Best Desktop Vaporizers of 2018: The Definitive Guide

Here’s the brutal truth about finding a new desktop vaporizer:

In today’s market, and with the growing number of desktop vaporizers, finding the best desktop vaporizer for your needs can be an overwhelming task and you will soon find yourself losing hope.

There are WAY too many vaporizers features and options to choose from.

So how do you choose the best one for your needs?

If you’re serious about getting a high-quality desktop vaporizer for the money you are paying, you need to be sort of a master.

You need to perform comprehensive research, compare all specs, and then choose the best desktop vaporizer for you.

Wow! This is tiring!

Over the years, the Smokazon team have tested almost every single vaporizer there is out there on the market.

So to make your life easier we grade each desktop vaporizer based on a few factors and categories. We’ve come up with the list below addressing different needs of vaping enthusiasts based on few factors:

whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, easy of use, vapor quality, price, or even just an entry level vaporizer.

The categories listed below for the best desktop vaporizers are as follows:

Best Overall Vaporizer, Best Value Vaporizer, Best Vaporizer Under $200, Best Group Vaporizer, Best Whip Vaporizer, Best 3 in 1 Vaporizer, Best Design vaporizer, Best Cheap Vaporizer, Best Entry Level Vaporizer.

You can read an explanation for each category here.

We’ve also included a full review for each vaporizer under the table made by our in-house vape experts.

Read on to discover our best desktop vaporizer pick for each category! You can either skip to your favorite vaporizer using these table or grab a vape, get comfy and keep scrolling!

Best Overall Desktop Vaporizer

Based on: Performance, Quality, Cleaning/maintenance, Easy of use, Warranty.

 Volcano Vaporizer By Storz and Bickel – Starts at $380  

It is typically just a marketing gimmick when you read manufacturers say that they offer the “best” vaporizer in the market. When it comes to the Volcano, there’s no denying that it is the undisputed king of desktop vaporizers. It’s been around since the early 2000s and later released the Digital version in 2007.

The volcano vaporizer features an aluminum heating core. This metallic heating element makes way for even distribution of heat. Aluminum also has a very high melting point, which means that this part is stable even when set at the highest programmed temperature setting. This explains why vapor quality with the Volcano is just superb.

The volcano vaporizer is primarily intended to inflate a balloon or plastic bag to store your vapor. This results in cooler vapor temperatures. 

The Volcano is a near perfect device that meets even medical standards of some countries like Israel. Made by Storz and Bickel, it is considered as a testament to what German technology can bring to the table.

Though it can be a bit pricey, in return, the Volcano offers accurate temperature, superb quality vapor, and guaranteed durability to top it all off.

There are two existing versions of the Volcano: The Digital and the Classic Volcano.

They may have slight differences but ultimately has the same DNA as each other in promoting superior vaping sessions.

So what’s the difference between the two?

The Digital Volcano offers digital display to adjust your temperature while the Classic Volcano offer analog adjusting button.

The Digital Volcano offer an auto shutoff feature which shuts down the device when it is idle for 30 minutes while the classic is not.

However, If you don’t mind the analog dial plus the absence of the auto shut off feature, then you are good to go with the Classic Volcano which is $120 cheaper than its Digital counterpart.

Once you choose your version between the digital and the classic, it’s time to choose which type of valve system you would prefer to have on your Volcano.

It offers either an Easy valve option or a Solid valve option. 

Easy Valve offers a maintenance-free design, though you only enjoy one balloon size option.

On the other hand, you have the Solid Valve that needs to be cleaned but has customizable balloon sizes. The Solid Valve is the best option for you if you prefer creating your own balloons, not to mention cheaper operational cost.

Full Volcano  Review           Shop Volcano Vaporizer – $380

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Best Value Desktop Vaporizer

Based on: Performance, Quality, Design, Attachments.

