We at Norddampf passionate vaporizer users ourselves and receive questions every day about how a vaporizer actually works. Many of you are just starting out, while others have been vaping for a while—yet the same questions keep coming up. That's exactly why we wrote this article: we explain in concrete terms how a vaporizer works, what you should pay attention to, and what we can recommend from our own experience. No theory, no sales pitch—just honest knowledge from practical experience.
How does a vaporizer work – basics and technology
Before we dive deeper, let's first take a look at the basic principle: a vaporizer heats herbs or concentrates to a temperature at which the active ingredients vaporize but do not burn. You can then inhale the resulting vapor—without the harmful combustion products that are produced when smoking in the traditional way.
The big difference between smoking and vaporizing is the temperature. While burning quickly reaches temperatures above 800°C , a vaporizer operates at a controlled temperature between 160 and 230°C. At this temperature, the desired active ingredients are released without burning the plant material.
The main components of a vaporizer
Every vaporizer consists of a few basic elements:
- Heating chamber: This is where your material is heated. Depending on the model, it can be designed for herbs, concentrates, or both.
- Heating element: The heart of the device that generates heat.
- Temperature control: Lets you control the heat—from simple presets to precise temperature settings.
- Airway/vapor path: The path that the vapor takes from the heating chamber to the mouthpiece.
- Mouthpiece: This is where you inhale the vapor produced.
- Power source: For portable models, a rechargeable battery; for tabletop vaporizers, usually a power supply.
The different heating technologies
There are three main methods a vaporizer uses to heat your material:
1. Conduction (heat transfer)
With conduction , your material comes into direct contact with the heated surface—similar to a frying pan. This method is: – Fast and efficient – Produces dense steam – Requires less energy – But can lead to uneven heating.
Many compact and portable vaporizers use this technology because it is energy-efficient and quick to use.
2. Convection (heat flow)
With convection, hot air is directed through your material without direct contact with the heating element —similar to a hot air dryer. This method offers: – More even heating – Lower risk of burning – Often a purer taste – However, it requires more energy and heating time.
Table vaporizers and high-quality portable models often rely on this technology, as it enables a particularly pure vapor experience.
3. Hybrid technology
As the name suggests, this method combines conduction and convection—which brings us directly to the next section.
Hybrid vaporizers – the best of both worlds
A hybrid vaporizer uses both conduction and convection to heat your material. The herb is first heated by direct contact with the heating chamber (conduction) and then additionally heated by hot air flowing through it (convection).
This combination offers several key advantages:
- Faster start: Conduction ensures rapid initial heat
- More even heating: Convection distributes heat optimally
- More efficient use: More active ingredients are extracted from your material
- More flexible use: Works well with different types of material and grind sizes
Our HAMMAH is a perfect example of a hybrid vaporizer. It combines the advantages of both heating technologies in a compact, portable format. The hybrid technology ensures that you get dense, aromatic vapor from the very first draw, while your material is heated evenly.
Alternative to smoking – advantages of vaporizing
Vaporizing offers numerous advantages over traditional smoking that go far beyond health considerations:
Health benefits
Smoking produces numerous harmful substances such as tar, carbon monoxide, and carcinogenic compounds as a result of combustion. Vaporizing, on the other hand, drastically reduces these harmful byproducts, as there is no combustion.
Taste advantages
Another big advantage of vaporizing is the taste. The lower temperatures mean that the delicate flavors and terpenes are not destroyed, but gently released. You'll be surprised how many nuances you suddenly notice that are lost when smoking.
This difference is particularly noticeable with high-quality herbs and cannabis flowers—you suddenly taste fruity, spicy, or floral notes that you never noticed before.
Efficiency and cost-effectiveness
Vaporizers are significantly more efficient than smoking. While burning literally sends a large portion of the active ingredients up in smoke, a vaporizer makes optimal use of the material. This means:
- You need less material for the same effect.
- Your herbs will last longer
- You save money in the long term
With regular use, the purchase of a high-quality vaporizer often pays for itself after just a few months.
Environmental aspects and discretion
Not to mention the environmental benefits: no ashtrays, no cigarette butts, no trash. What's more, the smell is much less intense when vaporizing and dissipates more quickly—a big advantage if you value discretion.
