Discover Different Types of Vaporizers & Learn How They Work

Bongs. Vaporizers. Glass pipes. Dab Rigs. At the World of Bongs (as you may have guessed by our name), we sell a selection of pipes, rigs, vapes, and bongs - plus all the accessories that go with them. On this page, you will find our vaporizers for sale, which include desktop and portable models along with vape pens.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to make an informed decision when buying the right vaporizer online.

Vape Pens, Portable, & Desktop Vaporizers: Flower & Oil Vapes

Come to the table with knowledge and feel confident when you buy a vaporizer online at the World of Bongs.

We’re going to give you the complete stoner’s guide on everything you need to know about vaporizers and how to buy one online securely. After reading this page, you will know why every cannabis connoisseur should have a vaporizer, how they work, the benefits of vaping cannabis; and how to use the different types of vaporizers.

An Introduction to Vaporizing Cannabis Flower, Oils, Etc.

Medical and recreational cannabis markets have shown immense growth in recent years that looks like it won’t slow down any time soon. The cannabis market explosion is seen in Canada, where medical marijuana has been legal for about 20 years and recreational became legal in 2018. In the United States, nearly a dozen states (finally after decades of prohibition) allow medical and/or recreational cannabis. Furthermore, both Mexico and the United States have current legislation being discussed in their respective countries that could one day lead to the entire North American continent being a cannabis friendly-zone. Wouldn't that be nice?

North America is not the only continent getting onboard. Worldwide, more countries are becoming more liberal in terms of cannabis legislation. Look at these current world maps that indicate the countries with legal recreational cannabis in the first one and legal, medical cannabis in the second one:

How Does the Whole World Get High from All This Weed?

As the widespread use of cannabis becomes more commonplace, naturally, the question arises:

“How are people consuming this bud?”

People smoked joints and from pipes for many years. However, the last two decades have seen a rise in the demand for vaporizers. Dried flower, cannabis concentrates, and other oils can be consumed using vaporizers.

Why are vaporizers so popular?

The main reason vaporization became - so hip - so fast – is probably because most researchers agree that it is one of the healthiest ways to consume cannabis. Why is this? Combustion of cannabis, aka smoking it, creates toxins, including some byproducts that are carcinogenic and can disturb the respiratory tract.

On the other hand, vaping is a smokeless way to consume cannabis as it heats it at a lower temperature. By not reaching certain temps, the flower or concentrate releases terpenes and cannabinoids into a vapor instead of smoke that contains the harmful byproducts that result from combustion.

Vaping has become all the rage in recent years – and in terms of cannabis use - it’s easy to see why. Want to buy a vape pen or a vaporizer but still not sure how vaping cannabis works or just want to learn more? Then, we are here to explain what vaping is and how to use the different types of vaporizers.

What is a Vaporizer and How Does It Work?

So how does vaporization actually work? Is it magical? Mysterious? No. Not at all.

Vaporizing cannabis is a pretty straightforward process and the tools used to consume bud or extracts in this way are simple, too. It all goes back to some of the basics we learned in high-school chemistry class.

Vaporization is converting a substance that is either solid or liquid into a gaseous state, aka a vapor. Technically speaking, if the vaporization process includes the formation of bubbles within a liquid, it can also be called boiling. The vaporization of a solid to vapor is considered sublimation.

When it comes to vaping cannabis, the vaporization of cannabinoids (whether that is from dried flowers or concentrates), begins to occur around 284°F/140°C (however, you will set the temps a bit higher during the use of a vaporizer).

In contrast, the combustion method, i.e., smoking, begins around 446°F /230°C. Therefore, vaporizers and vape pens are designed to apply correct temperatures through different methods for users to exert more control over the cannabinoids and terpenes released during the vaporization process.

Vaporizers Work in One of Two Ways - Conductive Heating or Convective Heating

• Convective Heating: A vaporizer using a convective method does it without the product coming directly into contact with the heating element. Once the air inside the chamber has met the ideal temperature, a small fan or inhalation is used to heat the cannabis product. This convective heating converts the terpenes and cannabinoids into vapor and does not leave behind a charred product. Vaporizers that use this technology generally have a ceramic or stainless steel heating element.
• Conductive Heating: Vaporizers that use conductive heating elements are the ones that operate through the placement of the cannabis flower or concentrate directly onto the heating element. This heating surface is usually a screen or a solid piece of metal and can be referred to as the “hot plate”. This hot plate is warmed to the ideal temperature for vaporization to occur. Then, the cannabis flower or concentrate is placed onto the surface and it converts terpenes and cannabinoids within the chamber into a vapor that is inhaled by the user.