VapeXhale EVO Cloud Vaporizer – $349 

Next on our list is the Vapexhale EVO Cloud. It is a desktop convection vaporizer that offers both high-quality vapor and top notch design. Though it was made by a fairly young company that just started in 2009 and was funded via Indiegogo, the VapeXhale EVO Cloud vaporizer is a runaway winner in our best value vaporizer category.

It is the type of device that isn’t the cheapest nor the most expensive, but it’s something will surely give you no regrets. The original Cloud Vaporizer was released in 2012. However, for the past years, the company continued to evolve and offered another product that surpassed the original.

The EVO Cloud Vaporizer offers things that are far better than its predecessor. Despite the improved design, those who loved the first vaporizer won’t be disappointed. It still carries some of the things that made the Cloud Vaporizer popular to its fans.

EVO stands for “Extreme Vapor Output.” And the name does live up to expectations. Looking at its design, VapeXhale Evo Cloud has an all-glass construction that guarantees high-quality vapor. It has a glass that runs through the center which is then called “Bamboo.” The heater is then wrapped around the glass bamboo which allows hot air to heat the materials that you are using.

The only material that isn’t made of glass in the entire system is its Easy Load Bowl. Instead, it is made of medical grade stainless steel that does a good job of preventing any kind of aftertaste or odors.

If you’re familiar with the first Cloud Vaporizer, VapeXhale made use of hydra tubes to deliver water-filtered vapor to its users. For the EVO Cloud Vaporizer, the manufacturer decided to make use of the same hydra tubes in providing filtered vapor to its users. However, in contrast to the original Cloud Vaporizer, the EVO Cloud Vaporizer carries less weight, not to mention it’s easier to operate even for the newbies.

If you don’t have plans of paying more for the hydra tubes, the device offers a simple mouthpiece with no additional cost. It is even possible to use a typical whip on this particular device. However, you’ll lose the benefits of water filtration on the unit if you settle for this setup. We recommend investing on at least one of the eight available hydratubes sold separately to maximize the use of the EVO Cloud Vaporizer.

Different hydratubes were designed for specific vape enthusiasts. If you are the type who doesn’t like harsh vapor, the HydraHoneyComb is the best option that diffuses the vapor providing a more subtle draw. On the other hand, if you still like a good amount of vapor, there’s the HydraBomb.

The good news for those who invested on the older Cloud Vaporizer is that the EVO Cloud vaporizer’s backward-compatibility with past accessories of the older model.

Full Vapexhale  Review           Shop Vapexhale Vaporizer – $349

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Best Whip Desktop Vaporizer

Based on: Performance, Quality, Design, Vapor Quality.

Silver Surfer Vaporizer – $269

There’s a huge market for whip vaporizers. Whip vaporizers are not just for individuals who love to do their vaping solo, but also for those who plan to enjoy their vapor warm.

Now, if you think that plastic whips just don’t cut it anymore, you should give Silver Surfer a try. Made by a Colorado-based company called 7^th Floor, Silver Surfer Vaporizer was designed to have a reverse 90-degree angle, which is an important part of the Silver Surfer’s overall design.

This kind of design prevents the vapor from passing the electrical parts, which ensures the high-quality vapor that you get from the Silver Surfer Vaporizer.  In addition to this, it is also has a straight forward approach which can be enjoyed even by beginners.

The overall construction of the Silver Surfer vaporizer is generally made of both Silicone and Ceramics. It also has parts made of glass. This prevents the device from emitting harmful toxins when vaping. For the vaporizer’s whip, it is made of Silicone.

This is ultimately a powerful device.

You only have to turn the knob to 1/3 of its maximum setting when using herbs, and 2/3 when using aromatherapy or oils.

Since it has a high temperature, it may potentially burn your herbs if you yank it up too high. Also, the whip can be a bit dirty after sessions. Thus you have to clean it to maintain the best performance.

What the Silver Surfer Vaporizer offers is more than just a great whip vaporizer, but a high-quality and versatile desk vaporizer in general that can perform on herbs, oils, and waxes and The vapor produced is also decent.

In addition to this, it has a great temperature range which can give you your preferred setting.

