Photo by cendeced / Adobe Stock Photo

Health | 03.14.2024

Concentrate Vs. Dry Herb Vaporizers: What’s Better?

Vapes fall into two main categories: dry herb and concentrate. Here's everything you should know about each one so you can find the best device for you.

Vaporizers are becoming increasingly popular in the cannabis market thanks to their discreet, portable and convenient nature. Along with these benefits, vaporizers also reduce carcinogen intake, lung damage, signs of aging and are safe to use indoors. Whether you’re vaping concentrates or dry herbs, vaporizing is a healthier way to get the high you’re looking for.

With so many options to choose from, it’s hard to know exactly what vaporizer will suit you best. A good place to start is by figuring out whether you’re more into dry herb or concentrate vaporizers.

What Is The Difference Between Dry Herb & Concentrate Vaporizers?

Dry herb vaporizers are used for vaporizing busted up cannabis flowers while concentrate vaporizers are for vaporizing, you guessed it, cannabis concentrates.

Also called wax pens or dab pens, concentrate vaporizers feature tanks or chambers which are filled with extracts and then heated and inhaled. Concentrate vaporizers are a good fit for experienced herb lovers who want to ditch the blow torch and dab on the go.

Many vapes are dual-use meaning you can easily switch between vaping dry herbs and concentrates. These vapes are perfect for herbivores who want variety packed into small and discreet devices.

The first step to deciding whether you should be looking at dry herb or concentrate vaporizers is deciding what kind of high you want.

What Is A Concentrate?

Photo by Georgia Love for Herb

Cannabis concentrates are exactly what they sound like: a super concentrated version of the cannabis flower. Concentrates technically count as any cannabis material left over at the end of the extraction process.

The process involves using solvents, such as butane and carbon dioxide, to isolate the compounds you want, like THC and CBD, from the cannabis plant. Basically, pressure and carbon dioxide are used in unison to separate plant material. Words like wax, shatter, sap and oil often refer to the texture of the concentrate.

Kief, or hash, technically counts as an unprocessed cannabis concentrate. One of the oldest cannabis concentrates out there, hash hasn’t undergone an extraction process that turns it into a super concentrated final product. Instead, it is comprised of many trichomes, which are tiny little hairs that grow off cannabis, that can be vaporized.

BHO, butane hash oil, is a popular concentrate. Cannabinoids are drawn out of the dry flower using butane extraction. The process leaves behind a wax, called butane hash oil, that is either sticky or hard. BHO is commonly used to relieve chronic pain since it often has as much as 80% THC.

This Delta 8 THC wax from Binoid is a great way to experience cannabis concentrates.

product
View Product

Are Concentrates Stronger Than Dry Herbs?

Photo by Roxxyphotos / Adobe Stock Photo

Yes, absolutely. The extreme difference in potency between dry herbs and concentrates is a very important distinction to understand. Because a concentrate has been isolated, a dab hit from a concentrate vaporizer is usually a lot more potent than vaporizing dry herb. To be clear concentrates tend to be about 60-80% THC, while the average dry herb is only 10-25% THC.

This means two things. Firstly, that concentrate vaporizers are a lot more cost-effective since less material needs to be vaped to reach the high you want. Secondly, that inexperienced dabbers really need to take it slow when vaporizing concentrates.

When it comes to using concentrate vaporizers, it’s better to start slow and work your way up. It’s important to point out that vaporizing any cannabis material is far healthier than smoking it, so if concentrate vaporizers don’t work for you, there are plenty of dry herb vaporizers that will.

Terpenes are the compounds found in cannabis that produce the distinct flavor and smell of the flower. It is the combination of terpenes and THC that create the psychoactive effects of cannabis.

For example, Limonene, a terpene found in most citrus fruits as well as OG Kush and Sour Diesel, can promote weight loss and improve mood when vaped. Some concentrates will lose some of their aromas and flavors when they are extracted, so if you are someone who prefers a super strong flavor and aroma, it might be best to stick to dry herb vaporizers.

Concentrate Vaporizers Are Fast & Effective

As we know, inhaling cannabis concentrates is a lot more potent and powerful than inhaling dry herb. Medical cannabis users often use concentrate vaporizers because they provide fast relief thanks to the strong dose of cannabinoids.

Of course, some concentrates are rich in non-intoxicating compounds like CBD. A CBD concentrate is great for pain relief because it makes you feel better without the psychoactive effects that get you high.

How Does A Dab Hit From Concentrate Vaporizers Work?

Dabbing is the process of applying a concentrate to the vaporizer coil and inhaling as the cannabinoids and terpenes change from wax to vapor. This is an easy and quick way to get a potent dose of cannabinoids.

Concentrate vaporizers are incredibly valuable tools for regular dabbers because they provide a convenient and discreet way to dab while on the way work, at the beach, or on any adventures.

Best Dry Herb Vaporizers

G Pen Hyer Vaporizer

product
View Product

There is no rival for the G Pen Hyer Vaporizer when it comes to innovation in dual-use vaporizers. This vaporizer is the latest work from Grenco Science. The G Pen Hyer Vaporizer uses next-gen tech to maximize functionality and pairs with any glass-on-glass water piece.

This vaporizer has a full quartz heating chamber with stainless steel elements to accelerate the convection heating. This device features a single output temperature to keep consistency. This heat setting has proven to be the best balance between flavor and vapor production.

And the quick start-up function allows you to start your sesh in seconds.

The G Pen Hyer Vaporizer is simple to use. It has only three buttons to turn it on and off and switch between dry herbs and concentrates.

Your sessions last forever with the 6,000 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery. But also, the anodized aluminum housing will make your vaporizer extremely durable.

