Read our guide to the best vaporizers to learn more about the many benefits of vaping, including flavor and health effects. We’ve compared different styles of vaporizers to help you make an informed choice.
The recent increase in the popularity of vaping is causing many cannabis users to consider alternative methods of consumption. Any new technology raises many questions for users before they decide to purchase.
How do vaporizers work?
Who manufactures them?
What type of vaporizer is best for my lifestyle?
Vaporization has distinct advantages over smoking: it’s more unobtrusive, can be customized for different purposes, and most importantly, avoids inhaling potentially dangerous smoke.
With all of this in mind, it’s no surprise that people who previously smoked cannabis are now looking for safer alternatives such as vaporizers. Let’s explore the world of vaporizers, look at how they work, the different types available, and choose the style that works best for you.
A little bit of the history of vaporization
Vaporization is the process of heating plant material to a certain temperature at which the active ingredients are released without burning the material itself. While vaporization can be applied to other plants, we are particularly interested in cannabis.
The technique of vaporization, in which the material is not burned, is gaining popularity, but it has its origins in ancient times. The Scythians, ancient nomads, used this method both in everyday life and in ceremonial rituals, throwing cannabis seeds on heated stones. Eastern hookahs have also been used for over 1,500 years, where deeply dried plant material or hashish is placed over glowing coals and blown with heated air.
Modern vaping concepts, such as portable vaporizers, actually came about almost 100 years ago. The first patent for an e-cigarette was filed in 1927, and the first concept for a modern portable vaporizer emerged in 1960.
Of course, we’ve come a long way from throwing seeds on hot rocks. Modern vaporizers use different methods of heating the cannabis flower to ensure you get the most enjoyment out of every puff.
Types of cannabis vaporizers
Categorizing vaporizers can be a difficult task as more innovative models continue to appear on the market. However, there are a few broad categories that can be used to categorize vaporizers, such as heating type, usability, and required components.
One of the most significant differences between vaporizers is the heating method. Modern vaporizers often use two popular heating methods: conductive and convection heating. However, some vaporizer manufacturers, such as Storz, Bickel, and Pax, offer hybrid models that combine both methods. Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Conductive heating is achieved by placing plant material or concentrates directly onto a heated surface. The heat supplied to the material is not enough to ignite it, but enough to vaporize the substance. This technique has been used for a long time, for example by the ancient Scythians who threw hemp seeds on heated stones. The working principle of conductive vaporizers is based on this idea.
Conductive vaporizers use a chamber, often called an «oven», to achieve conductive heating. The chamber is usually made of stainless steel, ceramic, or other heat-conductive material and is filled with dried herbs or concentrate. When the unit is turned on, the heating element below heats the chamber, bringing it to the desired temperature and causing the material to vaporize. The vapor travels on its way to the mouthpiece, where it can be inhaled.
Many portable vaporizers use conductive heating. Conductive has several advantages that make it ideal for portable devices, such as fast heating times and precise temperature control. However, conductive vaporizers have disadvantages due to the need for contact between the material and the heating chamber. In large chambers, this can lead to insufficient heating of some parts of the material, which can result in a loss of efficiency and limited substance.
Now let’s take a look at some of the best conducted vaporizers available on the market.
PAX-III (Pax-3)
A great example of a portable vape is the PAX-3, the latest development from PAX Labs. With a special deep and narrow chamber, the PAX 3 ensures that the entire material is heated evenly, leaving no waste.
In addition, the PAX-3 boasts a multitude of accessories and functionality. You’ll love the unique concentrate container, several different mouthpieces, and the ability to connect to the PAX mobile app for optimal control of your device. With its compact size, sleek design and quick heat-up time of less than 22 seconds, the PAX-3 is the perfect companion for those who prefer to vape on the go.
DaVinci IQ2
The DaVinci IQ2 is another high quality portable conductive vaporizer. DaVinci IQ2 using a glass furnace and a glass and zirconia air channel ensures that your air vaping experience is free of off-flavors.
Connecting to the mobile app unlocks the full functionality of the DaVinci IQ2, allowing you to track dosing and inhalation time. The IQ2 is fast and discreet to use for those who enjoy air vaping on the go, with a heating time of less than one minute. The IQ2 is compatible with dry herb or cannabis extracts, providing a great combination of design and technology.
Convection devices
Convection vaporizers work like an oven in the kitchen. They use air to heat the plant material instead of direct contact with a heating element. Inside the unit, there is a heating chamber that provides ample airflow. The warm air is pushed through the plant and inhaled through the mouthpiece.
Convection heating offers several advantages over conductive heating, including preservation of the terpene profile of the original plant matter and less vapor stiffness. Because of these advantages, convection vaporizers are popular among connoisseurs. However, they tend to be more expensive and less portable than other vaporizer options.
Volcano
One of the most popular convection models is the legendary Volcano, a desktop, non-portable vaporizer. The Volcano vaporizer, available in digital or analog models, is one of the most famous convection vaporizers. Known for its ultra-clean vapor and extraordinary flavor, this modern marvel stands apart as the best convection vape.
Hybrid
Many vaporizer manufacturers are following trends closely and are releasing hybrid devices that combine conductivity and convection. These hybrid vaporizers offer portability, pleasant flavor, and optimal use. They have a combined heating element and chamber that allows for simultaneous use of conductive heating and airflow.
Compared to conventional vaporizers, hybrid models heat up faster. Conductive vaporizers often require moving the plant mass for optimal performance, while convection vaporizers take time to heat up. Hybrid vaporizers offer convection-quality vapor at a lower cost than most purely convection vaporizers. They are also known for their portability and affordability.
There are many popular hybrid vaporizers currently available in the market.
Crafty+
The Crafty is a portable vaporizer developed by Storz&Bickel that utilizes convection and heat conduction to heat evenly and efficiently. With its high power and performance, it is ideal for travel use due to its compact size and high-capacity battery.
With the use of a conductive element, the Crafty+ can be heated in as little as 60 seconds, offering improved flavor and smooth vapor that is characteristic of convection vaporizers. The Crafty+ can also be controlled via a mobile app, allowing the user to customize various settings directly from their smartphone.
Mighty
The Mighty, also manufactured by Storz&Bickel, is another vaporizer model with additional enhancements. It features an extended battery life and a large refill chamber.
This device features a large LED display that allows users to set the desired temperature directly on the device. The device also features two lithium-ion batteries that are rechargeable, as well as the ability to connect to a power source for use as a desktop vaporizer.
Plenty
The Plenty looks like something you would find in the tools section, but despite its appearance, it is a powerful hybrid vaporizer! However, because of its size, this is primarily a desktop vaporizer.
It utilizes the same hybrid convection-conductive heating as the Crafty+ and has a wide temperature range from 266 to 395°C. The Plenty’s stainless steel whisk serves to cool the vapor on its way to the mouthpiece. So, if you’re looking for a unique desktop vaporizer with superior flavor, look no further!
Conclusion
In this article, we have shown that vaporizers come in many different types, sizes, and styles. Understanding their differences can help you make an informed and educated decision about what’s right for you. Hopefully, vaping can help you enjoy cannabis more while saving your lungs from the dangers of smoking.