Unfortunately, it may have a few downsides from the parts being fragile to gunk depositing quickly on the whip during sessions. But even with that, this device is worth investing in.

Full Silver Surfer Review           Shop Silver Surfer Vaporizer – $269

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Best Design Desktop Vaporizer

Based on: Design, Quality, Vapor Quality, Performance.

Herbalizer Vaporizer – $599

The Volcano has been for the longest time the undisputed best vaporizer in the industry.

The good news is that other players have evolved as well. One of which is the Herbalizer.

The Herbalizer is our pick in the best design category.

With a futuristic look designed by ex-NASA engineers, the Herbalizer offers not only vape sessions, but also aromatherapy. You can prefer to use it with as a vaporizer with herbs and concentrates, or stick with oils to fill up the entire room.

What makes the Herbalizer a great design is its unique appearance that doesn’t quite look like a vaporizer to unsuspecting guests in your house. It is egg shaped, about a foot long and weighs around two pounds.

By flipping the lid up, you’ll gain access to the controls of the Herbalizer. You get to control the temperature, fan speed, and other things that personalize your vaping sessions. Also, the whip is just found in the outer edge of the device together with the other tools needed for your vaping sessions including the essential oil storage, cheese grater, and the aromatherapy disk.

In terms of performance, the device doesn’t disappoint with its powerful heating element and a quiet fan. The temperature ranges from 143°C to 229°C. You can use either a whip or a balloon on this vaporizer. The whip is made of silicone while the balloon can get filled in under 20 seconds and can hold around 2 liters of vapor for your consumption. One bowl can give you around two bags, more than enough to get you high.

One of the highlights of the Herbalizer is its quiet performance. It does beat the Volcano in this category. It also evenly heats your material which produces high-quality vapor without the need to stir the material to avoid burned spots.

So what are the things that you may not like about this product? Most likely, you’ll find the cheap plastic material to be a bit off. Unlike other high-end vaporizers, the Herbalizer doesn’t look like something that would last for a very long time given its overall construction. And the worst thing that you may not like about the Herbalizer is its price which is much higher than the tried and tested Volcano.

The mezzanine storage section is another clever design found only in the Herbalizer. The top section can open up and reveal a compact space where you can keep your containers for your dry herbs and concentrates. You can even neatly wrap the whip around the inner section of the device. Everything about the Herbalizer just screams well-thought-of design and excellent vapor quality.

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Best 3 In 1 Desktop Vaporizer

Based on: Performance, Durability, Vapor Quality, Design.

The Plenty  –was $299  now $249

One of the things that people are looking for in a vaporizer is its multi-functionality. If it is your intention to use herbs, wax, and oils, The Plenty might be the product that you want to choose.

The Plenty was made by the same company that brought The Volcano. And though it doesn’t give the same experience as The Volcano, the Plenty is a standout on its own. It has things to offer that only some of the most reputable vaporizers can match.

Though it looks like a hybrid vaporizer and power tool, it has three main parts responsible for its great performance. It has the main body where heat exchange takes place, a herb filling chamber designed to evenly heat your material, and a cooling oil.

The Plenty is both a conduction and a convection vaporizer.

The device is a stand out when it comes to its simplicity loading the chamber. It also has a large chamber that can hold around two grams of material. The chamber also has a huge surface area that allows the device to efficiently heat the materials.

Also, along with the Plenty comes an oil pad that you can use to pack your herbs against the chamber. This allows optimal vaporization of the device.

In terms of performance, the Plenty has a lot to offer with its seven heat settings from 130°C to 201°C. It also takes only a minute for the device to heat up completely. It also has an auto shutoff when not in use for 90 seconds.

Though it looks quirky at first, the manufacturer designed this device with ergonomics and purpose in mind. The coil on top of the Plenty Vaporizer acts as a cooling coil which allows you to have a smoother hit when it goes to your lungs. You’ll notice that the coil is hotter at the bottom, and gets cooler as it reaches the mouthpiece.

