A portable vaporizer is probably the most popular type of vaporizer. Most people like to vape on the go and don’t want to be tied down with something big and clunky that can’t really be carted around. As a result of their popularity, portable vaporizers come in different sizes, types and heating methods. They can even come with an internal or external battery, be rechargeable and differ in vapor paths and chamber sizes.

Although there is this great range of choice, it can often get quite confusing as to what to choose. Here we give a break down of the types of portable vapes available and the things you may want to consider when buying a portable vape.

How Do I Use a Portable  Weed Vaporizer?

Handheld vaporizers are easy to use and some require no electronics at all and just a lighter to work. This style makes perfect sense for someone new to vaping as there is no fuss. Other types of electronic handheld vapes come with one chamber where you load your herb in and then just press a button to heat it up. They can be very easy to use.

Why Use a Portable Vaporizer?

A portable vape is so handy for when you are on the go and can be a cheaper alternative to a desktop vaporiser. Vaping is also considered a healthier alternative to smoking too.

Best Portable Vaporizers

Let’s have a look at some of the best portable dry herb vaporizers for sale right now.

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What To Consider When Buying

Budget

Even though portable vapes are cheaper than desktop, some can still leave you broke. Determining your budget straight out of the bag is probably a good idea. If you are starting out, you may want to opt for something cheap just to test out and decide if you like.

If you are committed though, spending a little more will probably save you in the long run. If you intend to use it regularly you want it to last and not break after a few weeks.

Components

A portable vaporiser is composed of 4 major components.

• Tank: – This is where you put your wax/oil or herb. In here is the heating element which is typically a coil.
• Mouthpiece: – This is pretty self explanatory – it is where you breathe in the vape from the tank. For warmer vapor use a smaller mouth piece and for a cooler vapor use a larger mouthpiece.
• Atomizer: – This part is responsible for heating up the coil which heats your ingredients.
• Battery: – Portable vaporisers have a battery which powers the atomizer.

Conduction versus Convection

This issue is one for any type of vaporiser and not exclusive to a portable type. Conduction uses the transfer of heat from one object to another. So inside your vape will be a “hot plate” or metal coil which you put your herb on and then the heat from this plate transfers heat to your herb. The temperature of the coil or plate tends to be well over 750°F (399°C), which means your herb tends to get burnt or scorched rather than truly vaporising. As a result they tend to come with a glass screen to prevent this from happening. The screen causes a loss in heat which is a good thing as it brings the temperature your herb is being heated down to a more optimal level.

Besides what has already been mentioned, the problem with conduction is that it is the outer part of the herb that gets heated more and there isn’t an even heat throughout it. You will have to stir it in order to be efficient. It also continues to heat even when you aren’t using it. Despite it’s problems, conduction style is still the most popular and widely found style of portable vape.

Convection, on the otherhand, passes hot air through into the chamber where you herb is. It isn’t directly in contact with a heat source. As a result the herb is generally heated evenly and it is a more efficient way to vape. As the user, you also manually pull the air over the herb when you take a toke, which means less wastage. Despite the positives of convection style, they are more prone to heat loss and there are less available on the market.

Flower or Concentrates?

What do you normally smoke – herb or a liquid? There are different options depending on your preferred choice of smoke. Make sure you buy the right one for you and don’t end up with a handheld that only lets you put a concentrate in it but you want to smoke dry herb!

Of course though, it is worth noting that if you get a dry herb handheld, you could buy one that has an attachment piece for concentrates if later down the line you want to use those.

Portability

There are a range of sizes, shapes and weights in this space and therefore it is worth considering before purchase. How will you carry it and does the size need to be smaller or will this not be an issue for you?

Make sure it fits into your pocket/coat or wherever you will store it when . If buying online, you may want to check out the measurements first and consider if it can fit in your pocket/coat or whenever you intend to carry it.

Temp Control

Many of the larger types of portable vaporisers will have a digital display that gives you precise control over the temperature you want. Some also have a toggle where you can preset a heat range instead.

If you have a standard vape with a metal coil, then generally you’ll have one heat setting which you activate by pressing a button. If you have no real experience over temperature you may want to reserve any temperature control styles for when you have a little more experience with your vape.

Cleaning/Maintenance

Most handhelds should be easy to clean. You should be able to soak each component and dry it. Make sure that your unit is easy to clean because it will be a massive pain you don’t need otherwise.

Battery and Battery Life

Most portable vaporisers have a rechargeable lithium ion battery that is a part of the unit and not removable. Some models, however, have removable batteries which can be more convenient on the go as it will require you to carry your charger with you (finding an outlet it quite easily done these days while out and about).

In terms of charging, usually you will find that most charge via USB and should also be able to be charged in the car.

Consider the best way for you to charge your unit and also what type of battery life you would like. It may not be an issue if it has a shorter battery life if you won’t be using it regularly or can charge it frequently.

Butane Portable Vaporizers

Butane portable vaporizers are self contained and have a reservoir for butane fuel and a valve you activate. It triggers like a typical lighter, however the flame is contained within a chamber so you can’t accidentally burn yourself. Some require a butane torch in order to use it but you’ll find most are self contained. These typically can be a great starting point for a beginner and for those who would rather not have a digital display.

Accessories and attachments

Despite their small size, handheld vapes have a variety of attachments or add-ons you can use to enhance your experience. One of the most common and familiar attachments is a self-contained glass attachment. This is for water filtration and is known as a bubbler. This cools down the vape giving a smoother draw.

Other handhelds offer attachments which can be used through a water pipe and offer a smoother experience just like the bubbler does. The attachment usually fits over the heating chamber and the other end is conical which fits into a water pipe. This also gives the bonus of a more intense hit, as more vapor can be accumulated in a single toke.

If you tend to smoke dry herb but fancy trying out a concentrate, some handhelds also come with the option of a concentrate canister which you can add to the heating chamber . Dry herb handhelds aren’t really designed for concentrates (they don’t reach a high enough temperature) so it is wise to use an attachment if you want to use them otherwise you will probably damage your vaporiser.

Portable Vaporizer Brands

For a quick idea of what to look for, here is a few of some of the most popular brands in the portable vape space.