Overview of 3 vaporizers

THC vaporization is arguably the future of smoking pot. For reasons of efficiency, health and because of the ongoing repression. We subjected three very different vaporization devices to an initial series of tests. About our picture above: It shows hemp flowers before and after vaporization. Vaporizers are not supposed to burn or char the herb. Just brown it a bit - and release as much THC as possible.

This device is almost entirely made of plastic. Even the hose, which you pull on, is made of PVC. Accordingly, the whole thing stinks extremely of plastic at the beginning. This settles somewhat over time.

A kind of hairdryer blows heated air through a drawer into which the weed is inserted. The temperature can be adjusted with an electronic control. The vapors jet upward and are collected makeshift in a very small chamber. If you don't draw fast enough (or turn off the heat), the vapir will steam out of all the joints and cracks - the THC spreads around the room . . .

China (production), USA (design)

The stench of plastic is really degoutant. Even if this subsides with time, it is pretty gruesome. The manufacturer recommends this device only for tobacco smoking cessation - not at all for cannabis inhalation. The instructions for use are written in a rather cumbersome way. It is very easy to overheat the weed, it gets very brown at times. The device itself gets very hot in certain places, so you have to be careful. Since you have to hold it in your hand (it doesn't stand up well by itself), this is a big negative.

The Vapir can also be operated mobile in a version with a battery. Otherwise, we do not notice any other positive features.

About 500 francs.

It is possible to vaporize hemp with this device. But in our test series, it was the most unpopular device, mainly because of the plastic taste. To date, we have not found a fan of this device.

Almost entirely made of (domestic) wood and glass is this device, the hose is made of odorless silicone. Very nice it looks, especially in the dark when the lamp glows.

A small lamp heats the air, which slides through the weed when pulling the hose and can still be filtered by water in the glass container (which is actually unnecessary). One can determine the strength of the lamp by means of three levels. You can see how the vapor develops and you have to develop a feeling for how long you leave the strongest level set before you “switch down” again and vice versa.

Biel (Switzerland)

The glass in which the weed is located can get very hot. So if you have been steaming for a long time and want to change the mixture, you have to be careful. If you leave the lamp on the highest setting for too long, the weed can get a little dark (but it won't ignite). Depending on which way you draw, the temperature in the weed is different.

It is an inexpensive device that achieves a good result with very little technology and low power consumption. The element is relatively small and handy. It is produced in Switzerland, largely from local wood. If you do not use water, the operation is absolutely silent.

About 450 francs.

An interesting device, but one in which you have to “participate”: You have to observe and develop a feeling for what is happening. This is not everyone's cup of tea, but you can vaporize hemp well with this device after a period of familiarization.

A massive volcano made of metal stands in front of you, absolutely stable. In addition, an accustomed, crackling bag made of food-safe oven foil.

A pump conveys air into a metal block, where it is heated. The temperature can be regulated continuously by means of a rotary switch. The heated air enters the balloon through a filling chamber with the weed. After 45 seconds, an average balloon is filled with THC vapors. Then the balloon is removed from the device, a valve prevents THC from escaping. The balloon can then be carried around freely.

Tuttlingen (Germany)

The pump makes noise when inflating the balloon (but heating up and maintaining the temperature is silent). The crackling of the balloon (when inflating and deflating) takes some getting used to. The price is high (but worth it).

The removable balloon allows you to pass it around to friends and acquaintances, as well as to smoke pot in bed. One does not come into contact with any hot parts during inhalation because of the separation of vaporization and consumption. The device is very efficient, as almost nothing is lost. This thanks to the valve on the balloon. The temperature is kept extremely accurate, so that the weed is vaporized very evenly. Once you have found your favorite temperature, you can vaporize the weed over and over again in exactly the same way.

About 750 francs.

A fully functional vaporizer. You can't go wrong, it always works. If it has THC in the weed, then the balloon is full of it. So you can vaporize very well.