Whether you’re using marijuana for pleasure or medical reasons can have a substantial impact on how you use it.
From the type of marijuana to the frequency and dosage, it all plays a role in achieving your end goal.
For those that don’t enjoy smoking, there are few better options for getting the benefit of marijuana for the medical purposes that a herb vaporizer offers.
Finding the best way to enjoy your weed is the dilemma that is faced by stoners around the world.
There are so many options; should you smoke a joint, invest in a bong, try dabbing or hash? In the end, the choice is yours, and the only way to determine the best option is to try out each one and figure out which gives you your favorite high.
It doesn’t take a degree in medical science to realize that putting smoke in your lungs isn’t the healthiest thing you can do. Even if marijuana smoke isn’t as bad as that of tobacco, why not take steps to eliminate the damage to your lungs and overall health altogether? That’s where the dry herb vaporizer comes into play.
In this guide, we’ll be looking at the best vaporizers for weed in specific. If you’ve been a stoner for any reasonable amount of time, it is likely that you’ve heard someone bring up vaporizers at one time or another.
Maybe you’ve even used a vaporizer before and decided that you enjoyed it, for whatever reason, you now find yourself here. You may be surprised to learn that there are quite a few benefits to using the best dry herb vaporizer, or any method to vape cannabis, for that matter.
First off, there are the definite health benefits of vaporizing your weed. To understand how much better a vaporizer is for your lungs, you first have to comprehend the fundamental difference between vaporizing your marijuana and smoking it. These two methods of enjoying weed are quite similar yet still distinct.
The key similarity between vaping weed and smoking it is that you are still heating up the plant matter so that you can inhale the psychoactive ingredients (including THC). The difference between these two methods lies in exactly how you get your weed to the temperature where the THC is activated.
When you smoke cannabis, you have to expose it to direct flame in an environment with enough oxygen to facilitate combustion; in simple terms, you light it on fire. A vaporizer is much more similar to putting your weed in an oven, as it is heated to high temperatures without setting it alight.
Of course, as with any substance, heating cannabis up to a certain temperature will result in instant combustion, and this is the reason why many vaporizers can’t go over 375 degrees Fahrenheit. The primary difference between inhaling smoke and inhaling vapor is that you don’t have to deal with the chemicals that emanate from the burnt plant matter.
Aside from the health benefits, vaping your weed makes it last longer, provides you with a source of ABV (Already Been Vaped) plant matter, and much more. Without further delay, let’s move on to our reviews in search of the best dry herb vaporizer, starting with three of the more mobile options.
3 Best Portable Dry Herb Vaporizers for Weed
#1 Pax 3
A Smart Vaporizer
If you want the best vaporizer for weed that is still reasonably portable, then you’ll come across a few options that can hope to compare to the Pax 3. This product has been at the top of the market for as long as I can remember. There’s a reason why this model has been received so well; in fact, there are several.
First and foremost, this is a vaporizer that can connect to your smartphone and provide a range of functions that would otherwise be impossible if your Pax 3 were out of reach. Through the app, you can choose the mode that you set your Pax 3 to, lock or customize the UI, and much more.
Of course, there is more to a vaporizer than its connectivity with other devices, but I just feel like this aspect demonstrates the extreme level of polish features in the Pax 3. While other vaporizers may provide an alternative to smoking, the Pax 3 is more of an experience than anything else.
Performance
As with any vaporizer, one of the most important things to consider is the experience that you will have when you are using it. There are far too many vaporizers on the market that have a heavy pull that makes the experience decidedly more unpleasant than smoking weed in the traditional fashion.
Nobody wants to feel like they are collapsing their lungs when they’re inhaling, and the designers of the Pax 3 took that to heart. Even after several smoking sessions with a packed oven, the Pax 3 will give you a much smoother pull than many competing products, even within the same price range.
Other than the ease of inhaling from this product, it also features a range of temperatures that are far more varied than most other vaporizers. The Pax 3 gives you the option of vaping your weed at the perfect temperature for your needs instead of forcing you to choose from a limited range of presets.
While the Pax 3 is recommended for dried herb, wax and other concentrates can still be smoked through it, though the experience is not ideal. Of course, if you’re in a pinch and all you have is wax, the Pax 3 is not a bad choice if you don’t mind your session lasting a little bit longer.
