The Best Dry Herb Portable Vaporizers for 2024
Finding the best portable vaporizer can be overwhelming with so many options available. That’s where my colleague, Michael Ladek, and I come in. As enthusiasts with a deep passion for vaping technology, we’ve dedicated ourselves to sifting through the market’s offerings. Our goal? To pinpoint devices that excel in performance, ease of use, and vapor quality. The selections we’ve made aren’t just personal favorites; they’re also recognized and celebrated in the wider vaping community. Michael and I have crafted this guide to streamline your search, drawing from our expertise to ensure you land a top-notch vaporizer. And hey, if you’ve got thoughts on our top pick or want to share your own favorites, jump into the comments section. We love hearing from you and it’s a great spot for some lively vape talk!
Our top pick
Best Portable Vaporizers 2024
| Vaporizer | Category | Best Price |
|---|---|---|
| Crafty+ | Best Overall Vaporizer | |
| Mighty + | Best Battery Life | |
| Davinci IQC | Best Smart Vaporizer | |
| Airvape Legacy Pro | Best New Vaporizer | |
| Tinymight 2 | Good Flavor and Swappable Batteries | |
| Dynavap M | Best Modularity and Customizability | |
| Arizer Solo 2 | Most Efficient | |
| Firefly 2+ | Best Vapor Quality | |
| Pax Plus | Best Design | |
| Healthy Rips Fury Edge | Best Under $150 | |
| Xmax V3 Pro | Solid Choice for Those on a Tight Budget (Under $100) | |
| Utillian 722 | Best for Discreet Use | |
| G Pen Elite 2 | Best for Precision Temperature Control | |
| G Pen Dash | Best Under $60 |
Crafty+
cannabox.com
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portablehookahs.com
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tothecloudvaporstore.com
headshop.com
dankstop.com
puffitup.com
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The Crafty+ vaporizer, an upgrade to its predecessor, the Crafty, is a portable dry herb vaporizer renowned for its quality vapor production. This device is particularly praised for its compact size, making it easily fit into pockets and bags, enhancing its portability. Users appreciate the dosing capsule system for convenient on-the-go use and clean vaporizing sessions. An improvement in the battery life, coupled with USB-C charging options, marks a significant advancement from the original Crafty model. The Crafty+ is also noted for its medical certifications, contributing to its reputation for quality.
However, there are some drawbacks. The Crafty+ has a plastic chassis, which some users find less premium compared to other materials. Also, a design issue noted is the gap between the heating chamber and the chassis, which can accumulate particles and odors, making it difficult to clean. While the vapor quality is high, with good taste and smoothness, there are concerns about the device’s efficiency in extracting herbs fully, potentially leading to some wastage.
Overall, the Crafty+ strikes a balance between compactness, quality vapor production, and ease of use, making it a popular choice among portable vaporizers. Its enhanced battery life and USB-C charging are significant pluses, though the material quality and design might not appeal to all users.
Mighty+
vapor.com
The Mighty+ Vaporizer by Storz and Bickel is an upgraded version of the original Mighty, known for its robust hybrid heating system and unparalleled battery life. This portable dry herb vaporizer has carved a niche for itself in the market, especially among those who prioritize consistent performance and durability.
Physically, the Mighty+ is relatively large for a portable vaporizer, measuring 5.5″H x 3.2″L x 1.2″D and weighing 230 grams. This size contributes to a solid and durable build but may deter those seeking a more discreet device. Its hybrid heating technology, combining conduction and convection, ensures a quick heat-up time (about 60 seconds) and a wide temperature range (105-410F), providing versatility for various vaping preferences.
User experience is a forte of the Mighty+. Its intuitive LED display and straightforward buttons make it accessible for beginners and experienced users alike. The vapor quality is enhanced by a large cooling unit that ensures smooth, cool vapor delivery.
The battery life of the Mighty+ is impressive, offering around 8 sessions per charge. The device features USB-C charging, and with the optional supercharge functionality, it can charge up to 80% in just 40 minutes.
