In this post, we’ll give you a brief history of desktop vaporizers, covering how they started, the first ever desktop vaporizer, and how the technology evolved over the last two decades…
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A desktop vaporizer is a device designed to heat up various materials, such as herbs, oils, and concentrates, to create a vapor that can be inhaled by the user.
But unlike portable weed vaporizers, a desktop vaporizer – also known as a tabletop vaporizer – is not designed to be portable. It connects to the mains power in your home and is designed for use ONLY at home.
And because it is connected to the mains, you A) don’t need to worry about battery life, it has a constant flow of power, and B) get way more power and performance which, in turn, means more vapor production and better, more intense sessions.
Desktop vaporizers work in the same principle, more or less, as smaller, portable vaporizers. The weed is placed in the vaporizer, power goes through to the heating element, and this “heats” the weed, producing vapor.
The important distinction here is that it HEATS and doesn’t BURN the weed. Why is this important? Simple: by heating the material at a lower temperature than combustion, vaporizers are able to extract the active ingredients without producing harmful smoke.
The History of Desktop Vaporizers
The history of desktop vaporizers dates back to the early 1990s when the first models were introduced.
Smoking by this point was known to be terrible for your health, so a couple of innovative and enterprising pot heads in So Cal tasked themselves with finding a healthier way to smoke pot.
The first desktop vaporizer devices were fairly rudimentary, DIY affairs that were hacked together from wood, plastic, tubes, glass, and any other build materials that were readily available.
There are two key players in the development and evolution of the desktop vaporizer concept, the Vapor Brothers (USA) and Storz & Bickel (Germany).
As you’ll see below, the first ever desktop vapor was designed and created in the USA. But Germany quickly followed suit and, over the next decade or so, ended up making a much more significant impact on the vaporizer market.
The First Ever Desktop Vaporizers
The first desktop vaporizer, known as the “Vapor Brothers Vaporizer,” was invented in 1993 by two brothers in Southern California.
As the creators of the original vapor box we helped popularize the notion of vaporizing at a time when it was still unheard of by the public. Our box and Whip™ invention provided an instant way to get a dense and sweet tasting vapor directly from herbs without the drawbacks of smoking. We exist 22 years later due to our dedication and the quality of the experience.
Vapor Brothers
This early model was a simple, wooden box-style vaporizer that utilized a glass-on-glass heating element and a whip-style delivery system.
The Vapor Brothers Vaporizer became popular among the emerging cannabis community and laid the foundation for the development of future desktop vaporizers.
How The Design of Early Desktop Vaporizers Evolved
As the popularity of desktop vaporizers grew, so did the technology and design of these devices. Demand usually necessitates development and advancement of features and abilities in any market, and desktop vaporizers were no different.
Early models, like the Vapor Brothers Vaporizer, were often made of wood or plastic, but as technology advanced, so did the materials used.
Manufacturers, notably Storz & Bickel, began incorporating more durable materials like stainless steel and ceramic into their designs.
Additionally, improvements in heating elements and temperature control systems allowed for more precise temperature control and a better overall vaping experience.
And it was this kind of precision and control over the heating element that really helped propel desktop vaporizers into the mainstream of weed culture. As early as 1995, desktop vaporizers like the Volcano could be found in coffeeshops all over Amsterdam.
Modern Desktop Vaporizers
Modern desktop vaporizers have come a long way since their inception. Today’s models feature advanced technology, sleek designs, and a wide range of features that cater to the needs and preferences of various users.
You also have a slew of options for more portable vaporizers in the form of weed pens and weed vapes like the DaVinci IQ series, PAX’s vaporizers, and Storz & Bickel’s Mighty and Crafty vaporizers.
Check out all the best desktop vaporizers to buy right now – these are the #1 options right now for features, performance, and value for money.
Features of Modern Desktop Vaporizers
Desktop vaporizers are no longer simple devices; they come with myriad features and controls, as well as at a variety of price points – anywhere from $200 right up to $799.99 for the Volcano Hybrid.
Here’s a quick overview of the type of features you can expect to find on a modern desktop vaporizer:
- Modern desktop vaporizers include digital temperature control, which allows users to set precise temperatures for their preferred materials.
- Balloon-style delivery systems that capture and store vapor for later consumption
- Whip-style delivery systems that allow users to draw vapor directly from the device.
- Many modern vaporizers offer dual-functionality, meaning they can be used with both dry herbs and concentrates.
Benefits of Desktop Vaporizers
Health benefits of using desktop vaporizers
Desktop vaporizers offer a healthier alternative to traditional smoking methods, as they do not produce harmful combustion by-products like tar and carcinogens.
By heating materials at a lower temperature, users can enjoy the active ingredients – CBD, THC, and CBG, for instance – without inhaling harmful smoke.
The vapor from desktop vaporizers is also less harsh than it is from a bong or joint. Because it is heated at much lower temperatures, the vapor is cooler and much more palatable which is a great news for anyone that struggles with smoking and/or traditional bong setups.
Cost Savings of Using Desktop Vaporizers
Over time, using a desktop vaporizer can lead to cost savings, as users often find they require less material to achieve the desired effects. This is because vaporizers can efficiently extract active ingredients, allowing users to get more out of their materials.
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