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The Best Dab Temperature for Every Type of Concentrate

by Angel Ferrer 9 min read

Dabbing Low vs High Temperature

The best temperature for dabs is between 450°F and 550°F. At 450°F, you’ll taste all the flavors and it’s gentler on your lungs (less coughing). 525°F is the sweet spot, increasing potency but still tasting great. At 550°F, you’ll get big clouds and intense effects, but less flavor and harsh on the throat.


⬇️ Best dab temps for every type of cannabis concentrate:

  • Shatter: 450°F to 550°F
  • Live resin: 480°F to 530°F
  • Rosin: 350°F to 450°F
  • Crumble: 400°F to 500°F
  • Wax: 400°F to 500°F
  • Budder: 350°F to 450°F
  • Diamonds: 500°F to 600°F
  • Sauce: 450°F to 550°F
  • Sugar: 450°F to 550°F

Learn: Dabbing vs Vaping (key differences).


Dab temperature zones for beginners


Understanding temperature zones will help you optimize your dabbing experience. Here's what to expect with your electric dab rig if you’re new:


1. Low-temp dabs (350°F - 450°F)


Set your E-rig to a low-temp range for maximum flavor. You'll taste subtle terpenes and get a smooth hit. Vapor will be minimal, but the experience is gentle on your lungs. Lower temperatures is what makes vaping healthier than smoking.


2. Medium-temp dabs (450°F - 550°F)


Medium-temp range offers the best balance of flavor and effects. You’ll get satisfying vapor without much harshness. Compared to low-temp dabs you get more potency but slightly decreased flavor. This is considered the “sweet spot” with dab temperatures.


3. High-temp dabs (550°F - 650°F)


Use a high-temp range for intense effects and thick vapor. Your Erig will produce large clouds and the effects will hit you fast and hard. The hot temperatures are much harsher on your throat (coughing) and can destroy terpenes (flavor and aroma).


Shatter: 450°F to 550°F


The best dab temp for shatter is 450°F to 550°F. Shatter’s hard, glass-like texture needs this level of heat to melt fully without burning off the good stuff (THC, CBD, and terpenes). It’s hot enough to break down shatter’s rigid structure but cool enough to preserve terpenes. You can expect thick, potent, and flavorful vapors.


Temperature tips for shatter:

  • Start low: Start at 450°F and work your way up slowly to find your sweet spot.
  • Terp pearls: Helps distribute heat evenly with shatter preventing reheats.
  • Flavor: 450°F - 470°F preserves more flavor while delivering good vapors.


Live Resin: 480°F to 530°F


The best dab temp for live resin is 480°F to 530°F. Live resin is a sticky, saucy concentrate that’s packed with terpenes (flavor). It’s made from fresh-frozen buds and the temperature range of 480°F to 530°F is hot enough to melt all the vital compounds (THC) but low enough to protect the terpenes. You’ll get a thick and potent flavor with plant-like aromas.


Temperature tips for live resin:

  • Start low: Begin at 480°F to focus on terpenes and slowly raise the temperature
  • Sweet spot: Many dabbers swear by 500°F for the perfect balance of flavor and potency with live resin.
  • Watch for bubbles: If your live resin isn't bubbling, slowly increase the heat. Too much heat kills the flavor so increase slowly.



Rosin: 350°F to 450°F


The best dab temp for rosin is 350°F to 450°F. Rosin is a sticky, golden concentrate made without chemicals, just heat and pressure. It’s packed with delicate terpenes (flavor) that can easily burn away.  Starting at 350°F is perfect for melting rosin without destroying terpenes and cannabinoids.


Temperature tips for rosin:

  • Low and slow: Start at 350°F to taste all the unique terpenes in your rosin.
  • Texture matters: Sappier rosin needs lower temps (350°F) and firmer rosin needs higher heat (450°F).
  • Avoid overheating: Staying under 450°F protects myrcene and limonene, key terpenes.


Crumble: 400°F to 500°F


The best dab temp for Crumble is 400°F to 500°F. Crumble is a dry, powdery concentrate that lacks moisture, making it vaporize easily at lower temperatures. 400°F to 500°F is perfect for Crumble’s dry powdery texture, releasing the most flavor and THC while still being gentle on the lungs.


Temperature tips for crumble:

  • Go hotter: Start at 500°F to fully vaporize the concentrate without waste.
  • Texture matters: Drier crumble can handle 500°F, while stickier crumble works best around 450°F.
  • Move fast: Crumble vaporizes very fast, so be ready to inhale as soon as it bubbles.



Wax: 400°F to 500°F


The best dab temp for wax is 400°F to 500°F. Wax has a soft, pliable texture that vaporizes easily at lower temperatures like 400°F. Lower temperatures preserve wax’s delicate terpene profile while activating the cannabinoids. At 400°F you get flavorful hits and at 500°F you increase the potency and vapor.


