Cannabis Vaporizers vs. Vape Pens: Know the Difference
Are you looking for your first vaporizer or are you looking to expand your collection? In either case, it's helpful to do some research before choosing a product to make sure it suits your needs. To help you make your decision, we'll explain the key differences between vaporizers and vape pens.
Vaping has gained popularity in the cannabis world in recent years. This form of consumption allows cannabis users to avoid the burn that occurs when applying a flame to the end of a joint or the bowl of a bong. The lower temperatures used in vaporizing target cannabinoids, terpenes, and other desirable compounds while minimizing the conversion of unwanted compounds into potentially harmful byproducts.
Overall, vaping offers a smooth, flavorful, and highly customizable user experience. With many cannabis lovers switching to vaping, companies have released numerous models and devices, which can make choosing a new vape quite confusing. Below, we'll focus on the differences between vaporizers and vape pens.
Vaporizer vs. Vape Pens: The Differences
Vaporizers:
- Size and power: Vaporizers are often larger and more powerful than vape pens. They offer more extensive temperature controls and are suitable for more intensive use.
- Variety of materials: Vaporizers can vaporize both dry herbs and concentrates, making them versatile.
- Battery life: Thanks to their size, vaporizers typically have a longer battery life, allowing for longer sessions.
Vape Pens:
- Portability: Vape pens are small, discreet and easy to carry. They fit comfortably in your pocket and are ideal for on-the-go use.
- Easy to use: Vape pens are user-friendly and often have just one button, making them ideal for beginners.
- Cost: Vape pens are generally cheaper than larger vaporizers and offer a cost-effective way to vaporize cannabis.
Regardless of which device you choose, vaping offers a more enjoyable and often healthier alternative to traditional smoking. Which type is best for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Vaporizer vs. Vape Pens – An Overview
Before we get into the details, let's look at the main differences between vaporizers and vape pens. Both devices vaporize either dry herb, concentrates, or e-liquids rather than combusting them. Despite this similarity, they differ in their complexity, size, and the type of material they vaporize.
Vaporizers vs. Vape Pens
Vaporizers: This diverse group of devices includes a wide range of models. Some are large stand-alone units, others are more handy and portable, while some are even pen-shaped. The main difference from vape pens is that vaporizers typically use dry herb, concentrates, or both, rather than e-liquids.
Vape Pens: Vape pens are less varied in size and design. They are slim, small and – as the name suggests – pen-shaped. There are disposable models that are thrown away after use, as well as refillable or replaceable cartridge versions.
Vape pens have a much simpler design and lack the controls, screens and settings that more complex and expensive vaporizers offer.
Summarized:
- Vaporizers: More complex devices that can use dry herb, concentrates, or both. They offer more customization options and a wider variety of models.
- Vape pens: Simpler in design and operation, often smaller and more portable, ideal for beginners and use on the go. They are usually designed for e-liquids, although some can use concentrates as well.
Vaporizers vs. Vape Pens – The Details
You're already on the right track to understanding the difference between vaporizers and vape pens. Read on to find out what makes these two categories so unique. By the end of this article, you'll know exactly which device best suits your needs.
Size
Vaporizers can vary greatly in size and dimensions. For example, the bulky Storz & Bickel Volcano Hybrid floor-standing device weighs just under 2kg and is 20cm high. Handy models like the Pax 3 are much more compact and fit easily in your pocket. And then there are models like the DynaVap M Plus, which, weighing just 21g and measuring 8.9cm in length, is as vape-pen-like as a non-vape-pen can be.
In contrast, vape pens are far more uniform in size. Both disposable and reusable models are slim, lightweight and small. The RQS CBD vape pen follows the most common design. It consists only of the body, cartridge and mouthpiece, making it ultra-lightweight and particularly portable.
Heating systems
Another clear difference between dry herb vaporizers and vape pens is the heating systems used. Dry herb vaporizers and those that can work with concentrates use either conduction, convection, or hybrid heating systems. Conduction brings a heating element into direct contact with the herb or concentrate, while convection systems use a hot air stream to vaporize the contents of the chamber. Hybrid systems combine both methods.
Vape pens, on the other hand, use conduction heating to convert liquid into vapor. A heating coil in direct contact with the e-liquid turns the cannabinoid-containing liquid into a gas. These devices typically begin heating either when inhaled or when a power button is pressed.
Capacity
Another important difference between vapes and pens is their capacity. Disposable or reusable vape pens have a set capacity based on the size of the cartridges. These pens offer a certain number of puffs before they run out.
In contrast, vaporizers have different sized chambers that can hold different amounts of dry herb or concentrate. These capacities typically range from around 0.1g to over 1g. Users don't need to refill their chambers every session, but a larger capacity allows for more flexible dosing options.
availability
Vape pens are now widely available and available in many dispensaries. In countries where cannabis is illegal, such as the UK, you can often find pens that contain only CBD. However, THC-containing cartridges and disposable pens are harder to come by in these countries.
Dry herb vaporizers, on the other hand, are easy to refill as many users have access to dispensaries or coffee shops. If these options aren't available, users can find local growers or grow their own supply.
discretion
The discretion of vaporizers varies greatly. Handheld devices are often small and unobtrusive, making them ideal for discreet use in public.
Vape pens are also very discreet in size and design. However, both options produce an odor that can attract attention. To avoid detection, it is advisable to vape in a secluded location.
One advantage of vape pens in terms of discretion is that e-liquids can be flavored to not produce a cannabis smell, allowing vaping in more conspicuous locations without alerting the olfactory senses of passersby.
speed
When comparing vaporizers and vape pens in terms of speed, vape pens have a clear advantage. They are designed to be used on the go without the need to adjust settings or charge the device.
When using a vaporizer, you need to fill the oven, set the desired temperature, and heat up the device before you can take a hit.
Battery life
Vape pens tend to have smaller batteries, but they also use less energy since they don't have LED screens or other features. An average CBD vape pen will take about four hours to charge for a full battery, which will give you about two hours of vaping.
Battery life and performance of vaporizers vary greatly. The Pax 3, for example, is equipped with a 3500mAh battery that fully charges in 100 minutes and provides about an hour and a half of vaping time.
cleaning
Another difference between vaporizers and vape pens is cleaning. Disposable pens do not need to be cleaned, but with reusable pens, you should wipe down the connection point every time you change the cartridge to remove any residue.
Vaporizers, on the other hand, require regular cleaning. A light cleaning between sessions will minimize residue buildup, and a thorough cleaning every 1-2 weeks will remove debris and extend the life of your device.
Vaporizers vs. Pens: What’s Your Choice?
Which of the two options appeals to you more? Do you prefer speed, simplicity and minimalism, so vape pens are a better fit for you? Or do you prefer to take your time and appreciate the benefits of using your own herb and customizing your experience through parameter control? If you're still unsure, try both to find the best type of device for you!