User Experience
Thankfully, the Pax 3 has a sleek, intuitive UI that mainly uses an integral button that is built into the mouthpiece. Once you have mastered the different controls, it is likely that you won’t be forgetting how to use this vaporizer anytime soon.
Pros Cons
#2 The Mighty Vaporizer
Less Portability, More Power
While the Mighty Vaporizer from Storz & Bickel is in the category of portable vapes, it is less compact than many other options. Due to the size of this vaporizer, it is less of a pocket vape and more of a cordless vape that you can carry around the house as you enjoy your weed instead of being rooted in place.
Of course, nothing is stopping you from taking this vape out of the house, but I feel like it’s just too big to be convenient in your pocket. So what do you get in return for the larger size of this vaporizer? Well, just about everything else that matters.
The Mighty is the bigger brother of Storz & Bickel’s Crafty model, and I think that it is a much better choice for anyone who takes their vaping seriously. The Mighty benefits from a longer battery life than most other vaporizers in the same price range, topping out at around 90 minutes of use.
If you’re trying to stay high throughout the day without having to deal with the persistent inconvenience of having to recharge your vape every now and then, the Mighty is an excellent choice. Of course, there is much more to the best dry herb vaporizer than how long it can last.
Using the Mighty
Since the Mighty is so much larger than many other portable vapes, it has the room to implement a user interface that is easy to understand at a glance. The LED screen on the front of this vape allows you to see the exact temperature that it is running at without having to resort to decoding colors.
There are two buttons that you use to adjust your temperature to the perfect setting, and the wide range allows you to find the perfect one for you. Of course, as you raise the temperature, your pulls will get harsher, but the effect seemed slightly diminished when compared to some other vaporizers.
One of the most noticeable qualities of the Mighty is that it won’t run out of steam (figuratively and literally) if you give it enough time to heat up sufficiently. Many vapes are too weak for veteran users, but nearly anyone will have a challenge on their hands with this vape, especially at high temperatures.
Overall Experience
Pros Cons
#3 Davinci IQ
A Vaporizer That’s as Smart as its Name
The DaVinci IQ isn’t just what this product is called. It is a hint for the buyer that this is the best dry herb vaporizer for customers who want their vape to be interconnected. While the Pax 3 may be able to connect to your smartphone, the DaVinci IQ is immensely improved by the connection.
Taking full advantage of the app interconnectivity, the DaVinci IQ allows you to set what is known as a Smart Path. In this mode, you set a temperature range, and the IQ gradually heats up to the maximum temperature, allowing you to enjoy the full range of effects that you get within your preferred range.
Aside from custom modes, the app features everything that you would expect to see, including the option to turn the vape on or off remotely, set the temperature, and more. You can even see usage charts for your vaporizer so you can get an idea of how to use it as efficiently as possible.
The IQ’s Features
One of the features that impressed me when I first tested out the IQ was the Boost mode. When you put this vaporizer into “Boost,” it increases the temperature to the maximum as fast as it can, allowing you to get the most out of what is left in the oven. This is an excellent feature for when you’re running low on weed.
The IQ features a vapor path that is made entirely of ceramic instead of the metal that is common in many other devices. While metal is not a bad choice, it tends to impart a flavor to your vapor that is avoided when the path is made out of ceramic, as that won’t interact with your vapor.
What to Expect When You Use the IQ
Another thing that surprised me was how smooth the hits were when I was using this vaporizer, even when the oven was fully packed at maximum temperature. It felt like I could draw on this vaporizer for eternity without having to worry about dealing with a coughing fit.
Don’t get me wrong, however, as many people might mistake smoother hits for a weaker vaporizer. The most surprising thing about the Mighty Vaporizer is that it gets you just as high as a model that would make you cough your lungs out.
If you like getting really high but you don’t like dealing with a harsh inhale, the DaVinci IQ is an excellent option.
Pros Cons
3 Best Desktop Dry Herb Vaporizers for Weed/Marijuana
#1 Volcano Vaporizer
Arguably the Most well-reputed Vaporizer
If you haven’t heard of the Volcano, then you probably haven’t been vaping your marijuana for very long. The Volcano is the stuff of legend in stoner circles, and if a friend has one, it is likely that you will be spending more time at their place than you will at your own.
