What is an Electric Dab Rig or E-Rig: Key Benefits
An electric dab rig is an electronic device with a water chamber designed for vaporizing cannabis concentrates called “dabs.” Unlike traditional dab rigs, which require a butane torch, electric dab rigs use electricity to heat a coil, making the bowl hot enough to turn the extract into vapor for inhalation.
Electric dab rigs are:
- For concentrates, not dry herbs.
- Use electricity, no torch.
- Perfect dab temps = perfect dabs
- Saves money + dabs
Top benefit: Electric dab rigs let you set precise heating temperatures, so your concentrates melt perfectly, avoiding the high heat of torches that can easily burn off THC and waste your dabs.
What does an electric dab rig do?
Electric dab rigs are specially designed to consume concentrates (THC extracts). THC extracts can’t be smoked in traditional bongs or pipes, you need a specific device to heat and inhale dab vapors. To do this, dab rigs use a bowl (atomizer) usually made of ceramic or quartz which gets heated electrically.
By electrically applying heat to the bowl, the surface of the bowl gets so hot, it begins turning the cannabis extracts into vapor. The vapor then travels through the water chamber and is split apart via bubbles by the percolator for filtration and cooling before you inhale.
Parts of an electric dab rig
An electric dab rig essentially is one solid unit, that can break apart into almost 6 separate components. Disassembling an electric dab rig is rare and is usually only done during deep cleaning.
Anatomy of an electric dab rig:
- Mouthpiece: Where you inhale the vapor.
- Water Chamber: Holds water to cool and filter the vapor.
- Battery: Powers the heating element.
- Heating Element (E-Nail): Electrically heats the atomizer.
- Atomizer: Where you place the concentrate.
- Temperature controls: Allows you to adjust temperatures
- Body/Base: Houses the electronic components and supports the rig.
Additional accessories:
- Dab wand: Connects to the body; detachable for easy cleaning.
- Charger: Provides filtration and cooling for smoother hits.
- Isoplex: A dab station to hold everything you need.
- Q-tips: Electrically heats the atomizer to vaporize the concentrate.
How does an electric dab rig work?
Using an E-rig is much easier than using a traditional dab rig:
- Set the temperature: Turn on the electric dab rig and choose your temperature (no butane torch necessary). Wait for the device to heat up.
- Apply the concentrate: Once the device is ready, place a small amount of concentrate into the preheated atomizer and cover it with the lid.
- Pull the vapor: The surface of the atomizer is hot enough to release THC and terpenes from the concentrate in the form of vapor. As you begin inhaling the vapor it gets pulled through the water chamber for filtration.
- Inhale the vapor: When you inhale you pull the vapor through the water chamber up to the mouthpiece and into your lungs.
“Sip don’t rip”: When inhaling with an electric dab rig you want to always sip the vapor, never rip it like you would a bong.
- Rips are when you take large, forceful inhales, similar to a bong rip. Ripping can lead to an overwhelming amount of vapor, which can be extremely harsh on your throat and lung tissues.
- Sipping is a gentle and slow inhale of vapor, just like you would when sipping a hot coffee. Sipping gives you smoother vapor, less coughing, more flavor, and a more gradual dosing which can prevent overwhelming effects.
- Learn: Dabbing vs vaping cannabis, what’s the difference.
Benefits of using an electric dab rig
The benefit of an electric dab rig is its precise heating without a butane torch. You get consistent vapor every time without over burning or under burning, which saves you money. Plus, the temperature control lets you target specific terpenes and cannabinoids, giving you unparalleled control over your high (no other smoking device can do this).
1. Feel effects instantly
When comparing dabbing to smoking dabs hit faster and harder. The vapor goes straight to your lungs and into your blood, so you feel it right away. It's perfect when you need quick relief or want to feel the effects instantly. No, waiting around, electric dab rigs deliver immediate results.
2. Very potent effects
Electric dab rigs vaporize cannabis extracts which have significantly higher THC/CBD levels than typical cannabis dry herbs. While dry flowers contain 15-25% THC, concentrates can range from 60-90% THC. E-rigs deliver much stronger effects with far less material, perfect for experienced consumers.
3. Much easier than dab rigs
Electric dab rigs do not need a butane torch! E-rigs heat up with the push of a button, and in many cases, you can pre-program your favorite heat settings with devices like the Puffco Peak. Eliminating the use of an open butane flame reduces risks and makes the dabbing process safer and more user-friendly, especially for beginners.
4. Smoother vapor (less coughing)
Hot vapor isn’t good for your lungs! It can irritate lung tissue and cause coughing fits. When vapor passes through the water chamber, the water absorbs some of the heat, making the vapor much gentler to inhale.