Should you be buying the Plenty? If you are into durable vaporizers, the Plenty is a strong candidate. Storz and Bickel removed glass part that can easily be broken easily. It also provides a bigger chamber size which provides uninterrupted sessions. And of course, it produces a vapor that can only be rivaled by some of the top vaporizers on the market. Maintenance is also straight forward, and replacement parts can easily be bought.

As for the cons, the biggest drawback is that the coil can get a bit hot after prolonged use. Though it isn’t enough to hurt your hands, you still don’t want this device touching your skin when used for quite some time.

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Best Entry Level Desktop Vaporizer

Based on: Price, Easy of Use, Vapor Quality, Design.

DaBuddha Vaporizer – $189 

One of the things that make vaping intimidating is the complicated interfaces that companies use in their vaporizers. For 7^th Floor, the same makers of the Silver Surfer Vaporizer, Da Buddha wins the entry level vaporizer category because of its overall simplicity and performance. It also comes with a reasonable price point for people who are not yet fully committed at vaping.

The heating element is angled in order to make sure that you don’t accidentally knock herbs into your vaporizer’s heating element. This design also allows the device to evenly heat the herbs, and not overcook the material.

In terms of use, it is considered by many as the simpler alternative to the Silver Surfer Vaporizer. Unfortunately, this doesn’t burn oils and waxes.

To use the vaporizer, you just have to fill Da Buddha vaporizer with 0.2 grams of herbs, and you are good to go. The dial is guesswork, though. You don’t have an idea about the temperature. Thus, you may want to start on the lower setting first just to be safe. For some users, turning the dial to three o’clock position works best and can provide tasty vapor. The whip features a screen which prevents you from getting the herbs into your mouth when vaping.

Despite the simple design, it does produce good quality vapor, with no burnt taste. It also doesn’t require so much maintenance which makes it an ideal vaporizer for those who are just trying to test desk vaporizers.

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Best Ready-to-Use Desktop Vaporizer

Based on: Easy of Use, Vapor Quality, Design

Hot Box Vaporizer  – $129

The Hot Box Vaporizer is one proof that quality and superior vaping experience doesn’t have to be costly. For only $129 the Hot Box is indeed the hottest trend, being the excellent choice when it comes to price value.

On the outside, the Hot Box is perhaps the iPhone of all desktop vapes in terms of design. It sports a straightforward, simple design — a box — with no bells and whistles. The Hot Box features just one button as the on-off switch. It doesn’t even come with any knobs to control the temperature setting as it constantly stays at a single, preset temperature. This may be n upside or a downside, depending on you as the end user. But this simplicity is what sets the Hot Box apart from other desktop vapes.

The Hot Box herbal vaporizer comes with a 2-piece wand that’s easy to handle, clean and maintain. It doesn’t come with an internal fan, so manual draws are required. We’ve tested the draw resistance, and we must say it is one of the most comfortable to use.

When it comes to vapor quality, the Hot Box does not disappoint. The glass chamber ensures not just good vapor quality, but also pure and uncontaminated clouds because of the absence of cheap materials that might otherwise interfere with the vaping process of your dry herbs.

Just like other vaporizers, The Hot Box does come with its own drawbacks. For one, the heating up time is a tad above average — about 10-15 minutes. This doesn’t sound good for some with little patience to just take some hits right away. But given that this is a desktop vaping device, it’s safe to assume desktop vape users are rarely in a hurry. After all, there’s no need to rush when you take those nice draws in the comfort of your own home.

There are two types of Hot Box vaporizers. The more affordable version comes with a smaller design and is ideal for beginners. It comes in colors of green, black, red and white. The glass wand isn’t handsfree, so it comes detached after every hit. On the other hand, the larger version comes with a hands-free ground glass for easier use. The outside finishes also feature interesting graphics. But whatever option you choose, the Hot Box comes in a sturdy construction. The heating element is made of ceramic nichrome for better vaporization of your favorite ground botanicals.

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Best Group Desktop Vaporizer

Based on: Group Using, Easy of Use, Vapor Quality, Design.