Priced at around $, the Mighty+ represents a significant investment. However, its long battery life, consistent performance, and ease of use justify the cost for those who value quality vaping experiences. Overall, the Mighty+ stands out as a reliable, high-quality vaporizer, ideal for both home use and outdoor activities, albeit with limited portability due to its size.
Davinci IQC
davincivaporizer.com
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The Davinci IQC asserts its position as a superior portable dry herb vaporizer, earning praise for its conduction efficiency, user-centric design, and lasting robustness. It’s a prime choice for both outdoor adventurers and casual users, thanks to its harmonious blend of style, functionality, and adaptability, placing it high in the competitive vaporizer landscape.
As an advanced version of the Davinci IQ, the IQC shines as one of the top conduction vaporizers. It features a broad temperature range, a swappable 18650 battery, and USB-C charging, all encased in a sturdy, premium brushed aluminum body. These traits make it perfect for various activities, including biking, hiking, or simple leisure at home.
Despite its compact dimensions (1.75″ x 3.61″ x 0.97″) and modest weight (160 grams), the IQC caters well to group use, owing to its larger bowl size and portability. The oven and vapor path, made of glass-lined ceramic, guarantee a clean, flavor-rich vapor.
Notably, the IQC offers full temperature control and “Smart Paths” mode with customizable presets via an app, enhancing the personalization aspect of vaping. While it lacks a full digital display, its LED grid effectively communicates device status.
The 3000mAh detachable battery enhances session longevity and device lifespan, with the added utility of reverse charging other USB devices.
However, the IQC has minor drawbacks, like the silicone mouthpiece and the absence of an adjustable airflow dial, which might detract some users.
Priced at $, available in multiple colors, and backed by a 5-year warranty, the IQC represents a sound investment for both beginners and experienced users.
Airvape Legacy Pro
airvapeusa.com
The Airvape Legacy Pro is distinguished as a user-friendly device that requires little maintenance. It’s easy to clean, needing only a brush or cotton swab to wipe off residue. The chamber, however, tends to get messy quickly, which can be a bit of a hassle for on-the-go useââ.
One noticeable issue is the mouthpiece, which may not fit securely enough to prevent it from falling out when the device is in your pocket or backpackââ. In terms of discreetness, while not the stealthiest due to its size and shape, it does offer features like a leather case and a haptic feedback system for quieter operation. The LCD screen also dims after 10 seconds of inactivity to save battery life and reduce light emission, showcasing the manufacturer’s attention to detailââ.
The Legacy Pro shines in producing high-quality vapor for both herbs and waxes. It is especially recommended for indoor use due to its loading system and size. The vaporizer is compatible with dosing capsules, although they are pricier and may not match the quality of other leading vaporizersââââ.
The manufacturerâs lifetime guarantee highlights their commitment to reliability and quality. This assurance, along with its advanced features and user-friendly design, makes the Airvape Legacy Pro a solid choice for those seeking a high-quality vaporizing experienceââ.
Tinymight 2
Dubbed as the “Mighty Killer,” the Tiny Might 2 has made a significant impact in the dry herb vaporizer market. It’s known for its rapid heating, powerful vapor production, and a range of useful accessories. However, this high performance comes with an expensive price tag and requires a bit of user knowledge to get the most out of itââ.
The Tiny Might 2 stands out as the best on-demand convection vaporizer, offering huge, potent hits and flavorful vapor. It supports both on-demand and session modes and features adjustable temperature settings. The device is expensive and has a slight learning curve, but its performance is unmatched. The vapor quality is exceptional, offering a fast and intense experience while maintaining delicacy and sophisticationââ.
