A sluice box is a device used in gold prospecting to separate gold from dirt and gravel. It consists of a long, narrow box with riffles, or obstacles, along the bottom. Water is directed through the sluice box, and as the material is washed through, heavier materials like gold settle behind the riffles while lighter materials are washed away.
To assist you in making a well-informed decision, we have assembled a list of the top 5 sluice boxes currently available in the market. Sluice boxes are an essential tool for gold prospecting, as they help separate gold from dirt and gravel using water flow and riffles. These tools vary in terms of size, weight, and durability. Our top picks are known for their high-quality construction, efficient gold recovery rates and easy to use features.
How does a sluice box work?
A sluice box works by using gravity and water flow to separate gold from other materials. Water is directed through the sluice box, and as it flows, the heavier materials such as gold are trapped in the riffles (ridges) while the lighter materials are washed away.
Which Sluice Box is right for you?
There are many different types of sluice boxes available, and all of them are capable of helping you find gold. In fact, making your own sluice box is a fairly simple process that anyone can do. But buying a modern sluice box that’s made of lightweight material and built to last will pay for itself in no time.
The thing to decide is which sluice box is right for you. Are you a beginner prospector? Or are you experienced and moving a lot of material? Is it important to have a portable lock box or will you be set up in one place?
List of Top 3 Sluice Boxes of 2023
Here’s a quick look at our top recommendations:
VEVOR Folding Aluminum Alloy Sluice Box
The VEVOR Folding Aluminum Alloy Sluice Box is a lightweight and portable option for gold prospecting. The sluice box is packed with removable riffles and expanded metal mesh to capture the minor gold flakes more efficiently.
Features
- Made of aluminum alloy for lightweight and durability
- Folding design for easy transportation and storage
- Includes a set of matting for capturing gold
- Adjustable legs for different water flow and angles
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Durable and rust-resistant aluminum construction
- Folding design makes it easy to store
- Adjustable legs allow for different water flow and angles for efficient gold recovery
Keene A52F Folding Sluice Box
The Keene A52F Folding Sluice Box is a highly portable sluice box made of lightweight aluminum, featuring the latest in rubber riffle technology.
The box contains the best parts from previous folding plastic sluice and introduced the highly successful rubber riffle design. The rubber riffle design works fantastic in both fast and slow water conditions. This riffle design is tested and provides exceptional fine gold recovery. The sluice box is easy to set up and use, and it is a good option for both beginners and experienced prospectors.
Features
- Made of aluminum for durability and easy transport
- Unique flare and ribbed matting for efficient gold recovery
- Easy to set up and use
- Adjustable legs that can be set to various angles for optimal water flow
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Made of high-quality aluminum
- Contains rubber riffle design that works great in both fast and slow water conditions
Sluice Fox Gold Panning Kit
The Sluice Fox Gold Panning Kit is a comprehensive gold mining kit that contains everything you need to get started with placer prospecting. The Sluice Fox Gold Panning Kit is a great option for both beginners and experienced prospectors, as it includes all the necessary tools for gold recovery in one convenient package.
Features
- Includes a sluice box, gold pan, classifier, and various accessories
- Sluice box designed to be lightweight and portable
- Riffles in the sluice box help trap gold
- Gold pan is a traditional tool for gold prospecting
- Classifier is used to sift through larger material to find smaller pieces of gold
Pros
- Convenient all-in-one kit for gold prospecting
- Lightweight and portable sluice box
Different types of sluice box riffles and matting surfaces
There are several different types of sluice boxes used for gold prospecting, each with their own unique features and designs. Some of the main types include:
Traditional Sluice Box
These sluice boxes are the most common type and are typically made of wood or aluminium. They feature a series of riffles to trap gold and are usually set up in a stream or river.
Folding Sluice Box
These sluice boxes are designed to be portable and easy to transport. They feature a folding design that allows them to be easily stored and carried.
Backpack Sluice Box
These sluice boxes are designed to be carried on the back, making them a great option for prospecting in remote areas. They are usually smaller and more lightweight than traditional sluice boxes.
Highbanker Sluice Box
These sluice boxes are designed to be used with a highbanker, which is a device that pumps water to the sluice box. They are typically larger and more efficient than traditional sluice boxes.
Power Sluice Box
These sluice boxes are designed to be used with a water pump and motor, which provides a steady flow of water to the sluice box. They are typically larger and more efficient than traditional sluice boxes.
What Should You Look for When Buying a Sluice Box
When buying a sluice box, there are some crucial aspects to look after when making an informed decision:
Size and weight
Consider the size and weight of the sluice box and how it will fit with your prospecting needs. Larger and heavier sluice boxes can handle more material, but they can be harder to transport.
Riffles
The riffles are the ridges in the sluice box that trap the gold. Look for sluice boxes with a good number of riffles and a design that will maximize gold trapping.
Material
Look for sluice boxes made of durable materials such as aluminum or thick plastic. Avoid sluice boxes made of thin plastic or flimsy materials that may not hold up to regular use.
Adjustability
Look for sluice boxes that have adjustable legs so that you can change the angle of the sluice box to optimize water flow and gold recovery.
Ease of use
Consider the ease of setting up and using the sluice box. Look for sluice boxes that are easy to assemble and disassemble and that come with clear instructions.
Price
Sluice boxes come in a wide range of prices, it’s important to set a budget and find the right balance between quality and price.
How often do I need to clean my sluice box?
The frequency of cleaning your sluice box will depend on the amount of material you are processing and the amount of gold you are recovering. It’s important to clean the sluice box regularly to ensure that the riffles are clear and that gold is not being.
How do I set up a sluice box?
Getting up a sluice box is relatively easy. The sluice box is usually set up in a stream or river and is angled so that water flows through it. The sluice box is then filled with material (dirt and gravel) and water is directed through it. The gold and other heavy materials are trapped in the riffles while the lighter materials are washed away.
Which is the best gold sluice?
There are many different types of gold sluices for sale and it can be quite confusing to find the right one for you. Keep in mind that there is no such thing as “the” best gold lock. In fact, there are a variety of models that are perfect for different types of gold seekers. Therefore, it is important to first think about how you intend to use your sluice. Is it for amateur gold prospecting or for more professional gold mining? Do you need to carry your sluice long distances or move it around your claim frequently, etc.?
In general, there are 3 important factors to consider when buying a gold sluice: overall efficiency, size, and portability. The key is to find the perfect balance between these aspects to find the best gold sluice for you.
