While cannabis can be medicinal for many people, smoking anything has inherent risks. This has led some consumers to seek alternatives to lighting a joint or bong. Products like tinctures or topicals work great for some, but others require the quick and efficient effects inhalation provides. Thus, a dry herb vaporizer is often the answer.
These nifty devices offer the benefits of smoking but in a healthier package. Flower is gently heated without the use of a lighter, so you don’t inhale butane or other potential carcinogens. The aroma is often less pronounced as well, making dry herb vapes a great choice for people who need to keep their weed use on the lowdown.
If you’ve been curious about dry herb vaporizers and want to know which device is for you, GreenState has you covered.
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Key takeaways
- Dry herb vaporizers offer a healthier alternative to smoking cannabis.
- Dry herb vapes typically use convection or conduction elements to heat flower.
- There are many types of dry herb vaporizers available at a range of price points.
What is a dry herb vaporizer?
Dry herb vapes typically “bake” ground cannabis flower in a special oven, using convection or conduction heating elements. Convection is a heating method that uses fans to circulate hot air, while conduction moves heat from one molecule to another.
Once the bud is vaporized with the hot air, it is inhaled. The result is a smooth yet potent draw without all the nasty byproducts combustion creates.
Over the last several years, a wide range of dry herb vaporizer products have hit the market. While many are designed for the desktop, plenty of portable vapes are available for the consumer on the go.
Tips for using a dry herb vape
- Be sure to grind your flower before you pack it, and don’t overfill the device or pack it too tight.
- Dial in your temperature for rich flavor; somewhere between 350 degrees and 400 degrees Fahrenheit is the sweet spot.
- Clean your dry herb vape regularly to avoid resin buildup. Each device will have instructions, but you’ll likely soak some components in isopropyl alcohol. Make sure to dry completely before reassembling to avoid malfunction.
- Save your spent flower! Vaped weed still has active ingredients and can be used to make cannabis butter and other extracts.
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Best dry herb vaporizers
From high-end European craftsmanship to accessible workhorses, there’s seemingly a vape for everyone. GreenState picked seven of the best portable dry herb vaporizers on the market today, hitting every price point and design.
Pax Plus
Pax has been a trusted name in cannabis for well over a decade. The first Pax debuted in 2012, and the Plus is everything you love about the OG but in a more powerful package. A conduction oven evenly heats your herb for a smooth and flavorful draw. The flat mouthpiece is beloved by fans, while the quick heat-up time gets you boosted fast. The Pax Plus also has an adapter for concentrates, if that’s your thing. For $200, it’s a solid deal, especially given the dual use.
Zeus Arc GT3
As one of the newest products on this dry herb vape round-up, the Zeus Arc GT3 may seem a bit heady at first glance with all of its components. But once you get a feel for it, we think you’ll be impressed. Our reviewers found the Zeus to be a thoughtful addition to the category, thanks to its Xtruder accessory, which extrudes flower into a proprietary pod system—great for folks with limited hand mobility. At $299, it’s on the pricier side, but the innovation is worth the fee.
G Pen Dash+
G Pen is another popular brand in the weed device world, and the company’s Dash+ does not disappoint. It boasts hybrid convection and conduction heating in a full Titanium chamber, getting up to temp in 20 seconds or less. A digital display and an easy-to-use interface make dialing in your sesh a breeze. We also love the angled mouthpiece and the ease with which it fits in your pockets. And at only $73.99, it’s one of the best deals on the list.
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Dynavap M 7 XL
Folks looking for a healthier alternative to smoking without all the bells and whistles should check out the Dynavap M 7 XL. This dry herb vaporizer does not require a battery; instead, it’s heated with good old-fashioned fire. While it may not have custom temperature settings, it’s perfect for folks who just want a good, clean rip. Made in the USA with medical-grade stainless steel, this durable device is built to last. It also uses far less weed than other vapes on this list, meaning your $99.99 investment is bound to pay off fast.
Storz & Bickel Venty
Designed in Germany by pioneers in the dry herb vape space, the Venty from Storz & Bickel is a high-end device that never fails to impress. It has hybrid conduction and convection heating and an adjustable airflow valve. It also offers a push-button digital display with precise temperature control. Like its sister, the Volcano, the Venty has a premium price tag. At $449, this heavy-duty device may seem expensive, but it’s also likely to outlive most of the others on this list.
DaVinci IQ3
Providing a powerful yet smooth rip, the DaVinci IQ3 is one of the GreenState team’s favorite dry herb vapes. Its patented Cool Core System reduces the vapor temperature by up to 50 percent, reducing any risk of a harsh hit. The IQ3 boasts an updated core versus the OG device, ensuring precise airflow. The battery life also goes the distance, according to our reviewers. For $299.99, the IQ3 may be a bit on the pricier side, but it makes up for the cost with a top-shelf performance.
Yocan HIT
If you want an affordable dry herb vaporizer that still packs a punch, the Yocan HIT is an excellent choice. The compact vape pen design features a ceramic chamber for even heating. A digital display makes customizing your sesh simple, while a built-in stir tool helps you get the most from your bud. At only $49.99, the HIT is a relative steal.
Dry herb vaporizers: your new favorite weed device
If you’ve been considering a dry herb vaporizer, any of the products on this list are great picks. While it may take a bit of finagling, you’ll likely make your new dry herb vape your go-to smoking implement.
