Convection and conduction | Fifth Ave Green House

Convection vs. conduction when vaporizing cannabis

People who are new to vaping cannabis are often overwhelmed by the sheer number of devices on the market. From large, bulky desktop units to portable vaporizers that fit in the palm of your hand, there are many devices available for vaporizing marijuana.

While there are many different ways to categorize dry herb vaporizers, the easiest way to categorize these devices is to group them into convection and conduction.

These terms refer to the standard heating methods used in dry herb vaporizers. There is a significant difference in the quality of vapor produced by conduction and convection devices, so new customers need to be aware of what they are getting when choosing their first device.

The basics of convection and conduction evaporators

Conduction and convection heating are best explained by thinking of a frying pan versus an oven.

First, imagine throwing a steak into a frying pan.

What makes the meat sizzle? The heat from the pan is transferred directly to the meat through heat conduction.

The heat from the pan is transferred directly. Conduction vaporizers are similar. The herb is placed in the chamber and the heat transfer occurs directly through the contact between the chamber walls and the herb.

With these devices, the heating element touches your herb and heats it to create vapor.

In contrast, most people compare convection ovens to “baking in an oven.” In a convection oven, the heat swirls around.

This hot air stream flows through the baked goods and is transferred to them.

This principle also applies to convection vaporizers for dry herbs.

The heat is generated in a separate compartment and passed through the herb chamber, heating the herb.

Conduction used to be the only heating method available in dry herb vaporizers. However, with the invention of convection devices, conduction vaping has lost some of its “vapor.”

Convection units are often considered the “cleaner” option because the heaters do not come into direct contact with the herb.

Does convection provide a better vaping experience?

From our brief description of convection and conduction, you might conclude that convection vaporizers are the “better” choice. In fact, many in the cannabis vaping community believe that convection devices offer a “higher quality” experience, so why would anyone bother with a conduction vaporizer?

Convection vaporizers tend to offer a smoother, tastier vaping experience. There is also no risk of burning the cannabis flowers in convection devices compared to conduction ovens. Third, conduction vaporizers heat the herb more evenly than conduction devices.

However, many vape enthusiasts still prefer the affordability and speed of conduction vaporizers. Conduction vaporizers generally take less time than convection vaporizers to reach the desired temperature. Conduction vaporizers also tend to have more precise temperature control.

Convection units are more complex and usually larger than conduction evaporators.

If you can hold the vaporizer in your hand, in most cases it is heated by conduction. This makes conduction devices more popular with those who want a discreet and portable vaping experience.

As you can imagine, these units cost less than convection units due to the simpler conduction technology.

First-time marijuana vapers often try conduction devices before deciding whether to spend the extra cost of a convection heater. In general, conduction devices are great for getting “the job done” in a snap. At the same time, convection vaporizers offer a premium experience that users generally enjoy at home or with friends at a party.

Looking for a marijuana vaporizer?

Finding dry herb vaporizers has become increasingly easier in the United States, but some customers still need help finding quality vaporizers in their area.

Luckily, most top brand vapes can be purchased online, so if you can't find what you're looking for at your local tobacco shop, head to a reputable online retailer and you should be able to find what you're looking for there.