What is a vaporizer?
The world of vaporizers is exploding with innovation and the market is overflowing with a large variety of vaporizers. Despite the thousands of people who have switched to vaporizing many still have no clue what it really is, what it’s used for and the differences between the many models out there.
Vaporizing releases the beneficial ingredients of the plant into your lungs without burning. This method ensures you are not inhaling tars or other harmful carcinogens as you would if you were smoking. Vaping does not involve combustion nor does it produce smoke.
When you place your plant material inside of a vaporizer, it heats it up to a very hot temperature, (but not so hot it burns) resulting in the vapour that has helped to give these devices their name.
Vaporizers are a healthier alternative to smoking because you get all the benefits of the plant as well as the same pleasurable experience as smoking.
Definition
A vaporizer is a device used to extract the active ingredients of plant material for inhalation and vaping is the act of inhaling the vapour produced by a vaporizing device.
“What’s fly about the vaporizer movement is that it’s clean and convenient.”
– Snoop Dogg
5 Reasons to vape
It’s healthier
Vaporizing is a purer, healthier experience that not only benefits your lungs but your entire body. By using a vape your are avoiding all the harmful effects from smoking such as: tar, carbon monoxide and other toxins. Heating up the cannabis only to the point where it causes the cannabinoids to evaporate allows you to get all the health benefits from the plant without the damaging effects.
It’s more efficient
In the long run vaporizing will save you money because it is more efficient at getting the most from your herb. It takes less cannabis to get your desired effect then it would if you smoked. It’s 30 to 40% more efficient than smoking.
It’s more flavourful
Vaporizing allows you to truly taste your plant material more than smoking would. Because you’re not burning your herb, the result is a cleaner, purer and tastier flavour that most people are surprised by.
It does not stink
Because vaporizers don’t create the big thick clouds the way smoking does there’s a lot less smell lingering in the air. And vapour fades away within seconds of exhaling. An added benefit is that your clothes, home and furniture won’t stink and you won’t have any smelly ashtrays to clean afterwards.
It is the most discreet way to smoke
If you’re someone that’s always on the move then using a portable vaporizer will fill your need to be discreet. There are so many models that make it possible for you to use in broad day light without anyone noticing.
Which vape?
Choosing a vaporizer can feel like a daunting task. There are so many new models coming out everyday that you’ll get lost in your own research. Have no fear we are here to help. You’ll want to take a look at your needs and your lifestyle before you purchase anything. Answer the following 4 questions to help you find the vape thats perfect for you.
What do you want to vape?
Herb, concentrates (oil, wax) or both? The answer to this question will point you in the right direction. There are some new portables that are multi-functional giving you the option of using both herb and concentrates. Make sure you know what the vaporizer was made for. You don’t want to be using concentrates in a vape meant for herb or your money will literally go up in smoke.
Where do you want to vape?
If you know you’ll be doing most of your vaping in the comfort of your own home then you’ll want to be looking at desktops but keep in mind they’re usually pricier than portables and pens and if it’s your first time vaping you might not want to make that kind of investment. If you need a vape that can go everywhere you go then you’ll want to narrow down your choices to either a portable or a pen. If you’re out and about discretion may be something you’re looking for. There are dozens of new models and designs made to purposely be inconspicuous.
Are you vaping for health or for fun?
Your reason for vaping is a key factor in helping you choose. Typically medical patients and frequent consumers like to look for stealth, quality and robust heating system. Now if you’re just in it for the fun or you’re a first time user you may want to try simpler portable or pen models.
What is your budget?
Choosing a vaporizer according to your budget is like choosing a car. If money is not an issue then you have the pick of the crop in choices but if you’re looking for affordability then you’ll want to read some reviews to see which ones give you more bang for your buck.
The most important specifications to look for with each unit
Vapour quality
Manufacturing quality
Temperature range
Convenience / ease of use
The most important specifications to look for with each unit
Portable
With so much growth in technology and development portable vaporizers are becoming a big part of the gadget industry. If you’re the kind of person that is on the move, a traveler or you simply want to have your vape with you in different locations then a portable vaporizer is for you. It’s generally larger than a pen vape, sturdier and more temperature control.
Portable vapes are all about discretion and convenience. Some of the new designs are so discreet you would think they’re a smart phones. The majority of these vapes are battery powered but some older models use butane and some even have the torch option.
Desktop
Desktop vaporizers are the perfect option for those of you that love to stay at home or like to vape with a few friends or even alone. Most desktop vapes are too big to carry with you and generally they need to be plugged in. If you are someone who needs to medicate often or you just love high quality thick vapour then the desktop is your choice. Desktops typically have more power than the other vapes and are built for endurance. A feature that will appeal to those of you who like to vape in groups is the large bowls and sturdy heating systems.
Pen
Pen vaporizers are the cheaper, smaller version of portable vapes. They usually come in the shape of an e-cig and are discreet and easy to use. If you’re not concerned about conduction heating and your budget isn’t big enough for a portable then a pen might be just the thing for you. But if your health is a consideration then you will want to make sure you choose a vape that uses convection heating method, meaning it won’t burn your herb.
The most important specifications to look for with each unit
Convection
Convection is considered the healthiest option in that the heating element never touches your material, in other words it’s not burning. The drawback is that convection requires better technology which is often more expensive.
VS
Conduction
You see more conduction in pens and some portable units. The disadvantage to using a vaporizer with conduction-style heating is that you risk combusting your material instead of vaporizing it.
Power source
If you’re using your vaporizer anywhere from moderate to heavy consumption then your power source is going to be an important element in buying your new vape. Most desktop vaporizers have power you can just plug in and play but if you’re looking at portables or pens then the majority of them run on rechargeable batteries.
The quality and length of the batteries is something to consider and reading our reviews will give you the info you need there. Regardless of brand you’ll want to make sure the vaporizer you choose has a solid warranty that covers battery replacement. If you happen to be looking at older models that run on butane keep in mind smell, taste and safety.
Temperature control
A range of presets
Adjustable dial or knob
Digital display
Some vaporizers have a pre-set temperature while others give you the freedom to control your own. The vaporizers that provide you with temperature control come in a few different options.
Digital seems to be the most popular option since it offers the most precision but what you’re after is a consistent temperature and the other two options will also give you that.
Vapes with pre-set temperature are generally adjusted upon your inhalation speed and force. The key is to practice steady inhalation to attain regular temperatures.
Setting your vaporizer to the correct temperature is essential in releasing the active ingredients in cannabis. The cannabinoids (medical compound found in the plant) in cannabis begins to vaporizer at 285°F / 140°C but the sweet spot is actually around 356-392°F / 180-200°C. At this temperature the cannabinoids are activated and converted into vapour and can safely be inhaled.
Check out our detailed temperature guide.
What to vape?
A range of presets
This consists of various blends of cannabis, tobacco or aromatic herbs like lavender and peppermint. Typically dry herbs need to be ground before vaping to get the most from your material.
Wax & Oils
Are basically a concentrated form of cannabinoids and terpenes, hence the reason they are referred to as cannabis concentrates. You’ll only need a very small amount to get a similar effect as you would from larger amounts of herb. Be sure to check your new vape is made for concentrates before testing it out.
Combinations
There are more and more new vapes coming out that have this flexible feature of vaping either herb, oils or waxes. These usually come with accessories or attachment needed for vaping.
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