Powermatic 2 Plus Cigarette Rolling Machine Review & Alternatives

The Powermatic 2 Plus is an electric cigarette injector machine designed for smokers who want to fill their own tubes at home. It works faster than hand rolling, fits standard and king-size tubes, and cuts long-term tobacco costs significantly. This guide breaks down exactly how it performs and what else is worth considering.

What Is the Powermatic 2 Plus and How Does It Work?

The Powermatic 2 Plus is a tabletop electric injector that pushes loose tobacco into empty cigarette tubes. You load tobacco into the chamber, insert a tube onto the spout, press the foot pedal, and get a finished cigarette in about three seconds. It handles regular and king-size tubes without swapping parts.

Here is the basic process step by step:

1. Place the machine on a flat, stable surface
2. Fill the tobacco chamber with your preferred loose-cut tobacco
3. Slide an empty cigarette tube onto the metal spout
4. Press the foot pedal or activation button to inject the tobacco
5. Remove the finished cigarette and repeat

The machine uses a motorized auger to compress and push tobacco evenly. This matters because uneven packing causes loose draws, hot spots, or cigarettes that burn too fast on one side. With the Powermatic 2 Plus, the pack density stays consistent from the first cigarette to the last.

Powermatic 2 Plus vs Manual Rolling: Which One Actually Saves You Time?

The Powermatic 2 Plus fills a cigarette in roughly three seconds. A practiced hand roller takes 30 to 60 seconds per cigarette. If you smoke a pack a day, the machine saves you somewhere between 10 and 20 minutes every single day, which adds up to over 100 hours a year.

Here is how the two methods compare side by side:

• Speed: Powermatic 2 Plus fills a tube in about 3 seconds. Hand rolling takes 30 to 60 seconds minimum.
• Consistency: The machine packs every cigarette to the same density. Hand rolling varies with fatigue and skill level.
• Learning curve: The machine requires almost none. Hand rolling takes weeks to do cleanly.
• Cost of entry: The Powermatic 2 Plus retails between $120 and $160. A quality manual roller costs $10 to $30.
• Maintenance: The Powermatic 2 Plus needs occasional cleaning of the auger and spout. A manual roller just needs wiping down.

According to a cost analysis published by TobaccoReviews.com, smokers who roll their own cigarettes using loose tobacco and empty tubes spend roughly 50 to 70 percent less per year compared to buying factory-made packs, regardless of which rolling method they use. The machine just removes the friction that stops most people from sticking with it.

What Are the Most Common Complaints About the Powermatic 2 Plus?

The three most reported issues are occasional jamming with moist tobacco, a bulky footprint on smaller desks, and a price point that feels steep if you only smoke occasionally. None of these are dealbreakers for a daily smoker, but they are worth knowing before you buy.

The jamming issue specifically comes down to tobacco moisture content. The machine is calibrated for dry, flake-cut tobacco. If you use a fresher or stickier blend, the auger can bind. The fix is simple: spread your tobacco on a paper towel for 20 to 30 minutes before loading it. Most experienced users report this eliminates jams almost entirely.

The size issue is real. The machine measures approximately 10 inches wide by 8 inches tall. If your smoking area is a small nightstand drawer setup, it will not fit discreetly. For a dedicated smoking table or shelf, it sits perfectly fine.

How Much Does It Cost to Roll Your Own Cigarettes With the Powermatic 2 Plus?

Once you own the machine, your per-cigarette cost drops to roughly 10 to 20 cents depending on the tobacco you buy. A carton of factory cigarettes in the United States averages $80 to $100 in most states. Rolling your own with a pound of tobacco and a box of tubes brings that equivalent cost down to $25 to $35.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey, American smokers spend an average of $1,700 to $2,200 per year on cigarettes when buying factory packs. Switching to roll-your-own with a machine like the Powermatic 2 Plus can reduce that number to under $600 annually, depending on how much you smoke and the tobacco brands you choose.

Best Alternatives to the Powermatic 2 Plus for Different Smoking Styles

The Powermatic 2 Plus is the right tool for daily smokers who want speed and consistency. But if your smoking habits are lighter, more social, or focused on pipe tobacco rather than cigarettes, there are better-matched tools and setups worth knowing about.

