How to Choose a Vaporizer: Beginners Guide

When choosing a vaporizer, focus on size (home or portable), heating method (conduction or convection), material (dry herb, oil, or wax), and device type. All vaporizers gently heat cannabis to release THC without smoke, but the device you choose can increase or decrease the amount of compounds released.

💡We get it, picking the right vaporizer can be a fun yet overwhelming process. With so many different types of vaporizers, the potential for a fine-tuned experience is limitless. 

In this guide, we go over the key features of a vaporizer that will make or break your experience.

1. Size matters: desktop vs portable

The first big decision is whether you want a stationary unit that you use at home (desktop) or a portable vaporizer. 

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each:

 

Desktop vaporizers

Think of a desktop vaporizer as the homebody device of the vaping world. They're designed to be plugged into a wall outlet and are similar to bongs where they work best with a dedicated smoking space.

• ⚡Power: Desktop vaporizers pack a punch. They deliver more power because they pull power from an outlet rather than a small battery like a portable vape.
• 👍Vapor quality: Because they're bigger and have a constant power source, desktop vaporizers produce thicker and more powerful vapor with consistent results.
• 👍Group sessions: If you like to share with friends, desktop vaporizers are perfect for group sessions.
• 👎Not travel-friendly: Obviously, you won't be taking these on a hike or to a concert. They're meant to stay at home.

In short: Desktop vaporizers are perfect if you mainly vape at home and want top-notch performance. We recommend the Volcano for dry herbs and the Puffco for concentrates.

 

Portable vaporizers

Portable vaporizers are the adventurers of the vaping world. They're designed to go wherever you go. Here's how they work:

• 👍Convenience: They fit in your pocket or purse, making them perfect for on-the-go scenarios.
• 👍Battery-Powered: Most run on rechargeable batteries, so you'll need to keep an eye on battery life but that’s what makes them portable.
• 🥷Discreet: They produce vapor that is barely seen or smelled making them perfect for discreet use.
• 👍Versatility: Many portable vaporizers can handle different types of materials (dry herbs, concentrates, etc.).
• 👎Compromise on power: While they're getting better all the time, portable vapes generally don't match the power and consistency of desktop models.

In short: Portable vaporizers are perfect if you want to vape anywhere or if discretion is important. We recommend the G Pen Pro for beginners and the Arizer for quality.

2. Understanding heating methods

Alright, now let's talk about how these devices actually turn your cannabis into vapor. 

There are three main heating methods: conduction, convection, and hybrid. Don't worry if these sound like terms from your high school physics class – we'll break them down:

Conduction heating

Conduction heating heats your cannabis directly through contact like cooking on a pan. You place your dabs or ground herbs into a ceramic chamber, and the chamber’s walls heat up and cook your cannabis, releasing vital compounds in the form of vapor for you to inhale.

• 👍Direct contact: The cannabis directly touches the heated surface.
• 👍Quick heat-up: These vaporizers heat up faster than convection and are often times more powerful.
• 👎Uneven heating: Sometimes the material closest to the heat source can get hotter than the rest.
• 👎Uneven extraction: Cannabis that doesn’t touch the heat source, doesn’t release compounds (THC and CBD) as efficiently (this is why you have to stir mid-session).

In short: Conduction vaporizers are strong and can be great if you want quick heat-up times and don't mind stirring your material occasionally for more even heating which is common with dab rigs, electric dab rigs, and convection dry herb vaporizers.

Convection Heating

Convection heating heats your cannabis by engulfing it with hot air like an oven:

• 👍Hot air: Instead of direct contact, hot air passes through the cannabis to heat it. 
• 👍Even heating: Because hot air flows through the cannabis, it heats all of the material much more evenly compared to conduction’s surface-level heating.
• 👍Efficient: much more material is vaporized which releases more cannabinoids, not just what's in direct contact with a hot surface.
• 👎Expensive: Unlike conduction, convection vapes are generally more expensive and take longer to heat up.

In short: Convection vaporizers are awesome if you're after top-notch vapor quality and don't mind waiting a bit longer for heat-up. Convection is best for ground cannabis in dry herb vaporizers. Check out our beginners guide to dry herb vapes.

