With over six years of experience, we here at Tools420 have had our fair share of testing almost every desktop vaporizer that's ever been created. With that being said, here i ...
With over six years of experience, we here at Tools420 have had our fair share of testing almost every desktop vaporizer that's ever been created. With that being said, here is our list of what we consider to be the best desktop vaporizers based on overall vaping performance.
In 2023, there are a lot of models to choose from as desktop vaporizer technology continues to evolve since they were created in the early 2000s. On this page, you'll be able to read our desktop vaporizer reviews sorted by rank, in-depth model comparisons, and much more to help you buy the vaporizer that's right for you.
If you have questions about any of the desktop vaporizers we feature, feel free to send us a message on our live chat or send us an e-mail to [email protected] and a vaporizer expert will be sure to help you as soon as possible.
Also, be sure to check out our Tools420 YouTube Channel where you can find our non-biased video reviews and takes on the vaporizers we carry in our store!
What is the best desktop vaporizer?
The best desktop vaporizer is the Volcano Hybrid as it's able to pump out amazing vapor quality extremely quickly thanks to its hybrid heating. Its comfortable hookah whip or balloon bags are also extremely easy to use and share with friends.
It has the most efficient heating system out of all dry herb vaporizers and is able to fill hard-hitting balloons, or push vapor through the hookah whip mouthpiece thanks to its built-in air pump. With its precision temperature control on a digital screen, or on the Volcano Hybrid Smartphone App, you'll also be able to further customize settings more than you ever have before.
What are the top desktop vaporizer brands?
The two brands that we consider to have the best desktop vaporizers in the market are Arizer and Storz & Bickel.
Arizer and Storz and Bickel desktop vaporizers use hookah-style whips, or inflatable balloons that you can inhale from, both of which provide an extra layer of vapor cooling that you won't find on portable vaporizers. Their models are easy to use, have amazing vapor quality, and are highly efficient with your cannabis compared to smoking joints or through a bong!
Who are desktop vaporizers for?
Unlike portable vaporizers, desktop vaporizers are made specifically to be used from the comfort of your own home.
Desktop vaporizers are a great option for heavy cannabis consumers that will be only using their devices at home. They use large cannabis chambers compared to portable vaporizers, and their balloon bag or hookah-style whips are normally very easy to use. Instead of a battery for a power supply, they use power cord that will need to be plugged in before the operation. On newer models, you'll also have more customization for your sessions like fan speed or LED light settings.
Thanks to their power chords, they have much more powerful capabilities, they are great for heavy users especially. For example, the Storz & Bickel Plenty has a huge chamber that can fit over a gram inside its heating element!
If you’re someone that does not need the discreetness and portability or a portable vaporizer, then a desktop vape like the Volcano Classic might be best for you.
Best Desktop Vaporizer Features to Know
In our reviews, we'll assign these key features a rating out of 10 and also try to provide an accompanying photo so that you can visualize what we're describing.
Price
Desktop vaporizers will cost anywhere between 100 and 600 dollars. In that price range, there are a variety of factors that affect the bottom line, but just know that we only carry products we truly believe in. Even with that wide price range, you'll still be able to get awesome sessions from the budget desktop vaporizers.
Vapor Quality
Vapor quality is the most important main key feature of a desktop vaporizer. When we test desktop vaporizers for their vapor quality, we examine certain details like harshness, terpene flavor, THC efficiency, and draw resistance. We'll always try to show a photo of the ABV, or a GIF of the vapor quality in our desktop vaporizers so that you can see for yourself how they perform.
Build Quality
Generally, the more expensive desktop vaporizers are, the higher quality the parts are. As well, expensive vaporizers will also generally be easier to use.
For example, the Volcano Classic uses an easy to use heat dial, but is outshined by the upgraded digital display screen on the Volcano Hybrid has much more session control and app integration. While the Classic can only use balloons, the Hybrid Volcano can use both balloons and hookah whip, while also having a much faster heat-up time.
Temperature control variations
In our desktop vaporizer reviews, we go over the different kinds of temperature control that they use. Depending on the model, these variations include precision control, a temperature dial, or pre-sets to choose from.
Precision temperature control will work with a screen and up and down arrows where you'll be able to see your set and the actual temperature of the bowl in Fahrenheit or Celsius.
A temperature dialon the Volcano Classic has 9 modes that equate to how hot you want your oven chamber to be.
Pre-set temperatures like on the Dr. Dabber Switch also have pre-set temperatures to choose from by cycling through them in the user interface
Cannabis Compatibility
If you like to swap between waxy THC concentrates and dry herb regularly, then you're going to want to buy a tabletop unit that can do both flowers and concentrates.
