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03
Oct
Introduction
When shopping for a dry herb vaporizer, one of the first choices you’ll encounter is the heating method: conduction or convection. Each approach affects vapour flavour, efficiency, and ease of use — and knowing the difference can help you choose the right device.
This guide breaks down conduction vs convection vaporizers, with examples of the best models available at DopeVapes.co.uk.
👉 For a full overview of all vaporizer types, see our Ultimate Guide to Dry Herb Vaporizers in the UK (2025 Edition).
What is Conduction Heating?
Conduction vaporizers heat your dry herb by direct contact with a hot surface, similar to cooking in a frying pan.
Pros:
- Quick heat-up times
- Simple designs, often more affordable
- Compact and discreet devices
Cons:
- Less even heating (may require stirring)
- Can overcook herb if not carefully managed
Recommended Conduction Vaporizers at DopeVapes:
- PAX Mini — Ultra-simple and discreet, perfect for beginners.
- PAX Plus — Sleek conduction vape with multiple session modes and stylish design.
- XMAX Starry V4 — Budget-friendly conduction portable, also available in a bundle with dosing capsules and bubbler. See also: XMAX Starry V4 Review
What is Convection Heating?
Convection vaporizers heat dry herb using hot air that passes through the chamber, like using an oven.
Pros:
- More even extraction
- Superior flavour and efficiency
- Ideal for longer sessions and flavour chasers
Cons:
- Slightly slower heat-up times (except premium models)
- Devices are often larger and more expensive
Recommended Convection Vaporizers at DopeVapes:
- XMAX V3 Pro — Affordable convection-dominant portable, excellent for beginners and value seekers. See also: XMAX V3 Pro Review
- Tinymight 2 — Premium on-demand convection vape with outstanding flavour and adjustable airflow.
- Arizer XQ2 — Desktop convection device with balloon and whip functionality.
Hybrid Heating: The Middle Ground
Many modern vaporizers use hybrid heating (a mix of conduction + convection) to balance fast heat-up with efficient extraction.
Recommended Hybrid Vaporizers at DopeVapes:
- Mighty+ — The gold standard hybrid portable, perfect for medical and heavy daily use. See also: Mighty+ Review
- Arizer Solo 3 V2 — Long battery life, smooth vapour, and hybrid heating that leans toward convection. See also: Arizer Solo 3 V2 Review
- Storz & Bickel Volcano Hybrid — The benchmark desktop hybrid, trusted by patients worldwide.
👉 See our full explainer: Hybrid Heating: The Best of Both Worlds?
Comparison Table
| Heating Type | Best For | Examples | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conduction | Beginners, casual users, stealth sessions | PAX Mini, PAX Plus, XMAX Starry V4 | Quick heat-up, simple, affordable | Uneven heating, may need stirring |
| Convection | Flavour chasers, efficiency seekers | XMAX V3 Pro, Tinymight 2, Arizer XQ2 | Even heating, great flavour, efficient | Slower heat-up, usually pricier |
| Hybrid | All-rounders, daily users, medical patients | Mighty+, Arizer Solo 3 V2, Volcano Hybrid | Balanced performance, versatile | Bigger devices, higher cost |
Which Heating Method Should You Choose?
-
Choose conduction if:
- You want fast heat-up and simplicity
- You’re on a tighter budget
- You prefer compact, stealthy designs
-
Choose convection if:
- Flavour and smoothness are your top priority
- You’re willing to spend more for quality
- You want efficient extraction and even heating
-
Choose hybrid if:
- You want the best of both worlds
- You don’t mind a slightly larger device
- You’re looking for proven all-rounders like the Mighty+
Our Staff Picks
- PAX Mini for conduction beginners who want stealth and simplicity.
- XMAX V3 Pro for budget-friendly convection performance.
- Mighty+ for the best hybrid experience overall.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between conduction and convection can help you find a vaporizer that matches your lifestyle. If you’re just starting out, conduction vapes like the PAX Mini are simple and reliable. For flavour and efficiency, convection vapes like the Tinymight 2 are unbeatable. And if you want the best of both worlds, hybrids like the Mighty+ deliver consistent, powerful results.
👉 Explore our full range of dry herb vaporizers, or contact our team via the support page for personalised advice.
And don’t forget to visit our Ultimate Guide to Dry Herb Vaporizers in the UK (2025 Edition) for the complete overview of dry herb vaping.
About the Author
Written by the DopeVapes editorial team — specialists in dry herb vaporizers with over 10 years of experience testing and reviewing portable and desktop vaporizers for the UK market.
Beenish Zaidi
