Zeolite N exhibits high selectivity and capacity for ammonium ions, which makes it attractive applications such as wastewater treatment. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding process issues pertinent to zeolite synthesis scale-up. Therefore, this study addressed factors including agitation of reactant solution during zeolite N synthesis, the benefit of mother liquor recycling, zeolite washing strategies, influence of clay source, reactor geometry and materials of construction. Use of both stirred and static reactant solutions did not impact the rate of zeolite N formation when the reaction temperature was 120 oC; whereas at 100 oC stirring promoted the creation of zeolite N. Stirred solutions resulted in smaller zeolite crystals. Mother liquor recycling not only reduced the need for KOH and KCl but also enhanced the product quality (cation exchange capacity increased from 558 to 586 meq/100 g). Reuse of the first stage wash water was recommended as it comprised of a comparable potassium content as the mother liquor (c.f. 13.1–15.4 g, respectively). Addition of acid or salts to the wash water did not remarkably accelerate the reduction in effluent solution pH. Excessive quartz content in the clay feedstock inhibited the growth of zeolite N. It was necessary to adjust the SiO2/Al2O3 feed ratio to 2 by pre-dissolving Al(OH)3 in potassium hydroxide. Use of two different reactor types to make zeolite N suggested that reaction time was significantly faster if reactors were made of Inconel (4 h) and did not contain a teflon insert (8 h).