How Much Does A Vape Cost? What to Know
February 15, 2023 · Pax LabsIf you're in the market for a vaporizer, your first question might be "how much does a vape cost?" The answer, unfortunately, isn't straightforward. With so many options, styles, and features on the market, the price can vary widely, from just a few dollars to multiple hundreds of dollars. This guide will help acquaint you with the types of vaporizers that are available to you, how they work, and what you might expect to pay for them.
Understanding cost for different vapes
The three main types of vaporizers we'll examine are desktop vaporizers, portable vaporizers, and vape pens. Each type is well-suited for a specific setup, situation, or end goal, and is priced accordingly.
Desktop Vaporizers
Desktop vaporizers tend to be the most expensive models, range from as low as $200 for a unit to as high as $700. Given their large, sturdy design and powerful performance, it's no surprise why. Most desktop vaporizers are not portable, requiring to be plugged in and set on a flat, steady surface during use. This style of vape often employs high-efficiency heating systems, granting a great degree of control over temperature settings and vapor production.
There are several desktop vaporizer styles available. Whip style vapes deliver vapor to consumers via a rubber tube, known as the "whip." These often employ convection heating when you inhale, a method of vaporizing material indirectly using the movement of hot air. Forced air vaporizers also use convection heating, utilizing a fan instead of inhalation to bring air over the material. Multifunction vapes can support both whip style methods and forced air methods, depending on your preferences and settings.
Portable Vaporizers
Portable vaporizers tend to be more affordable than desktop vapes, though they also range in price quite a bit. The cheapest portable vaporizers are priced at about $100, while the most expensive can cost up to $400. These vapes are designed to be more discreet and compact, and employ a rechargeable battery as well as and oven that can be used for dry herb and sometimes concentrates.
The cost of a portable vape depends on its level of sophistication. Simpler portable vapes naturally cost less than those that can do it all. Ask yourself a few key questions to help you decide how to budget: How many temperature settings do I need? Am I going to vape dry herb, concentrates, or both types of materials? The more features you require, the higher the price could go.
Vape Pens
Often the most cost-effective vapes, are simple, compact devices named for their long and slender design. Many vape pens use cartridges or pods pre-filled with cannabis oil, though some will come as an all-in-one where the pen is pre-filled with oil. Vape pens typically range in cost from about $10 to $50 for the device, with cartridges/pods costing anywhere from $20 to $75.
Vape pens are simply constructed, including a battery, a screw-on cartridge with a built-in heating element, and a mouthpiece attached to the cartridge. The cost of the vape pen depends on the size of the battery, the quality of the build materials, and the sophistication of the features like temperature control. Cartridge cost depends on the quality of the cannabis oil extract as well as the prices in your area.
Vape accessories will affect the cost
When buying a vaporizer, you might also want to consider purchasing accessories along with it. Accessories include parts like mouthpieces, care items like maintenance kits, or tools to help with loading and unloading materials. Typically speaking, desktop vaporizers and portable vaporizers have more components and therefore more available accessories, whereas vape pens are more limited.
Many vaporizers can be purchased with starter or accessory kits. Starter kits are a great way to get all the accessories you need for your device at a bundled price, saving you money over purchasing them separately. Check with the brand or retailer to see what kinds of compatible accessories and accessory kits are available when you purchase your vape.
If you're going to invest in a more expensive vaporizer, these accessories can help maintain the performance and improve the longevity of the vape.
There's a vape for every budget
One of the best things about vaping is that it’s accessible no matter your budget. If you have the space and budget for it, a high-end desktop vaporizer could be right for you. If you prioritize mobility alongside more advanced functionality, portable vaporizers range from cost-effective to mid-range. And if you're looking for the best value, or just want another option alongside your other vaporizers, there's always vape pens. With some research and careful consideration, we're sure you'll find the right device for you.