What are the Benefits of Vaping Flower & Oil?

• Vaping is Healthier than Combusting: Cannabis has been shown in numerous scientific studies to deliver incredible health benefits. However, some of the biggest deterrents for people interested in cannabis but are hesitant to try it are the health issues associated with smoking it or combustion. Nearly all of the negative health effects resulting from cannabis use are from the harmful byproducts of smoke (i.e., carcinogens or tar). Almost all exposure to these toxins can be avoided if the plant is only heated to the point where cannabinoids are released without fully torching the entire product, known as vaporization. If you want to learn more, here is a great article that talks about why vaping weed is healthier than smoking it.
• Vaporization is More Efficient Than Combustion: If you pack 0.1 grams of weed into a vaporizer, you will be able to enjoy the cannabinoids for an average of three to four minutes. If you take that same amount of bud and put it into a pipe, you transform your Maryjane into ash in less than 10 seconds. Flat. Vaping can prolong the length of a session by up to 25%, according to an article from Leafly. So, if you are on a budget – or just want to get the most out of your herb - a vaporizer might be the right tool for you! With vaporizers, you need far less material to achieve the same desired effects as smoking, which makes it easier to ration your weed. Also, in terms of efficiency, a study conducted by California’s NORML showed that a very high THC percentage is delivered to the user through vaping, as much as 82% - which is much greater than most cannabis consumption methods, such as combustion.
• Vapour is Less Offensive to Others Than Smoke: One of the things we need to pay attention to as cannabis laws become more liberal is helping end the stigma associated with its use. One way is through discreet consumption methods, such as vape pens, that do not put off strong smells as smoking does. Vapour dissipates much faster than smoke and it does not leave behind a strong odor. In fact, even when vaping the dankest strains of cannabis or concentrates, these products will not leave behind the same smell as smoking herb does. Therefore, you can get high in peace without bothering someone else’s preferences at the same time.

Different Types of Vaporizers and How to Use Them

Because there are various vaporizers on the market and different substances to vape, it’s important you understand the basics. Basically, there are desktop and portable vaporizers and vape pens. Within these main categories are some variations according to the type of material being vaporized, which also affects how each of these vaporizers is used.

Vaping Dried Flower Using a Tabletop or Desktop Vaporizer

These vaporizers sit upright on a stable surface or desktop. There are many varieties of vaporizers, but they all have a heating element, a collecting chamber, a temperature controller, and a mouthpiece. Here are the steps for using a tabletop vape with flower:

1. Read the manual. Every vaporizer is unique. In order to make the most out of your experience and know how to operate your tabletop vaporizer correctly - read the operating instructions and follow them. Proper use and maintenance are vital to ensure the life and longevity of your new vaporizer.
2. Plug it in and turn it on. Most vaporizers need a certain amount of time to heat up first to be correctly used.
3. Prepare your bud. While your vaporizer is heating up, use a grinder to get a uniform consistency of your bud. Once your weed is finely broken up and ready to go, it can be placed into the heating chamber, sometimes referred to as an oven. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guide regarding how much weed you place inside the chamber. If it’s overpacked, it will not vaporize well as the airflow will be inhibited and it is vital to vape flower.
4. Set the temperature. Not all devices have this option, but if you can adjust the temperature, ideal vaping temps are between 350°F/160°C and 400°F/200°C for cannabis flower.
5. Take a hit. Slowly inhale from the mouthpiece as the heat works its way through the flower. You will see the vapor fill inside the chamber and taste the bud's flavor profile when it’s properly working. Long and slow intakes are the best.
6. Replace the flower when it’s time. For tabletop vaporizers, the cannabis does not combust, but you will see it turn from green to brown when it’s “cached”. Reload the chamber when there is not much vapor being put off and it loses the flavor.
7. Discard the waste. Throw out the leftover cannabis material between hits and be sure to keep your vaporizer clean. In fact, after every 10 to 20 sessions, you should give your vaporizer a deep clean to keep it working in optimal order. Each vaporizer should have its own cleaning instructions in the manual. If you are unsure, you can use the “burn-off” method to clean out the leftover material. To do that, you heat it to the highest temperature for about five to ten minutes and then allow it to cool before you swipe it clean. Like our popular Dr. Dabber Switch Vaporizer, a high quality-tool is going to last a very long time with proper maintenance and it does a great job at vaping flower.