In terms of design, the Tiny Might 2 has seen significant improvements over its predecessor. The device now features a walnut body for better aesthetics and heat insulation. It includes a built-in multi-tool for convenient operation and a temperature control dial for precise heating. The vaporizer is slightly larger than its previous version, providing space for improved internal components and better insulation. The battery life is impressive, with the device delivering consistent performance even at higher temperatures. The Tiny Might 2 vibrates to indicate readiness in under five seconds, ensuring there’s no waiting time for vapor productionââ.
As expected with a convection vaporizer, the battery life is decent but varies based on usage. On average, users can expect about five bowls per charge, though this can fluctuate depending on the chosen temperature and mode. Lower temperatures in session mode will extend battery life, while higher temperatures in on-demand mode will reduce itââ.
The DYNAVAP M PLUS represents a significant evolution in the DynaVap lineup, offering a unique experience in the world of portable vaporizers. Unlike conventional vaporizers, it operates without a battery, relying instead on a butane torch or induction heater for heat. This feature, while adding a learning curve, provides a level of control over the vaporizing experience that is unmatched by electric models.
The device is remarkably efficient, requiring only a minimal amount of material to produce substantial vapor clouds. This efficiency makes it an excellent choice for those looking to conserve their material. The M Plus model, in particular, boasts a larger bowl capacity, increased by 15%, enhancing its appeal for users seeking more substantial sessions.
Its quick heating capability is a standout feature, allowing for rapid use. However, mastering the heating technique can take some time, and the reliance on an external heat source may not be ideal for all users. The vapor quality is generally high, though it can be harsh if used without a water pipe, due to the short vapor path.
In terms of design, the DYNAVAP M PLUS is well-crafted, featuring a durable build that promises longevity. Its compact size enhances its portability, making it a suitable companion for on-the-go use. However, its use of a torch for heating can limit its discreetness in public settings.
Overall, the DYNAVAP M PLUS is a unique, efficient, and powerful device, ideal for those who enjoy a hands-on approach to their vaporizing experience and don’t mind the learning curve associated with its use.
Arizer Solo 2
The Arizer Solo 2, a celebrated successor in Arizerâs line of portable vaporizers, elevates the vaping experience with its innovative features and efficient performance. Notably, it has an impressive battery life, averaging nearly three hours on a full charge, which translates to about 15-20 sessions, outperforming many of its competitorsââ.
A hallmark of the Solo 2 is its all-glass airpath, comprised of borosilicate glass aroma tubes. These tubes play a pivotal role in delivering intense flavors and effects, as the vapor only comes into contact with thermal-resistant glass, maintaining the potency and taste of the vaporââ. This feature, along with the device’s excellent flavor transfer, makes it a favorite among users who value taste over cloud production.
In terms of design, the Solo 2 is well-crafted, with every component fitting together seamlessly. The vaporizer’s outer shell is durable, boasting a scratch-resistant brushed finish, adding elegance and longevity to the device. The bright, adjustable LED display enhances user interaction, showing the current and pre-set temperatures, and battery life, and offering various customization optionsââ.
The Solo 2 heats up three times faster than its predecessor, taking less than 20 seconds to reach the desired temperature. It features digital temperature control, allowing users to fine-tune their vaping sessions to their exact preferencesââ. While its glass components necessitate careful handling, the manufacturer includes two stems with the device, and replacements are available at an affordable price, showing foresight and consideration for user experienceââ.
The Arizer Solo 2 is an exemplary model of efficiency and quality, designed for those who appreciate the finer details in their vaping journey.
Firefly 2+
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The Firefly 2+ is a hit for those who are all about the taste. This vape really shines when it comes to flavor, beating out other big names like Crafty+ or Pax. It’s perfect if you’re into enjoying the taste more than chasing big clouds.
Whatâs cool about the Firefly 2+ is how quick it heats up. You can grab it, take a few puffs, and be on your way â no waiting around. Cleaning it is pretty straightforward too, which means you can keep it in tip-top shape without too much effort.
