Most people picture a vape as an electronic version of a cigarette, or at least something of similar dimensions. However, vaporizers come in all shapes and sizes and desktop vaporizers are becoming increasingly popular among discerning vapers. As a result, there are more and more entering the market. Here, we take a look at why you need a desktop device in your vaping armory and some of the key characteristics to look out for.
Better efficiency
Most portable vapes use a conduction system, which basically involves heating the material using direct contact with a heating element. This has a couple of drawbacks. The first is that it is more likely to lead to combustion, meaning you get smoke instead of vapor. Secondly, the heating can be uneven, with whatever is closest to the element getting hottest. Larger types of vaporizers, on the other hand, work by convection, passing heated air across the material. The result is more even heating, a smoother vape and practically no risk of burning.
Mains power
With portability comes compromise. A key aspect of that is that smaller vapes are battery-powered so their performance is subject to variability depending on the health of the batteries. In the worst case, they can stop working entirely, usually at the most inconvenient moment. There is no such concern with a desktop vaporizer. As long as it is plugged in, it will keep on working to exactly the same efficiency for as long as you want it to.
More functionality
Another compromise with portable vape pens is that you can only fit so much functionality into a small device. With a desktop setup, the sky is the limit. Their convection systems are out of this world compared to their smaller brethren, and they can also incorporate complex temperature controls, cooling passages and more. Put simply, a desktop vaporizer opens up a whole new world of vaping that you never knew existed if you only ever used a portable device.
The healthier option
There is plenty of debate over what, if any, health risks are associated with vaping, and we will not get into those here. One thing on which that the researchers seem to be in broad agreement, though, is that vaping is better for you than smoking and that desktop convection vapes are the best means of ingesting vapor. German manufacturer Storz & Bickel has even been successful in having some of its desktop vaporizers registered as medical devices for the Canadian market.
Saving money in the long run
Finally, let’s look at the elephant in the room. You might question spending $100 or more on a desktop vaporizer when you can pick up a portable vape pen for pocket change. The point is that one of these will last you for years, compared with a vape pen that will last a few months at most. When you also factor in the added functionality and the likely health benefits, it is an option that is clearly worth serious consideration.
