Anyone who works in a vape shop has to deal with questions about the differences between desktop and portable vaporizers all the time. In particular, people want to know if there’s a significant difference in functionality between the two or if the differences are mainly cosmetic. In this post, we’re going to compare how each type of unit performs similar functions, whether one is objectively better than the other and what are the pros and cons of each type of device.
The differences between desktop and portable dry herb vaping units go beyond size and price. Let’s look at how the devices compare in terms of basic functionality.
Comparing Basic Functionality Between the Different Types of Vaporizers
Vaporizer Battery Life
Although there are some models that can be plugged in, most portable and desktop vaporizers use batteries. Some models are compatible with disposable batteries and some come with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
If either type of device can be said to have any quantifiable advantage it may be the desktop model, since their very size allows for larger, more powerful batteries. Keep in mind too that some vaporizers – both desktop and portable – give you the option of plugging them in or using battery power.
Because of that, and because battery life can vary widely depending on the model of vaporizer, this category is something of a wash.
Discretion
If your goal is to conduct your vaping discreetly there is no contest about which type of device you should choose. A portable vape unit slips neatly into your pants, shirt, jacket or coat pocket and can be carried just about anywhere without drawing any unwanted attention.
The difference between the portable and desktop vaping units is akin to the difference between a smartphone and a PC. Both can access the internet but one can be carried with you discreetly wherever you go and the other is tethered to the house.
Some desktop units these days often resemble hookahs, those big communal pipes that have been around for nearly 500 years. Just imagine taking a hookah with you to the park, or out on the town with your friends.
If there’s a downside to portable units it’s that taking one out in public may incur the wrath of the hysterical anti-smoking cabal who might take it upon themselves to make your afternoon in the park extremely unpleasant.
Group Use
We should qualify this particular subject by stating the obvious: many people are still extremely reluctant to put anything in their mouth that has just come from someone else’s mouth, and that’s understandable. With that in mind, just as the portable vape unit is the clear winner of the discretion sweepstakes, the desktop unit is the clear winner for those who want to enjoy some quality weed with their friends.
Desktop vaporizing units typically have larger bowls than anything you’ll find in a portable unit so you and your party guests can enjoy multiple hits before you have to consider reloading. By contrast, if you’re passing your portable unit around at a party you’ll be reloading constantly.
Keep in mind that if you are tempted to take your desktop unit with you to a friend’s party in Denver you might get in a bit of hot water if you wind up being stopped and the unit is found. Being in possession of “drug paraphernalia” such as a desktop vaping unit is still illegal, although the usual penalty is only a minimal fine.
Enjoyment
This is another area where the desktop unit seems to have a distinct advantage. The average desktop vaporizer will provide an array of controls over the resulting vapor cloud and, by extension the ultimate effect, that are simply not available in a portable unit.
Portable units are just not large enough to incorporate the hardware necessary to facilitate these controls. With few exceptions, portable units are preprogrammed to produce a uniform result every time. With a desktop unit, you can control what you get in terms of flavor, density, temperature and more. A lot of people find that a strong selling point.
At the same time enjoyment is in the eye of the beholder. Some might think that staying home and being able to create subtle tweaks to a vaping experience using a desktop unit is the height of bliss. Others may be willing to eschew all the subtle modifications to the vape cloud in favor of being able to kick back with their portable unit on a mountain trail with an incredible view.
Choice
Choice is one of the essential 21st-century consumer keywords and drives much of the conversation around just about every type of product imaginable, from smartphones to streaming services to vaporizers.
When it comes to types of vaporizers, choice means everything from size to price to temperature control to the size of the heating chamber and much more. If having as many choices as possible is your primary concern when shopping for a vape unit then you’ll probably want to look into a desktop unit.
Portable vaping devices simply can’t compete when it comes to the number and variety of performance options offered by desktop units. As we mentioned earlier, most portable units are pre-programmed to produce a specific result.
The Bottom Line
Desktop and portable vaporizing units each have their pros and cons and which one you choose will be up to you. For the widest selection of vaporizers in Denver stop by 710 Pipes or visit our website.