Is there a Difference between an E-Cig and a Vaporizer

What is a Vaporizer?

The terms e-cig and vaporizer have been used interchangeably ever since the products have become popular. An “e-cig” is a certain kind of vaporizer. A “vaporizer” is the general term that can be used to describe an e-cig, a dry herb vape, a wax pen and more. The bottom line is—all e-cigs are vaporizers, but not all vaporizers are e-cigs.

A vaporizer is an electronic device that turns liquid and other materials into vapor. Vaporizers, also known as “Vapes”, will differ in size, shape and functionality. In the most basic breakdown, a vaporizer is composed of a battery, a heating chamber, and a mouthpiece. The battery provides the power that heats the attached chamber and its contents. Whether filled with e-liquid, wax or another material, as the vape tanks heats, vapor will form and flow through the mouthpiece as the user takes a pull. Check out the different types of vaporizers below:

Disposable E-Cigs

E-cigs have gone through an evolution, and the Texas Health and Human Services breaks it down nicely in their article titled 'What is Vaping?'. E-cigs are popular with the person looking to quit smoking cigarettes. They are typically shaped like, and slightly larger than a cigarette. The device vaporizes a liquid called e-juice—the juice is typically flavored and can contain nicotine ranging from 0 to 18mg. Although you have many choices, the tobacco company Lorillard currently dominates this sector with their brand of Blu e-cigs Vape Mods

The vape mod, also known as a box mod was created for e-cig users looking for a more advanced device. Most mods are usually powered by a lithium ion battery that is either built into the unit or can be purchased separately. A vape mod is typically more advanced than an average vaporizer for dry herbs or wax. Mods come with all sorts of functionality to help fine-tune the vaping experience from wattage control to temperature control and other electric output/input variables. The power of the mod is responsible for the huge vapor clouds and cool vapor tricks you see all over Instagram and other social media. Although the mod was initially intended for the e-cig vapor people for use with their different e-juice flavors, the vape mod is now becoming very popular for use with wax and dry herbs. The mod is the battery and control unit and you can buy and attach all sorts of attachments that will fit most mods. The typical mod can be used with most 510 chamber attachments from oil and liquid to wax and herb.

Oil Vaporizers

Oil vaporizers can be used with e-juice and are even known for use with herb oil. They are larger than the disposable e-cigs and will last much longer. They come in different sizes and shapes, but they are all composed of a long cylindrical battery and an oil chamber attachment. Some offer more functionality and control than others, but the 510-threaded battery and chamber attachment are the industry standard for dispensaries and oil producers. If you need a replacement battery for your oil cartridge, try out the SteamCloud EVOD vape pen.

Wax Vaporizers

Wax vaporizers, commonly referred to as “vape pens”, are available in a range of models that include those with cylindrical batteries and the most popular Micro style vapes. Similar to all vaporizers, wax vapes are powered by a battery that heats an attached heating chamber. For vape pen users, the heating chamber is often referred to as the “coil”. Wick coils, ceramic rod coils, quartz rod coils and pancake coils are some attachments you can expect to encounter when dealing with wax pens. Due to the nature of wax, the vapes can get messy and your coils with need to be replaced periodically.

Dry Herb Vaporizers

Dry herb vapes have become extremely popular in the past few years. The legalization of herbs plus the push towards a healthier lifestyle has helped ignite the herbal vape industry. Not all models are the same and they usually differ when it comes to size, design and functionality. Some have LED screens, temperature control and even bluetooth capability to function as a speaker.

Typical smoking methods denature the chemical composition of herbs and release more carcinogens than a true herbal vaporizer. A dry herb vape chamber heats the air within the chamber which then heats the herbs. As the herbs heat up, their contents release into the form of vapor. As vaping continues, the herb will remain along with the carcinogens that are avoided, however, the herbs will be browned.

A second kind of dry herb vape also exists to make smoking more convenient versus healthier. So you will still be smoking, but you are pressing a button instead of lighting a lighter. This may sound weird until you are at the top of a freezing cold, wet mountain. Or maybe you're at the windy beach or somewhere you need to be able to sneak something quick. The APX vape pen takes the cake in this category.

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