-Do you sell replacement filters and/or tops?

Yes, please see the tops, soot and filters page here.

-How do VaporGenie Pipes work?

VaporGenie pipes use a totally new concept to provide the ‘sweet-spot’ vaporization temperatures of 225-375 degrees.

The secret to VaporGenie pipes is the patented flame filter. The flame filter is located above your smoking blend (between the bowl and flame). In the classic pipes for example, the flame filter is located within the spherical wood top. The flame filter mixes heat from the flame with cold, ambient air.

The flame filter is specially designed to mix the flame and cool air and provide vaporization temperatures of about 225-375 degrees.

The flame filter is also specially designed to withstand the flame heat for many years. It is made of high-purity silicon carbide, an extremely durable and nontoxic ceramic.

-What is that metal wire under the screen?

That metal wire (or coil) is there to hold up the screen. Holding up the screen encourages uniform airflow over the entire surface of the screen, and this helps create uniform heating and vaporization. The wire can be removed and replaced with pliers.

-How do I remove the screen?

You pull it out, or unscrew/twist it. Use tweezers or a needle or something. We have no specific instructions on how to do this. Use your common sense. It’s easy.

-How is the VaporGenie pipe used?

The VaporGenie vaporizing pipe is used in a manner very similar to a conventional pipe, that’s what makes it so easy to use:

• Load your VG with a loose smoking blend
• Screw the flame filter onto the pipe.
• Inhale while supplying flame to the flame filter (We recommend using an electronic ignition butane lighter or Hempwick instead of a conventional ‘flint’ lighter because ‘flint’ lighters produce toxic ‘flint’ dust. More on that here ). You control the exact temperature by adjusting the amount of flame applied and the speed of inhalation. Don’t touch the flame to the ceramic filter.

Pay attention to the inhaled flavors and heat to know the temperature; then adjust the flame application accordingly for a perfect vaporization.

-What is Vaporization?

All plant matter contain oils, flavors and other desired compounds. Examples include nicotine and terpenes in plants such as mint. Vaporization is the process of heating these compounds to convert them to vapor so they can be inhaled. It’s the same thing as boiling. Typically, these desirable compounds boil at about 225-375 degrees Fahrenheit.

In conventional combustion smoking, the aromatherapy blends are burned and the heat from burning vaporizes the flavor compounds. But burning also creates toxic tar and carcinogens. The byproducts of burning are the most dangerous chemicals found in smoke. Fortunately, these byproducts are only created at temperatures above about 450 degrees Fahrenheit. So, if aromatherapy blends are heated to about 225-375 F, but no hotter, the desirable compounds are released, and the dangerous byproducts of burning are never created. That’s vaporization. Vaporization is tastier and more pleasant than conventional smoking.

-Isn’t it dangerous to inhale lighter exhaust?

Completely burning butane produces essentially only carbon dioxide and water vapor, which are harmless. Other compounds are created in trace amounts (partially combusted hydrocarbons, NOx, etc). Lighter exhaust is invisible, which is an indication that it contains little soot. Butane lighters burn quite clean, provided that the flame is undisturbed (i.e. not flickering or touching the filter). A flickering flame, or a flame that is touching the sides of the intake will produce undesirable unburned hydrocarbons. Consequently, technique affects the cleanliness of the vapor. However, even sloppy use of the VaporGenie will not produce nearly as much toxic material as found in smoke. Lighter exhaust is a LOT cleaner than a regular pipe, and that is very apparent once you try the VaporGenie.

There will necessarily be some toxic material in the lighter exhaust, however. We believe that more toxins and weird chemicals are released from the plant matter being vaporized (compared to the lighter exhaust), especially if it is overheated. Even in electric vaporizers, there is some tar and toxic chemical production. It is impossible to completely eliminate exposure. Always remember that you get the cleanest vapor when the flame is not disturbed, flickering or touching anything. You don’t want the flame to flicker or touch the filter or sides of the pipe.

We have found that some people (perhaps 10-15%) appear to be especially sensitive to butane lighter exhaust. For these people, we strongly recommend the Ital Hempwick lighter, which we sell (see the lighters products page). The Ital Hempwick is made of organic hemp twine saturated with beeswax. The exhaust from the Ital Hempwick has a pleasant beeswax flavor.

-What are grinders made of?

The grinders we sell are made of aluminum.

-How do I know when my herbal blend is done / useless and when to dump it?

Generally, your herbal blend is used up when it begins to darken or turn black. However, it is matter of personal preference when to discard. Some people enjoy slightly charred material, and some people only like fresh material.

-Can the VaporGenie be used as a regular combustion pipe?

NO! DO NOT do this! Using the bottom portion of the VaporGenie pipe as a combustion pipe will ruin it for use as a vaporizer. It will forever taste like terrible tar and burned popcorn. Don’t do it. If you do, you will quickly understand why the VaporGenie pipe and vaporizing are so great and why combustion smoking is so awful. Also, using a handcarved VG as a combustion pipe can damage the pipe and cause the stainless steel bowl to come loose. This damage is NOT covered by our warranty.