Differences between smoking and vaporising

Although both methods allow you to enjoy cannabis, smoking and vaporising are not the same thing. When smoking, marijuana is burned, generating smoke and harmful by-products such as tar or carbon monoxide. When vaporising, on the other hand, the plant material or concentrate is heated to a controlled temperature - without combustion - releasing cannabinoids and terpenes in the form of a clean, tasty vapour that is much less irritating to the lungs. The result is a healthier, more efficient, and better-tasting experience.

Learn how to choose your cannabis vaporiser

Choosing the right cannabis vaporizer depends on how you consume and what effect you are looking for. Not all vaporisers are the same: there are models designed specifically for dry flowers (weed), others for resins and concentrates, and even some hybrids that allow you to use both formats.

Bud Vaporisers VS Resin Vaporisers

Vaporising flowers directly is the most common way most smokers choose to vaporise, as the terpenes are preserved as they do not combust, giving a cleaner taste and a clearer effect.

But if you are looking for a more potent experience, with devastating effects, concentrates and resins such as BHO, Wax, Rosin, or Hash itself are the way to go. Specialised resin vaporisers work at higher temperatures and are specially designed for this purpose. Be careful, not all devices are suitable for consuming resins: vaporisers for extracts need quality materials such as stainless steel, ceramic, or quartz, and systems that can withstand the high temperatures without degrading.

In our section of vaporisers for concentrates, you will find specific options to enjoy your extracts with maximum purity, without combustion or smoke, and with all the intensity you are looking for.

Choose between portable and desktop

Portable vaporisers: These are ideal for carrying around and for quick, discreet moments. From personal experience, people are not used to the smell of a vaporizer, so you go more unnoticed than you might think. There is a wide variety of sizes, shapes, colours, etc., and for flowers as well as for resins and extractions.

Desktop vaporisers: recommended for home or long sessions. They offer more power, more precise temperature control, and a more complete extraction of the active cannabis compounds. They are the favourite option if you want to vaporise resins with guarantees.

Convection, conduction, and hybrids: how do vaporisers heat?

One of the most important differences between vaporisers lies in their heating system, as this directly affects the flavour, efficiency, and smoothness of the vapour.

Conduction: direct contact

Conduction vaporisers heat the cannabis by direct contact with a hot surface (such as a metal or ceramic chamber). They heat up quickly and are often more compact and economical. However, they can partially burn the material if not stirred, and the vapour is denser but less flavourful.

• Ideal for users looking for simplicity, speed, and portability.

Convection: hot air

In convection vaporisers, the material does not directly touch any hot surface. Instead, hot air circulates through the cannabis, extracting the cannabinoids more gently and evenly. The resulting vapour is cleaner, more aromatic and less irritating, although they tend to take a little longer to heat up and require a longer draw.

• Recommended for demanding users who prioritise flavour, efficiency, and smoothness, especially with delicate resins and flowers.

Hybrids: the best of both worlds

Combine the two previous systems. They heat the chamber by conduction but also move hot air as in convection, offering a balance between flavour, density, and speed. Many high-end vaporisers use this system.

At what temperature is cannabis vaporised?

Controlling the temperature is key to personalising the effect and taking care of the flavour. Each compound in cannabis is released at a different temperature:

160-180°C: more cerebral and mellow effect. Terpenes and flavour are prioritised.
180-200 °C: balanced effect between mind and body. Ideal for recreational or daily use.
200-220 °C: more intense and relaxing physical effect. Better extraction of cannabinoids such as CBN.
+220°C: Close to combustion. Only recommended in specific vaporisers for resins or extracts.

For concentrates, many models allow going above 220 °C without burning, thanks to special materials and adapted heating systems.

Frequently asked questions about cannabis and concentrate vaporisers

What is the range of portable vaporisers?

It varies depending on the model and usage, but they usually last between 30 minutes and 2 hours of continuous use. Some models allow USB charging or even use interchangeable batteries.

How do you clean a vaporizer?

Cleaning your vaporizer regularly extends its lifespan and improves the flavour of the vapour. It is recommended:

• Empty the chamber after each use.
• Use isopropyl alcohol for removable parts (when compatible).
• Check and replace filters, mouthpieces or silicone parts when necessary.