Hybrid (conduction + convection)

You guessed it, hybrid heating combines both conduction and convection heating. Your cannabis is heated directly by a hot surface while hot air passes through the material. Here's what you should know:

• 👍Best of both worlds: You get the quick heat-up of conduction with the even heating of convection.
• 👍Versatile: Great for a wide range of mediums like dry herbs and concentrates
• 👎Costly: These systems can be more complex, which can raise the price.
• 👎Very hot: Back-to-back sessions can produce very hot vapor which irritates the tongue and throat.

In short: Hybrid heating vaporizers are the best for even cannabinoid and terpene extraction if you don't mind paying a bit more for it. We recommend checking out the Arizer for hybrid heating.

Remember, no heating method is really "better" than the others. It all comes down to your personal preferences and how you plan to use your vaporizer. In the next section, we'll talk about the different types of materials you can vape and how they might influence your choice of vaporizer.

3. What are you vaping?

Now let's talk about what you're actually planning to put in your vaporizer. Whether you want cannabis flower, concentrates, or oils there's a specific vaporizer for you. Different vaporizers are designed for different materials, and some can handle multiple types. Let's break it down:

Vaping dry herbs?

This is what most people think of when they hear "vaporizer."  If you want to vaporize ground cannabis herbs here are the best vaporizers to do it with:

• Portable dry herb vaporizer: Compact, battery-powered device for on-the-go use. Perfect for discreet vaping anywhere.
• Desktop vaporizer: Powerful, plug-in unit for home use. Ideal for longer sessions and sharing with friends.
• Water pipe adapter vaporizer: Attaches to a bong or bubbler for smoother, cooler vapor. Great for those who prefer water filtration.
• On-demand vaporizer: A metal vaporizer pipe that you heat with a blow torch. Provides quick extraction and full flavor in a tiny package.

In short: Vaping dry herbs is about using heat to gently release cannabinoids and terpenes without burning the plant. If you're into the full plant experience and enjoy the ritual of grinding your herbs, a dry herb vaporizer might be your best bet. The high is very clean, well-rounded, and clear-headed when you vaporize dry herbs.

Vaping concentrates?

Concentrates are all the good stuff extracted from the cannabis plant, without the plant. It’s much more potent so a little goes a long way. To vaporize concentrates like wax, shatter, budder, rosin, and badder requires different vaporizers, such as:

• Dab rigs: Traditional glass setup that requires a torch to heat the nail. Slight learning curve with a blow torch, but delivers potent results.
• Electric dab rig: Battery-powered version of a dab rig. Provides precise temperature control and convenience.
• Wax pen: Portable, pen-shaped device for on-the-go concentrate vaping. Discreet and easy to use.
• Nectar collector: Pen-like device that allows for direct dabbing. Great for precise dosing and flavor.
• Enail: Electronic heating element that attaches to a traditional dab rig. Offers consistent temperature without a torch.

In short: If you're after stronger effects and don't mind a bit more complexity in your setup, concentrate vaporizers could be right up your alley. Check out our guide to setting the perfect dab temperature.

Vaping oil cartridges

Oil vapes are all about convenience with plug-and-play action. These carts (cartridges) can have everything from THC to pure CBD isolate. Here are all the devices that can vaporize oil carts:

• 510 thread battery: Effective and powerful battery that works with most oil cartridges.
• Variable voltage battery: Allows adjustment of power output. Great for customizing your vaping experience.
• Disposable vape pen: All-in-one device with pre-filled oil. Convenient for beginners or occasional users.
• Discreet 510 vape battery: A vape battery that is disguised as a lighter.

In short: Oil cart is all about a no-hassle experience. Zero grinding, no dab wands, no stirring, just plug or screw your oil cart into the battery and vape! It’s that simple.

Just a note:Some vaporizers can handle multiple types of materials, these devices are known as hybrid 2-in-1 vaporizers (dry herb and concentrates) or 3-in-1 (dry herb, concentrates, and oils). These vaporizers save you space and money. A popular  hybrid 2-in-1 i the PAX plus vaporizer.

4. Temperature control

Alright, let's talk about temperature control. It might not sound exciting, but trust us, it can make a big difference in your vaping experience. 

