If you're looking for an inexpensive, discrete way to start vaporizing, the Vapor Genie might be the route you want to take.  The Vapor Genie may look like a pipe, but it is actually a flame-powered convection vaporizer.  The secret is a perforated ceramic filter that transfers heat without burning the marijuana.  With a slick, old-fashioned pipe look for around $60, the Vapor Genie is a nice way to enter the world of Vaporizing without taking out a second mortgage.

This article is part of the Vaporizer Review Series.

My Experience: I purchased one of these vaporizers at a head shop recently for $70 (wish I had checked online, you can get them at Vaporizer Giant for $55.)  I bought it with the intention of reviewing it on this site and I had expected it to underperform compared to the ad at the store.  I was quite skeptical to the idea of a vaporizer that looked so much like a pipe and was powered by a flame.  I was delightfully surprised when I used this vaporizer.  It still burns some of the weed and the vapor is not as high quality as other vaporizers, but for the price, it's not bad.  I've used it only 5 or 6 times since I bought it, mostly in large groups being passed around with other pieces.

Pros: The main selling point here is the cost.  A vaporizer for only $55 is certainly a steal.  It has a nice look to it and the taste is nice; smoother than smoking for sure.  

Cons: It is somewhat difficult to use at first and works best with zippo-type lighters, but these types of lighters leave a strange taste.  Some of the marijuana still burns, so it is not as high quality vapor as from other vaporizers, but you get what you pay for.

Heating Method: Convection.  The heat is brought in by a lighter through a ceramic filter.  The ceramic filter is made from high purity silicon carbide.  The result is a surprisingly good heat distribution that is truly convection-based, rather than conduction based as I had originally imagined.  A closeup of the ceramic filter is shown to the right.

Airflow: Passive. The flow of air is provided by your lungs, but with such a compact design that's all you could really expect.  The design is very similar to a pipe, so the actually act of providing the airflow is very similar.  The Vapor Genie seems to offer more resistance than inhaling from a pipe, which is a little annoying, but is okay after some getting used to.

Price: $50-$70. I found it at a head shop for $70, but it's available for $55-$60 at most places online.

Taste: 6/10. I was surprised by the taste from this vaporizer.  I was expecting it to simply be a glorified wooden pipe, but it actually tastes like a good middle-ground between vaporized marijuana and smoked marijuana.  Certainly better than the vapor produced from conduction vaporizers, but not quite as nice as the Volcano.  I would estimate what you inhale is about 20%-30% or so smoke, and it can be a little rough, but not as bad as pure smoke.  

Style: 8/10. This vaporizing pipe gets some brownie points for style.  The manufacturer's website says that they are handmade in Virginia from solid Ash, with no glues, adhesives, or any toxic materials.  The varnished hardwood gives it a fine wooden feel and reminds me of the pipes my grandfather used to smoke.  Because of the vaporization apparatus, it's a little awkwardly shaped, but I wouldn't hold that against it.

Use:  6/10. Setting up the pipe is only marginally more difficult than packing a traditional bowl.  You simply have to unscrew the top part that contains the ceramic heat filter and place some finely ground marijuana inside the metal bowl part.  The top then screws back on and you can begin using the pipe.  Use is similar to smoking a regular pipe, except you will find that you have to inhale much more slowly and calmly or else you just get a mouthful of butane.  The lighter needs to be held near to the ceramic filter, but not too close.  It takes some finesse, but once you get a handle on it, it's not bad.

Wait Time: 10/10. Well I had to give it a perfect score on this one, because there is virtually no wait time.  You simply light and inhale and you get instant satisfaction. 

Efficiency: 5/10. The efficiency is similar to that of using a regular pipe. The leftovers are pretty dark, but still brown and not black like with the glass-dome vaporizers.  I haven't tried it, but I would assume you could cook with the leftovers or extract some THC using a tincture.  

Experience: 6/10. It's certainly not the same high you get from high end vaporizers, but it's by no means unpleasant.  Again, similar to smoking, with a more relaxing, less intoxicating feel.  I've only ever used high quality marijuana with this vaporizer, so I am unsure how it responds to mids.

Portability: 9/10. Very portable indeed.  There is only one piece and it doesn't need plugged in and it doesn't take batteries.  It's slightly larger than your everyday pipe, but not by much and fits in your coat pocket easily and discretely.

Group Use: 6/10. It can be passed around a circle just like any other pipe, but first-time users of the Vapor Genie sometimes have trouble getting a good hit.  It doesn't run out quickly or anything, but because of the learning curve, I give it a 6.

Conclusion: I enjoy using this pipe, and for the price, it is an easy way to get into vaporizing.  It isn't like the more expensive vaporization systems, but then again, it's not trying to be.  It's a clever product and they do a pretty good job with it.  You can get them at head shops, but in my experience, they tend to be overpriced.  Vaporizer Genie also has them for $55.  The manufacturer also has a website where they offer other versions of the Vapor Genie as well. Overall, I'd recommend it as a unique gift for a stoner friend rather than a personal investment.

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