Best Dry Herb Vaporizer 2022
Dry Herb Vaporizers are getting more and more popular and the market is quickly becoming saturated with a multitude of devices. From extremely handy portables to flashier, larger devices – there’s definitely something for every user.
Here at Vape-Smart, we’re pretty aware that everyone’s unique, and your dry herb vaporizer should show that. Your vaporizer has to match your current lifestyle and your vaping habits. There will never be a vaporizer that is the most “perfect”, but we’re here to help you find one that might just come close.
We’ve put together this list – and categorized each best-in-class device according to price range, portability, and all other categories. We’ve sifted our archives and tested each device all over again. Other than our main picks, we’ve placed in a secondary choice – that brings something different to the category
The Mighty+ is #1 on a lot of best lists and for great reasons. As Storz & Bickel’s flagship portable, it features a number of the brand’s signatures. The best one being Hybrid Heating. S&B’s unique ratio of convection and conduction heating results in the smooth, exceptional vapor that is potent, dense, nuanced, and flavorful
Another S&B signature is utter meticulousness. The brand continually tests its products and The Mighty+ (Plus) is currently the only portable that is certified for medical use by TUV and UL. This certification guarantees the safety of the battery, charging, electrical, and heating components.
Using the Mighty+ is simple, there is no learning curve or complex buttons – just a simple and intuitive interface. Its battery is just as mighty as the device itself – lasting for up to 12 sessions and charges via USB-C.
$399.00Add to cart
Zeus Arc GTS
Best Flower
Zeus Arsenal has always made only reliable, well-performing devices that go beyond just being the perfect daily driver. The Arc GTS is no different.
On its own, it delivers excellent and uncompromising vapor quality, coupled with its very straightforward ease of use. Yet, it is also part of a new 3rd generation vaporizers which come alongside a full suite of accessories / aka the “The Hub” – designed to make cannabis consumption as seamless an experience as possible.
Alongside its Hub, the GTS becomes one of the most convenient devices on the market. This new precision in the user journey and to have everything you need from start to finish, all in one place – makes the Arc GTS Hub a total marvel. Most notably, the Hub itself includes a multi-functional travel/storage case and the Zeus Xtruder which is paired with the included refillable ArcPods.
$239.99Add to cart
G-pen Elite 2
Best New Vaporizer
The G-Pen Elite 2 is a follow-up to the successful G-Pen Elite, and design-wise – follows the same minimalist and ergonomic aesthetic. It’s a sleekly designed device with features geared towards near-perfect functionality and even better performance.
It’s also one of the few vaporizers on the market with a fully colored OLED display, which is discreetly hidden from view on the backside of the device. Another standout feature is its mouthpiece, which has two main pieces, an outer zirconia mouthpiece, and an inner silicone insert with a screen and a removable spiral ceramic air path.
The Elite 2 has a fully ceramic convection chamber, well suited for getting the most flavor out of your chosen dry herb. This in combination with several other smart features, provides an experience that is unparalleled, especially for a device in this design and size.
$224.95Add to cart
G-pen Dash
Best for discreet use
Grenco Science is a pretty popular brand, no doubt about it. But what we love the most about them is the wide price ranges their products cover- there seems to be something for everyone.
The G-Pen Dash will set you back by only $70, and despite that price tag – it does more than just the job. It’s a small and stealthy vape that offers features typically seen only in more expensive vapes. Such a helix insert that cools down the vapor, an aluminum shell, a glass-lined oven, and a simple one-button interface.
If you’re a beginner, the Dash is definitely your quick entry into the world of dry herb vaping.
From: $69.95Select options
The DaVinci IQ2 is a follow up to the widely popular original IQ. It builds on all of the prior’s successes, including its sleek and portable design. The exterior shell of the IQ2 is made out of brushed aluminum while its interior is made of several medical grade materials such as glass and ceramic for the oven, and zirconia for the pearl, mouthpiece, and flavor chamber.
The IQ2 also features the brand’s signature Smart Paths – which are essentially four preset heating profiles which increase in temperature over an 8-minute session. With the accompanying smartphone app, you can also opt to set your own smart-paths. The app also allows you to measure and record your usage and dosage as accurately as possible.
The DaVinci IQ2 is a small device, with big features. A perfect portable for casual users, and those looking to enjoy their sessions on the go.
$295.00Select options
The Utillian 722 in a single word is “simple“ and that’s not a bad thing at all. It might not come with several bells and whistles, such as a smartphone app or precise temperature controls, but it certainly doesn’t have to.