Temperature tips for wax:

  • Start low: Begin at 400°F for flavor focus and slowly increase to 500°F for maximum potency.
  • Softer wax: If your wax is runnier, stick to the lower end (400°F).
  • Firmer wax: Firmer waxes, stick to the higher end (500°F).



Budder:350°F to 450°F


The best dab temp for budder is 350°F to 450°F. Budder has a creamy, butter-like consistency that's easy to work with. This lower temp range is ideal because budder's soft texture allows for efficient vaporization without excessive heat. At 350°F, you'll get flavorful, terp-rich hits. As you approach 450°F, expect fuller vapor and more potent effects while still preserving budder's unique profile.


Temperature tips for budder:

  • Flavor first: Start at 350°F to experience budder's full terpene profile.
  • Consistency check: Creamier budder works well at lower temps, while drier budder may need higher heat.
  • Low and slow: Gradually increase temp to find your sweet spot without burning off delicate compounds.


Diamonds: 500°F to 600°F


The best dab temp for diamonds is 500°F to 600°F. Diamonds are THCA crystals, often accompanied by a terpene-rich sauce. This higher temp range is necessary to fully melt and vaporize the crystalline structure. At 500°F, you'll get a balanced hit of flavor and potency. As you approach 600°F, expect intense effects and thick vapor, showcasing diamonds' high THC content.


Temperature tips for diamonds:

  • Start at 500°F:This temp melts diamonds effectively while preserving some terpenes.
  • Sauce matters: If your diamonds come in sauce, you might want to stay closer to 500°F to preserve terps.
  • High heat for pure crystals: For isolated THCA diamonds, temps closer to 600°F ensure complete vaporization.



Sauce: 450°F to 550°F


The best dab temp for sauce is 450°F to 550°F. Sauce is a high-terpene extract containing THCA crystals suspended in a thick terpene-rich liquid. This temperature range balances vaporizing both compounds productively. At 450°F, you'll preserve more delicate terpenes for maximum flavor. As you approach 550°F, you'll get full vaporization of the THCA crystals for potent effects.


Temperature tips for sauce:

  • Flavor focus: Start at 450°F to taste the full terpene profile of the sauce.
  • Crystal consideration: If your sauce has visible THCA crystals, lean towards the higher end of the range.
  • Stir before dabbing: Mix the sauce well to ensure an even distribution of terpenes and cannabinoids.



Sugar: 450°F to 550°F


The best dab temp for sugar concentrate is 450°F to 550°F. Sugar has a grainy, crystalline texture with a high terpene content. This range preserves flavorful terpenes while fully vaporizing the cannabinoid crystals. At 450°F, you'll get a terp-rich experience, while 550°F is all about complete vaporization for maximum potency.


Temperature tips for sugar:

  • Terpene focus: Start at 450°F to taste the full spectrum of flavors in your sugar concentrate.
  • Adjust for consistency: Wetter sugar might need lower temps, while drier sugar can handle higher heat.
  • Stir before dabbing: Mix the sugar well to ensure an even distribution of terpenes and cannabinoids.


Distillate: 400°F to 500°F


The best dab temp for distillate is 400°F to 500°F. Distillate is a highly refined cannabis extract with up to 99% purity of a single cannabinoid, usually THC. This temperature range is ideal because distillate has minimal terpenes and plant matter, allowing for great vaporization without risking burning. At 400°F, you'll get smooth hits, while 500°F delivers maximum potency.


Temperature tips for distillate:

  • Start low: Begin at 400°F for smoother hits and gradually increase for stronger effects.
  • Potency focus: Higher temps around 480°F-500°F maximize THC vaporization.
  • Mix it up: Consider adding terpenes to your distillate for enhanced flavor at lower temps.


Hash Oil: 350°F to 450°F



The best dab temp for hash oil is 350°F to 450°F. Hash oil is a potent cannabis concentrate made by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant. This range preserves the oil's complex terpene profile while activating all the potential cannabinoids. At 350°F, you'll experience rich flavors, while 450°F provides more intense effects and thicker vapor.


Temperature tips for hash oil:

  • Flavor chase: Start at 350°F to fully appreciate the oil's terpene profile.
  • Consistency matters: Runnier oils may need lower temps, while thicker oils might require higher heat.
  • Carb cap essential: Use a carb cap to maximize vapor production, especially at lower temperatures.


Terp Sauce: 400°F to 500°F


The best dab temp for terp sauce is 400°F to 500°F. Terp sauce is a highly aromatic concentrate with a liquid consistency, rich in terpenes and often containing THCA crystals. This range allows for full vaporization of terpenes without degrading them. At 400°F, you'll get maximum flavor, while 500°F triggers complete vaporization of any crystalline structures.


