A dry herb vape lets you enjoy cannabis or other legal herbs by heating them until they release vapour, without burning them. If you are new to it, the choices can feel technical. This guide covers how a dry herb vaporiser works, how it compares with smoking, the basics of temperature, and what to look for in your first device. Cannabis laws vary across Europe, so check the rules where you live.
What is a dry herb vaporiser?
A dry herb vaporiser is a device with a small oven that you fill with ground herb. It heats the herb to a controlled temperature, below the point of combustion, so the aromatic compounds are released as vapour that you inhale through a mouthpiece. Unlike oil cartridge pens, it uses whole, ground herb that you load yourself.
Most dry herb vapes are portable and run on a battery. Larger desktop units plug into the wall and stay at home.
Dry herb vape vs smoking
The core difference is heat. Smoking burns herb at a very high temperature. A vaporiser heats it to a set temperature without burning it. That changes the experience in a few practical ways:
- Flavour: Without combustion, you taste more of the herb itself rather than smoke.
- Smell: Vapour typically leaves less lingering odour than smoke.
- Discretion: No lighter, no ash, and a compact device.
- Control: You choose the temperature, so you can shape each session.
- Efficiency: Even heating means less herb is wasted, and already vaped bud still has uses of its own.
For a longer look at the differences between pens and herb vaporisers, see dry herb vaporiser vs vape pen.
How a dry herb vaporiser heats: conduction vs convection
There are two main ways to heat the herb:
- Conduction heats the herb through contact with the hot oven walls. It heats up quickly and suits short, on-demand sessions. Stirring the herb midway helps it heat evenly.
- Convection passes heated air through the herb. It heats evenly and suits longer draws.
Neither burns the herb when used at normal vaporising temperatures. We cover this in more detail in convection, conduction or combustion.
Temperature basics
Temperature is the setting that changes your session most:
- Lower temperatures tend to bring out flavour and give lighter vapour.
- Higher temperatures tend to give thicker vapour.
Many vaporisers let you set an exact temperature, and DaVinci's also offer Smart Paths: presets that change the temperature through the session for you. For a deeper guide, read what temperature to set your vaporiser.
How to choose your first dry herb vaporiser
Focus on five things:
- Oven size. Larger ovens suit longer or shared sessions. Smaller ovens suit quick solo use.
- Battery. Check run time per charge and whether the battery is removable, so you can carry a spare and replace it when it wears out.
- Temperature control. Precise control lets you fine-tune. Presets keep things simple.
- Vapour path materials. Materials such as zirconia ceramic and glass are chosen for keeping flavour clean.
- Warranty. A long warranty signals a device built to last.
Three DaVinci vaporisers to consider
These three DaVinci models all have removable batteries, USB-C charging and four Smart Path presets. Figures are from the product pages.
| IQ Core | IQ3 | MIQRO-C | |
| Oven | 0.5 g | 0.7 g | 0.3 g |
| Heat-up | 45 seconds | 30 seconds | 39 seconds |
| Battery | 18650, up to 60 min | 21700, up to 90 min | 18350, up to 30 min |
| Warranty | 5 years | 10 years | 5 years |
- IQ Core: a great first vaporiser for everyday use, with an all-zirconia mouthpiece and airpath and an adjustable zirconia pearl for smaller sessions.
- IQ3: the largest oven and the most control, with Cool Core, the Air Dial and 1 degree temperature steps.
- MIQRO-C: the most compact, for short sessions on the go.
Getting started
Grind your herb evenly, fill the oven level without crushing it, start at a lower temperature and draw slowly. Our step by step guide on how to inhale a vape covers technique.
FAQ
Is a dry herb vape the same as a vape pen?
No. A dry herb vape heats ground herb you load yourself. Most vape pens use pre-filled oil cartridges.
Does a dry herb vaporiser burn the herb?
No. It heats the herb below combustion, which is what produces vapour instead of smoke.
Which DaVinci is best for beginners?
The IQ Core is a straightforward everyday choice. If you want something smaller, the MIQRO-C is the most compact.
How often should I clean it?
Brush out the oven after each session and do a deeper clean every few sessions.
Find your first vaporiser
Browse all DaVinci dry herb vaporisers.