Vaporizing – Tips for the optimal vaping experience
After years of experimentation and thousands of conversations with our customers, we have compiled some tips that can take your vaping experience to a whole new level:
Finding the right temperature
Temperature is the most important factor in vaporization. Different active ingredients and flavors are released at different temperatures:
- 160-180°C: Light , aromatic vapor with more terpenes and fewer cannabinoids
- 180-200°C: Balanced ratio between taste and effect
- 200-220°C: More intense effect, but fewer flavor nuances
Our tip: Start with lower temperatures and increase slowly—this way you can experience the full spectrum of your material.
Grind size and packing density
The correct grind size and optimal packing density vary depending on the type of vaporizer:
- Conduction vaporizer: finer grind and medium to firm packing
- Convection vaporizer: Medium grind and loose to medium pack
- Hybrid vaporizer: Medium grind and medium pack
Experiment a little here—every vaporizer has its own "sweet spot."
inhalation technique
Unlike smoking, when vaporizing, you should take slower and longer puffs. Imagine drinking hot tea through a straw—not too vigorously, but steadily.
With convection vaporizers, the draw speed is particularly important: drawing too quickly cools the heating chamber, while drawing too slowly can lead to overheating.
Planning and designing sessions
A typical vaporizer session lasts about 5-15 minutes, depending on the device and material. For the best experience, I recommend:
- Start with a low temperature
- Increase the temperature gradually when the steam subsides.
- End the session when hardly any steam is being produced.
This technique, also known as "temperature stepping," maximizes both flavor and efficiency.
Cannabis vaporizers – Special features for cannabis flowers
Cannabis vaporizers are specially designed for vaporizing cannabis flowers and concentrates . They take into account the special properties of the cannabis plant and its active ingredients.
Optimal temperatures for cannabinoids and terpenes
The various active ingredients in cannabis have different vaporization points:
- THC: approx. 157°C
- CBD: approx. 160-180°C
- CBN: approx. 185°C
- Terpenes: 120–180°C (depending on the terpene)
Temperature control is particularly important for medical cannabis, as it allows you to extract specific active ingredients. For example, if you want more CBD and less THC, you choose a lower temperature.
Special features of cannabis vaporizers
Modern cannabis vaporizers often offer special features:
- Dosing capsules: For easy filling and changing
- Concentrate Pads: For use with hash or other concentrates
- Precise temperature control: For the targeted extraction of specific cannabinoids
- Special cooling systems: For smoother vapor
Our RELICT HAMMAH were specially developed for the optimal vaporization of cannabis flowers and offer all these features in a well-thought-out design.
Medical application
For patients who use medical cannabis, vaporizing offers significant advantages:
- Precise dosing: More uniform and better controllable absorption of active ingredients
- Faster onset of action: Compared to oral forms of administration
- Less strain on the respiratory tract: Compared to smoking
- Better bioavailability: More active ingredients enter the body
It is not without reason that many doctors recommend vaporization to their patients as the preferred method of consuming medical cannabis.
E-cigarettes vs. herbal vaporizers – the differences
Although both devices are called "vaporizers," there are fundamental differences between e-cigarettes and herbal vaporizers:
Technical differences
E-cigarettes: – Vaporize liquids (e-liquids) – Work with heating coils and cotton wool – Usually lower temperatures (150-250°C) – Continuous operation possible
Herbal vaporizers: – Vaporize dry herbs or solid concentrates – More complex heating systems (chambers, ovens) – Higher and more precise temperatures (160–230°C) – Mostly session-based use
Materials and substances used
E-cigarettes use e-liquids, which mainly consist of: – Propylene glycol (PG) – Vegetable glycerin (VG) – Flavors – Optional nicotine
Herbal vaporizers, on the other hand, are used with: – Dried herbs (cannabis, but also other herbs) – Concentrates (hash, wax, shatter) – Without additives or carrier substances
Areas of application
E-cigarettes were primarily developed as an alternative to tobacco smoking and are mainly used for nicotine consumption.
Herbal vaporizers, on the other hand, have a wider range of applications:
– Recreational cannabis use
– Medical application
– Aromatherapy with various herbs
– Enjoyment of terpenes and essential oils
Advantages and disadvantages of both systems
E-cigarettes: – Advantages: Easy to use, continuous use, less maintenance – Disadvantages: Limited application possibilities, dependence on pre-made liquids
Herbal vaporizer: – Advantages: Versatility, more natural substances, medical applicability – Disadvantages: More cleaning required, more complex operation, higher purchase costs
At Norddampf , we Norddampf in high-quality herbal vaporizers because we are convinced of their versatility and health benefits.