The whole point of vaporizing is to gently heat the cannabis enough to release the compounds to inhale in the form of vapor. Every compound has different releasing points:

• THC: 315°F (euphoric)
• CBD: 356°F (pain-relieving)
• CBN: 365°F (sleep-promoting)

• Myrcene: 334°F (relaxing)
• Limonene: 349°F (mood-lifting)
• Pinene: 311°F (alertness-boosting)
• Linalool: 388°F (calming)

By adjusting the temperature with a vaporizer you can isolate compounds like terpenes and stay low enough to avoid releasing toxins from the plant which usually happens in temperatures above 425°.

Let's break down the different types of temperature control you might come across when choosing a vaporizer:

Fixed temperature

This is the simplest option out there and is most commonly found in disposable vaporizers. The most common fixed temperature for disposable vaporizers is around 365°F which is high enough to extract all the vital compounds but low enough to stay away from combustion (smoke).

• One setting: The device heats to a preset temperature - no adjustments needed.
• Easy to use: Just turn it on and go.
• Limited control: You can't adjust for different materials or preferences.

Fixed-temperature vaporizers are great if you want something simple and don't mind a one-size-fits-all approach. 

Pre-set temperature

Pre-set temperature vaporizers usually have 4 different heat settings built into the device. Use the lower temperatures to terpene surf or the higher temperatures to extract more cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Most pre-set temperature vaporizers have 4 settings:

1. 350°F - Low temperature setting
2. 375°F - Medium-low temperature setting
3. 400°F - Medium-high temperature setting
4. 425°F - High temperature setting

Precise temperature control

This is the best option for those who want precise control. Precise temperature control vaporizers let you select any temperature you want just outside of the combustion range. 

Combustion happens around 450°F. This is where the cannabis material begins to burn and produce smoke and toxins, which you want to avoid. Here are a few things you should know about precise temperature control devices.

• Precise control: Set the exact temperature, often down to the degree.
• Digital display: Usually comes with a screen showing the current temperature.
• Customization: Some allow you to set up temperature profiles or programs.

5. Types of vaporizers

Now, let's talk about what we're all here for - what type of vaporizer you want to choose. The device you choose can make or break your vaping experience. Below are all the most common vaporizers for cannabis:

Dry Herb Vaporizers

Dry herb vaporizers only vaporize ground cannabis herbs. While both smoking and vaping dry herb flowers may seem similar they are completely different experiences.  A dry herb vaporizer delivers no smoke, reduces 95% of toxins you would normally find in smoke, and the effects are much more clear-headed and well-rounded when compared to smoking.

Dry herb vapes are incredibly versatile, check out our advanced guide with tips and tricks for using a dry herb vape. When choosing a dry herb vaporizer you have two options:

Portable dry Herb vaporizers:

• Compact and battery-powered
• Discreet (less vapor and smell compared to the desktop)
• More affordable

Desktop dry herb vaporizers:

• Produces higher quality vapor due to more powerful heating elements
• Requires an electrical outlet
• Better extraction (more potent), but more expensive
• Check out our beginners guide to desktop vaporizers

Concentrate vaporizers

Concentrate devices only vaporize cannabis in the form of dabs, wax, shatter, budder, badder, rosin, resin, live rosin, or shatter. Also, dabbing is slightly different than vaping even though they both produce vapors. All these are different forms of cannabis concentrate (THC extracted from the plant). Smoking concentrates is very potent and is not recommended for beginners. Below are some of the most popular concentrate vaporizers.

Wax Pens:

• Slim and portable devices that are discreet and easy to use, making them popular for on-the-go dabbing. 
• Most wax pens have a simple design with a heating coil or ceramic element that quickly vaporizes your concentrate.

Dab Rigs:

• Dab rigs are specialized water pipes designed for vaporizing concentrates. They typically use a torch
• Dab rigs are known for producing potent, flavorful hits, but they require some practice to use correctly.

Electric dab rigs:

• Electric dab rigs combine the vapor quality of traditional dab rigs with the convenience of electronic heating. 
• These devices eliminate the need for a torch, making them safer and easier to use. 
• They often offer precise temperature control, allowing you to dial in the perfect setting for your concentrates.