But, it’s not all smooth sailing. You might need to play around with it a bit to get the hang of it. It’s not just a plug-and-play kind of vape. And keep in mind, you’ll be doing a fair bit of bowl stirring and cleaning to keep that top-notch flavor.
Price-wise, the Firefly 2+ sits on the higher end. For some, the price might be a bit steep, especially considering some niggles with the customer service and wanting a few more goodies in the box.
All in all, the Firefly 2+ is great if you’re serious about flavor and don’t mind a bit of extra work to keep it running smoothly. It’s not the best for everyone, especially if you’re new to vaping or looking for stronger effects, but for taste, it’s hard to beat.
Pax Plus
vpm.com
provape.com
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The Pax Plus, often heralded for its impeccable design, stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to style and compactness. With a sleek exterior, it maintains the iconic Pax aesthetic that many users have come to love. The device heats up faster than its predecessor, the Pax 3, reducing wait times and enhancing user convenience.
However, it’s not just about looks with the Pax Plus. It delivers a commendable vapor quality with a good flavor profile, making it a solid choice for those valuing portability and design over advanced functionalities. Its compact size makes it an excellent companion for on-the-go vaping sessions, fitting discreetly in a pocket or bag.
One of the significant changes in the Pax Plus is the simplification of features. Unlike the Pax 3, it lacks precise temperature control and app connectivity. This change has been a point of contention among users. While some appreciate the streamlined approach, others miss the detailed customization offered by the Pax 3, including the app’s stealth mode, eco mode, and various temperature settings.
The absence of “smart” variable temperature profiles and interactive elements like games, which were part of the Pax 3’s charm, is also noted. Despite these omissions, the Pax Plus remains a robust choice for users who prioritize design and ease of use over advanced features. Its improved battery life and faster heat-up time are commendable, but those seeking a feature-rich experience might find it lacking compared to its predecessor.
Pax Plus is a beautifully designed vaporizer that offers simplicity and style. It’s well-suited for those who prefer straightforward functionality and a compact form factor. However, for enthusiasts looking for in-depth customization and app integration, the Pax 3 might still hold the upper hand.
Healthy Rips Fury Edge
The Healthy Rips Fury Edge emerges as a standout device in the mid-tier vaporizer market, admired for its efficient vapor production and ease of use. This device is a significant upgrade from its predecessors, offering a larger battery life and faster heat-up time, essential for those seeking quick and efficient vaping sessions. The Fury Edge impresses with its solid and compact build, made from Kirksite alloy, ensuring durability and resilience even in outdoor conditionsââââ.
When it comes to performance, the Fury Edge excels with its low draw resistance and above-average vapor quality. This is largely attributed to its convection heating system, ensuring that the herbs don’t directly contact the heating element, thus delivering a pure and flavorful vaporââââ. Furthermore, its stainless steel oven, capable of holding up to 0.2 grams, heats up in about 20 seconds, much faster than average vapes, adding to its convenienceââ.
Fury Edge is user-friendly, offering features like precise temperature control and a digital display for easy monitoring of battery life and temperature settings. Its portability is another highlight, easily fitting into a pocket and providing a discreet vaping experience. The vape’s minimalistic structure and ergonomic design make it a comfortable device to hold and useââ.
Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward with the Fury Edge. It requires only isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs to clean the oven and mouthpiece, making it a low-maintenance device suitable for regular useââ.
Fury Edge is an excellent choice for those seeking a robust, efficient, and easy-to-use vaporizer at a competitive price point, making it particularly appealing to first-time buyers and those who prioritize portability and durability in their vaping experience.
Xmax V3 Pro
The Xmax V3 Pro emerges as a solid choice for those seeking a vaporizer on a tight budget. Priced under $100, it offers a range of features typically found in more expensive models, like a sturdy aluminum frame, a replaceable 18650 battery, and USB-C charging. Its compact size and lightweight design enhance its portability, making it a convenient option for on-the-go vaping.
