Switching from a flame to a vaporizer changes more than how you inhale. Here is what most people notice in the first week, and the few mistakes that are easy to avoid.
Day 1: set it up and start low
Read the manual once, charge or heat the device as described, and start at the lower end of the temperature range. Lower settings give a lighter vapour and more flavour; you can always step up. Starting too hot is the number one beginner mistake.
Day 2: grind and fill
Use a medium grind. Too coarse and the heat does not reach the material evenly; too fine and it can clog the screen. Fill the chamber loosely instead of packing it tight, so hot air can flow through. A good grinder makes this much easier.
Day 3: notice what is missing
No lighter, no ash, no smoke smell on your clothes. The taste is also different, because heating releases the flavour of the material instead of burnt notes. Many people say this is the change they notice first.
Day 5: step the temperature up
Now try one step higher. Each device has its own settings, so keep notes of what you like. Warmer settings give thicker vapour, cooler settings give more flavour.
Day 7: clean it
A quick clean keeps flavour crisp and airflow free. Follow the cleaning instructions in your manual and keep spare screens at home.
Portable or desktop?
A portable vaporizer fits in a pocket and goes with you. A desktop device like the Volcano stays at home and is built for sessions at the table. Storz & Bickel offers both. If you are not sure, a set that already includes a grinder and storage packs saves you the shopping: have a look at our gift sets or the full Storz & Bickel range.
Good to know
A vaporizer changes the method, not the nature of what you inhale. Inhaling vapour is not risk-free, and long-term data is missing. We explain what is known, and what is not, in Smoke vs. Vapour.
For adults only. Use according to your local laws and the manufacturer's instructions.