While the design of the Volcano may look silly to the uninitiated, it makes complete sense once you understand exactly what this vaporizer does.
The Volcano is made by Storz & Bickel, widely seen as the kings of vaping weed, but their products are indeed pricey. If you’re willing to pay the premium for a Volcano, then there is absolutely no reason to keep waiting because it is everything that you can hope for and more.
What Makes the Volcano Different?
The most significant difference in this product and the single greatest contributing factor that makes it the best vaporizer for weed lies in how it works. The Volcano essentially uses a fan to blow the vapor into a massive balloon that should give you enough for about three or four hits (and big ones at that).
The advantage to the design of the Volcano is that it can heat massive amounts of weed and turn it into vapor far more efficiently than other desktop models. The balloon gives your vapor time and space to cool off before you inhale it, resulting in a much more pleasant smoking experience.
This vaporizer uses convection heating to get your plant matter to the right temperature, which is the same system used in many ovens. Convection heats something up by blowing hot air directly onto it, and the practical result of this system is that your vapor will be ready far quicker than it would otherwise.
What is it Like to Use the Volcano?
Now that you know how it works, it’s very likely that you want to know what it is like to experience the Volcano, and I can tell you that few things will compare to it. As long as you put enough cannabis into this vaporizer, you will be able to get as high as you want, and I really mean it.
If you have the money and space for a Volcano, then you need to do yourself a favor and get one of these as soon as possible.
Pros Cons
#2 Arizer Extreme Q
A More Reasonable Volcano Alternative
The Arizer Extreme Q does not state that it is a budget Volcano on the box, but then, of course, it doesn’t, but that won’t change the perception that most people have about this model. That being said, is it really such a bad thing to refer to the Extreme Q as a more affordable version of the best vaporizer for weed on the market?
Other than a low price point, the Arizer Extreme Q has plenty going for it, and that helps make this model one of the best options for those who are looking to save money on their vape. As with the Volcano, this model is capable of inflating a balloon full of vapor for all of your friends to enjoy.
In addition to the balloon, the Extreme Q comes with a “whip” attachment, which is just a long tube that allows you to avoid wasting vapor when smoking alone. If you want all of the benefits of a desktop vaporizer without the wastage that tends to occur when you get too high, this feature is indeed helpful.
More Features Than You Would Expect
This desktop vaporizer is an excellent choice for those who value versatility due to the sheer variety of things that you can do with it. For instance, if you invest in a battery pack for this vaporizer, you can even use it while you don’t have access to a power outlet.
Unlike other affordable vaporizers, the Extreme Q gives you fine control over your temperature, allowing you to choose the ideal setting for a better experience. Speaking of temperature, one of the advantages of the Extreme Q over the volcano is that it can shift temperatures much faster.
Keep in mind that the fan on the Extreme Q is a little bit weaker than on similar vaporizer types, so don’t start inhaling from the bag too soon. Wait until your vape prompts you that the bag is full and then begin inhaling. Though this slows down your session, it doesn’t do so by much.
Good for Beginners
The Extreme Q has a few issues, namely in the department of durability due to the glass pieces that come included with it, but that can be countered by being a little more careful with it. Other than its relative fragility, you will come across a few major issues with the Arizer Extreme Q.
Pros Cons
#3 The Herbalizer
A True Volcano Alternative?
A problem with many of options that you have when looking for the best dry herb vaporizer is that many companies don’t seem to have a vision for their product. The Herbalizer is a different matter altogether. Everything from the name to the exterior casing of this vaporizer is designed to be memorable.
This vaporizer is known for being one of the pricier options on the market, along with the Volcano. The most unique feature of this model is the halogen heating system which tends to result in a richer vapor that gives you a more potent high than the competition out of the same amount of marijuana.
While this model is indeed expensive, I firmly believe that it is worth the price and the sleek looks can make this a stoner’s conversation piece. Let’s take a more detailed look at what you can expect to get out of this vaporizer.
Some of the Benefits
The heating system is the main selling point that is present in this vaporizer, and even amateur weed vapers will be able to tell the difference. You will notice that the vapor that comes from the Herbalizer is much smoother when you inhale it, allowing those with sensitive throats to use this product.