Temperature tips for terp sauce:

  • Flavor focus: Start low at 400°F to experience the full terpene spectrum.
  • Crystal consideration: If your sauce has visible THCA crystals, you may need to increase the temperature.
  • Slow and steady: Gradually increase heat to find the perfect balance between flavor and potency.


Bubble Hash: 350°F to 450°F


The best dab temp for bubble hash is 350°F to 450°F. Bubble hash is a solventless concentrate made using ice water extraction. This lower temperature range is perfect because bubble hash is more delicate than solvent-based extracts. At 350°F, you'll preserve the full spectrum of terpenes, while 450°F promotes complete vaporization of cannabinoids without scorching.


Temperature tips for bubble hash:

  • Start low: Begin at 350°F to experience the full flavor profile of your bubble hash.
  • Melt factor: Lower-grade bubble hash may need slightly higher temps to fully melt.
  • Avoid overheating: Stay under 450°F to prevent burning and harsh vapor production.


PHO (Propane Hash Oil): 450°F to 550°F


The best dab temp for PHO is 450°F to 550°F. PHO is similar to BHO but uses propane instead of butane for extraction, resulting in a more terpene-rich concentrate. This temperature range allows for full vaporization of both cannabinoids and terpenes. At 450°F, you'll experience the full flavor profile, while 550°F delivers complete vaporization of cannabinoids for intense effects.


Temperature tips for PHO:

  • Start low: Begin at 450°F to fully appreciate the complex terpene profile.
  • Adjust for consistency: Saucier PHO may need lower temps, while more solid varieties can handle higher heat.
  • Flavor vs. potency: Lower temps emphasize flavor, while higher temps boost effects.


Live Badder: 400°F to 500°F


The best dab temp for live badder is 400°F to 500°F. Live badder is made from fresh-frozen cannabis and has a creamy, butter-like consistency with high terpene content. This range preserves the delicate terpene profile while fully activating cannabinoids. At 400°F, you'll get flavorful, terp-rich hits, while 500°F delivers richer vapor and intense effects.


Temperature tips for live badder:

  • Flavor focus: Start at 400°F to experience the full spectrum of live terpenes.
  • Consistency check: Softer badder works well at lower temps, while firmer live badder may need slightly higher heat.
  • Carb cap essential: Use a carb cap to maximize vapor production, especially at lower temperatures.


HTFSE (High Terpene Full Spectrum Extract): 400°F to 500°F


The best dab temp for HTFSE is 400°F to 500°F. HTFSE is a highly aromatic concentrate that preserves the full terpene profile of the cannabis plant. This temperature range allows for full vaporization of terpenes without degrading them. At 400°F, you'll experience the full flavor spectrum, while 500°F ensures complete vaporization of cannabinoids for potent effects.


Temperature tips for HTFSE:

  • Start low: Begin at 400°F to fully appreciate the complex terpene profile.
  • Gradual increase: Slowly raise the temperature to find your perfect balance of flavor and potency.
  • Carb cap essential: Use a carb cap to preserve terpenes and maximize vapor production at lower temperatures.


Live Sugar: 450°F to 550°F


The best dab temp for live sugar is 450°F to 550°F. Live sugar is a crystalline concentrate made from fresh-frozen cannabis, which preserves a ton of terpenes. This temperature range protects delicate terpenes while fully activating cannabinoids. At 450°F, you'll get a terp-rich experience, while 550°F aims more for potency.


Temperature tips for live sugar:

  • Flavor focus: Start at 450°F to taste the full spectrum of live terpenes.
  • Texture consideration: If your live sugar is more crystalline, you may need to increase the temperature slightly.
  • Stir before dabbing: Mix the sugar well for an even distribution of terpenes and cannabinoids.


CO2 Oil: 400°F to 500°F


The best dab temp for CO2 oil is 400°F to 500°F. CO2 oil is extracted using pressurized carbon dioxide, which makes a very clean and solventless concentrate. This temperature range allows for full vaporization of the oil's compounds without degradation. At 400°F, you'll experience the full flavor profile, while 500°F promotes complete vaporization for maximum potency.


Temperature tips for CO2 oil:

  • Start low: Begin at 400°F to fully appreciate the oil's terpene profile.
  • Adjust for viscosity: Thinner oils may vaporize at lower temps, while thicker oils might need higher heat.
  • Flavor preservation: Stay closer to 400°F if you prioritize taste over vapor production.


Final thoughts


Here's what you need to know about dab temperatures:

  • Most concentrates work best between 400-550°F, but each type has an ideal range.
  • Low temps (350-450°F) are perfect for flavor-rich concentrates like rosin and budder, giving smooth hits and preserving terpenes
  • Medium temps (450-550°F) give you the best of both worlds - strong effects and good flavor - ideal for shatter and live resin
  • High temps (550-650°F) deliver the strongest effects but sacrifice flavor and can be harsh, best for diamonds and experienced users

Remember: Starting low and slowly increasing temperature helps you find the perfect balance for your concentrate.