Temperature is the most important setting on a dry herb vaporizer. Lower temperatures give you more flavor and lighter vapor; higher temperatures give thicker vapor and a stronger, harsher hit. The best setting depends on what you want, and on your device.
The short answer
Start around 350 to 370°F (177 to 188°C) for a balance of flavor and vapor, then adjust. Go lower for flavor, higher for clouds, and stay below the point where flower starts to burn, around 450°F (230°C).
Temperature chart
| Range | °F | °C | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low | 320 to 350 | 160 to 177 | Most flavor, light thin vapor, gentlest; great first hits |
| Medium | 350 to 380 | 177 to 193 | Balanced flavor and vapor; where most people live |
| High | 380 to 410 | 193 to 210 | Thick vapor, stronger and harsher, less flavor |
| Max | 410 to 430 | 210 to 221 | Biggest clouds, finishes the bowl; can be harsh |
| Too hot | Above ~450 | Above ~230 | Flower can start to burn; you lose the point of vaping |
Why temperature changes everything
Flower is full of compounds that turn to vapor at different temperatures. Many of the aromatic terpenes come off at the lower end, which is why low settings taste better. Cannabinoids and heavier compounds need more heat, so higher settings make denser vapor. Go too hot, and plant material starts to combust, which is exactly what a vaporizer is trying to avoid. More on terpenes in what each terpene does.
Your device comes first
Every vaporizer heats differently, and the number on the screen isn't always the same as the temperature in the oven. Use your device's manual as the real guide:
- Storz & Bickel (CRAFTY+, MIGHTY+, VENTY, VEAZY) top out at 410°F (210°C). Hybrid heating is efficient, so many people find they don't need the maximum.
- PAX (PAX Mini 2, PAX Flow) use presets; start on the lowest and step up.
- Conduction devices (heated oven walls) can feel hotter at the same number than convection devices.
The step-up method
- Start low, around 340 to 350°F, for the first few draws and the most flavor.
- Every few draws, raise the temperature 10 to 15°F.
- Finish the bowl at the higher end to get what's left.
- When the flower is evenly light-to-medium brown, the bowl is done. Very dark or black means it was too hot.
Other things that change the hit
- Grind: medium-fine for even heating. A good grinder helps; see which grinder design to get.
- Packing: follow your device. Many convection vapes want a loose fill so air can move.
- Draw: slow, steady pulls usually beat hard, fast ones.
- Clean: brush the oven after each session and replace screens when they clog.
Temperature and dose
Higher temperatures pull more out of the flower with each draw, so the same number of draws at 400°F is a bigger dose than at 350°F. If you're new to vaporizers or sensitive to THC, staying in the low to medium range is an easy way to keep sessions gentle. See why weed can make you anxious.
A simple cleaning schedule
- After every session: empty and brush the oven while it's warm.
- Weekly: wipe the mouthpiece and screens with isopropyl alcohol on a swab.
- When the draw gets tight: replace the screens.
A clean device tastes better at every temperature.
Quick °F to °C conversions
| °F | °C | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| 340 | 171 | First draws, maximum flavor |
| 356 | 180 | Flavor-forward, light vapor |
| 374 | 190 | Balanced, a popular everyday setting |
| 392 | 200 | Denser vapor |
| 410 | 210 | Top of most portables; finishing the bowl |
| 428 | 220 | Very dense; harsh for many |
Convection vs conduction
Conduction heats the oven walls, which heat the flower by contact: fast and simple, but the flower touching the walls cooks first, so stir halfway through. Convection heats air that flows through the flower: more even, often more flavorful, and usually pricier. Hybrid devices, like Storz & Bickel and the PAX Flow, do both.
Session vs on-demand
Most portables are session vapes: they heat the whole oven and stay hot for a few minutes, so take draws steadily and don't let it sit. On-demand devices heat only while you draw or press, which suits a quick puff or two.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Likely cause | Try |
|---|---|---|
| Little or no vapor | Too low, packed too tight, or the device is still heating | Raise 10 to 15°F, loosen the pack, wait for ready |
| Harsh or hot | Too high, or drawing too fast | Lower the temperature and draw slower |
| Burnt taste | Too hot, ground too fine, dirty oven | Lower, grind coarser, clean the oven |
| Weak flavor | Old flower, or temperature too high | Fresh flower, start lower |
FAQ
What does AVB mean?
Already vaped bud: what's left after vaping. Light to medium brown means you got most of it. Some people save it, but it's much weaker.
Do I need to stir the bowl?
Often with conduction devices. Hybrid and convection vapes usually need less stirring.
Does a higher temperature make the session shorter?
Usually, yes. Higher heat pulls more out of each draw, so the bowl is finished sooner.
What temperature should I use for CBD flower?
The same ranges work. Start in the medium range and adjust by taste, following your device's guide.
What's the best temperature for a dry herb vaporizer?
Around 350 to 370°F (177 to 188°C) is a good starting point. Go lower for flavor, higher for thicker vapor.
Why does my vape taste burnt?
Too hot, ground too fine, or a dirty oven. Lower the temperature, check your grind and clean the chamber.
Does temperature change the effects?
Many people say lower temperatures feel lighter and higher ones feel heavier, but research on this is limited. Dose usually matters more.
Is it bad to vape at the highest setting?
Not if it's within your device's range, but it's harsher and you lose flavor. Most people use the top setting only to finish a bowl.
Keep reading
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