Expanding your smoking arsenal can be tricky when there are so many options and features to consider before investing in the right tools. Take it from us, our webstore here at Grasscity.com has 208 different vaporizers to choose from!

In the recent years dry herb vaping has quickly become the safest and most affordable way to consume cannabis. Like something out of your favorite Sci-Fi TV Show, vape technology is different from using a bong or smoking a joint as a specially designed heating element heats up the cannabis creating a rich vapor rather than combusting it. This means less harm to your lungs and also enhancing the taste as there is no burned plant matter or ash present.

We’ve written a variety of articles that dig deep into what makes certain vapes better than others. But before you get to to reading those, you’re first going to have to decide between desktop and portable vaporizers. In this article we will go over what makes each type great so that at the end hopefully you’ll feel confident making that choice.

1. On the subject of Portability

The biggest and most obvious difference between desktop and portable vaporizers is, of course, the size. While a desktop unit is a great option for those who are looking for a stationary solution, it won’t be so great when you’re are on the go. On the other hand, most do not use batteries and can be plugged-in thus avoid any scenarios where recharging the unit is keeping you from immediately enjoying a vaping session. Many also feature unique inhalation solutions like long-extending mouthpieces that keep the desktop vape safely on a hard surface. It is worth mentioning, the Storz & Bickel Volcano could be considered halfway between a portable and desktop vape since it’s signature bag that you connect to the base is filled with vapor. Once it’s full you can take the bag anywhere and enjoy tasty vapors.

Portable vaporizers on the other hand are smaller, more compact, and excellent if most of your smoking happens outside the comfort of your home. As previously mentioned they require recharging which can become tedious given lithium ion batteries have a tendency to decrease in total battery life with prolonged use. Do not let this distract you from the fact their compact nature allows for unparalleled freedom meaning you can enjoy it anywhere from the beach to the mountain-top.

2. What kind of vapor (and how much) do you want?

Some vaporizers make it easy to get huge blooms of smoke while vaping using customizeable control settings. These are great options for users who might be trying to quit smoking, as the thicker vapor will help give you that satisfaction you crave when smoking. Don’t be concerned if you think this means you’ll need to spend more money on a vape. Almost all vaporizers these days feature some varying degree of vapor customization through temperature control settings. For instance, the Vapium Lite Portable Dry Herb Vaporizer has has eight temperature settings ranging from 356°F to 446°F, and costs under $100.

It should be noted though that smaller vaporizers won’t produce as much smoke as their larger counterparts as they usually have smaller heating chamber and there is a smaller airway where the forced air collects and moves through on the way to the mouthpiece. Desktop units known as “whip vapes” like the Da Buddha feature a 3-foot hose which can contain a lot of vapor making for a large hit. Most whip vapes have a simple dial for adjusting temperature, so we recommend the Vaporite Solo Digital Desktop Vaporizer which has a digital HUD and remote control making fine-tuning a cinch.

3. Does your daily routine play an impact?

Taking the time to think about your daily routine and where and at what times you find yourself enjoying a vaping experience matter greatly in your final decision. If you are one of the many people who have grown accustomed to a life working remotely from home in recent years, a desktop vape geared for comfortable home use is with serious consideration. It’s also worth mentioning all such units feature some sort of mouthpiece or bag which makes enjoyment that much easier if you are dealing with mobility issues.

On the other hand, if you are the type to spark up a joint after a long day’s hike. It’s probably smart to forego the advantages a desktop unit provides in lieu of one of the many portable counterparts on the market today. If your rough and tumble lifestyle has a solid construction a key factor, consider the Pax 3 or the DaVinci Miqro Dry Herb Vaporizer which features super durable airplane-grade aluminum chassis and is available in the five stylish color options. It’s also worth mentioning this vape has a replaceable battery which means when the day comes when your battery can no longer hold a charge you can easily replace it. It’s also important to take into consideration just how your rechargeable battery charges. Some use proprietary connections which are tedious, but others sport USB and USB-C connections making charging extremetly convenient.

4. Sharing or Solo?

Portable vaporizers are great for a solo session, but smoking cannabis can also be a social activity after a long day or work or on a relaxing trip to the cabin. Instead of passing your tiny device around for everyone to try, consider a unit like the Volcano Vaporizer. With it’s bag-based method of delivery multiple bags can be used, meaning you could even give your fellow campers their own personal bag. This is not only eliminates any potential vape-hogs but also cuts down significantly on potential spread of bacteria.

It should be noted that if you have intentions on sharing your vape, it’s a smart idea to invest in disinfectant alcohol wipes to clean off the mouthpiece before each use. Portable and Desktop units all feature some kind of mouthpiece, so there is really no excuse to not keep it clean and sanitary.

5. Affordable or Top of the Line?

Vaporizers tend to be more expensive than most smoking apparatuses; there's a lot of science and technology that goes into even the simplest of vapes. This being said, the price points for these products have substantially decreased. If you are looking for a cheap option, portable vaporizers are the way to go; most range from $20-$300. Desktop vaporizers these days have also caught up in terms of affordability. For instance the Retro Vapes The Thunderbird Tabletop Vaporizer costs just a little under $70. On the other side of the spectrum, the Volcano is a whopping $650 but makes up for it in the long run with it’s superior craftsmanship, ease of use, and warranty options. If you are looking for that Storz & Bickel name but can’t splurge, consider the Mighty ($314) or the Crafty ($225)

Considered to be the top of the line for concentrate enjoyment which is also worth mentioning is the Puffco Peak Smart Rig ($250) which also has a “pro model” ($389) which features a dedicated app where you can adjust everything from temp levels to LED colors.

Conclusion

At the end of the day choosing from all of the various types of vaporizers comes down to how accurately you can answer these five questions. Vapers around the world are constantly using these products and some quick searching around on websites like YouTube will provide you with in-depth videos that show you how some of these vapes are used. We are also working tirelessly to round up products in order to show you what products make the most sense to you.