One of the standout features of the Xmax V3 Pro is its dual session and on-demand modes, providing flexibility in usage. The device heats up quickly, and its precise temperature control is a plus, though it does struggle with maintaining higher temperatures consistently. The vapor quality, while satisfactory, doesn’t quite match up to more premium models, especially in terms of flavor intensity and cloud production.
The build quality is commendable for its price, with a comfortable hand feel. However, the mouthpiece and battery cover feel somewhat cheap and could be improved. The small chamber size is a limitation, particularly for those who prefer longer sessions or sharing with friends.
Xmax V3 Pro is a worthy option for budget-conscious users. It offers a decent balance of features and performance, making it a practical choice for casual or first-time users. While it doesn’t compete with high-end vaporizers, it certainly stands out in its price bracket.
Utillian 722
The Utillian 722 vaporizer is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the Utillian 721, featuring a new sleek look, refined airflow, and a higher maximum temperature for improved vapor production. This model is particularly noted for its discreet design, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize privacy and subtlety in their vaping experience.
One of the standout features of the Utillian 722 is its convection heating system, which provides a clean and even extraction of the active ingredients from the dry herb. This system, combined with the vaporizer’s four preset temperatures and a boost mode that rapidly heats to 225°C, ensures a full spectrum vaporization and robust flavor profile. The vapor quality is consistently good, with the device producing impressive clouds at higher temperatures.
The Utillian 722 is incredibly user-friendly, thanks to its single-button design and straightforward operation, making it a suitable option for both beginners and experienced users. Its portability is another plus, easily fitting into pockets or bags for on-the-go use.
However, the device does have some drawbacks. It charges via a Micro-USB port, which might be a downside for those who prefer the faster and more versatile USB-C. Additionally, the lack of precise temperature control could be a limitation for users who prefer more customization in their vaping experience.
Utillian 722 stands out for its excellent vapor quality, ease of use, and discreet design, making it a strong contender in the portable vaporizer market.
G Pen Elite 2
gpen.com
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The G Pen Elite 2, a sequel to its predecessor, aims to elevate the dry herb vaporizing experience with its user-friendly design and advanced features. It operates with a full-color digital display and three-button navigation, making it straightforward to use. The device heats up rapidly, reaching the desired temperature in just 30 seconds, and maintains it consistently throughout the session.
Temperature flexibility is a significant strength, offering a wide range from 93°C to 221°C. This range allows users to customize their vaping experience, whether they prefer flavor-focused low temperatures or higher settings for more robust vapor production. However, the vapor quality is a mixed bag. While it starts off delivering tasty clouds, the quality declines in longer sessions, becoming harsh and less enjoyable. This is partly due to the ceramic heating chamber’s placement near the mouthpiece, which heats the vapor excessively.
In terms of design, the G Pen Elite 2 maintains its ergonomic shape, which is comfortable to hold. However, the glossy finish is a drawback, as it easily collects fingerprints and gives a less premium feel. The device’s portability is commendable, fitting easily in pockets and coming with a discreet carrying case.
Battery life is reasonable, with a 2100mAh battery that supports light to moderate use. The inclusion of USB-C charging is a welcome upgrade, allowing for a full charge in about 90 minutes. However, heavy users might find the battery life lacking.
Overall, the G Pen Elite 2 presents a mixed experience. It excels in user-friendliness, temperature control, and design ergonomics, but falls short in vapor quality over extended use and battery life for heavy users. While it has its merits, it faces stiff competition in the current market.
G Pen Dash
The G Pen Dash emerges as a remarkable option in the crowded vaporizer market, especially for those on a budget. Priced at around $70, it offers features and performance that sometimes surpass those of more expensive models. Its compact and lightweight design is a significant plus, making it highly portable and discreet for on-the-go use. The vaporizer is also aesthetically pleasing, with a sleek and ergonomic build.
From the functionality side G Pen Dash boasts a simple single-button control system, although some users might find the control sequences a bit complex initially. It offers three temperature settings, catering to different vaping preferences, and the haptic feedback feature is a thoughtful addition, signaling when the device is ready to use.
