system designed to accept silver that is already high‑grade (around sterling or better) and produces electrolytic‑grade silver of roughly 99.95–99.99% purity, but it requires a separate rectifier and only works with silver feedstock about 90% pure or higher ^[1]. Electrolytic refining reliably achieves very high purity and selective impurity removal, which makes it attractive for small shops that can maintain ventilation and proper electrical controls ^[4].

2. Small automatic electrolytic machines (3 kg/day class) — balance of throughput and automation

Several suppliers advertise compact automated electrolytic units rated around 2–3 kg per 24 hours that use titanium cathodes and dilute nitric acid electrolytes to yield 99.9–99.99% silver; these machines (e.g., Aicheng’s 3kg/24h) are built for small studios or light industrial use and separate anode slimes for recovery of other precious metals ^[2]. Manufacturers and trade writeups emphasize automation, but also note that electrolysis can be slow for larger volumes and that chemical handling remains a safety concern ^{[2] [4]}.

3. Compact multifunctional systems (REFINEIT, Delmer, Karat24) — small footprint with broader feedstock tolerance

Systems marketed as small‑footprint, multifunctional refiners (REFINEIT‑2KMK, modular Delmer cells, and smaller Karat24 offerings) position themselves for users who need a broader range of input materials or modular scale‑up, and manufacturers claim simplified operation, built‑in filtration, or modular expansion from single‑cell capacities up to tens of kilograms per day ^{[3] [6] [7]}. These vendors stress operator training, ventilation and waste handling as part of supply agreements, but buyers should verify independent performance data and local compliance support ^[8].

4. Kits and DIY small cells — lowest cost but highest safety and consistency risk

Hobbyist kits and DIY stainless‑bowl silver cells are common entry points for very small throughput (ounces to pounds per week); kits include molds and PPE, and forums document home‑built cells and workflow hacks, but community threads repeatedly warn that refining involves toxic, corrosive chemicals and requires dedicated fume control and waste treatment to be safe and legal ^{[9] [10] [11]}. For anyone without lab infrastructure, kits are the cheapest route yet carry elevated risk for fumes, acid spills and improper waste disposal ^{[9] [11]}.

5. How to choose: capacity, purity, feedstock, and hidden costs

Select equipment by matching daily throughput (jewelers often need 0.1–3 kg/day; recyclers much more), required purity (electrolysis typically reaches ≥99.9%), and feedstock type (some machines require >90% silver input, while chemical routes handle mixed scrap), and budget for auxiliary needs—rectifiers, ventilation, neutralization and sludge handling—which can materially raise initial outlay ^{[8] [1] [12]}. Published cost guidance shows wide ranges and recommends modular scaling for growth, but specific price quotes and operating-cost modeling are vendor‑dependent and not fully covered in this set of sources ^[12].

6. Bottom line recommendation

For a "very small" commercial or serious hobby operation seeking consistent high purity and manageable safety overhead, a compact electrolytic unit such as Shor’s Thumb Cell or a 2–3 kg/day automated electrolytic machine offers the best tradeoff of purity and operational control ^{[1] [2]}. For ultra‑low budget or one‑off small runs, a reputable kit can work if paired with proper ventilation, PPE, and local waste treatment; otherwise, outsourcing to a specialized refinery remains the safest option when internal capacity, compliance, or technical expertise are lacking ^{[9] [13]}.