On top of that, the bubbles you see in the water chamber are also further cooling the hot vapor. The percolator splits the stream of vapor into multiple pathways in the water. This creates thousands of bubbles that spread apart the vapor, cooling and cleaning it for a much smoother inhale.
5. Custom high with temperature settings
What makes an electric dab rig such an amazing device is the precise temperature controls, something you could never achieve with a traditional dab rig, unless you had years of experience with a dab torch.
Different cannabinoids and terpenes are released from the concentrate at different temperatures. An electric dab rig lets you select custom temperatures so you can target and isolate the release of specific compounds.
For example, you can set your dab rig temperatures to low, medium, or high and target specific cannabinoids and terpenes:
Low-temperature release:
- Caryophyllene (Releases at 246°F): Comforting
- Pinene (Releases at 313°F): Refreshing
- THC (Releases at 315°F): Uplifting
Mid-range temperature release:
- Myrcene (Releases at 331°F): Calming
- Limonene (Releases at 350°F): Cheerful
- CBG (Releases at 350°F): Soothing
- CBN (Releases at 365°F): Relaxing
- Linalool (Releases at 388°F): Tranquil
High-temperature release:
- Borneol (Releases at 410°F): Cleansing
- THCV (Releases at 428°F): Energizing
- CBC (Releases at 428°F): Balancing
6. Taste really good
Electric dab rigs heat cannabis extracts at the perfect dab temperature which prevents burning unlike combustion (smoking). Without the harshness of smoke, you can taste and savor the cannabis terpenes which are responsible for flavor, aroma, and therapeutic benefits.
7. Save money and material
An electric dab rig heats consistently every time. Unlike traditional dab rigs with butane torches, you don't have to guess if the atomizer is too hot or not hot enough. This prevents you from over burning your concentrates (totally wasting your dabs), or under burning and having to deal with reclaim. The consistency with heating saves you money and material in the long run.
8. Use less, get more
Electric dab rigs pack a punch with far less product. Cannabis extracts are super strong, so a tiny dab goes a long way. You'll feel the effects fast and strong, using way less than you would with other methods. This means your stash lasts longer and you save money in the long run.
Is an electric dab rig right for you?
Electric dab rigs are better suited for experienced cannabis users who want powerful and fast-hitting effects with pure flavors. They are much easier to use than traditional torch dab rigs, and you can set lower heat temperatures to tone down potency and effects, making an E-rig great for beginners who want to try dabbing.
An electric dab rig is right for you if:
- Want to dab but hate butane torches
- Want to dab and reduce potency (lower temperatures)
- Are comfortable with stronger effects
- Don’t mind spending on higher-priced extracts
It might not be for you if:
- You’re a beginner
- Have a low tolerance
- Are on a tight budget (Erig and dabs are expensive)
Still not sure? If you want vapors but still want to explore all your options check out our guide on how to choose a vaporizer.
Choosing the right electric dab rig
When selecting an electric dab rig, think about what's important to you:
- Features: Some E-rigs are expensive like the Puffco Peak Smart, but the features are worth it (like pre-programmed settings and boost mode).
- Glass quality: Cheap glass, high-quality borosilicate glass, or heady glass?
- Heating technology: Choose between ceramic, quartz, or induction heating. Each impacts flavor and vapor quality.
- Temperature control: Locked temperature settings or can you fine-tune any temperature you want?
- Portability: Consider size and battery life if you plan to dab outside of your house.
Different types of electric dab rigs:
- Smart electric dab rig:App connectivity and customizable settings for precise control.
- Ceramic electric dab rig:Uses ceramic elements for even heat distribution and pure flavor.
- Quartz electric dab rig:Heats quickly and retains heat well, for powerful vaporization.
- Induction electric dab rig:Uses magnetic fields to heat concentrates without direct contact (much safer).
- Portable electric dab rig:Compact and battery-powered for dabbing on the go.
- Corded electric dab rig:Must be plugged into a wall outlet (consistent and powerful performance).
TL;DR
An electric dab rig modernizes the traditional dabbing experience. Instead of using an open flame torch to heat your concentrates, it uses controlled electronic heating elements. This matters for two key reasons:safety andaccuracy.
The device lets you set exact temperatures which was impossible to do with a butane torch. This is crucial because different beneficial compounds in cannabis are released at specific temperatures. Lower temps (around 315°F) focus on THC release for uplifting effects, while higher temps (up to 428°F) target compounds that provide more energizing effects.
Beyond temperature control, these devices include water chambers that cool the vapor before you inhale, making it much gentler on your lungs. While the initial cost is higher than traditional dab rigs, you save money over time because precise heating prevents wasting expensive concentrates (over-burning or under-burning). If you are a beginner to the world of dabs, an electric dab rig is easier and more customizable (especially with potency) compared to a classic dab rig.