Vapir Rise 2.0 Vaporizer – $249

Do you prefer to vape in groups? If you’re into parties with friends, the VapirRise 2.0 Vaporizer can easily be the life of the party. It offers both a multi-user functionality and a clean vapor experience without being pricey.

If you’re familiar with the first VapirRise vaporizer, you’ll find the new and improved version more attractive.

VapirRise 2.0 is considered by many as another popular Volcano alternative. It offers a sleek design from top to bottom, with a rounded base to avoid the device from being tipped over.

The device offers a precise control pad that provides accurate temperature setting and fan speed to its users. If you prefer the denser vapor, you can stick with the lower fan speed. On the other hand, you can have a much lighter vapor when you choose the higher fan speed. But unlike the first Vapir Rise, Vapir Rise 2.0 can also be used without the fan.

It heats up quite fast especially in contrast with other high-performance vaporizers. You only need a minute to get the temperature all the way up. One of the things that people didn’t like about the first Vapir Rise is its low temperature. This prevented a lot of people from using hash oils that required a higher temperature. For the newer version, the company has been able to raise the max temperature from 204°C to 215°C. This makes the device within the same league as the Volcano and the Extreme Q in terms of temperature.

The whip is made of durable plastic. Though it lasts longer than your typical glass whip, a plastic whip design may compromise on your vapor’s quality.

The Vapir Rise 2.0 also has an improved chamber which performs better than the original and is also easier to maintain. But what made this item a great group vaporizer is its multi-user adapter that allows up to four hoses attached at the same time.

The Vapir Rise features a large chamber that can pack more materials than other desk vaporizers so you can vape up to 4 people in one vaping session! 

The Vapir Rise 2.0 ultimate edition also has a bag mode. The bags can be filled within 30 seconds to a minute and can give you around 4-6 hits.

The VapirRise 2.0 can also pass a medical device thanks to its HEPA filter.This is the only desktop vaporizer that comes with a HEPA filter. For those with lung conditions and are allergic to pollens, for example, the filter proves very useful. It makes sure that you get clean air used for vaping your botanicals. This feature makes a huge difference especially for people suffering from asthma.

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Best Desktop Vaporizer Under $200

Based on: Price, Easy of Use, Preforemence, Design.

Arizer Extreme Q Vaporizer – $199

Not everyone has at least $600 to spend on a desk vaporizer. But does it mean that you can’t enjoy high-quality vape from a desk vaporizer?

Some people call it the poor man’s Volcano. And it isn’t a bad thing at all. If you’re somewhat new to vaping or you don’t have plans of spending more than $200 on your desk vaporizer, the Extreme Q is simply the runaway winner for these scenarios.

Offering both a whip and a balloon option, Arizer’s Extreme Q is a versatile and budget-friendly option for your vaping needs. One thing that makes this vaporizer stand out is the fact that you can still use it even if you’re not inside the house. It can be plugged using a power adapted and can be used while inside the car.

For starters, the Arizer’s Extreme Q design showcases ergonomics that allows users to be comfortable when using the vaporizer. It has a stainless steel shell that doesn’t get hot when you are using the device.

It also makes use of high-quality glass materials that made Arizer popular over the years. One of the best things that defined the device is the glass elbow which allowed a wand whip attachment or one of the two balloons that go with the Arizer Extreme Q.

The Extreme Q vaporizer also comes with a user-friendly interface. The LCD display provides accurate temperature readings. And you can adjust the temperature to a specific degree.

Here’s the most intriguing part: the remote control.

When will you ever find the need to use this piece of accessory? Well, this could prove handy when using the unit is an aromatherapy device. When you happen to be in a very spacious living room, you won’t have to go near your vaporizer to adjust the settings when using the glass bowl for your potpourri.

In terms of performance, the device can heat up from 1 to 3 minutes to the temperature of your choice. Its temperature ranges from 50°C to 260°C. For its size and price range, it is one of those vaporizers that can perform comparably to more expensive high-end vaporizers in the market.

