Top 5 Analogue Vaporizers
Unlike digital vaporizers, which have digital displays and can be adjusted to the degree within a specified temperature range, analogue vaporizers operate using a simple dial or several pre-set temperature levels.
Analogue vaporizers are more primitive than digital units but make a good option for people looking for the ultimate simplicity and ease of use. They often have very basic interfaces with no digital display, but sometimes feature LED light or vibration notifications. This makes them perfect for people looking for a high quality vaporizer without all the unnecessary bells and whistles.
Analogue vaporizers have varying degrees of control - some use a dial to select a wide range of temperatures within a specified range, whereas others may only have a couple of pre-determined temperature levels to choose from. There are positives to both; users who vaporize different botanical strains or seek to enjoy a wide range of experiences may want a dial operated unit with a wider range, whereas people who generally vaporize within a narrow temperature range can enjoy a vape with more limited settings.
If you're considering buying an analogue vaporizer for simplicity and ease of use, there are many options to choose from in desktop and portable models. We've compiled a list of the top 5 analogue vaporizers from across the range to help you decide!
1. The Volcano Classic
The Volcano Classic is the ultimate analogue vaporizer. German-made Volcano vaporizers have been dominating the top of the line for over 10 years. They just can't be beat on quality or performance, and are definitely a worthy investment for those who want a reliable vaporizer in the home.
The Volcano Classic is a desktop vaporizer, meaning it needs to be plugged into the wall in order to work. It provides unparalleled performance and consistency, thanks to the patented Aluminum heat exchanger that responds fast to temperature fluctuations for the most even vapour extraction possible. The manufacturer, Storz & Bickel, developed this technology themselves and it is exclusive to their line of premium vaporizers. By their own estimations, the Volcano is 75% more efficient than traditional combustion!
The Classic uses a simple temperature dial with pre-set temperature levels marked from 1-9. The temperature range of the Classic is approximately 130°C - 230°C which accommodates low and high temperature vapers alike. Incredibly simple and intuitive to use, the Volcano Classic uses an internal air pump to collect vapour inside a bag that you can inhale from. These bags are available in two different sets, the Easy Valve, which comes pre-assembled, or the Solid Valve, which requires user-assembly but allows you to fit any size bag.
Pros:
- Very high quality vaporizer
- Highly reputable company
- Extremely efficient
- Durable construction
- Smooth, potent vapour
- Bags are easy and convenient to use
Cons:
- Large in size
- Air pump can be loud
- High price
2. The Crafty
From the same people who manufacture the Volcano, the Crafty is an amazing portable machine that can fit in your pocket. With seriously impressive vapour quality for its size, the Crafty is technically an analogue vaporizer but settings can be adjusted through an app for Android or the iPhone.
A smart little machine, the Crafty comes with two pre-set temperature settings. The default lower temperature sits at 180°C while the second "booster" temperature is set at 195°C. Both of these can be adjusted through the app to any temperature you like.
The Crafty itself operates with just one button with an LED indicator light and vibration notifications to tell you when it's ready to use. It uses the same high efficiency Aluminum heat exchanger used in all Storz & Bickel vaporizers and also incorporates USB charging for the ultimate performance and convenience. The phone application is completely optional, so the Crafty can be used purely as an analogue vaporizer with no adjustments.
Pros:
- Very small and lightweight
- High efficiency performance
- Free phone app for easy customisation
- Some digital functionality through the app
- Highly reputable manufacturer
- Simple one-button operation
- USB charging
- Can be used while charging
- Full convection heating
- Vibration alerts
Cons:
- Short battery life
- Limited pass-through charging: can be used while connected to power, but battery will continue to deplete at a slower rate
- High price
3. The Arizer Air
The latest portable from Arizer, manufacturers of the famous Arizer Solo, the Air is a small portable vaporizer with 5 pre-set temperature settings ranging from 180°C - 210°C. Controlled with two simple buttons and LED light notifications, the Air is very simple to operate straight out of the box.
The Arizer Air features replaceable, rechargeable batteries with an optional external battery charger, so a dead battery no longer means the end of a session. Unlike the Solo, the Air's battery can simply be swapped out for a freshly charged spare when it runs flat.
