If your sessions aren’t packing the punch that you’re after, the right technique can change everything. How you grind your herbs, pack the oven, and take a hit has a huge impact on vapor production. Whether you're chasing monster rips or just want more from each session, these tips will get you there.
Grind your herbs: fine grind is best
A finer grind gives you more vapor. Smaller bits of herb pack tighter and expose more surface area to heat, which means more of it gets vaporized. Two-piece grinders work best here. Just keep grinding until you're satisfied. If you have a four or three piece grinder, flip it upside down and give it a few extra twists before it drops to the bottom.
Just don’t go too fine. Powdery herbs can clog your screen or fall through the oven if it has larger holes.
Pack the oven perfectly: different packs for different vapes
The way you pack your dry herb vaporizer makes a big difference and it depends on your vape.
Conduction vapes (PAX, XMAX Starry, DaVinci) work best with a tight, full pack. Pack the oven full to the top and press down firmly. Repeat until it's packed to the brim. You can't really overdo it here. The tighter the better.
Convection and hybrid vapes (Lobo, ONE, Tinymight 2, Mighty, Solo) need more airflow. Fill the oven loosely until there's a small mound on top, and then gently press it into the oven until it's flush with the rim. Don't pack it too tightly.
Turn the temperature up
Higher temperatures capture the most goodies from your herbs for bigger, fatter clouds. We recommend 390°F/198°C and above for the biggest clouds. You’ll lose a bit of flavor, but you’ll get stronger hits and more visible vapor. Go as high as you’re comfortable with.
Sip it vs rip it
Different vapes thrive with different hit styles. Convection and hybrid vapes usually perform best with long, steady sips of five to ten seconds. Most can also handle harder rips if that’s your style. Conduction vapes do better with shorter sips and a bit of time between draws to let the heat soak in.
Whatever you’re using, don’t force it. Pulling too hard against tight airflow works against you. Find a steady pace that feels natural where your lungs stay relaxed and the vapor flows smooth. That’s your sweet spot.
Additional tips for bigger clouds
Preheat the oven: Let your herbs sit in the oven for a few seconds after it hits temp. That extra heat jump-starts the session, especially with conduction and hybrid vapes. You’ll get denser vapor right out of the gate. (Skip this step for full convection models.)
Prime your herbs: Take a quick puff before your first full draw. That little hit warms up the bowl and gets the herbs ready for more.
Use a bubbler: Soften the vapor with a bubbler so you can take more in at once without a harsh kick. It’s an easy way to boost those clouds without too much work.
Adjust your draw speed: Depending on your vape, it’ll deliver thicker results with either a slow, steady draw, or a fast, heavy one.
Conclusion
Big clouds need the right setup, but it’s not rocket science. Dial in your grind, pack it right, crank the temp, and master your draw. Once you’ve got those locked in, your sessions will hit harder, taste better, and leave less behind. Explore, find YOUR perfect session, and have fun.
How to Get Bigger Clouds from Your Vaporizer: FAQs
Q: Do all vaporizers make big clouds?
A: Big clouds means something different to everyone. Some vapes produce huge clouds, some specialize in gentle flavorful puffs. Convection and hybrid vapes usually produce thicker vapor than straight conduction vaporizers. However, even smaller vapes can hit hard with the right setup.
Q: What temperature makes the biggest clouds?
A: Higher temps, typically 390°F (198°C) and up, produce the thickest clouds. Just know that flavor drops off quickly at the top end, so find the balance that works for you. Herbs combust at 445°F (229°C), so anywhere below is fair game.
Q: Can I overpack the oven?
A: It depends on the vape. Conduction vapes like a tight pack, while convection and hybrid models work better with a looser fill. Follow the pack style that matches your vape’s heating method.
Q: Is a finer grind always better for bigger clouds?
A: Usually, yes. A finer grind gives you more surface area so more of your herb gets vaporized. That leads to bigger clouds and stronger hits. Just don’t grind it into dust. Too fine can clog screens or fall through the oven.
Q: Do I need a bubbler for big clouds?
A: Not necessarily, but bubblers let you take bigger, smoother hits without the harshness. If you're chasing clouds, it’s a great add-on.