The 722 represents the fundamentals of vaping – it’s an easy-to-use vaporizer that delivers great, well-tasting vapor, – all at a very reasonable price.
Its exterior shell is made from anodized aluminum with a rubber coating, which we assume helps isolate and contain the heat from its stainless steel convection oven. It also has a nice to touch non-slip feel to it. At the bottom, there is the Micro USB charging port and the air-intake hole.
$89.00Add to cart
Best under $100
The XMax Starry v3 might just be your next portable companion. It’s somewhat a cross between a box-style mod and pen. It has a swiveling zirconia mouthpiece that’s mostly seen on box mods, and especially not on a $99 device like the V3.
This is what makes the V3 a definite standout in our opinion. It offers a great value for money, providing premium features that aren’t usually seen on a $100 device – such as precise temperature control and haptic feedback. And to top it all off, the V3 also features a removable 18650 battery – meaning you can swap out a dead one at any time. Adding more points to its overall convenience.
$89.00Add to cart
Utillian 620
Easiest to use
Canadian brand Utillian creates reliable devices at reasonable price points – and the Utillian 620 is one of their more simple and straightforward vaporizers. But don’t confuse simple with boring, the 620 comes with a number of functional features that allow any user full control and customization of their sessions.
The 620 has an aluminum body, an LED display, and three buttons to control its full temperature range of 320 – 428°F (160 – 220°C).
The 620’s most notable feature is Utillian’s introduction of a new convection heating element, that’s supposed to increase the heat intensity in the oven. The air runs through a spiral-shaped metal piece before it gets to the oven, and that creates a more even heat distribution.
$144.99Add to cart
Davinci IQC
Biggest Clouds
The DaVinci IQC is an updated version of the popular DaVinci IQ2.The entire device is made with sandblasted aluminum which has a textured finish that complements the rubber edging that gives the IQC a rugged look. The IQC sports several DaVinci signatures such as a lightweight and portable body, precise temperature control, LED light display, zirconia pearl, and customizable smart paths via the smartphone app.
Both the IQC’s vapor path and pearl are made from zirconia and DaVinci’s use of a zirconia pearl is a standout feature of the IQC.
Opening the bottom of the IQC reveals both the oven and the pearl attached to the lid. The pearl heats up as the oven does and creates a more even “burn”. This results in vapor that’s clean, flavorful, and surprisingly dense for a conduction vaporizer
$199.00Select options
If you haven’t heard of the Volcano Hybrid, you should definitely brush up a bit on vaping history. The Volcano is S&B’S flagship device and is the device that brought vaping into the mainstream.
As a desktop vaporizer, obviously the Hybrid’s versatility and results are unmatched by any portable vape – even by the very powerful Mighty+. On the Volcano, you program your own heating profile so that you can choose how you want to vape.
The Hybrid also comes with a balloon and a whip for even more customization. This device delivers nothing but the cleanest and best vaporizer experience on the market. And by clean we mean untainted and pure vapor – Storz & Bickel is currently the only company worldwide to produce certified medical herbal vaporizers – and the Volcano was the first-ever vaporizer to be certified.
$699.00Select options
Important things to keep in mind
Picking out the best dry herb vaporizer for your needs isn’t exactly a very straightforward task – there’s a lot to consider and there are also several new vaporizers that come to market often. But trust us, as overwhelming as the task may seem- once you find the vape that’s right for you, it’ll be tough to go back to burning your herb.
Price
Not all vapes are created equal, so you can’t exactly compare a $300 vape to a $60 vape. The point here is to remember that your vaporizer is an investment. Vaping is more efficient than simply lighting up, and may reduce the volume of your herb use.
The difference between a higher-end and lower-end vape is in the quality of its build materials. High-end vapes use materials such as aluminum, glass, or even zirconia. Cheaper vapes will most likely be constructed with plastic and silicone. Different materials also mean a shorter or longer device lifespan. The quality of the vapor also varies when choosing between lower or higher-end vapes. A higher-end vape promises better flavor and vapor quality since the oven, mouthpiece, and air-paths are usually designed with purity in mind.
Despite all this, you don’t need a $500 vaporizer to get the full experience, as there are loads of great options for any price range, and surely with the number of devices out there, you’re bound to find the one for you.
Size & portability
Like we said earlier, dry herb vaporizers come in all sorts of shapes and sizes- and there’s always some sort of trade-off when choosing between sizes. So, it all comes down to what your requirements are.