The Arizer Air uses a ceramic heating element and a glass draw stem for clean vapour that tastes great. Due to its small size and high-powered battery, the Air can get hot during use. To remedy this, Arizer have included a protective silicone sleeve that insulates heat while protecting the anodized exterior from damage.
Pros:
- Ceramic element
- Glass draw stem
- Quality vapour with good flavour
- Auto shutoff function
- High quality materials
- 5 temperature settings
- User-replaceable batteries
- Can be used while charging
Cons:
- External glass stem can be fragile in transit
- Unit can get hot during use
4. The PAX 2
The PAX is a tiny analogue portable vaporizer controlled via one button and colour-coded LED notifications. The newest version, the PAX 2, features four pre-set temperatures ranging from 180°C - 210°C which are indicated by different colours on the four petal-shaped LED lights on the front of the unit.
The PAX 2 is very small, measuring just 98mm high and 31mm wide. It's the perfect size to put in your pocket and go, which is why it has become so popular among vapers looking for stealth and portability. However, that's not all it has to offer. While the simple one-button operation is easy to use, it's what the PAX does without even trying that really shines.
The PAX 2 features intelligent lip and motion-sensing technologies that respond to the way you use it. When you put your PAX 2 down, it will sense that it's no longer in use and activate standby mode to conserve battery life. When you pick it back up again, the PAX 2 will quickly re-engage heat so you can continue your session. Similarly, the PAX 2's newly designed mouthpieces incorporate lip sensors that detect when you're taking a draw and increase the heat inside the chamber. This makes up for temperature fluctuations caused by air moving over your herbs as you draw, producing more consistent results. The PAX 2 also responds to a number of gestures, such as shaking the device to check battery level, and a secret "party mode" for you to discover.
While its small size is desirable for some, it does produce some issues. Its fast heating and small size can cause the PAX to get hot during use, and it can also produce hot or harsh draws on higher temperatures. The PAX is also known for its draw resistance, and it can be difficult to pull from due to a lack of airflow. It can be difficult to clean and maintain, and failure to do so can result in issues with the mouthpiece getting stuck. While it's still a worthy of a best-of list, the PAX is a little higher maintenance than some other analogue vaporizers. All in all, it's a good choice for vapers looking for a stealthy analogue vaporizer that's easy to use.
Pros:
- Very small and stealthy
- Durable anodized aluminum
- Simple one-button operation
- Lip and motion-sensing technology
- Fast heat-up time
- USB charging
Cons:
- Hard draw resistance
- Can get hot during use
- Difficult to clean and maintain
5. The Magic Flight Launch Box
The Magic Flight Launch Box (MFLB) is one of the tiniest and most pocket-friendly vaporizers around. Popular for its tiny size, rustic appearance and simple design, the MFLB is a user-controlled vaporizer with absolutely no electronics.
The MFLB is powered by external rechargeable batteries that heat the herb trench when pushed into the battery port on the side of the unit. Vapour temperature and density is completely controlled by the user, relying on draw strength and speed. Because results are entirely up to the user, the MFLB does have an initial learning curve to master. Draw too fast, and you'll end up with thin vapour. Draw too slowly and you may find the vapour too hot. To avoid combustion, batteries should never be engaged for more than 10 seconds.
Despite the initial learning curve, the MFLB can produce nice vapour and is on the lower end of the price spectrum. This makes it a good alternative to more expensive portables. The MFLB can also be customised with a huge array of accessories and add-ons. Magic-Flight manufacture a huge range of after-market add-ons for the Launch Box, including the Power Adapter 2.0, which allows you to run the MFLB off mains power for more powerful results. Super portable and customisable, the MFLB is a versatile and simple little vaporizer.
Pros:
- Super small
- Very simple design
- Low maintenance and easy to clean
- Can always have a spare battery on hand
- Customisable with a wide range of accessories
Cons:
- Initial learning curve
- Risk of combustion if battery is engaged too long
- Vapour quality is user-controlled and can be inconsistent
- Battery strength can deplete over time