Other devices that can be used for concentrates are electric dab straws and nectar collectors.

Vape batteries for oil cartridges

Vape batteries are simple devices designed to power pre-filled oil cartridges. They're incredibly user-friendly – just screw on a cartridge and you're ready to go. Most are compact and discreet, making them popular for on-the-go use. Some models offer variable voltage settings to customize your vaping experience.

• Oil carts are compatible with standard 510-thread batteries
• Some offer variable voltage settings 

6. Ease of use and maintenance

Let's face it, if a vaporizer is a pain to use or clean, it's going to end up collecting dust. You want a device that has fewer steps, is easy to clean, and won’t break down on you after a few sessions. 

Ease of use and cleaning

This can make a big difference in your day-to-day experience. You want a device that is easy to use and easy to clean. Ceramic chambers are great for conduction vaporizers like Erigs and dry herb vaporizers because they are very easy to clean. Simplicity is key, you want vaporizers that require fewer steps and fewer buttons. 

• Chamber design: Look for ones that are easy to load without spilling. Avoid narrow and tiny chambers.
• Included Tools: Many come with cleaning tools like brushes and tools to help vaporize like tamping, stirring, and dab wands.

User interface

This is all about how you interact with your vaporizer. Some devices have one button where one click, two clicks, five clicks, and so on all have different functionality. Some devices have entire graphical user interfaces similar to a smart app in the dashboard of the vaporizer like the Puffco Peak.

• Buttons vs. apps: Some are controlled by buttons on the device, others by smartphone apps.
• Learning curve: How intuitive is it to use? Will you need to keep the manual handy?
• Display: Is there a screen? Is it easy to read and understand?
• Haptic feedback: Some vaporizers vibrate to let you know when they're ready or if there's an issue.

While having an entire app and graphics interface would be nice, it drastically increases the price of your vaporizer. A user interface doesn’t increase the vapor quality and doesn’t improve your smoke, it just makes life simpler. So if you want to save money you can still get amazing results with three-button vaporizers. 

 

7. Budget and cost

Let's talk money. Vaporizers come in a wide range of prices, from budget-friendly to "wow, that's a car payment." But remember, price doesn't always equal game-changing vapors. Here's a breakdown of what you might expect at different price points:

Entry-level options

These are your budget-friendly choices that are usually in the $40 - $100 range. Here's what to keep in mind:

• Why cheaper? These devices often have cheaper batteries that don’t hold a charge very well and use cheaper material in the body and heating source.
• Heating: Usually conduction with weaker convection options.
• Best For:Beginners who want to try vaping without a big investment

While these can be a good starting point, be aware that the cheapest options might not deliver the best experience or last as long.

Mid-range choices

This is where you start seeing more features and better build quality. Mid-range options usually are in the $100 - 200 price range.

• Features: These devices have much better battery life, more powerful heating, and more intuitive features.
• Materials: Better quality materials in the vapor path
• Best For: Regular users who want a reliable, feature-rich device

Mid-range vaporizers usually give you the best bang for your buck. They deliver potent vapors and are worth the investment because they get the most out of your cannabis saving you money by preserving your stash.

High-end vaporizers

These are the cream of the crop in the vaping world with prices ranging from $200 and up, with some models exceeding $500! 

• Features: Precision temperature control, smartphone apps, unique heating systems
• Materials: Top-quality materials throughout, often with innovative designs
• Best For: Enthusiasts who want the best possible vapor quality and latest features

While these can offer an amazing experience, remember that you don't need to spend top dollar to get a good vaporizer, but if you plan on vaping cannabis often and want the best experience possible these are the best devices.

Remember, it's not just about the upfront cost. Consider things like replacement parts, cleaning supplies, and in the case of desktop vaporizers, your electricity bill. Choose a vaporizer that fits your budget not just now, but in the long run.

8. Battery life and power source

Alright, let's talk about keeping your vaporizer running. After all, a vaporizer without power is just a paperweight, right? Your options here largely depend on whether you've gone for a desktop or portable model.

Plug-in options

These are typically your desktop vaporizers because they require an electrical outlet to work. While that may seem like a huge limitation, running a consistent stream of electricity to your device compared to a battery does wonders for your vapor quality. 

