Convection vs. conduction - different heating methods for herbal vaporizers
Before you compare the different features of vaporizers, you should decide which heating method is right for you before buying a vaporizer. Convection or conduction - the choice is yours. But what's the difference? We explain both vaporization methods, the respective advantages and disadvantages and what else you should look out for when buying an herbal vaporizer.
Herbal vaporizers or so-called vaporizers (vapes for short) all work according to the same principle: a constant supply of heat activates and dissolves the various organic ingredients of herbs from the plant material without burning it. This is not only particularly low in pollutants, but also inconspicuous and very low in odor.
The two similar heating methods of a vaporizer - conduction and convection - sound similar, but have very different effects on the density, intensity and aroma of the vapour.
Vaporizing by means of conduction
Conduction describes the direct heating method. This means that the herbal material is in contact with the heating element, i.e. the heating chamber. The chamber quickly reaches the set temperature and immediately heats the herbal material. The heat conduction leads to a heavy, dense vapor.
If you want a reasonably even vaporization of the material with a conduction vaporizer, you have to turn it several times, as not all of the herbal material is in contact with the heating chamber.
Once you have started a session, it is usually not possible to stop it prematurely without discarding the herbs.
Advantages & disadvantages of conduction
ADVANTAGES
Dense, full vapor
Fast and direct heating of the material
Inexpensive to purchase
Sometimes smaller and / or lighter
DISADVANTAGES
Steam can be very hot & harsh
Risk of burns due to direct contact
Less efficient as it is not possible to heat evenly, the herbs have to be turned
Requires a lot of herbal material
Temperature more difficult to regulate
Session cannot be interrupted and continued later
So what is convection?
With convection heating technology, the herbs used are heated indirectly. In plain language, this means that the actual heating element is located separately and below the herb chamber and does not heat the herb material, but the air that flows through the chamber during the draw. The hot air releases the aromas and active ingredients from your herbs and creates a gentle vaporization of these extracts.
The fully insulated air path of heat convection ensures even and gentle heating of the herbs and produces a purer, but not quite as dense vapor as the conduction method. As the active ingredients are gradually extracted from the herbs by drawing in hot air and they do not burn, you can interrupt your session at any time and resume it at a later time. This means that nothing is wasted with convection vaporizers.
Advantages & disadvantages of convection
ADVANTAGES
Separate herb chamber for gentle heating
No destruction of the ingredients through burning
Even & optimal vaporization
Precise temperature selection
Intense flavor
Even heating & thus particularly efficient in terms of herb consumption
Herbs can be vaporized over several sessions
DISADVANTAGES
More expensive to purchase
It takes a few seconds longer to heat the herb chamber
Convection or conduction - which is better?
Which is the ideal method? If you look at the list of advantages and disadvantages, the convection vaporizer comes out on top in most cases. However, you shouldn't just blindly go by the advantages and disadvantages of the different vaporization methods. It is not possible for us to say which of the two is the better method for you, as the decision depends entirely on your individual needs and preferences. If you have friends or acquaintances who already vape, then it's best to try out both devices before you decide.
What else should you look out for when buying a vaporizer?
ACCESSORIES FOR HERBS, OILS & WAXES
Ideally, you can vaporize different substances with your vaporizer using different capsules for the heating chamber. This gives you the flexibility to decide whether you want to vaporize dry material or wax and oil.
REMOVABLE MOUTHPIECE
No matter which herbs or waxes you vaporize, unsightly deposits will build up on the mouthpiece after a while. Therefore, make sure that you can remove and clean the mouthpiece. A glass mouthpiece is particularly hygienic. If you are also bothered by visible, ugly residue, take a look at our black glass mouthpieces. Not only do they look stylish, they also keep your device looking great after a few sessions until you find a few minutes to clean it.
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