Desktop Vaporizers
Desktop vaporizers are the gold standard in the vaping world—they’re bigger, more powerful, and (in many cases) more fun than anything else out there. Whether you’re into ‘personalised medicinal aromatherapy treatments’ or raucous group vape sessions, a desktop vape will make your head spin in the best possible way.
All that power and functionality can be intimidating, though, especially if you’re a novice vaper. However, learning the ins and outs of desktop vapes is well worth the effort. There’s simply no better way to get the most out of your material—whether you’re into dry herbs, oils, or waxy concentrates—and turn every session into a full blown Experience™.
Our team at the Herbalize Store are experts when it comes to desktop vapes, and we stock only the finest vapes (like the Volcano Hybrid, Arizer XQ2, and Dr. Dabber Switch) from top brands like Storz & Bickel, Arizer and Dr. Dabber. But how are you supposed to choose between all these great options?
Read on to find out....
Desktop Vape UK FAQ
Desktop vapes are less common than their portable vaporizer counterparts, and so many people tend to have a lot of questions about them. Here are quick answers to some of the most common ones:
1. Are desktop vaporizers legal?
If you’re over 18 years old, it’s legal to buy and use a desktop vaporizer in the UK. There is, however, one important stipulation: you have to use it only with legal materials. At the Herbalize Store, all the desktop vaporizers we sell are only intended for use with legal materials, of course.
2. How do desktop vaporizers work?
Unlike portable vaporizers that run on batteries, desktop vaporizers rely on an external power source (i.e. a wall charger). This power is used to heat an “oven chamber” to extremely high temperatures without burning the material inside. When the material heats up, vapor is produced, which is then pumped out of the vaporizer when the user takes a hit.
3. What can you vape with desktop vaporizers?
Desktop vaporizers can be used with a variety of materials, including: dry herb, oils, and concentrates like wax or shatter. Some desktop vaporizers can handle all of these materials, whilst others are intended to be used with only one or two categories. Typically, multi-use desktop vaporizers include special attachments that are intended to be used with different materials.
4. Where can you buy desktop vaporizers?
Desktop vaporizers are available from many vape shops and online retailers. Some of these marketplaces are known for carrying counterfeit products, though. The desktop vaporizers at the Herbalize Store are guaranteed to be genuine, top quality products—so if you’re looking for a worry-free place to buy a desktop vape, you’re in the right spot.
5. What’s the best desktop vaporizer?
This is a question that depends on a lot of variables, since the best desktop vape for Person A (who enjoys spending a quiet evening indulging in a bit of dry herb) can be quite different than the best desktop vape for Person B (who prefers vaping high-powered concentrates with friends). On the bright side, the next section will show you how to pick the desktop vape that best fits your needs.
How to Choose the Perfect Desktop Vaporizer For You?
Shopping for a desktop vaporizer might feel overwhelming at first, but you don’t need a doctorate in mechanical engineering to pick a great one. Just ask yourself the three simple questions below and you’ll be on the right track.
1. What do you want to vape?
Some desktop vaporizers can be used with all types of material, from dry herb to oils to shatter (and similar concentrates). These vapes typically cost a bit more, though the added functionality is worth it for hardcore vapers. On the other hand, if you’re only interested in sticking with the fundamentals—i.e. dry herb—you might find that a lower-priced model is enough to meet your needs.
2. Which attachments do you want to vape with?
Whilst some desktop vapes are operated by inhaling directly from the mouthpiece, most rely on attachments to deliver the vapor from the oven chamber to your mouth. These attachments are whips (a long, thin tube like the one used for hookahs) and balloons (which are, well, balloons). Many desktop vapes can be used with both whips and balloons, though you might have to buy one or more of them separately.
3. What’s your price range?
There’s a widespread belief that desktop vaporizers are expensive—and that can be true in many cases. Some of the top desktop vapes cost well over £400. However, you can also find more basic models for considerably less (sometimes around £100, if you know where to look). Desktop vapes tend to last a very long time, so if you’re thinking about investing in a high-end model, rest assured that you won’t have to replace it for years.
Desktop Vaporizer Recommendations
Here are some of our experts’ favourite vapes for different types of vapers:
- Beginners: The Arizer V Tower is a small, affordable desktop vape that’s ideal for people who are only interested in vaping dry herb.
- Casual Users: The AroMed 4.0 Vaporizer is an elegant, powerful vape designed for medicinal uses and compatible with all materials.
- Advanced Vapers: The Volcano Hybrid is the godfather of desktop vapes—there’s not a more powerful, versatile, or customisable device available.
Pros and Cons of Desktop Vaporizers
The discussion about the merits of desktop vaporizers has been going nonstop in the vape community for years. Desktop vapes are undoubtedly powerful, efficient, and versatile, but they also come with a number of asterisks. Here’s a quick breakdown of the strong (and not so strong) points about desktop vapes:
Pros of Desktop Vaporizers |
Cons of Desktop Vaporizers |
Produces top-quality vapor |
Often somewhat bulky |
Can handle long sessions |
Require external power source |
Great for group use |
Can be tricky to operate for novices |
Multiple attachment options |
Less discreet than portable vapes |
Last for many years |
Many are a bit pricey |
Who Are Desktop Vaporizers For?
In general, desktop vaporizers are intended for people who have been vaping for a while and want to make it an integral part of their lifestyle. Desktop vapes are ideal for parties and sessions with friends, but they can also be part of a relaxing routine after a long day of work or study. Some people with specific medicinal issues also find that desktop vaporizers are the best tool to meet their needs.