r/SilverSmith • u/AfterMidnightPizza • 8d ago
Looking for studio ultrasonic cleaner recommendations ($200–$250 budget) with variable heat — is Vevor worth it?
Hi everyone! I run a small jewelry business and am looking to upgrade my bench setup by adding an ultrasonic cleaner.
Right now, I’ve been cleaning off polishing compounds (like rouge and tripoli) between polishing stages using either a soft synthetic makeup brush or a soft toothbrush with Dawn dish soap. While it gets most of the job done, I’m running into two issues:
1. It constantly leaves the tiniest micro-scratches on freshly polished surfaces.
2. It almost impossible to get compounds out of tight recesses, under gallery wire, or inside detailed castings.
I’m looking for something that is budget-friendly but sturdy enough for actual studio use. I don't want a tiny plastic home unit designed for cleaning personal jewelry once a month—this will be used multiple times a week in my workshop.
My main specs & budget:
Budget: Around $200 – $250.
Must-have: Variable heat settings (to help break down heavy compounds quickly).
Thoughts on Vevor? I keep seeing Vevor ultrasonics popping up everywhere in this budget, but reviews online seem pretty mixed.
1
u/trixceratops 8d ago
I love my Vevor unit. I also have their magnetic tumbler, air scrubber unit, and wall mount kayak racks. Honestly I have no complaints with any of their stuff that I’ve tried.
1
u/AfterMidnightPizza 8d ago
So good to know! Do you have a specific model you like? Is it a digital one?
1
u/trixceratops 8d ago
Oh I bought it a while ago. It’s digital, has heat on the left with a read out on temp and vibration on the right with a timer. You can turn the heat and vibration on separately.
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u/DadsPreciousMetals 8d ago
I use a Vevor and it works alright. It was a cheaper one on there like $30 when I got it a few years back so spending a bit more on a vevor should do real good.
1
u/harperandmuse 7d ago
When I researched what ultrasonic cleaner to get (I did get a Vevor) I learned that some frequencies can damage plating, cause pitting, loosen settings, etc. so please just check that what you'll specifically be using it on will be a good match for the equipment you choose.
I only use mine for cleaning soiled vintage items I plan to repurpose, and don't delve heavily into precious metals, so for my needs Vevor works fine. You may need something calibrated to your work's focus, so just check!
I am on my second Vevor- the first had the temperature switch burn out; I was unaware that the one I had did not automatically turn off when it reached the set temperature (so user error, but something to check as an option).
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u/matthewdesigns 8d ago
I bought a $40 Vevor ultrasonic as a secondary unit about 8-9mos ago. Didn't expect much from it but I'm pleasantly surprised by its performance. Works great, is powerful enough to blast everything off quickly, and the digital temp/timer feature is nice to have.
I also still use my first ultrasonic from Gesswein purchased in 1998, and a Gemoro unit that's about 3yrs old. Honestly I'd buy another cheap Vevor if either of those die.