However, the device isn’t without drawbacks. Users have noted that it tends to heat up with use, which can be uncomfortable. The silicon mouthpiece cover, designed to mitigate this issue, unfortunately, falls off too easily. Additionally, the battery life is only adequate, and frequent users might need to carry a backup power source.
Despite these issues, the G Pen Dash is highly regarded for its vapor quality, especially considering its price point. It efficiently vaporizes the material, offering a satisfying experience. The device is also relatively easy to clean and maintain, adding to its user-friendliness.
G Pen Dash is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable, portable, and efficient vaporizer without breaking the bank. Its benefits largely outweigh its minor inconveniences, making it a top contender in the affordable vaporizer category.
Portable Dry Herb Vaporizer Specs Face-Off
Approx. 300°F – 340°F (149°C – 171°C)
122°F â 428°F (50°C â 220°C)
200°F â 420°F (93°C â 215°C)
360F â 420F
(182°C â 215.56°C)
320°F â 430°F (160°C â 221°C)
212°F (100°C) â 428°F (220°C)
356°F (180°C) â 410°F (210°C)
200°F (93°C) â 430°F (221°C)
375°F (190°C), 401°F (205°C), 428°F (220°C)
Buying Guide
You know that vaporizers work, but maybe youâre wondering how they work. Or perhaps youâd like to know all the things we considered to end up with the products on our list. If you want to learn more about those little magical devices, weâve got you covered.
How do Vaporizers work?
We all know that smoking works thanks to Prometheusâ gift to humankind (AKA: fire). By burning herbs (like tobacco and marijuana), we can inhale the produced smoke, containing some of their active ingredients (like Nicotine and THC). The problem, though, is that this way, we also inhale many nasty chemicals that can be vastly detrimental to our health. Thatâs where vaping enters the scene.
Some fine folks realized that you donât have to burn the materials weâre using if you want to inhale âthe good stuffâ contained within. You can merely heat them to the point where those substances are released. This helps avoid the production of unwanted chemical substances, like Arsenic, Benzene, Carbon Monoxide, and Formaldehyde, released during combustion. And thatâs how vaping was born.
Thus, vaping â and vaporizing â refers to the process of heating materials âjust enoughâ to produce vapor instead of smoke. You still get all the benefits, by the way, and there are even studies showing that vaping can be more potent than smoking the same material.
Herb Vaporizers
Some devices specialize in vaporizing dry herbs and arenât compatible with other materials. You may find tips and tricks online for many of them showing how to use them with concentrates instead of dry herbs, but the official (and our) advice is to avoid it.
Concentrates may at the very least make a mess of their vaporization chamber (âovenâ), or, at worst, liquefy, find their way inside them, and wreck havoc on their internals. In a worst-case scenario, this could lead to a short and make them go kaboom. In short, âuse your device as youâre supposed to.â
Concentrate Vaporizers
Vaporizing concentrates (also known as âwaxâ) usually calls for another type of atomizer. Those devices are generally easier to clean (because concentrates make, by default, more of a mess compared to dry herbs). They usually rely less on heated air and more on contact with a heated area (see Convection VS Conduction VS Hybrid Heating) to produce vapor.
The term âconcentratesâ usually refers to processed marijuana or hash extracts. It is apt since their THC content is much higher. For that reason, new users would better avoid them, or at least take it very slowly. Whereas vaporizing herbs can release from 10% to 25% of THC, vaporizing concentrates sees that number jump to 70% â 80%.
Oil Vaporizers
Also referred to as âhookah pens,â oil vaporizers are closer to the more popular vaping gear used to vaporize liquids. Instead of Nicotine, though, they specialize in HTC.
Although both oil and liquid vaporizers work similarly, they differ in size. Oil vaporizers are usually smaller and use thicker liquids.
