Utillian 8 Review

Background

Utillian is a brand that is not as well known here in the US, but it is pretty big in Canada and has some blockbuster products, such as the Utillian 5 dab pen, which is listed as one of the best dab pens 2024 .

The Utillian 8 is their first eRig, and its most notable features are a 360 coil, and a price tag of $220, which is fairly cheap in the “Premium eRig” space.

We have a coupon code TVG10 for 10% off the U8 with vape-smart.com.  

Since its release, the Utillain 8 has been getting mixed reviews online, with “Cewpins” even calling it the “worst eRig ever” in a recent video. So what's the deal? Is it that bad? Or actually a pretty good deal for the price tag? 

After using the U8 for a couple of weeks, I've got the answer. 

In this review, we will look at the main features of the Utillian 8, and compare it to the ‘a-lot-more-expenssive' undisputed champion of eRigs- the Puffco Peak Pro, which is currently listed as the best eRig of this 2024.

The Kit contains

So the Utillian 5 comes in a protective carry case that has straps to keep the unit in place. 

Inside are:

The Utillian 8 unit, with the glass, chamber, and carb cap.

Then there are alcohol pads, cotton swabs, a charging cable, and two Ruby pearls. 

Design & Features

The Utillian 8 has a sporty and elegant look. Just like any typical enail, it has the glass bubbler, the coil, and the body with an internal battery. 

It has a removable outer shell that is made from hard plastic and mesh, and it looks kind of bare and naked without it. 

The activation button is on the side, and of course, it is also accessible through the case, as well as the USB-C charging port. 

The Chamber

The chamber of the Utillian 8 has three main components- the coil (which Utillian calls 3D atomizer), the cover, and the carb cap, which has a built-in dab tool. 

If you look closely, you'll see the heating coils run at the bottom of the coil, but also on the sides. It is embedded in the Ceramic walls of the coil, and the idea is to heat up the wax from all sides, not only from the bottom. This is not a new feature. Puffco also released their 3D chamber a couple of years ago, and so are other manufacturers. 

It's worth mentioning that, unlike the Puffco Peak Pro, the Utillian comes with the 3D coil included in the kit. Puffco only includes the “regular” coil in the kit, and the 3D chamber is sold separately for an additional $75. But we'll get to that shortly.

How to use

So to use the Utillian 8, I'll scoop some concentrate with the built-in dab tool of the carb cap, and place it on the chamber. 

Then I'll press the button for two seconds, and the device will vibrate and start heating up, indicated by a blinking red light. A short press on the power button will cycle through the four preset levels, indicated by LED bars around the power button. 

I'll set mine on the first heat setting, and wait for the light to turn Green.  

Performance & Flavor quality

The flavor and vapor quality were pretty good, primarily at the beginning of the session, but degraded rather quickly as the session progressed. It seems that toward the end of each session, the temperature was just too hot, and the hits were harsh. 

And this brings me to the differences between the Utillian and the Puffco Peak Pro, starting with the biggest one, at least when it comes to performance: 

Utillian 8 VS. Puffco Peak Pro

Temperature control:

The Puffco Peak Pro has sensors embedded in the heating coil, and an onboard microchip that processes the data and makes real-time adjustments in order to keep the optimal temperature in the coil. The temp stays consistent and accurate throughout the entire length of the session. The dab never overheats and burns.

The Utillian 8 lacks this “temperature control” functionality, and instead, it delivers steady power to the coil as long as the device is activated, even when you are not inhaling. The amount of power depends on the heat setting, but it doesn't change or respond to the actual temperature in the coil.

This uncontrolled or unregulated “firing” is not ideal and can burn the concentrates. Even on the lowest heat settings- it starts soft and flavorful, but instead of staying there, it seems to quickly overheat and become harsh. 

Price tag

The Puffco Peak Pro currently retails for $400 plus $75 for the 3D chamber, while the Utillian 8 is $220 with the 3D chamber included in the box. And for me, that puts the vapes in two different categories.

Yes, the Peak Pro is superior in every way, but it is double the price! So we shouldn't expect to get the same performance and vapor quality.  

Other differences

• The Peak Pro has a mobile app to control all settings of the eRig. The U8 does not have an app. 
• Puffco is a larger brand with a much larger ecosystem of products, such as a wireless charger, travel kit, and replacement parts that are more readily available.
• Puffco will also have a better customer support system in place, especially for US residents as they are located in California, vs. Utillian, which is a Canadian brand. 

Other than that, the devices share similar size and form factor. The opening of the bubbler of the U8 is a little larger, but other than that, most of the differences are internal. 

Bottom line

So, in conclusion, is the Utillian 8 as good as the Peak Pro? Absolutely not. But is it actually decent for the price? a Solid yes. 

Which one should you get? Well, budget is personal, and if you are an experienced user or someone looking for the best experience available (while price is not a factor)- go for the Peak Pro. The temperature control feature really makes a difference, and the vapor quality is optimal during the entire session. 

But, if you're a new user and don't want to spend $500 on your first eRig, it is perfectly understandable. The U8 is a more simple vape, and while it lacks advanced features such as temp control or a smartphone app, it is a good value option.