The Extreme Q has a ceramic heating technology which allows the device to produce high-quality and good tasting vapor. It also has an auto shut off feature which allows you to not worry if you left the device idle.

Given the extended functionality of the Arizer Extreme Q vaporizer, this device is indeed most versatile desktop vaporizers in the market.

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Best Cheap Desktop Vaporizer

Based on: Price, Easy of Use, Preforemence.

Easy Vape 5 – $98

No Money? Don’t worry! Vaporizers don’t always have to be expensive.

You don’t need to spend $500 on a vaporizer, especially if you are not yet sure if you’re going to like regular vaping as an activity. For budget conscious individuals, the Easy Vape Vaporizer makes a good option.

The Easy Vape is a slanted box that looks far less complicated than other options in the market. It’s a far cry from the futuristic looking products that go with a hefty price tag. It is a good option if you don’t have plans for spending over $100.

The Easy Vape Vaporizer is a whip style herb vaporizer that meets the basic requirements of vaping enthusiasts. It can be a bit messy setting up the Easy Vape vaporizer, but it does give you somewhat decent vapor. However, since you are only paying a small amount for this device, don’t really expect too much.

The temperature isn’t exactly accurate. There are times when you’ll feel that the herbs weren’t heated enough, while there are times that the device overheats the herbs. To be sure, start using the device at a lower temperature and work your way up. Also, make sure that you grind the herbs well.

One thing that you may like about the device is its simple design. The whip simply attaches to the unit, and the bowl is a piece of glass.

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Desktop Vaporizers Categories Info:

Here’s how we picked our best desktop vaporizers for each category:

Best Vaporizer (Overall Category)

To fit into this category, the desktop vaporizer has to possess most, if not all, of the qualities users look for.

Good quality build, excellent vapor quality, reliable performance and ergonomic designs are just some of the qualities a desktop vape must have. Something that outshines others truly fits in this slot.

Best Value Desktop Vaporizer

The best value for your money. Medium to cheaply priced vapes that meet the standards of quality and performance are out there.

And something that has this perfect mix of reasonable price and quality is worthy of this recognition.

Best Whip Desktop Vaporizer

Not all whips are created equal. Some are made of cheap plastic, while others, of pure silicone. A whip that truly preserves the flavor of you’re the vapor from the chamber to your lips is a perfect choice.

Best Design Desktop Vaporizer

The design isn’t limited to the vaporizer’s outside appearance. Sometimes what’s inside affects the overall performance and quality of the vape. Ergonomics and user-friendliness are also an important factor in this category.

Best Three-in-One Desktop Vaporizer

Some desktop vapes are exclusively designed for dry herbs only.  While others are made for and perform well with all types you use: dry herbs, waxes or oils. So, the best vaporizer in this category should give you consistent vapor quality across all types of materials.

Best Ready-to-Use Desktop Vaporizer

A vaporizer that has no bells and whistles and no complicated parts can easily be used right from the box. It has to be one of the simplest vapes to fit in this category. And there are those vapes that compete in this category too!

Best Entry-Level Desktop Vaporizer

Beginners who are hesitant to invest much on a vaporizer but would also like to experience connoisseur-like vapor quality can look for a contender in this category. Of course, the top pick must be easy to use, with vapor quality that matches the pricier ones.

Best Desktop Vaporizer for Groups

Most desktop vaporizers are designed for single-user mode only. Then there are those that allow multiple users to simultaneously use the same single device. Automatically, they will fit in this category, and the one that outshines them all deserves this reward.

Best Desktop Vaporizer Under $200

While most desktop vaporizers with advanced features and good quality cost more than $200, others come in cheaper without sacrificing these notable features. Hence, this category.

 Best Cheap Desktop Vaporizer

A desktop vaporizer that’s priced below $100? You might wonder how they made it so cheap it must come with unreliable materials. But surprisingly, some still manage to boast really good quality and performance. And yes, there is one we’ve picked just for you!