Liquid Vaporizers
Most people vape to quit Nicotine, not to get high. Thus, the most popular type of device â and the one prominently referred to as âvaping gearâ â is all about Nicotine. Instead of heating herbs or wax-like materials, though, they use liquids infused with Nicotine.
You can find liquids with THC instead of Nicotine, but that isnât yet as popular as using dry herbs in a vaporizer explicitly designed for that purpose.
3-in-1 Vaporizers: Herbs, Oils, Dabs
As their name states, 3-in-1 vaporizers donât specialize in a specific material and can vaporize herbs, concentrates, and oils. Usually, though, this means that they underperform when in direct comparison with devices specializing in the material used.
Heat-Up Time
If you want to smoke a cigarette, you first have to light it up. Similarly, to vape a material using a vaporizer, the device heats it in its vaporization chamber/oven. Newer devices can be ready to go in seconds. However, older models, and primarily conduction-only ones, could take minutes to get up to speed.
Sessions Per Charge
You might see many people using the term âSessions per Chargeâ when talking about vaporizers and how long their charge may last. However, this is a useless metric since itâs not constants that define it, but variables.
This sounded vague, so allow us to explain.
Letâs say that two people are vaping on two identical and fully charged vaporizers. Letâs also assume that the device supposedly offers five sessions per charge. If âa sessionâ was based on constants, a single charge should last the same amount of time for both. The problem, though, is that we humans arenât identical, and each of us prefers different things.
So, the same term, âsession,â might translate to ten 5-second puffs at full power for one person but three 2-second puffs at low power for another. The first person would have been vaping at max power for a total time of over 50 seconds, while the second would have used their device at low power for less than 10 seconds. Each of those âsessionsâ would have vastly different demands from the deviceâs battery. With no definition of what âa sessionâ constitutes, their meaning varies from person to person. Thus, they canât be trusted as a metric of a deviceâs uptime.
Convection VS Conduction VS Hybrid Heating
There are two different approaches through which vaporizers produce vapor by heating a material: convection and conduction.
Convection vaporizers force a stream of hot air on the material.
Conduction vaporizers heat the surface that is in contact with the material.
Both approaches donât burn the material with fire, and the second, conduction, is the older of the two. Today, on its own, itâs considered suboptimal since it can cook the material that is directly in contact with the heated surface.
Many modern vaporizers use a hybrid approach, utilizing both methods to achieve optimal results. Conduction has the benefit of being quicker, while convection is less wasteful since it doesnât cook the material. Convection also tends to produce more flavorful and potent results. Hybrid vaporizers usually start with conduction to heat the material to a level before vapor production. Then, they finish the process with convection, for that final stretch that leads to vapor production.
The Right Temperatures
Most vaporizers work within a specific temperature range, which usually begins at 320° F and go up to something less than 450° F. Lower temperatures would hardly produce any vapor. Higher would risk combustion of the material.
All vaporizers worth considering give the user control over the operating temperature, but they are not equal. Some offer a limited number of temperature presets, while others allow granular control. The best are more accurate and precise and can also account for temperature fluctuations, resulting in a smoother vaping experience.
Pens VS Portable VS Desktop
Another way to categorize vaporizers is by their size and portability combination.
Pens are the most compact of the bunch and are primarily used for vaping oils. Their small size also means that they come with a small battery but pack enough power to vaporize at least one pre-filled oil cartridge or re-filled tank. Combined with how oils are easier to turn into vapor, they can usually last you the whole day.
Portable vaporizers are larger devices and are mainly designed for vaporizing herbs and concentrates. They also have more powerful batteries, but producing vapor from solids also demands much more power. With mild use, they can get you through the day, but many heavier users find they have to recharge theirs once or twice per day.
Finally, desktop vaporizers are, as their name states, not meant for taking out and around. They are designed to stay at one spot and use a wall socket as their power source.