Vaping Concentrates with a Desktop Vaporizer

Concentrates are all the rage and a lot of people choose to dab concentrates with their vaporizers. Desktop vaporizers are made to deliver the most powerful and intense experience. The steps are basically the same with a few differences from using a desktop vaporizer for vaping dried flower (although many do both). Here are the steps:

1. Read the manual. Every product is slightly different. It’s important to read the instructions from the actual manufacturer and not just a commenter on Reddit before you actually use a tabletop vaporizer for concentrates.
2. Plug in the device. Get your device ready by plugging it in and turning it on.
3. Heat up the vaporizer. Most desktop vaporizers have a manual dial or digital setting where you enter your desired temps to control your concentrates' vaporization. When it comes to the right temperature to vape concentrates, it’s likely going to be higher than you would use when vaping flower. Somewhere between 375°F/190°C and 450°F/230°C is probably about right.
4. Carefully place the dab on the heating surface. Once you have the vaporizer heated up, use a tool to carefully touch the dab or cannabis concentrate to the plate or heating surface of the vaporizer.
5. Take in a long slow hit. Take full advantage of the control you have over how much cannabinoids you take in when you take long and slow inhalations.
6. Add a new dab. When it begins to give off a foul taste and does not produce the same amount of vapor - it’s time to add a new dab.
7. Clean your vaporizer. Desktop vaporizers made for concentrates are nice tools that give bragging rights to any proud owner. So take care of yours. If you pick up a nice desktop vaporizer for concentrates, such as this PuffCo. Peak Smart Rig, be sure you read the manual and maintain a regular cleaning schedule.

How to Use a Portable Vape for Cannabis Flower

People love portable vapes because they are small and discreet. Combine that with the fact that the odor put off by vaporizers is subtle, then you can see why portable vapes are loved by people who want to get high without being noticed. There are some models of portable vaporizers for flower that are small and designed to be vape pens.

There are different types of portable vaporizers. Some of them are designed for dried flower only while others are hybrid. A portable vaporizer for herb has a heating element, battery, and a chamber to hold the product. Portable vaporizers made for flower have a temperature control device operated by a small dial or a button. The following steps will walk you through how to use a portable vaporizer for cannabis flower:

1. Read the manual.First and foremost, if you want to know how to get the best experience from your vaporizer and keep its lifespan to the fullest, read the material that comes with it.
2. Charge your device. This may take a variable length of time, depending on the portable vaporizer model you are using. Most of these will come with a USB charging cable or rechargeable 510 batteries.
3. Turn it on and allow it to heat up. It’s important to allow it to get ready and warm up before you introduce the cannabis flower.
4. Pack your cannabis in the heating chamber. Grind the cannabis up nice so it is an even consistency. Please do not over pack the chamber or it will not be able to vaporize correctly due to the lack of airflow. Be sure to tightly close the chamber to seal the device so that it can work properly.
5. Slowly inhale. Be sure that you can see the vapor and taste the cannabis during each exhalation. Slow and long hits will help maximize your intake of cannabinoids and the overall experience.
6. Reload the vaporizer. Once the weed turns from green to brown – it’s done (let’s just hope that by 2020, no one reading this article is still smoking compressed bud that was never green, aka “brown-frown”). Reload your portable vaporizer when it loses flavor and the amount of vapor becomes thin.
7. Discard leftover material.Throw out the leftover plant matter, and be sure to keep your portable vape clean so that it is in working order when you need or want it. Portable vaporizers may need to be cleaned more often than tabletop models, so again, be sure to “reefer” *pun intended* to the specific instructions from the manufacturer in terms of maintenance. A nice piece like this Arizer Portable Vaporizer will last a long time with proper care and love:

How to Use a Portable Vaporizer for Cannabis Concentrates or Dabs

When it comes to buying the right vaporizer, it’s important to know whether you want to buy one for vaping flower or concentrates. Some portable vaporizers only allow you to use flower, others only allow you to use concentrates, and yet there are some amazing products on the market that actually allow you to do both! If you are vaping concentrates with a portable vaporizer, here are the steps:

1. Read the manual. I know that you are thinking to yourself this is starting to sound a bit redundant, but it is so important to get a solid understanding of how your vaporizer works before you even mess with it.
2. Charge your vaporizer. Most vape pens come with rechargeable USB cables, while others are equipped with 510 batteries. Be sure your device has a strong charge before you turn it on. Your portable vaporizer may accept other USB chargers, but always check your manual first to be sure.
3. Load the concentrate. Take a small amount, often referred to as a “dab”, of your cannabis extract, and carefully place it into the vaporizer chamber. Whatever you do, do not handle your concentrates with your hands as they are often sticky, downgrading the quality.
4. Set the temperature. If your portable vaporizer has a temperature gauge, you should set it between 375°F/190°C and 450°F/230°C.
5. Slowly inhale from the mouthpiece. Take in a nice long hit to get the best experience from a portable vaporizer. You know that it is working when you taste the cannabis and see the vapor with each exhalation. Drawing in your hit slowly will provide a steady burn and more even consumption of the cannabinoids.
6. Turn off the vape. When you are all done, be sure to turn off your device and keep it clean according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Most products we sell at World of Bongs have very simple cleanup and maintenance instructions, such as the popular Kind Pen “Tru va” Handheld Vaporizer Kit.

How to Use a Vape Pen for Oils or Concentrates

There are a few options on the market when it comes to vape pens. Some vape pens come with rechargeable batteries. Some have cartridges that you fill with cannabis oil and are reusable. Other types of vape pens are disposable, and you throw them away once the cannabis oil is gone. As we are all about promoting a greener earth, we are proud to sell reusable vape pens, and this is how to use one:

1. Charge the battery. If you are using a vape pen with a separate cartridge, the first step is to ensure that the battery has a full charge and has been turned on. Ensure that the charger is connected tightly to the battery.
2. Set the temperature control. Certain models of vape pens allow temperature control, so feel free to set it, if you have it, somewhere between 375°F/190°C and 450°F/230°C.
3. Press the button and take a hit. If the vape pen does not have a button, you can auto-draw.
4. Inhale nice and slow. This will allow you to control the amount of cannabinoids you intake, and it allows you to pace the consumption not to overheat the cannabis concentrate or oil.
5. Refill the vape pen. When your dabs begin to lose flavor or even have a harsh/burnt taste, it’s time to be changed. Keep in mind, low-quality batteries can inadvertently cause this same effect and make you use up your cartridge wastefully, so it’s important to shop for the right vaporizer accessories, such as 510 batteries.
6. Empty/Discard the oil cartridge: When you are done with your cannabis oil in your cartridge, you can either throw out the cartridge or refill it, depending on the type of vape pen that you have. A nice choice that is frequently recommended by our customers worldwide is the Kind Pen “Slim” Wax Vaporizer.

How to Choose the Best Vaporizer for You

Now that you have a solid understanding of what vaporizers are; how they work, and what types are available on the market; it’s time for the fun part – buying one for yourself! Use the information we have presented and consider your current living situation to figure out which type of vaporizer will fit in nicely with your lifestyle, taste, and budget.

Low-Budget Vaporizers

Budget is another consideration. If you want to buy a vaporizer on a tight budget, plenty of entry-level portable vaporizers start under $40, such as this Flick Vaporizer that retails for only $24.99.

If you are new to vaping and do not want to take a big risk with your purchase of a vaporizer, it is a good idea to start with an entry-level piece. Keep in mind, the least expensive options will be less durable in the long run than heavier-duty ones, and they may create subpar experiences. So, always check product reviews and get one known for its functionality, such as this popular Flick vape that's linked above.

Mid-Grade Budget Vaporizers

If you are looking for something around the $100 mark but do not plan on going much higher than that, you will definitely find a selection of vaporizers and vape pens within this price range that are sure to get you higher than a flipping kite at World of Bongs. For somewhere between $100 to $200, you can find vaporizers for herbs and concentrates – even hybrid options that do it both like this Tera Vaporizer that’s ready to handle flower or wax and costs only $199.

“High”- Budget Vaporizers for Flower and Extracts

Don’t get confused. You can definitely get the job done with the lower- and medium-budget vaporizers. However, if you want to spend $200 or more on a vaporizer, then the sky’s your limit. You will be able to find a few very powerful desktop vapes in this price range at World of Bongs, such as this popular model, the Volcano Classic Vaporizer.

Vaporizer options are endless and it is fun to try out different models. They can be an addictive item you might want to collect. Don’t be surprised (if you’re a serious stoner), if you end up with a few different vaporizers, all with their own unique functions and purposes.

When it comes to buying something as serious as a vaporizer online, be sure you only go to a reputable online head shop you can trust. At World of Bongs, we place insurance and diligent tracking on every single order so that you can shop with confidence. Even if the worst-case scenario occurs and something happens to your package, we got you covered. So what are you waiting for? Shop our selection of vaporizers online today.