Read the full review to learn more about the G Pen Hyer Vaporizer.

Auxo Calent Dry Herb Vape

product
View Product

Discount Vape Pen brings us its new Auxo Calent Dry Herb Vape, a vaporizer that is the size of your hand and has a potency that fits all your needs.

Its 2,900 mAh battery lasts as long as twenty sessions of three minutes. And once it runs out of energy, it takes the battery between two and three hours to recharge.

It heats your dry herb in 20 to 30 seconds, depending on your chosen temperature, which ranges between 356 °F and 428 °F. You can choose from four preheat settings to produce different amounts of vapor or perceive different flavors from the same flower.

Getting into the hot point, the Auxo Calent Dry Herb Vape counts on a high-tech dual system that uses infrared and conduction methods to vaporize your dry herb. This method increases vapor quality, and when the vapor comes out, you can rely on the 360° mouthpiece, which makes this vaporizer extra ergonomic.

Omura Series X Bundle: A New Era of Vaporizing

product
View Product

The Omura Series X Bundle, a highlight in the evolving world of vaporizers, is an innovative solution for dry herb and concentrate enthusiasts. This bundle includes the cutting-edge Series X vaporizer, a revolutionary Home Fill System, and four Flowerstick packs to kickstart your experience.

  • Versatile and High-Tech: Ideal for both dry herbs and concentrates.
  • Innovative Home Fill System: Customize your sessions with ease.
  • Ready to Use: Comes with Flowerstick packs for immediate enjoyment.

With the Series X Bundle, Omura is setting new standards in vaping technology, offering a seamless and customizable experience that aligns with the modern user’s needs.

Arizer ArGo

product
View Product

For those torn between dry herb and concentrate vaporizers, Arizer’s ArGo presents a compelling case for the former. It’s a standout in the realm of dry herb vaporizers, offering portability without sacrificing the quality of vapor.

  • Compact and Efficient: The ArGo is designed for easy handling and discreet usage, making it perfect for on-the-go vaping

  • Precise Temperature Control: Customize your vaping session to suit your taste and the specific properties of the herb

  • Pure Flavor Delivery: Ensures that each draw is packed with the full, unadulterated flavor of the dry herb

Arizer’s ArGo is not just a device; it’s a premium choice for enthusiasts who value the nuanced flavors and aromas of dry herbs. It represents a blend of innovation and quality that Arizer is known for.

The Mighty+: The Ultimate Vaporizer For Dry Herb and Concentrates

product
View Product

The vaporizer market has grown exponentially in recent years, with a wide range of options available for consumers. One of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make when choosing a vaporizer is whether to go for a concentrate or dry herb vaporizer. Both have their own set of pros and cons, and the right choice will depend on your personal preferences and needs.

The Storz-Bickel Mighty+ is a versatile device that can accommodate both dry herb and concentrates. It is packed with features that make it the best vaporizer on the market. The USB-C socket allows for lightning-fast charging, so you can spend less time waiting for your device to charge and more time enjoying your vape. With the Supercharge function, you can get an 80% charge in just 40 minutes, which is perfect for those on the go.

Dry herb vaporizers are great for those who want to enjoy the full spectrum of the plant, as they allow you to vaporize the entire flower, preserving all the beneficial compounds. The Mighty+ ceramic-coated filling chamber ensures that your vapor is smooth and flavorful, while the optimized design provides better stability for a more enjoyable vaping experience.

On the other hand, concentrate vaporizers are perfect for those who want a more potent and immediate effect. The Mighty+ pre-set Superbooster temperature allows you to customize your vaping experience to your exact preferences, ensuring that you get the most out of your concentrate.

Best Dual-Use Vaporizers

PAX 3

If Apple ever made a vape, this is what it would look like. It’s as gorgeous as it’s functional. With the PAX 3, you can vape both your dry herbs and concentrates with precise temperature and superior heating times.

Hydrology9 NX Flower & Concentrate Vaporizer

product
View Product

The Hydrology9 NX is a flower and concentrate vaporizer featuring a water filtration system that allows you to enjoy a cooling hit without getting your water filthy in one sesh.

When using the Hydrology9 NX, you have a concentrate atomizer with titanium plate heating. Or you can switch to a flower ceramic heating chamber with a convection and conduction hybrid system. It is fantastic how it provides similar results to using a torch without the solvent flavor.

Adjusting the temperature is simple. There are six heating settings you can explore by using a single dial. You have the time. The battery lasts for a long time and recharges quickly. Besides, the battery is replaceable if it comes to fail someday.

The Hydrology9 NX has a removable Air Path that provides exceptional airflow and is helpful when cleaning the vaporizer.

Why Is Temperature So Important In Dry Herb & Concentrate Vaporizers?

Photo by oneinchpunch / Adobe Stock Photo

Don’t forget, vaporizers heat cannabis concentrates and dry herbs to an optimal temperature causing cannabinoids to change from solid or liquid to vapor without combustion. Heating without combustion means the user doesn’t inhale tar, carcinogens and other harmful toxins that can irritate the lungs after a while.

Most vaporizers have a range of specific temperature settings. There are often about three or four temperatures to choose from. When activated, usually by pressing a button or inhaling, the device battery heats up the atomizer coils and chamber which in turn heats the material.

The temperature is hot enough to turn the material to vapor but not hot enough to irritate the lungs. The lower the temperature, the smoother the vapor.

Whether it’s concentrate or dry herbs, vaporizers are guaranteed to provide smooth vapor and big clouds without burning your material.

Herb Recommended Products:

Featured Brands:

Herb Recommended Products:

READ MORE