Convection vs Conduction Vaporizers: Which Is Right for You?
When you're choosing a dry herb vaporizer, one of the first things you'll see is whether it's convection, conduction, or hybrid. Here's what those terms actually mean — and which suits you.
Conduction vaporizers
In a conduction vaporizer, your dried herbs rest directly against a heated surface, much like a pan on a stove. The upsides: they heat up quickly, they're usually simpler and more affordable, and they're easy for beginners. The trade-off is that material touching the element can heat unevenly, so a stir mid-session helps.
Convection vaporizers
A convection vaporizer pushes hot air through your herbs instead of touching them directly. This heats the material more evenly, tends to produce cleaner flavour, and reduces the risk of scorching. Convection devices are often a little pricier and can take slightly longer to warm up, but many enthusiasts consider the vapour quality worth it.
Hybrid heating
Some premium devices — like the Storz & Bickel Mighty — combine both methods for fast heat-up and even, flavourful vapour. It's the best of both worlds, which is why hybrids are so popular.
Which should you choose?
- New to vaping or on a budget? A conduction or hybrid portable is a great start — see portable vaporizers.
- Chasing the best flavour? Look at convection or hybrid models.
Compare the range in our guide to Storz & Bickel vaporizers, or start with the beginner’s guide to how vaporizers work.
Explore the full range of dry herb vaporizers at Greenhut — fast, discreet shipping across New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for a first vaporizer, conduction or convection? Conduction, for most people. They heat up faster, cost less and are simpler to operate. Convection gives more even heating but generally costs more and takes longer to reach temperature.
What is a hybrid vaporizer? One that uses both methods - the chamber is heated and hot air is also drawn through the material. It is an attempt to get the even heating of convection with the faster start of conduction.
Why do I need to stir a conduction vaporizer? Because the material touching the heated surface warms before the material above it. A stir part way through evens that out. Convection units need it far less.
Does heating type change how I maintain the device? Not greatly. Both need the chamber emptied while warm and the screen and airpath cleaned with isopropyl alcohol. Convection units have more airpath to keep clear.