Most of the time, this is achieved with mesh liquid pads going into the chamber, but some desktops can only do flower. Be sure to check out the specifications tab on our product pages to make sure what you can vape!
Warranty Period
Most of the time normal wear and tear won't be covered, but should any manufacturer defects come up, desktop vaporizers will often be covered for 2-3 years on average.
A premium tabletop vaporizer is an investment, there's no denying that.
When you're paying this much for a dry herb vaporizer, it's good to know how long your device will be covered under warranty.
Breaking down desktop vaporizer prices
The lowest price solid desktop vaporizer on the market currently is the Arizer Extreme Q. It's the 2nd generation desktop from Arizer, replacing the original V-Tower model. The 3rd generation Arizer desktop vape is now out also and is known as the Arizer XQ2 model.
Even though the Arizer Extreme Q was released 10 years ago, it still holds its own and can pump out flavorful balloon or whip sessions thanks to the glass bowl design at only $150.
The most expensive desktop vape that we carry is the Volcano Hybrid, which goes for around $750. Overall, it's held the spot of the best desktop vaporizer since its release in 2019.
However, in between these two units' price ranges are other devices that will provide you with some variety of how their sessions work. While the more costly units might be overall more reliable, all of the tabletop vapes that we carry in our store will be able to provide you with good vapor quality.
Desktop vaporizers vs Portable vaporizers
Overall, desktop vaporizers will give you better results from your dried cannabis because they'll have both a bigger heating chamber and a bigger power supply due to being plugged into a wall outlet. Some units are more like hybrids like the Plenty which you hand-operate due to its smaller size, or the Dr. Dabber Switch which has a massive proprietary battery instead of relying on a DC plug. The closest portable that comes close to a desktop's vapor output and quality would be the Mighty+ Vaporizer, especially when combined with a Mighty Long Bubbler to help vapor cooling.
Desktop Vaporizer Reviews
On this page you'll be able to see all of our desktop vaporizer reviews sorted by a rank out of 10. You'll also find desktop vaporizers below the ranked vaporizers that we have also review, but don't carry in our store. For your convenience, we do link to the manufacturer in these reviews so that you can buy through them if you'd like to!
Best Desktop Vaporizer FAQs
Are desktop vaporizers better than portable?
Desktop vaporizers are able to pump out much vapor, more efficiently, but are limited to at-home use. Generally, they are much larger and more expensive though. If you don't mind being stuck at home, they do have the better vapor quality compared to portable units.
Are desktop vaporizers safe?
Desktop vaporizers are very safe to use as long as you practice safe handing practices of their bowls. They feature safe airpaths, and as long as you are using their hookah whips or balloon bags correctly, you have nothing to worry about.
Does desktop vaporizer cannabis help with smell?
No, not really, desktop vaporizers will often produce a decent amount of cannabis odor due to their large chamber sizes and powerful ovens as they cook your weed. If you are worried about smell, we suggest checking out our How to Remove Weed Smell Guide.
What is the best desktop vaporizer temperature?
The best overall temperature for desktop vaporizers to give a good mixture of cloud production and terpene tastes will be around 190°C / 374°F. Beginners can go a bit below this number, and connoisseurs may prefer even hotter than this, however.
Is a desktop vaporizer better than the PAX?
Yes, while the PAX might be a good and durable portable vaporizer option, desktop vaporizers offer much better performance and versatility which heavy users will appreciate.
How long can you leave vapor in a vaporizer balloon bag?
Although a balloon bag will be at its most fresh within five to ten minutes of being filled, they will still be okay to inhale from for up to an hour. Over time, the bag might slowly start to deflate and lose the grey 'milkiness' of the visible vapor, but they will still give you a high if you let them set. One advantage of the Arizer XQ2 over the Extreme Q is that the kit comes included with a balloon bag cap so you won't have to hurry to get your session in, or resort to plugging the hole with a finger.
What vaporizer gets you the highest?
The Volcano Hybrid and Arizer XQ2 will be able to get you the highest per bowl, as you can fit close to a gram into their massive chamber ovens. Simply use the hookah whip options, turn on their fans, and hit away until you've had your fair share of THC.
Are desktop vapes better than portable vapes?
Yes, desktop vaporizers will be much more powerful and efficient, but you'll be forced to be only using them at home.
Are desktop vaporizers better for you than smoking?
Vaping below 450°F / 232°C is a great way to ensure that you are staying below the release of harmful chemicals like carbon monoxide which contributes to the headrush of a bong hit.