- Portable – These are the most common vapes on the market – small, battery-powered devices that you can carry with you when you’re on the go.
- Desktop – These devices are much larger and require a plugged-in power source. Due to their size, these vapes are more suited for home use.
The perks of having larger vaporizers are a bigger battery which is sure to last for several sessions and a larger body that will absorb and disperse heat- keeping your device cool to the touch. Larger vapes also heat up faster, are sturdier, and are generally more fuss-free to use.
Smaller vapes are more discreet and are more portable. Many small-size vaporizers can easily fit in your palm or just about anywhere- making them perfect for vaping on the go or in public (without too many eyebrows raised). A downside, however, is because of its smaller body – these vaporizers can get warm at the end of a session, and even very hot when vaping ovens back to back. If the vape is hot, the vapor is hot – which is terrible for flavor.
Heat source / Heating method:
Vaporizers differ amongst themselves in a good number of ways, but one of the most major decisions you’ll have to make is regarding what sort of heating method your new vaporizer will have. There are only 3 to choose from, yet these methods result in differently nuanced vapor.
- Conduction – Conduction vaporizers have been around for a long time and is the traditional way of vaporizing herbs or even concentrates and other solids. With conduction heating, the herb comes into direct contact with the heat source.
- Convection – In a convection vaporizer, the heating element heats the air in and around your herb. Since the heating element does not come into direct contact with the herb – the material is heated more efficiently and results in a cleaner, smoother vapor.
- Hybrid – Hybrid heating is the combination of both heating methods, allowing for a more full extraction of the compounds and terpenes in the herb.
Vaping is done in sessions
Session Vapes is by far the most common type of dry herb vaporizer. On a session vaporizers – you load the oven, turn on the device, set your temperature, and slowly draw the vapor until the herb in the oven is used up.
On-demand vaporizers are a more novel innovation – allowing you to take a hit at any time instead of having to consume everything all at once. The oven is configured to heat up and cool down fast. You can choose to take as big or small a draw as you like, turn the device off and turn it on again when you’re ready to go.
Oven size
When using a vaporizer- it’s very crucial to note that it’s highly recommended that you use all the herbs you pack in the oven. It won’t serve you well to take a few hits, put it down and come back after a couple of hours and then take more hits from the same load. (Well, technically, you could, it just won’t be as good.)
Oven size used to be more of an issue because of this- since you obviously want to have some flexibility when it comes to how much you want to take in. So manufacturers have come up with several ways for you to have more control over the oven size. Several vapes use oven inserts to reduce oven size, the IQC has a screw-on zirconia pearl, and the Pax 3 has a half-oven lid, and even the desktop Volcano Hybrid has a Filling Chamber Reducer that’s compatible with Dosing Capsules.
Grind herbs
One of the key requirements in vaping is that the herb you load into the heating chamber is well ground – this means purchasing a good grinder like the SLX or the Santa Cruz Shredder.
Grinding your material breaks it down and increases its surface area – which in turn creates better airflow within the vaporizer and allows the heating process to happen more efficiently. Further improving the flavor quality and vapor production, which makes the overall vaping experience much better.
Cleaning & maintenance
Keeping your vape in top condition means cleaning and maintaining it in one of two ways.
- Quick cleaning – This is ideally done after every session. All you have to do is empty the herb from the oven, and brush off / blow some air on your vape to remove any residue or leftover herb.
- Deep cleaning – Eventually, small amounts of residue will build up, and no amount of blowing or brushing is gonna help. We recommend cleaning the vapor path, oven, and mouthpiece with ISO alcohol after about 10-20 sessions.
Some devices are designed in a way where you might just have to get a bit technical when cleaning – with mouthpieces and ovens on opposite sides of the device- meaning you’ll have to take it apart, clean, and then put the vape back together.
Other vapes such as the Solo 2 and the Utillian 620 have an air-path and mouthpiece on the same component- allowing for easier cleaning, and only having to clean two parts: the oven and mouthpiece.
The Mighty+, Crafty+ and Solo 2 have mouthpieces that come relatively cheap (under $20). Since the air-path and the mouthpiece make up the 90% that need deep cleaning, a replacement Cooling Unit or glass stem (in the case of the Solo 2) will essentially leave you with an almost new vaporizer.
Bottom Line
To sum it all up, there’s a lot of devices out there and there’s definitely one that’s bound to suit your needs. Surely though, once you get into vaping your herb it’ll be hard to go back. Check out the latest dry herb releases on this list, and let us know if you have any questions or just want to reach out.
