The Importance of Temperature – Vaporizers, more commonly called vapes, are electronic devices used to consume the active components of dry herbs or concentrates (like oils and wax). Vaporizers are considered to be a healthier alternative to smoking, as the vaping process is much cleaner than combusting plant material and concentrates. Vapes are also easier to use, store, and handle than most traditional methods of consumption. These factors are probably why the popularity of vaping as exploded in the last 6 years. There are hundreds of vape manufacturers and thousands of vapes to choose from; including portable dry herb vapes, wax vaporizers, oil vape pens, and e-cigarettes.

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Almost all vapes function the same; they work by heating the desired substance on a moderately low temperature setting in a chamber, which then produces an inhalable vapor in a controlled manner. The heating chamber is also referred to as an atomizer. An atomizer is essentially a resistance wire coil and a wicking wire. The resistance wire is generally made out of steel, titanium, or nickel. Turning the vape on engages the battery, which then heats up the coils. The heat from the coils causes the substance to vaporize. The best vape pens  include a variable heat setting feature, allowing the user to choose the best temperature  for the product—because the temperature matters! The right temperature depends on the substance being used. Wax, herbs, and oil each have different optimal vaping temperatures.

 

Combustion occurs at 752°F (400°C). This causes the material to ignite and burn, which releases harmful byproducts like carbon monoxide, smoke and tar along with the desired compounds like THC and CBD. We can avoid these toxins by vaping! Because you are not burning the substance, you’ll get better and fuller flavors from your herbs and concentrates. Vaping is also better for the environment, creating less trash and litter than smoking. Plus, vaping doesn’t leave a pungent odor on your clothes or breath like smoking does.

What’s The Best Temperature For My Vaporizer

Best Temp - Dry Herb Vapes

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The most popular type of vaporizer is the dry herb vape. These devices always come with some type of temperature control system, some offer only a few settings while others allow the user full control as sensitive as a single degree. For dry herbs, the temperature setting can vary greatly depending on the specific herb, moisture content, how tightly the chamber is packed, how finely ground the material is and the desired vapor density.

 

If the vaporizer being used only has a few settings to choose from, you’ll know which is best fairly quickly through experimentation. Start on the low end and slowly raise the setting. Vapes with variable heat settings allow you to set a precise temperature. Start on the low end of the optimal temperature range and work your way up.

 

For the most flavorful vaping experience, set the dry herb vaporizer to a lower temperature; around 375-410°F (190-210°C). It will produce delicious vapor that is light and airy. The flavor comes from the vaporization of terpenoids, which have the lowest boiling point of most herbs. Though the vapor is slight, nearly invisible, it is very detectable using smell and taste. Vapor at this temperature is savory and smooth. Some folks might prefer dense, cloudy vapor. To achieve thick, visible vapor, set the temperature around 410-455°F (210-235°C).

Best Temp - Wax Vapes

Much like with dry herbs, the optimal temperature setting for wax concentrates varies depending on several key factors like consistency and desired vapor density. With any new batch of wax, it is important to do a small sample dab to test in the vaporizer to make sure the temperature is not too hot. If the vape is too hot, the wax will liquefy rather quickly, and the desired compounds will not get fully activated before the dab disappears.

 

The optimal temperature range for wax vaping is between 380-400°F (193-204°C). This will ensure slow, smooth, even vapor with the best flavor. However, some prefer to set their vaporizers at a higher temperature, around 410°F (210°C), as this is the best setting to efficiently extract both terpenes and cannabinoids. Vaping wax around this temperature also creates denser, hotter vapor that hits hard.

 

When choosing a vaporizer for wax, keep in mind the type of coil used will also have an impact on how vaping goes. The most common types of heating elements used are ceramic dishes and quartz rod coils. Ceramic elements take longer to heat up but provide more even heat distribution. Ceramics are also cheaper than their quartz counterparts. Quartz rods heat quickly and work better at lower temperatures than ceramic bowls but are costly to produce. Also check whether the vape is powered in volts or watts. Watts mean more power running from battery to coils, so these models can generally run hotter.

Best Temp - Oil Vapes

The optimal temperature range for consuming oil in a vape is very similar to those of herbs and waxes. The ideal range for full flavor and vapor density is 370-410°F (188-210°C). Go higher and you run the risk of inhaling a hit that’s harsh and very hot. Plus, the oil will burn, meaning you’re losing more than 25% of the good stuff with it going up in smoke. Vaporizers with a variable heat setting function and a tank chamber work best for oils.

 

There are vape pens on the market pre-loaded with oils or concentrates. They can’t be beat when it comes to portability and functionality. Some are disposable while others utilize interchangeable pre-filled cartridges. Most of these preloaded vaporizers are set to heat within the optimal temperature range. However, please use caution, and test how well the vape pen heats before using it for long periods of time. Heating any vape pen for too long will cause the material to scorch and spoil the flavor. Holding the trigger button down for short intervals works best.

Best Temp - Box Mods

Box mods come in many varieties, styles and sizes. These are bigger than pen-style vapes, but they are more powerful and rich in features and settings. That being said, box mods do have a bit of a learning curve to utilize, but the extra effort for the ultimate experience is worth it. With a box mod, a vaporizer can benefit from better vapor production, longer battery life, reliability, consistency, and a huge selection of tanks to choose from.

 

Mods come in two categories: regulated and unregulated. These terms describe the type of electrical design used. Regulated mods use a microchip to add features and functionality to the vaporizer. Some features include things like precision temperature control, variable wattage, memory, LED display information, and much more. The most important aspect of regulated mods are their reliable safety features. Unregulated mods are for knowledgeable vapers not beginners. These mods are generally more powerful than regulated ones and allow the user to fully customize the vaporizer. However, these mods don’t regulate battery usage or wattage output, and they have little to no safety features.

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The optimal temperature range for a mod will differ slightly depending on the atomizer being used and the substance being consumed. However, generally the range falls between 370-410°F (188-210°C). Most box mods power output is in watts. The higher the wattage, the more power flowing to the apparatus. Dry herb atomizers generally require far less wattage than those for oil or wax. Oil and E-liquid atomizers are the most popular for modifying. These mods usually take the most power but produce the biggest vapor clouds.

High Temp vs Low Temp

Whether you go high or low in temperature is completely up to you. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks. Here are some of the major differences between the two settings:

  • High temperature vaping creates thick, billowing clouds of vapor. Low temperature vaping creates smoother, thinner, less visible vapor.
  • With high temperatures, you run the risk of burning the material. At low temperatures, the materials vaporize more evenly.
  • At high temperatures, you ensure you’ll be vaporizing all the desired compounds like THC and CBD. At low temperatures, you run the risk of not vaporizing all of the goodies.
  • High temperature vaping gets the job done quickly and efficiently. Low temperature vaping takes a little longer, but you get to enjoy the experience a little longer too.
  • High temperature vaping is intense. Low temperature vaping is more flavorful.

Choosing the Right Temperature

Choosing the right temperature for your vaporizer is just a matter of preference and substance; it depends on what you are looking to achieve and what type of vape or atomizer you’re using. For a pleasant and flavorful experience, choose low temperature vaping. This method is especially recommended for oil and wax vaping. If you’re looking for iconic rolling clouds of vapor or a powerful hit, go with high temperature vaping. This method also is recommended for beginner vapers and for folks that are a little short on time. In time, you’ll find what temperatures work best for you, and the materials you use, through experimentation and adjustment.