Storz and Bickel are among the most respected and popular brands in the vaporization industry – and for good reason. They are OG’s when it comes to vaping, as they debuted their original Volcano desktop vaporizer way back in 2000. The premium brand doesn’t release devices very often, so when they do, it’s a pretty big deal. Desktop vaporizers have kind of been fading in popularity as of recent years, but they could make a comeback if the Volcano Hybrid vaporizer gains notoriety with its improved features, Bluetooth connectivity and a detachable power chord. Is this new desktop device worth the hype and the steep price tag? Let’s get into our Volcano Hybrid review and you can decide for yourself!
The Classic Volcano desktop vaporizer is one of the best of its kind, if not the best. The Volcano is inarguably a top of the line device that is another impressive offering from German manufacturers Storz & Bickel. When people think of a memorable vaping experience at a party or a cannabis industry live event, they’re probably thinking of the Volcano. Some vaporizer enthusiasts still have their Volcanoes that they purchased in the early 2000’s, and they’re still working perfectly. That is an ultimate test to the quality and longevity of this desktop vaporizer.
There is finally a new desktop vaporizer on the market. The Arizer XQ2 is the upgraded version of the EQ with improved vapor quality and balloon capabilities. With a more powerful convection heating element, you'll be able to fill balloons much faster and spend less time 'heat-soaking' the glass chamber. With the new glass connoisseur bowl, you'll be able to fill up to 1.5g for a never ending vaporizing session if you'd like! Definitely one of the best new desktop vaporizers of 2022!
The Arizer Extreme Q is a desktop vaporizer that is relatively inexpensive, especially in comparison to others of its kind. This impressive dry herb desktop vaporizer offers the option for use with either bag style vaping or whip style. The device looks similar to a coffeemaker, but don’t let the looks fool you. It most certainly is not a kitchen appliance. What advantages does this desktop vaporizer offer that others don’t, and what are some of its drawbacks? Is the Arizer Extreme Q the vaporizer for you? Read on to find out more.
The Plenty is a handheld vaporizer from German manufacturers Storz and Bickel. The device also comes with a pad for vaping concentrates or any waxy oil. It’s a bit of an in between, as it’s not exactly a desktop vape, because you need to press the button while holding it to operate the device. But since it must be plugged in, it’s not a portable vaporizer, either. Regardless, it is still an impressively designed convection heat vaporizer with a large chamber that delivers high quality vape hits. Is it the right indoor vape for you? Read on and you are the judge.
The VapirRise is a desktop vaporizer that vapes either dry herbs, concentrates or be used as an aromatherapy device for essential oils. The updated version, the VapirRise 2.0, has some notable upgrades over the original model, but also features some changes that users weren’t super happy about. Is the price worth it and justified for the VapirRise? We will put out the facts and you can decide!
Desktop vaporizers have been kind of phasing out of the vaporizer market within the last few years, but the Volcano Hybrid from Storz and Bickel could mean that they are making somewhat of a comeback. In addition to its legendary vapor quality, the latest version of the Volcano adds the ability to vape with both a whip and or a balloon, as well as Bluetooth capability and a detachable power cord. However, its steep price does prevent most vape lovers from even thinking of buying it. Up against the Volcano Hybrid, is the Extreme Q desktop vaporizer from Arizer. The Arizer is much more affordable while still offering good vapor quality, a quiet fan, remote controls, and precise temperature settings. For full, in-depth coverage, check out our review on each one!
Art of Vapor is a small artisanal producer of hand-crafted, ceramic desktop herb vaporizers which use a massively powerful session-style convection heating element.Located out in Germany and started by a man who goes by Dr. Collie, it’s a rather unknown and undiscovered operation so far. We were able to test out the ever impressive VapBong and let you know what is it and what to look out for! Check out our VapBong review down below for some more information!
Canadian-based vaporizer company Arizer is back with their upgraded version of the Arizer Extreme Q desktop vape, the Arizer XQ2. With improvements made to heating time, ease of use, and the balloon system, there is a whole lot to love without too much of a price jump. With the lowered price of the EQ, it's still a great option for beginners! Read on as we go over key features and specs to help you make the right decision.
You may have seen the Stundenglass Gravity Bong everywhere on the internet before coming here. With the likes of Seth Rogan and Wiz Khalifa backing it up, it's unique gravity water cooling and hookah style whip have made it very popular for parties because of how much smoke it can hold. If you want to learn more about it, read our review where we go over key features like its smoke quality and how it compares to the best desktop vaporizers on the market.
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