A dry herb vaporiser heats ground herb until it releases vapour, without burning it. Getting a great session comes down to four things: the grind, the pack, the temperature and how you draw. This guide walks through each step using DaVinci's portable vaporisers as examples. If you are still choosing a device, start with our beginner's guide to dry herb vaporisers.
Step 1: Grind your herb
Grind to a medium, even consistency. Too coarse and the heat will not reach the centre of each piece. Too fine and it can pack too tightly and restrict airflow. An even grind heats evenly, which means more flavour and less waste.
Step 2: Pack the oven
Fill the oven so the herb is level with the top, then press lightly. You want contact with the oven walls without crushing the herb into a solid puck.
Each DaVinci model has a different oven size:
- MIQRO-C: up to 0.3 g, or 0.2 g with the dosing pod.
- IQ Core: up to 0.5 g, with an adjustable zirconia pearl to reduce the space for smaller sessions.
- IQ3: up to 0.7 g.
For a smaller session, use less herb with the pearl or dosing pod rather than leaving a loosely filled oven.
Step 3: Choose a temperature or Smart Path
Temperature changes the character of the session:
- Lower temperatures tend to bring out flavour and give lighter vapour.
- Higher temperatures tend to give thicker vapour.
You have two ways to set it on a DaVinci:
- Precision mode: pick an exact temperature. The IQ Core and IQ3 go up to 221°C.
- Smart Paths: four presets that change the temperature through the session for you. The MIQRO-C, IQ Core and IQ3 all have them.
If you are unsure, start low and step up during the session. Our guide on what temperature to set your vaporiser goes deeper.
Step 4: Heat up and draw slowly
Turn the device on and wait for the ready signal. Heat-up times from the product pages:
- IQ3: 30 seconds
- MIQRO-C: 39 seconds
- IQ Core: 45 seconds
Then draw slowly and steadily, for longer than you would with a pipe. A slow pull gives the heat time to work through the herb. For more on technique, see how to inhale a vape.
Step 5: Know when the bowl is done
As the session goes on, the vapour thins and the flavour fades. Open the oven and check the colour. Herb that has turned an even light to medium brown is finished. If the centre is still green, give it a gentle stir and keep going.
Step 6: Clean as you go
- Empty the oven after each session while it is still warm (not hot), and brush out loose material.
- Wipe the mouthpiece regularly.
- Do a deeper clean of the oven and airpath every few sessions with a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol, then let everything dry fully before use.
A clean vaporiser tastes better and draws more freely.
FAQ
Why am I not getting much vapour?
Try a slower draw, check the grind is not too coarse, and raise the temperature a little.
Should I pack the oven tightly?
Firmly enough for contact with the oven walls, but not crushed. Airflow still needs to pass through.
Can I use a smaller amount of herb?
Yes. Use the IQ Core's zirconia pearl or the MIQRO-C's dosing pod so a smaller load still heats evenly.
What do I do with the leftover herb?
Already vaped bud has its own uses. See what to do with AVB.
Ready to start
Even grind, level pack, start low and draw slow. For a compact everyday option, see the MIQRO-C, or browse all DaVinci dry herb vaporisers.