Vaporizers or vapes are electronic devices used to convert substances into vapor for medicinal or recreational inhalation. They work by heating up your chosen materials just below the point of combustion, releasing only their active ingredients and therapeutic compounds. This way, there is little to no smoke produced and no potential carcinogens to consume. Users are left to inhale flavorful vapors, making the experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Though the concept of vaporizing started back in ancient times, it was only in the 1900s when the first device was created and commercialized. Now, the market for vaporizers has dramatically expanded. There are many types available, from desktop vaporizers for at-home users, to portables ones for on-the-go consumption. Vaping materials are also varied. Read on to know more about what is a vaporizer used for and learn other essential vaping details.
Types Of Vaporizers
Choosing the right vape depends mainly on your needs and preferences. This is easy once you know what is a vaporizer used for. There are two types available. The first is the desktop vaporizer. The first to be used for medicinal purposes, a desktop vaporizer (learn more on Vaporizer Chief) has efficient heating systems that can filter out irritants. It also offers better temperature control during sessions.
The second type is the portable vaporizer. In the last few years, it has become massively popular among users. Portable vapes are easy to use. Like the desktop units, they are powerful enough to release high vapor quality with the advantage of being handy and convenient. Users also have more control over temperature selection. If you prefer a more discrete unit, check and see what is a vaporizer pen used for. Heat up time for vape pens is quick, between five to 15 seconds. You can easily store them in your pocket or bag when not in use.
Types of Vaping Materials
Dry herbs, concentrates, and e-juices are materials that can be used for vaping. Not all vaporizers support every substance. It is always best to first decide which vaping material you will most often use before buying a vaporizer. For example, if you prefer dry herbs, you should look into what is a dry herb vaporizer used for and see if this type fits you. Dry herbs are plant materials that have been dried and cured. They release different effects and flavors depending on the temperature used – the higher the temperature, the most intense.
Meanwhile, concentrates are the extracted compounds from dry herbs. They have a stronger effect because their psychoactive properties are higher compared to plant materials. The ideal temperature for concentrate vaping is 325°F. If you will be using cannabis concentrates, the range should be between 356°F to 374°F for a more flavorful experience. As for e-juices or e-liquids, they are used for electronic cigarettes. They have higher temperature ranges compared to other vaping materials. Some e-juices may also contain nicotine.
Vaporizer Heating Systems
Vaporizers have their own optimal temperature. The standard is between 350°F and 375°F, but this can vary depending on the material being vaporized. The heat-up time is also different for each type of device. Desktop units typically require more power and can take two to four minutes. Portable ones go from cold to hot between 20 to 60 seconds. Pen-style units are generally the quickest, only taking about 10 seconds or less to be ready for vaping.
There are three heating methods for vaporizers – conduction, convection, and induction. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. There is no best method. You must choose the one that suits your vaping needs and overall lifestyle. For on-the-go vapers, conduction heating is ideal because it has the fastest heat up time. Meanwhile, convection-style vaporizers are known for releasing the fullest flavor from their material.
Conduction Heating
This heating system is mostly found in portable and pen-style vaporizers. With this type, the vaping material used, which can be either dry herb or concentrate, is directly touching the device’s heating source. This results in a quicker heat-up time. Conduction heating produces thick clouds of vapor, but less flavorful due to the slight combustion that takes place during the heating process. If you are always on-the-go, you may want to see what is a dry vaporizer pen used for. Its conduction type of heating system may be for you.
Convection Heating
In contrast to conduction heating, convection vaporization does not involve direct contact between material and heat source. Vaporizing is done through indirect heating when hot air is sent to the chamber and extracts the active ingredients and properties from the plant materials. This is why convection produces vapor that is purer and more intense in flavor. There is no risk of combustion in this heating system because there is no rapid heating required. It also tends to run at a lower temperature.
Induction Heating
Induction heating may not be as popular as conduction and convection, but it the most futuristic form of heating out of the three. It also gives you the best of the two worlds. Like convection, there is zero contact between the material and the heating element. Vaporization is done by heating an electrically conducted object using electrical currents. The heat-up time is incredibly fast like conduction, but without the fear of combustion. The oxygen-free environment in this system also allows 100 percent extraction of flavors of your chosen materials.