Ease of Use
The more features a device offers, the more it allows you to customize the vaping experience to your liking. At the same time, though, more features add to a deviceâs complexity. Finding the optimal balance between features and ease of use is a matter of personal preference, and one personâs favorite vaporizer might be anotherâs worst nightmare.
For example, those who love the simplicity of vaporizers like the Pax would probably hate something like the IQ, deeming it overly complicated. However, both are top choices for different types of users, depending on their preferences and priorities.
Itâs worth noting that âease-of-useâ doesnât only have to do with the way you use a vaporizer when vaping but also with its maintenance. Some devices allow you to take out the whole vaporization chamber, wash it, dry it, and return to using them. Others expect you to disassemble a contraption into smaller parts and clean them individually.
Flavor
Flavor is quite significant for a great vaping experience. Some devices produce excellent flavor, thanks to their use of quality materials in their vaporization chamber, coils, and air path, as well as their accurate temperature control. Others canât help but mute the flavor, and since that happens for precisely the same reasons, the only âfixâ is an upgrade.
Vapor
More vapor and thick fluffy clouds might feel more fulfilling, but they can also give you away when youâre trying to be stealthy. The amount of vapor produced depends on many different factors, like the material used in the vaporizer, the amount of airflow, and the deviceâs power setting.
Airflow
One vaporizer might feel closer to a cigarette-smoking experience, another to a hookah, and another allow you to adjust it to your liking. In most cases, devices designed from the get-go for a particular type of airflow are better at it. Still, adjustable options are more versatile and allow you to switch styles at will.
Usually, reduced airflow translates to better flavor and a more pronounced hit, but many people prefer to âbreathe inâ their vapor.
Battery Life & Charging
Some vaporizers look like behemoths compared to more compact options because of the larger, more powerful batteries inside them. Such batteries might need more time for a full recharge but also grant the device extended uptime.
Modern devices use newer batteries and smarter charging circuits, which can significantly speed up the charging process.
Price
Paying more for a vaporizer doesnât guarantee that itâs made from higher quality materials. You can find high-end models made primarily out of plastic. It also doesnât mean you will get the best possible vaping experience, for the technology improves, and newer mid-level models have caught up on past top performers.
In most cases, though, you do get what you pay for, and you shouldnât expect a $50 device to dethrone a $350 one.
Side-Effects
Although vaping can have side effects, its source is always the material used and not the device or process itself. For example, you can get a buzz from Nicotine or a high from THC, but you would feel the same if you smoked the same materials instead of vaping them.
With vaping, though, the experience might be somewhat different. Vaping doesnât cause the âthroat hitâ off smoking because it lacks combustion. It also feels smoother and lighter during inhalation. Studies have also shown that it can be more potent when vaping cannabis, and even more so when using concentrates high on THC.
Odors
Although vaping doesnât smell as much or as bad as smoking, it still produces distinct odors â especially when vaping weed. If you are considering switching from smoking to vape weed undetected, donât.
Legality
If smoking cannabis is illegal where you live, so is vaping it. Itâs the same as with Nicotine, where a âNo Smokingâ sign in most cases refers to both smoking and vaping, even if it doesnât expressly state so.
Itâs also worth noting that if you were thinking of switching to vaping cannabis because youâve heard it doesnât show up in any tests, again, donât. It does. Drug tests check for the existence of substances in your body, not for how they found their way there.
Vape On
We hope youâve found your first or next vaporizer among our choices. If not, we tried to provide all the information you might need to locate the best one for you. Weâd love it if you told us which you went for and if you are happy with your choice, in our comments section below.
Odysseas Kourafalos
The first time I tried to vape, I found myself trying to make sense of an Aspire Atlantis and an entry-level iStick 30W, and failing. Two months later, I was vaping on a Sigelei 150W TC, rolling my own coils, mixing my own juices. In less than a year I was trying to help others do the same at them Reddits, writing mega-guides on the topic while being quite vocal on what was great and what sucked in the world of vaping. Hint: most things sucked. They still do.