As with some of the best weed vaporizers around, the Herbalizer does not sacrifice the potency of the vapor in exchange for a smoother hit, merely doing so through a superior heating technique. While the obvious drawback of this system is a higher price point, it may be worth it to many buyers.
Of the most impressive features that the Herbalizer can boast, I would say that the elimination of a warmup period is arguably the best one. The Halogen system allows this vape to start operating in seconds, getting rid of the anti-climactic wait that you have to deal with when you activate other models.
An Effective System with Some Flaws
I had some problems with this vaporizer, and my experience with customer service was a little rocky, though everything was eventually sorted out. This vaporizer is let down by a host of minor issues that come together to keep it from greatness. If you can deal with some minor setbacks, then the Herbalizer is an excellent choice, but you may not be a big fan of the price. The Herbalizer is not a bad product, by any stretch of the imagination, but it could do with a little more focus on its quality instead of its aesthetics.
Pros Cons
History of Marijuana/Weed Vaporizer
You may be surprised by just how far back the vaporizer goes. While you may be thinking that vaporizing weed is something that is relatively recent, the vaporizer actually predates the batteries that power them today.
As with many smoking implements, you will find that the history of the vaporizer stretches all the way back to the medieval Middle East; Afghanistan, to be precise. There is some debate as to whether the device that is referred to in historical texts is a hookah or a vaporizer, but it was said to create vapor instead of smoke.
If you’re looking for the earliest confirmed vaporizer, it is assumed that Joseph Robinson’s model in 1927 was the first working example of an electronic cigarette. It took until 1960 for the first practical nicotine-based model to be developed.
Vaporizers for cannabis took a little longer to take off, but as you would expect, they originated in a city that has always been a hotspot for marijuana: Amsterdam. Starting in 1990, a gentleman by the name of Eagle Bill displayed his vaporizer in Amsterdam’s famous Hash Museum.
There was so much demand for Eagle Bill’s vaporizer that people began looking into ways to market the technology. Eagle Bill himself developed a glass pipe in which you heat up the glass underneath a suspended chamber so that the herb is indirectly vaporized, but this was inconvenient.
In the mid-90s, a Canadian company from British Columbia claims to have invented the first modern, battery-powered vaporizer that greatly resembles the models you see today. While their product was far less convenient than your modern choices, it was an excellent proof of concept.
From the 90s until today, it is evident that vaporizers have come a long way. These products have improved battery life, a more capable heating system, and larger bowls to contain your weed. Smoking on an early vaporizer was more of a way to prove that you could do so instead of a convenient, enjoyable way to smoke.
This info gives you a bit of perspective on just how far vaporizers have come since they were first made. It’s easy to take all of the advancements that have occurred over the past 20 – 30 years for granted, and knowing where these devices come from gives you a whole new appreciation for their capabilities.
What are the Various Types of Vaporizers?
There are many different vaporizer types that you can choose between, but in this section, I’ll be going over the ones that we looked over in this guide. Maybe you need a little more info so that you can make an educated choice, or perhaps you’re just curious. In any case, let’s get started.
Portable Vaporizer
As you may have guessed from the name, these vaporizers are meant to be as small as possible while still retaining the ability to vaporize your weed as efficiently as possible. These models are the most popular variety since they are more affordable than many other choices on the market.
While some veteran users may think that portable vaporizers are weak, this is the type of vape that most people start off with when they are looking for the best vaporizer for weed.
Desktop Vaporizer
These vaporizers trade-off their portability for expanded capabilities. While portable vaporizers may be sufficient for a single person, desktop models are ideal for group smoking sessions. Other than being able to vaporize a large amount of weed, desktop vaporizers usually don’t need a battery to function.
The lack of a battery means that you have to plug your vaporizer into an outlet so that it will function, but it also eliminates the inconvenience of having to recharge it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dry herb Vaporizers:
Final Words – A Conclusion
I hope that this guide has helped you find the best dry herb vaporizer on the market. As you can see, there are so many options to choose from that the search can get somewhat bewildering. Thank you for taking the time to read this guide, it has been my pleasure.
