Vaporizer
A vaporizer is a device that heats flower or concentrates to precise temperatures that create vapor without combustion. Different models are designed for flower, concentrates, or both — all using controlled heat rather than burning plant material for a cleaner, more efficient experience.
Key features:
- Precise temperature control prevents combustion
- Models vary: flower only, concentrate only, or dual-use designs
- Available in portable and desktop formats
- Preserves flavor and terpene profiles
- More efficient extraction than combustion methods
Temperature precision is the defining advantage. Different compounds vaporize at different temperatures, and controlling heat allows you to target specific temperature ranges. Lower temps (315-350°F) deliver lighter, more flavorful vapor with subtle effects. Mid-range temperatures (350-390°F) strike a balance between flavor and density. Higher temps (390-430°F) extract more completely with fuller effects. This control is impossible with combustion methods. These temperature ranges apply primarily to flower vaporizers, which operate within controlled botanical heating zones.
Concentrate-specific vaporizers operate at higher temperatures — typically 450-650°F — these types of products require more heat to vaporize effectively than flower. Format determines use case. Desktop vaporizers plug into wall power and deliver consistent, powerful performance with larger chambers and more precise controls — making them ideal for home use and extended sessions. Portable vaporizers run on rechargeable batteries and fit in your pocket, offering convenience for on-the-go use, albeit with a tradeoff in power and session length compared to desktop models.
Heating method affects experience and efficiency. Conduction vaporizers heat material through direct contact with hot surfaces — faster heat-up, but requires stirring for thorough vaporization. Convection vaporizers pass hot air through the material, resulting in more even heating and better flavor, but they are typically more expensive and slightly slower. Hybrid systems combine both methods for balanced performance.
Your vaporizer setup: Start with a grinder — consistent texture matters more with vaporizers than other methods since even heating requires even material distribution. Don't grind too fine (restricts airflow) or too coarse (uneven heating). Most vaporizers come with cleaning tools, extra screens, and other accessories. Keep isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs on hand for regular maintenance — residue builds up in the vapor path, affecting both flavor and performance. Many portable vaporizers are compatible with water pipe adapters, allowing for added filtration.
For concentrate-compatible models, you'll need a dab tool for loading and the device’s designated concentrate pad, insert, or chamber — concentrates behave differently than flower and require the correct hardware to vaporize properly. Concentrate residue also builds up faster, so expect more frequent cleaning of the chamber and vapor path. Battery-powered portables benefit from having spare batteries or keeping them charged.