Is an E-Rig a better option than a traditional dab rig for beginners or those new to dabbing? Potentially – here’s how they compare…

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Setting up a dab rig for the first time can be a little daunting. It’s a nuanced process, involving precision, heat, and quite a bit of know-how. 

Plus, if you get it wrong things can go south pretty quickly. If you take to much it can be VERY overwhelming or if you heat it too aggressively, it’ll taste like ass. 

This the main reason I put together my dabbing guide for beginners, so you don’t make the mistakes I made when I first started. 

Of course, if you choose to use an E-Rig instead of traditional dab rig, you basically get around nearly all of these issues because an E-Rig does all of the heavy lifting and heating. 

Purists will argue E-Rigs are never as good as classic, manual dab rigs. But that’s always the case… with literally anything from cars to operating systems on phones and computers.

One is ALWAYS better than the other because of X, Y and Z. Blah, blah, blah…

You’re new, you’re a beginner, and you have no experience – or preconceived notions / opinions. You just want to get what’s best for you, so: is an E-Rig a better starting point for you on your dabbing journey?

Potentially, here’s literally everything you need to know about the differences, meaning the PROS and CONS, of E-Rigs and traditional dab rigs…

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My Personal Preference (If You’re Interested)…

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I’ve been doing this for years and the above breakdown is about as clear cut as I can make things. 

Don’t get me wrong, both ways of dabbing are great and have their own, unique merits. Personally speaking? I’d always recommend an E-Rig to just about anybody these days – they’re just so bloody good now. 

On top of this, they’re WAY less hassle to work with. I don’t like having to use a torch, never have, so for me an E-Rig is naturally the superior option. 

As of right now, my go-to E-Rigs are the PuffCo PROXY and the PuffCo Peak Pro. Both are excellent in their own rights but they have different strengths and weaknesses that you need to assess before you commit to either. 

Luckily, I was sent both to review, so I didn’t have to make this call. You will, though, so read through my comparison carefully before pulling the trigger on either. 

And if you’re curious about how E-Rigs work, here’s a little crash course on the basics.

Components of Electric Dab Rigs

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Heating Element

At the core of every electric dab rig is the heating element, responsible for vaporizing your concentrates. Unlike traditional rigs that use a torch, e-rigs rely on this built-in component to provide consistent heat.

These elements come in different materials, such as ceramic, quartz, and titanium, each offering unique advantages.

Ceramic provides even heat distribution and retains flavor, quartz heats up quickly for faster sessions, and titanium is known for its durability. Me? I don’t really have much of a preference – I’m a simple man with even simpler requirements.

Water Filtration System

One of the best features of an e-rig is its built-in water filtration system, although more portable options like PROXY run without water filtration (but you can add it in if you like via an accessory).

Water’s great because it cools and filters the vapor, providing a smoother and cleaner hit. The Peak Pro and Dr Dabber SWITCH both use water filtration but are less portable than the PROXY.

The water chamber and percolator work together to remove impurities, ensuring that the vapor you inhale is both cool and clean.

For at home use, I’d always advise you go with an E-Rig with water filtration. It makes a world of difference to flavor and usability.

If you enjoy smoother hits without harshness, this filtration process is what makes dabbing with an electric rig feel much more comfortable on your lungs.

Temperature Control System

You, a torch, and your best guess work is never going to be 100% accurate. Most of the time you’ll overcook it, or come in a little under what’s required. Basically, it’s hit and miss.

E-rigs, however, completely remove this issue because they come with precise temperature control. Whether through digital displays or preset temperature options, you can fine-tune the heat to match your desired experience.

Lower temperatures bring out the flavor of your concentrate, while higher temperatures increase the potency. All you gotta do is set it and then sit back and wait.

With this control, you’ll always know your rig is at the perfect temperature, enhancing both the efficiency and enjoyment of your dabbing sessions.

Power Source

Because an E-Rig is electrical, it requires a power source. Most use rechargeable batteries, making them portable, so you can take them to festivals and parties and whatnot.

But they can do do run out of battery life (some faster than others). My advice? If you’re the kind of guy or gal that likes to go places with their E-Rig, invest in a power bank – it’ll save you so many headaches.

I use this one; it’s a 50,000mAh power bank that comes with rapid USB C charging and it can charge three things at once, including your laptop.

In fact, I love and use mine so much that I included inside my round-up of essential accessories for the PuffCo PROXY.

The portability of these rigs is a huge benefit, but their reliance on battery life means you’ll need to keep them charged to enjoy uninterrupted sessions.

And for that, you’ll wanna use a power bank because whether you’re camping or at a festival, your not always going to be near a power outlet.

Bottom Line: Which One Should You Choose?

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• Go with a Traditional Dab Rig if: You enjoy the classic dabbing process, want to have full control over your experience, and are okay with using a torch. If you’re budget-conscious (they’re cheaper than E-Rigs) and don’t mind the learning curve, a traditional rig could be a great fit.
• Go with an Electric Dab Rig if: You prioritize convenience, portability, and precision. If you’re new to dabbing or prefer a more consistent and easy-to-use setup, an e-rig offers a modern solution with minimal effort.

Both types of rigs have their merits, but the choice at the end of the day comes down to you and what you want. Me? I’d always choose an E-Rig. But that’s just my preference. Go with what your gut tells you, it’s usually right.