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 purchasing a vaporizer. Convection or conduction – the choice is yours. But what is the difference anyway? We will explain both vaporization methods, the respective advantages and disadvantages and what else you should pay attention to when buying a herbal vaporizer.
Herb vaporizers or so-called vaporizers (vapes for short) all work on the same principle: through a constant supply of heat, the various organic ingredients of herbs are activated and dissolved from the plant material without burning it. This is not only particularly low in pollutants, but also inconspicuous and very low in odor.
A vaporizer's two similar heating methods - conduction and convection - sound similar but have very different effects on the density, intensity and flavor of the vapor.
Vaping via 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. Heat conduction results in a heavy, dense vapor.
If you want a fairly even evaporation of the material with a conduction vaporizer, you have to turn it several times because 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 end it prematurely without discarding the herbs.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Conduction
ADVANTAGES
Dense, full of steam
Fast and direct heating of the material
Cheap in purchase
Sometimes smaller and/or lighter
DISADVANTAGE
Steam can be very hot & bitter
Danger of burns due to direct contact
Less efficient because even heating is not possible; the herbs have to be turned over
Requires a lot of herbal material
Temperature more difficult to regulate
Session cannot be interrupted and continued later
And then 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 rather the air that flows through the chamber when you 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 the convection vaporizer ensures even and gentle heating of the herbs, producing a purer, though not quite as dense, vapor compared to conduction vaporization. Because the active ingredients are gradually extracted from the herbs by drawing in hot air, rather than burning them, you can pause your session at any time and resume later. With convection vaporizers, nothing is wasted. A powerful example of this technology is the... Stilus Pro Max with convection, which enables particularly even evaporation. You can find all devices with this heating technology in our overview: Buy a convection vaporizer.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Convection
ADVANTAGES
Separate herb chamber for gentle heating
No destruction of the ingredients by burning
Even & optimal evaporation
Exact temperature selection
Intense taste
Even heating & so particularly efficient in terms of herb consumption
Herbs can be steamed over multiple sessions
DISADVANTAGE
More expensive to buy
The herb chamber takes a few seconds longer to heat up
Convection or conduction – which is better?
So which is the ideal method? Looking at the list of pros and cons, the convection vaporizer comes out on top in most cases. If you want to try a pure convection vaporizer right away, the Stilus Pro Convection Vaporizer is an ideal entry point. However, you shouldn't just blindly follow the advantages and disadvantages of the different vaporization methods. We can't tell you which method is better for you, as the decision depends entirely on your individual needs and preferences. If you have friends or acquaintances who already vape, it's best to try both devices before making your decision. You can find an overview of all models in our herbal vaporizer collection.
What else should you pay attention to when buying a vaporizer?
ACCESSORIES FOR HERBS, OILS & WAXES
Ideally, you can use your vaporizer to vape different substances 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.
DETACHABLE MOUTHPIECE
No matter what herbs or waxes you vape, after a while unsightly deposits will build up on the mouthpiece. Therefore, make sure that you can remove and clean the mouthpiece. A glass mouthpiece is particularly hygienic. If visible, ugly residue bothers you, be sure to take a look at our black glass mouthpieces. Not only do they have style, they also keep your device looking great after a few sessions until you find a few minutes to clean it.
