About this list
Hello! My name is Oron Mati, also known as the VapeGuy. I have been using dab and concentrate vaporizers for over a decade and have been combustion-free since 2016. I have reviewed and tested hundreds of extract vaporizers on my website and YouTube channel based on their build quality, design, features, extraction efficiency, vapor quality, and longevity. You can learn more about me and my rating process here.
One of the most common questions I get from new users is- “which is the best Vaporizer for Concentrates?” And the answer to that really depends on one's specific needs.
Concentrate vaporizers come in all shapes and sizes, with or without water filtration, Pen-style, or desktop. The best for me doesn't necessarily mean the best for you, as we may prioritize different features.
The list above represents my top choices in each category and is regularly updated as new vapes are released. I also included coupon codes when available. Feel free to use them, and let me know if any are not working correctly.
Trusted Retailers: All stores listed are authorized dealers I've personally ordered from. Please note that as ‘VapeGuy', I may earn a fee from purchases made through my links. For more details, see my affiliate disclosure.
What are Concentrate Vaporizers?
Concentrate vaporizers are devices designed for vaporizing cannabis concentrates like wax, dabs, rosin, etc. They work by heating the concentrate to 400-600°F and extracting the active compounds as inhalable vapor.
Extract vaporizers are known for producing a potent vapor and delivering a more intense experience compared to dry herb vaporizers. These vaporizers come in various forms, including vape pens, dry pipes, and larger dab rigs with water filtration.
Vaporizing Concentrates is more efficient and less harmful than traditional smoking, as it produces fewer toxins and carcinogens (Source: PMC 2021 research paper).
Consider Portability
Concentrate vaporizers can be as small as a dab pen (that looks like an ordinary pen) or large enough that you need a small suitcase to carry them out of the house. Larger dab vaporizers will often have more power, have accurate temp control, often include a bubbler, and will ultimately provide better vapor quality.
Best “small form” concentrate vaporizers:
- Puffco Plus
- Utillian 5
- Yocan Orbit
- G-Pen Micro+
Best “large form” concentrate vaporizers:
- Puffco Peak Pro
- Dr. Dabber Switch
- Puffco Proxy
Temp control
Precise temperature control is a crucial feature when it comes to consistent results and vapor quality. Concentrate vaporizers use different methods of temperature control. Here are just a few of the types:
- Voltage/Temp presets– Typically, four preset levels that are set by the manufacturer and can't be modified.
- Precise control– allows adjustments of +/- 1°F (or °C) for maximal customization and flexibility.
Vaporizers with the best temp control:
- Puffco Peak Pro
- Puffco Proxy
- Utillian 8
Price/performance ratio
Like anything else, extract vaporizers get better as the price increases. But there are also plenty of great options for under $100 (listed below). While opting for cheap vapes (~$30-$50) is tempting, investing in a higher-quality unit can be more rewarding in the long run. They tend to last longer, perform better, and provide a more satisfying experience.
Best “entry-level” dab vaporizers:
- Puffco Plus
- Xmax Riggo
- Dr Dabber XS
Best “pro-level” dab vaporizers:
- Puffco Peak Pro
- Dr Dabber Boost
- G-pen Hyer
Usage Process
Concentrate vaporizers can be easy and straightforward to use or can have an involved usage process with multiple steps and learning curves. Opt-in for a unit that matches your level of experience and vaping style.
Most simple to use concentrate vaporizers:
- Tronian Gammatron
- Yocan Orbit
- Xmax Riggo
Vapor Quality
Concentrate vaporizers introduce you to a world of flavors and aromas that you may not have experienced before. Terpenes are the “flavor molecules” of plants, and they vaporize at low temperatures of approximately 350-400°F. Traditional dabbing setups burn them entirely, limiting the extracts' flavor potential.
However, vaporizing enables the controlled release of these flavor molecules, allowing you to experience the subtle nuances of each extract on an entirely new level.
Concentrate Vaporizers with the best vapor quality:
- Puffco Peak Pro
- Utillian 8
- Dr. Dabber Stella
Coil Types- Bowl vs. Rods
Concentrate vaporizers utilize different coil types, each with its unique characteristics. The two main types of heating elements are “coilless bowl” and “Rods coil.”
Bowl coils have a dish-like shape that is a smooth surface without exposed coils. The coil sits under the bowl and heats the dab indirectly. They provide even heating, are easy to clean, and are particularly suited for low-temperature dabs, generally delivering a pure flavor. However, they may not provide the intensity desired by some users, especially those who prefer a more potent experience.
Rod coils, on the other hand, use one or more rods, usually wrapped in heating wire, heating the dans by direct contact. These coils are known for their quick heating, offering a more intense, potent “Nail-like” experience, and are ideal for high-temperature dabbing.
Best “bowl style” dab vaporizers:
- Puffco Peak Pro
- Dr Dabber XS
- Yocan Orbit
Best “Rods coil” dab vaporizers:
- Utillian 5
- Tronian Gammatron
- Boundless Terp Pen
Maintenance & Safety Considerations
Concentrate vaporizers are powered by a (usually powerful Lithiom-ion) battery and heat up to extreme temperatures, so careful handling and maintenance are required. Here are some guidelines to keep you out of trouble:
- Store your vape properly and be aware of any visible damage or deformation of the batteries. Here are the EPA guidelines for storage & disposal of lithium-ion batteries.
- Vaporizers have the potential to produce more potent effects and get you “higher” than smoking (according to this paper published on JH Medicine in 2018), especially for “infrequent users.” So start slow and control your dosage.
- Clean your Dab Vaporizer frequently. Mop the coil with a swab at the end of each session, plus a “deep clean” with ISO alcohol once every 10-20 sessions.
Conclusion: Finding the best Concentrate Vaporizer of 2024
It can be challenging to choose the best concentrate vaporizer, as personal preference plays a significant role in the decision-making process. However, by prioritizing specific features, you can narrow down your options and make an informed choice.
Hopefully, the list above has given you an idea of what to look for. I'm thrilled to see the progress the industry has made in recent years. Quality dab vaporizers are becoming more affordable and better than ever before, making it an excellent time to invest in one.
I hope that the vaporizer you choose unlocks a whole new world of flavors and experiences, improving your enjoyment of your favorite extracts. Happy vaping!