Conclusion – How does a vaporizer work?
Vaporizers have revolutionized the way we consume herbs and cannabis. They offer a healthier alternative to smoking, maximize the flavor and efficiency of your material, and open up entirely new possibilities for enjoyment.
Whether you are a beginner or already have experience, we hope this article has helped you better understand how vaporizers work and inspired you to optimize your vaping experience.
At Norddampf , we develop our vaporizers with passion and years of experience. Our devices combine innovative technology with user-friendly design—for an optimal vaping experience in every situation.
Do you have any questions about vaporizers? Stop by our shop or learn more about cannabis plants and cannabis fertilization from our partners—we're happy to advise you personally!
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about vaporizers
Is vaporizing suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! Vaporizing is often even more beginner-friendly than traditional smoking. Modern vaporizers are designed to be user-friendly and offer a gentler experience. For beginners, I recommend devices that are easy to use, such as our VOITY , which works with preset temperatures and is particularly easy to clean.
How long does a session with a vaporizer last?
A typical session lasts between 5 and 15 minutes, depending on the device, the amount filled, and your personal usage. Tabletop vaporizers often allow for longer sessions than portable models. With our HAMMAH RELICT , you can enjoy about 8-12 puffs with one filling, which corresponds to a session of about 5-8 minutes.
What is the best temperature for cannabis flowers?
The "best" temperature depends on your preferences: – For maximum flavor and terpenes: 170-180°C – For a balanced experience: 185-195°C – For maximum extraction and more intense effects: 200-210°C
My personal tip: Start at 180°C and increase the temperature to up to 210°C during the session.
Can I vaporize other herbs as well?
Absolutely! Vaporizers are not limited to cannabis. Many herbs such as chamomile, peppermint, lavender, sage, or damiana can be vaporized and offer different flavors and effects. Experiment with different herbs or blends—you'll be surprised at how versatile a vaporizer can be.
How do I clean my vaporizer properly?
Regular cleaning is crucial for the performance and lifespan of your vaporizer. As a general rule: 1. Empty the heating chamber after each session. 2. Brush off loose residue while the device is still warm. 3. Clean the mouthpiece regularly with isopropyl alcohol. 4. Perform a thorough cleaning every 10-15 sessions.
You can find detailed cleaning instructions for our models on our blog.
Table vaporizer or portable device—which is better?
There is no general answer to this question, as it depends on your personal needs:
Desktop vaporizers are ideal if you: – Mainly vaporize at home – Value maximum vapor quality – Enjoy longer sessions with friends – Are willing to invest more
Portable vaporizers are the better choice if you: – Want to vaporize on the go – Value discretion – Need flexibility – Have a limited budget
Incidentally, many experienced users have both: a tabletop vaporizer for at home and a portable device for on the go.
How much substance do I need for a session?
The amount required depends on the device and your personal tolerance. As a guideline: – Portable vaporizers: 0.1–0.3 g – Tabletop vaporizers: 0.2–0.5 g
A major advantage of vaporizing is its efficiency: you need significantly less material than when smoking to achieve the same effect.
Is the smell less intense when vaporizing than when smoking?
Yes, definitely! The smell when vaporizing is: – Less intense – Disperses more quickly – Barely sticks to clothing or furniture – Often described as more pleasant
This makes vaporizers a more discreet alternative, especially in apartments or other enclosed spaces.
How does a vaporizer for hemp flowers work in detail?
A vaporizer for hemp flowers works on the same basic principle as other herbal vaporizers, but is often specially optimized for the properties of cannabis:
- The hemp flowers are finely ground and filled into the heating chamber.
- The device heats the chamber to the selected temperature (typically 160-220°C).
- The cannabinoids and terpenes vaporize without burning the plant material.
- The vapor produced is inhaled through the mouthpiece.
Note:This article is for informational purposes only. Wedo not recommend the consumptionof cannabis or other substances.
Legal information:Cannabis is regulated by law – find out about the situation in your state beforehand.You act at your own risk.
Medical information:We are not doctors. If you have any questions about health or interactions,please consult your doctor.
Safety:Our content isfor adults only (18+). Do not consume during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or when driving.
Products:Linked products arenot a solicitation to purchase. Always pay attention to legality and quality.
As of June 2025 – Information is subject to change.