Monday August 26, 2019
420 Culture
Vaporizers are devices built to allow medical patients and recreational cannabis consumers to enjoy their marijuana without smoking – and they come in various shapes and sizes, from portable, handheld models to desktop vapes designed for use at home. In addition to the differences between handheld and desktop vaporizers, the heating method is also important to consider. Conduction vaporizers work by directly heating the herb chamber with a heating element while convection vaporizers work by indirectly warming the herb with a stream of heated air. Many of the best desktop vapes on the market employ ‘forced air,’ and use a fan to push heated air through the herb chamber.
Vaporizing offers several advantages over traditional smoking methods, like joints, bongs, or pipes. Avoiding combustion means no release of carcinogens such as benzene and naphthalene, and some studies even suggest that vaporizing is much safer for patients.
Furthermore, vaporizers offer improved flavor and help make your herb last longer. It’s clear that there are many benefits to owning a desktop vaporizer, but with so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to choose the right one for your individual needs. Keep reading to learn more about the best desktop vaporizer designs on the market and how to pick the perfect model to purchase.
Best Desktop Cannabis Vaporizers to Purchase
As mentioned above, there are endless options for vaporizers to choose from. In fact, your local head shop probably has two or three models in stack at this very moment. Even though there are lots of options to select from, it’s undeniable that some products perform better than others. Check out PotGuide’s favorite desktop vaporizers below:
Storz & Bickel Volcano
A testament to German Engineering, the Volcano by Storz & Bickel was one of the earliest examples of forced air, bag-filling vapes. The Volcano was first released twenty years ago and is still considered the definitive vaporizer in its class. The unit is sturdily built and comes with the option of either digital display or analog dial to control temperature.
The Storz & Bickel Volcano.
The Volcano comes with only the bag fill option, but no vape does it better. Consumers appreciate the unit’s classic design and build quality; like the best German cars, this vaporizer will continue functioning year after year. This guarantees the Volcano’s position in any list of the best desktop vapes.
Arizer Extreme Q
Perhaps the best feature of the Extreme Q by Arizer is its versatility. Fans of the Extreme Q appreciate its remote control and digital temperature readout, allowing for a consistent vaping experience every time.
The Arizer Extreme Q. photo credit
The Extreme Q offers the option to fill a bag with vapor using the unit’s inbuilt fan, or ‘direct draw’ using the included whip attachment. If you find vaping to be a little dry on the throat, you can connect the unit to your favorite bong using the whip. This makes the Extreme Q a great option for vaping enthusiasts who value flexibility.
Herbalaire H3 Lite
Like the Extreme Q, the biggest strength of this unit is its versatility. The Herbalaire H3 Lite comes with a selection of attachments including direct draw mouthpiece, bong adapter, and whip. Users also have the option of purchasing an aftermarket air pump which allows the vaporizer to be used in the bag configuration. Given its lack of a built-in fan, the Herbalaire is very affordable and is a great option for vaping enthusiasts looking for versatility on a budget.
Storz & Bickel Plenty
Another classic vape from Storz & Bickel, the Plenty vaporizer looks like it might be more at home on your tool bench than your coffee table. While the Volcano employs a bag system, the Plenty includes an innovative ridged metal whip. This allows for better cooling than any other whip-based vape available.
The Storz & Bickel Plenty. photo credit
The Plenty includes an extra-wide filling chamber, and the option to purchase dosing pods to limit your consumption. This makes it ideal for sharing with friends or medicating alone. The unit’s whip can also connect to your 14mm bong for a smoother and cooler experience.
EpicVape E-nano
While the Plenty may look a little out of place on your coffee table, the same can’t be said for the EpicVape E-nano. This is an aptly-named, ‘log vape.’ It comes in a classic wood finish, making for a great conversation starter. One of its best features is its ease of use; just preheat the unit, load your herb into the provided glass stem, and vape! If you’re looking for greater flexibility, you can connect the unit’s glass stem to your favorite water pipe, too.
Underdog Log Vapes
Like the E-nano, Underdog Log Vapes have a vintage-looking design which is more art gallery than smoking den. Hand-made in the USA, these units come with the option of several stems, including glass, nylon, and stainless steel.
The Underdog Log Vape. photo credit
The selection of stems allows for several direct draw configurations depending on preference, and it’s easy to connect the Underdog to your favorite bubbler. A selection of finishes are available to suit your decor, including black oak, pistache, canarywood, and black walnut.
Vapexhale Evo
While many vaporizers claim to work with dry herb and concentrates, when it comes to the Vapexhale Evo, this is no idle boast. The Evo works equally well with dry herbs or wax, and you will love this unit’s great vapor production and intense flavor. Health-conscious consumers will also appreciate this unit’s glass-only vapor path. This feature ensures that your vapor never comes into contact with plastics, wood, or glues. Additionally, users looking for a smoother hit can purchase the Vapexhale Hydratube bubbler attachment which sits right on top of the unit.
7th Floor Vapes Super Surfer
The futuristic-looking Super Surfer from 7th Floor Vapes features a variable-speed fan, allowing for a direct draw or bag-style vaping. Of course, you can also connect this vape to your favorite bong. The unit boasts great flavor and vapor production.
The 7th Floor Vapes Super Surfer. photo credit
The unit has a contemporary look and is fitted with 7-color LEDs and a brushed-metal finish. It’s low and sturdy, so you’re unlikely to knock it over after taking one hit too many. If you’re looking for something fully customizable with a modern appearance, this could be the vape for you.
Herbalizer
While this vaporizer is no longer in production, it deserves an honorable mention in this list. The Herbalizer was designed by former NASA engineers and was billed as ‘the world’s first smart vaporizer.’ The Herbalizer features a sleek, pod-shaped design and users appreciate its great vapor production and in-built storage space for the included hose attachment.
Sadly, the company had to shut down due to a copyright infringement lawsuit, but you may still find one at your favorite smoke shop. However, potential buyers should be aware that the manufacturer’s warranty and repairs are no longer available due to the company’s closure.
Investing in a Desktop Vaporizer Will Pay for Itself
Desktop vaporizers are no small investment, and so, it’s natural to ask how spending up to $600 on a smoking accessory can actually save you money. It means you take greater advantage of cannabis’ active ingredients, as burning plant material may destroy a percentage of its cannabinoids and terpenes. This means the same amount of cannabis lasts you longer, may work more effectively, and you can even cook with the leftovers!
There are desktop vaporizer options for every budget, but the best desktop vapes are often the ones you pay a little more for. A desktop vape isn’t just a smoking accessory, but an investment in your health.
Do you have a favorite desktop vaporizer? Share your top picks in the comments below.
