The word vaporizer may conjures an image of traditional vapour inhaling technique. An example might be inhaling steam when someone suffered from congestion, headache or breathing trouble. Inhaling vaporized air unclogged nasal passages and lungs.
Classic vaporizers consisted of a pot of boiling water and a dash of essential oil. One had to cover the head with a towel and inhale deeply. However, it had its own set of drawbacks. One of them was the loss of therapeutic quality of oil due to extreme heat.
Vaporizers have come a long way since then. Technology has revolutionized vaping, giving us more control and choice. Today, these are available in an array of shapes, materials, heating mechanisms and inhaling methods.
Moreover, the classic meaning of vaporizer itself has evolved. Today, these contraptions are used for aromatherapy. Producing vapour from essential herbs, oils and other aromatic compounds, and also for leisure inhalation. The latter uses tobacco or herb as the source material / ingredient.
Nonetheless, the end use remains the same - treating medical conditions. Additionally, this form of inhaling brings about benefits such as;
- improvement in brain and mind functioning
- lowering of anxiety (Relaxation)
- boosts confidence
In short, it offers improved cognitive functioning.
But none of the above has clear scientific proof. The above benefits are some of the effects promoted by users. Though, not enough data has been gathered to really prove these claims, yet.
Interestingly, the essential oils, herbs, etc in vaporizers can be heated in several ways. Some use burners to break up the ingredients setup on a small metal, glass or porcelain dish. Others use a battery powering a heating pad to break up the aromatic compounds.
Checkout - How do Vaporizers Work
The latter uses a fan to disperse the fragrance around the room. Vaporizers are also distinguished by the way the aromatic vapour is inhaled. There are three distinct ways -
1. Inhaling through a tube / pipe
Once the essential oil is heated, and steam/vapour rises into the air, it can be inhaled through a tube directly. However, some people are sensitive to direct inhalation. In such cases an inflatable bag collects the vapour which can then be taken in small breaths.
2. Inhaling through an inflatable bag
Vaporizers that use an inflatable bag are popular with people who have problems with direct draw. The release of vapour from a bag is gradual and passive. This control makes it a comfortable choice for sensitive people.
Incidentally, these devices display temperature and also offer a calibration button. The user can simply adjust it to his or her own preference. Controlled release translates into longer life of herbs and oils – a great way to save money on raw ingredients.
3. Diffusing the vaporised aromatic compounds inside the room
These are more like diffusers. The vapour produced from essential aromatic oil is forced out of the container with the help of a fan. This vaporizer is safe, and a great way to energize the room ambiance.
The gradual and continuous output fills up the entire space with relaxing aromas in a controlled manner. This plug and play electronic vaporizer has a heating element, a pad for essential oils or herbs and a blower which makes it one of the most preferred options.
So, what are the different types of vaporizers?
Today, vaporizers have gained a new audience. They are used recreationally as well as therapeutically. Their usage has now been associated with oils and tobacco inhalation without smoke. Along with instant nirvana from fatigue and anxiety. Mentioned below are some of the popular vaporizers.
Pen Vaporizers
As the name suggests this vaporizer resembles a pen. Do not be fooled by its small form factor. They can accept several ingredients – from oils, to herbs and some of the modern e-liquids.
Vape pens can also be used for wax based aromatic compounds. This makes it one of the most versatile and subtle vaporizer types. Some of its compelling features are mentioned below.
Highly portable - It is discreet, portable and easy to maintain.
A user can quickly migrate from one raw ingredient to another without hassle.
A great alternative to traditional smoking and inhalation.
Portable / Takeout Vaporizers
These are a little larger in size but still handy, and it can be plugged in anywhere. Vaporizers from this category tend to offer high return on ingredients. They are especially good with dried herbs as it vaporizes them completely. Some of the features are mentioned below.
- Vaporizes the raw materials completely.
- Offers temperature control.
- Provides advanced functions.
There are certain portable vaporizers that work on rechargeable batteries. The quality of vapour isn't as intense. But it comes in handy during emergency. These vaporizers also boast precise temperature control feature.
Checkout - Best Portable Vaporizers
Desktop unit / Desktop Vaporizers
This type of vaporizer is large, with several intriguing functions such as;
- Temperature display
- Calibration switch to adjust the temperature
- Aerodynamic form
- A large heating area
All this simply means more vapour. Which incidentally, and in many cases is collected in a balloon. This captured vapour can then be inhaled. Desktop vaporizers offers extended periods of inhalation due to the larger size.
Dry herb vaporizers are unmatched if you do not use essential oils, e-liquids or aromatic compounds. Vaporizers made to take one material are often more specialized than those that take many.
Checkout - Best Dry Herb Vaporizers
One of the categories of desktop vaporizer, a diffuser allows the entire room to be filled with aromatic vapour. This kind of therapeutic approach not only soothes frayed nerves, but also provides other benefits such as -
- It eradicates bad smell, fungus and mould infestation
- Reduces fatigue, lowers anxiety and relaxes strained mind
- It increases mental and physical alertness.
Diffusers have been a proven remedy for those who undergo frequent mood swings.
Some tips
- Choose a vaporizer that offers functionalities such as temperature control, temperature display, etc.
- Opt for a large pad / tray to dispense essential oils / herbs, especially when you are using it as a diffuser.
- Vaporizers with heating elements tends to diffuse the raw ingredient in a uniform manner. This increases the efficiency of the vaporizer and also saves money in terms of essential oils / herbs.
- Electrical / electronic power source is anytime better than direct heating. The former typically does not destroy the therapeutic values of essential oils / herbs.
- Check out the type of active ingredients the vaporizer accepts. It makes no sense to buy a vaporizer which doesn’t accept / support your preferred essential oil or herb.