Here are the main alternatives worth considering:

• For lighter or occasional smokers: A manual cigarette roller like the 110mm Hand Cigarette Roller from FESSONLINE costs a fraction of the price and still produces a clean, consistent cigarette every time. It takes about 20 to 30 seconds per roll once you get the feel for it, and it fits in a jacket pocket.
• For pipe tobacco smokers: A machine designed for cigarettes will not help you here. The 15-inch Churchwarden pipes available at FESSONLINE are hand-carved options that give you a completely different and slower smoking experience, with styles ranging from Dublin Rustic to Sherlock Rainbow.
• For organized multi-pipe setups: The 12-Pipe Tobacco Stand from FESSONLINE holds up to 12 pipes on a two-level wood holder, so your collection stays accessible and dust-free without scattering across a shelf.
• For cigarette storage after rolling: Once you have a batch rolled, the 100mm Cigarette Case 3-Pack from FESSONLINE keeps them protected. Each flip-top case holds up to 18 cigarettes and fits easily in a bag or pocket.
• For budget-conscious daily rollers who want something between manual and electric: A spring-loaded semi-automatic injector sits in the middle of the market at around $30 to $50. It requires more physical effort than the Powermatic 2 Plus but far less than hand rolling.

How to Get the Most Out of a Cigarette Roller Without Spending $150

You can produce a clean, firm, factory-looking cigarette with a manual roller if you use the right technique and the right tobacco cut. The key variables are tobacco dryness, how evenly you distribute the tobacco before rolling, and how much tension you apply during the roll.

Follow these steps to get a consistent result from a manual roller:

1. Let your tobacco air out for 10 to 15 minutes if it feels sticky or clumping
2. Break apart any clumps with your fingers before placing tobacco in the roller
3. Distribute the tobacco evenly across the entire length of the roller, not just in the middle
4. Close the roller and roll it away from you three or four times before inserting the paper or tube
5. Insert the rolling paper or tube with a smooth, steady push rather than forcing it in quickly
6. Give the finished cigarette a gentle squeeze along the length to check for soft spots, then re-roll if needed

The 110mm Hand Cigarette Roller from FESSONLINE is specifically sized for 110mm cigarettes, which are slightly longer than standard size and popular among roll-your-own smokers who want a longer burn. Getting the right size roller for the tubes you use is more important than most beginners realize.

Is the Powermatic 2 Plus Worth It for You?

The Powermatic 2 Plus is worth buying if you smoke half a pack or more per day and plan to stick with roll-your-own long term. At that usage rate, it pays for itself in about two to three months. If you smoke less than that, a quality manual roller does the same job at a much lower upfront cost.

Ask yourself these questions before spending the money:

• Do you smoke at least 10 cigarettes a day consistently?
• Are you committed to roll-your-own for at least six months?
• Do you have counter space where the machine can live permanently?
• Does the time savings matter to you, or do you actually enjoy the rolling process?

If you answered yes to the first three, the Powermatic 2 Plus makes sense financially. If rolling is part of the ritual you enjoy, a well-made manual roller delivers the same end result while keeping the hands-on element intact.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size tubes does the Powermatic 2 Plus use?

The Powermatic 2 Plus works with both regular king-size and 100mm cigarette tubes. Most users prefer king-size tubes because they accommodate a fuller tobacco load. You do not need to change any parts to switch between the two sizes, which makes it easier to experiment with different tube brands.

Can you use the Powermatic 2 Plus with pipe tobacco?

Technically yes, but with important caveats. Pipe tobacco is often cut longer and holds more moisture than cigarette tobacco, which increases the risk of jamming the auger. If you want to try it, dry out the pipe tobacco thoroughly first and use it sparingly. Most long-term users stick to tobacco specifically blended and cut for rolling machines.

How does the 110mm Hand Cigarette Roller from FESSONLINE compare to the Powermatic 2 Plus?

The FESSONLINE 110mm roller is a manual device that costs a fraction of the Powermatic 2 Plus and produces a consistent, properly sized cigarette in about 20 to 30 seconds. It is the better choice for lighter smokers, travelers, or anyone who prefers a low-cost entry into roll-your-own smoking. The Powermatic wins on speed for high-volume daily use.

How do you store rolled cigarettes so they stay fresh?

Keep rolled cigarettes in a flip-top hard case to protect them from being crushed and to limit air exposure. The 100mm Cigarette Case 3-Pack from FESSONLINE holds up to 18 cigarettes per case and keeps them organized whether you are at home or out. For longer storage beyond a few days, a small airtight container with a humidity pack helps maintain the tobacco's moisture level and flavor.