When it comes to dabbing, one common concern that might hold you back is working with a torch. Whether you’ve only heard of it peripherally, or if you have that one buddy who just won’t shut up about how to dab, you probably have a sense that it’s a complicated affair. There’s no denying that all the terminology, products, and processes can get a little overwhelming for the beginner, and one of the most intimidating parts of dabbing is undoubtedly the torch. We have several ways around that and can show you how to dab without a torch.
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The Trouble with Torches
Even talking about torches in regular conversation feels ridiculous at first. You may as well be talking about flamethrowers and seeing a torch in action only strengthens the association. When dabbing first hit the mainstream a few years ago, it was common to see people heating the nails on their dab rigs with 14-ounce propane tanks and six-inch, full-bore flame jets. Things have calmed down a bit in recent years, and now that more average weed enthusiasts are dabbing, there are more average-sized torches on the market.
Even so, a relatively small handheld torch still puts out a flame that can reach up to five inches long. Couple that with a temperature of 2,500°F and a moment of clumsiness, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. Other disadvantages include:
- Long cooldown time
- Imprecise heating
- Cost of butane refills
How to Heat Your Rig on a Stove
There are unconventional ways to dab without a torch. One way has been called the poor man's dab. This technique is done by heating your dab rig on a gas or electric stove. If not done properly, this can be dangerous.
First, turn your stove on high. Use medal tongs and hold the nail over the burner. Heat it for several minutes until hot. Use the tongs to take it off the stove and put it in the rig. Dab. Depending on the stove, it could take more than 5-minutes.
There are also other viable options that are a lot easier! You just have to find the right product!
E-Nails and Electronic Dab Rigs
The most common alternative for dabbing without a torch is the e-nail. Put simply; it's just a nail that heats up using an electric component. The coiled e-nail is where it all started, although that's certainly not the best option available today. These are basically just metal coils that go around your nail to heat it with the aid of electricity generated by a battery. The battery box also allows you to set the temperature of the coil, so you know how hot your nail is.
The major con to this setup is the coil cord itself. They often require replacing, and frankly, they just get in the way. The cord has to be connected to the battery box and the nail as well, so it’s pretty easy to smack or tug on by accident if you don’t set it up correctly. You also need to leave the coil around your nail until it cools down, so the danger of knocking over your dab rig looms for a while longer than it would if you just used a good old torch.
Dabbing without a torch is best done with a modern e-nail or e-rig. These dab rigs are designed specifically to provide a simple, low-complication process for dabbing that’s a lot less dangerous than using a coil.
An e-nail is an attachment that pairs with any 510 thread vape mod as its power source. They usually feature a titanium nail, and some even come with a ceramic chamber you can use for dry herb.
The Best of the Bunch
There are a lot of e-nails to choose from on the market, but several brands stand out from the crowd. If you’re ready to start dabbing without a torch, take a look at these three quality products:
Dr. Dabber Boost
This e-nail is portability at its finest. It has two temperature settings. One for titanium and ceramic nails, and one for a quartz nail. You can find the Dr. Dabber here. It comes with all three nails, as well as a magnetic carb cap and dab tool combo. You can charge this e-rig with your USB and it can handle 20 to 30 dabs per charge. Operating this e-nail is easy. You push the button three times for the lower heat setting, or five times to access the higher heat setting for the quartz nail. These features mean a lower level of customizability, but for someone who’s just beginning, the simplicity can be a key factor.
The Boost isn’t capable of directly emulating a manual dab, but it can produce some decent clouds thanks to its included water filtration attachment.
Puffco Peak
The Puffco Peak is an e-rig, aiming to bowl you over with high-tech functionality. It has four heat settings, allowing you to find your preferred sweet spot. If you do another dab while the bowl is still hot, the Peak’s “intelligent temperature calibration” adjusts the heating time to maintain temperature. From cold, it takes about 20 seconds to heat up the ceramic bowl. The battery lasts through 30 dabs and takes two hours to charge fully. Given the popularity, the price has come down to $299.99, this device is suited to those who are looking to make a legitimate investment. It’s a highly functional e-rig and is certainly beautiful from a design standpoint.
Lose the Torch, Gain Portability
A dab setup isn’t terrifically portable, either, as it involves a torch of varying size and a large bit of glass. Many battery-powered e-nails, like the Boost, have the distinct advantage of being highly portable. It’s such an integral part of their design that the kits come in portable cases for dabbing on the go. Friends will be impressed when you show up to the party with a lean, mean electronic dabbing machine.
A Worthwhile Investment
The main thing that makes people shy away from e-nails and rigs is their cost. While high-end contraptions like the Puffco Peak may not be a good option for first-timers, more budget-friendly options are a lot cheaper than a classic dab setup. Between the torch and a decent dab rig, you’re already spending as much as you would on an entry-level e-nail. All in all, there’s a truly compelling case for throwing out the torch altogether and going for an electronic setup. Let us know what you think of your e-nail!
