Dry herb vaporizers are small and compact devices comprised of a heating chamber, or oven, and an integrated rechargeable battery, and are designed specifically for use with dry herb. They work by gently heating the materials to create a vapour, eliminating the need for combustion, in a method known as heat-not-burn.
Dry herb vaporisers: What they are and how they work
Dry herb vaporizers, commonly referred to as just vaporizers, are an alternative solution to smoking that heat dry herb enough to create a vapour but not enough to set them alight. These portable vaporizers are similar to many e-cigarettes in that they are often battery powered and can be recharged and can be used while on the go. However, they differ from vape kits in that they are designed specifically for use with dry herb.
Vaporizers typically use conduction heating, although some, like the PAX FLOW and XMax V3 NANO vaporizer will also incorporate convection heating for a hybrid heating method. Within a vaporizer, conduction heating is achieved by the walls of the oven section heating up, enough to make the dry herb become volatile enough to create a vapour but not enough to burn. This is why it is important to ensure the oven is well packed, as the heat will then be evenly distributed. For those vaporizers which also utilise convection heating, this refers to a way of heating the dry herb without direct contact, usually using steam or hot air. Either way, the dry herb is gradually heated until the natural oils, terpenes and cannabinoids are released as a vapour which can be inhaled.
Depending on which vaporizer you are using it may have a single pre-set temperature optimised for dry herb, multiple pre-set temperature modes, or variable temperature that lets you choose your own setting. For example, the PAX PLUS offers different 'experience modes' which use precise temperature control and other features to target specific user experiences, like stealth mode, efficiency mode, flavour mode, and boost mode, while the DaVinci IQC Vaporizer offers temperature control up to 221C.
Vaporizers are typically easy to store and those with a battery can be recharged whenever needed for a simple, convenient, and travel-friendly alternative to smoking. For example, the VOVA Plus has a compact, pocket-sized design and is equipped with USB-C fast-charging, and the PAX MINI can offer 2+ hours of continuous use from a single charge.
Some vaporizers also come with a choice of oven attachments that allow them to be used in different ways, like the XMax V3 PRO vaporizer which comes with a specific oven attachment for use with concentrates. A vaporizer works best when the oven is packed quite tightly with dry herb, as this offers the best heat distribution and will ensure an even vapour, so options like a smaller half-pack oven attachment can be a useful tool for shorter vaping sessions or when you would just prefer to use less dry herb.
Most vaporizers will also come with some kind of cleaning tool to help with cleaning and maintenence between uses, as it is best to clean your vaporizer after every session to achieve the best experience.
Battery-free vaporizers
We also stock a range of battery-free vaporizers from DynaVap which do not need to be recharged between uses, but instead can be heated using a torch or lighter. The heat source can be applied to the cap which will click when it has reached optimal temperature, usually in 5 - 7 seconds. The cap will click again to let you know when the vaporizer has cooled down and you can choose whether to reheat or save it for your next session. These lightweight and portable vaporizers are a great option when on-the-go as you don't need to worry about charging and they fit easily in your pocket or bag.
How to choose the right vaporizer?
There are a number of different options to choose from when it comes to vaporizers, ranging from entry level to advanced and everywhere in between. Choosing the right vaporizer for you really depends on how you want to be able to use your device, what features you would want to have, and your budget.
Entry level vaporizers
If you are new to using a vaporizer you will likely be looking for something user-friendly and straightforward. New users usually opt for a device with minimal or no adjustable settings as these devices are easier to use and require less existing knowledge.
The VOVA Plus Volks, XMax V3 NANO and AirVape XS GO tend to be great options to consider for an entry level vaporizer, as they have extremely simple user-interfaces but still allow some room to tailor your experience and experiment with some different heat settings.
If you want to keep things really simple, the DynaVap range are another great option to consider. Because they are battery-free vaporizers there is no need for adjusting settings or charging the device, it is always ready when you need it.
However, these devices are not only suitable for new users but also make great options for those who are looking for a compact, lightweight and discreet vaporizer that is easy to take with you on the go. Plus, they offer great value for money if you want something reliable and effective on a budget.
Advanced vaporizers
If you are an experienced user and are looking to invest in a vaporizer that offers a variety of different features, precise control and state-of-the-art technology, there are a number of more advanced vaporizers to choose from.
Vaporizers like the PAX 4, Arizer Solo 3 V2 and DaVinci IQC incorporate precise temperature control, intelligent designs, and additional features like programmable presets to allow you complete control over each and every session.
Whether you want to focus on flavour, maximise vapour production, or conserve your materials, these vaporizers allow you to target your preferred experience with a robust and powerful device that can stand the test of time.
Hybrid use vaporizers
If you are looking for a device that can be used with dry herb materials and concentrates, you will need to ensure that the device you choose has the capability to vaporize both. Most of our vaporizers are designed only for use with dry herb materials, but some devices like the XMax V3 PRO and PAX PLUS have specific oven inserts that allow for use with concentrates.
We take a deeper look at vaporizers in our vaporizer buying guide if you would like more advice on how to choose the right device for you.
Discover our vaporizers
Our range of vaporizers has been curated to include options at all different price points, to help you find an alternative to smoking that suits your budget. Whether you are looking for a simple device that can help you transition to a vaporizer, or a state-of-the-art high-end device that allows you to personalise your vaping experience and experiment with different settings, we have options to suit all different wants and needs.
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