• 👍Constant power: No need to worry about battery life - just plug it in and vape away.
• 👍Consistent performance: You'll get the same strong performance from start to finish.
• 👎Limited mobility: You're tethered to wherever you have a power outlet.
• 👍No charging: You don't have to remember to charge it, but you do need to keep it plugged in.

Plug-in vaporizers are great if you have a dedicated vaping spot at home and want consistent, powerful performance. It’s for the homebody vapers who want the strongest and most productive vapors.

Battery-powered devices

Battery vaporizers are great because they let you take your vapes anywhere you want. Whether you want to vape in the car, on a camping trip, or just go from your living room to your bedroom battery charged vapes make that possible. The only caveat is as the battery begins draining so does the performance of the vaporizer. You’ll want to avoid vaping cannabis on your device if the battery is very low because it can impact performance.

• Mobility: You can take these anywhere, but you need to keep an eye on battery life.
• Charging: You'll need to regularly charge your device, typically via USB.
• Variable performance: Some vaporizers may decrease in performance as the battery drains.
• Battery types: Some have built-in batteries, others use replaceable batteries.

When looking at battery-powered vaporizers, keep in mind:

1. Battery life: How long does it last on a single charge?
2. Charging Time:How long does it take to fully charge?
3. Pass-through charging: Can you use it while it's plugged in and charging?
4. Replaceable batteries: Can you swap out the battery for a fresh one?

Bottom line: If you're always on the move, a battery-powered vaporizer with long battery life or replaceable batteries might be your best bet. But if you're more of a homebody, you might prefer the hassle-free nature of a plug-in device.

Remember, the right choice depends on your lifestyle and vaping habits.

9. Brand Reputation and Warranty

Last but definitely not least, let's talk about the importance of choosing a reputable brand and understanding your warranty coverage. These are electrical devices and in most cases, you’ll be spending over $100, so you’ll want to buy from the right brand with a warranty.

Brand reputation

Choosing a well-known, respected brand can make a big difference. Here atHemper, we offer the highest quality vaporizers from the top brands such as G Pen, Arizer, Puffco, Myster, and so much more (check out our vaporizers).

• Quality Control: Established brands have better quality control processes.
• Customer service: Trusted brands have superior customer service.
• Community: Popular brands often have active user communities where you can get tips and advice through forums like Reddit and Quora.
• Innovation: Well-known brands tend to lead the way in new vaping technologies, so you know you’re getting the latest and greatest in vaporizer tech.

Do some research and read user reviews before settling on a brand. A little homework now can save you headaches later.

Warranty

A good warranty can give you peace of mind with your purchase, but if no warranty is offered then good customer service goes a long way. If you purchase any vaporizer through Hemper we offer customer support through multiple channels.

• Coverage length: Warranties can range from 30 days to lifetime coverage. Longer is generally better.
• What's covered: Some warranties only cover manufacturing defects, while others might include accidental damage but are rare.
• Claim process: Look into how easy (or difficult) it is to make a warranty claim.
• Additional protection: Some retailers offer extended warranties. These can be worth considering for high-end devices like Arizer, Myster, and Puffco Peaks.

Remember, a warranty is only as good as the company backing it. That's another reason why brand reputation matters. Every vaporizer sold at Hemper is only sold by reputable brands.

Final thoughts

Whew! We've covered a lot of ground, haven't we? Choosing the right vaporizer might seem overwhelming at first, but remember – there's no such thing as the perfect vaporizer for everyone. It's all about finding the right one for you.

Here's a quick recap of what to consider:

1. Size: Desktop or portable?
2. Heating Method: Conduction, convection, or hybrid?
3. Material Compatibility: Dry herb, concentrates, or oil?
4. Power Source: Plug-in or battery?
5. Temperature Control: Fixed, adjustable, or smart?

Take your time, do your research, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Whether you're looking for big clouds, amazing flavor, or just a simple and reliable device, there's a vaporizer out there for you. Check out our vaporizer collection and go through the customer reviews to help weigh in on your decision.

Remember, the world of vaping is always evolving, with new technologies and products coming out all the time. Stay curious, keep learning, and most importantly – vape responsibly!