Dabs, or the sticky, concentrated form of cannabis, is a modern-day weed delicacy everyone wants. It’s like the caviar of the cannabis world, and the dab rig is the necessary golden caviar spoon that completes the experience. 

Because dabbing is all about preserving the flavor and delicate aroma of the concentrated cannabis flower, the dab rig you choose matters quite a bit. Before we can dive into helping you choose the best dab rig for you, let’s go over the basics.

Products Selected:

  • Best Dab Rig (Electric)
    • Puffco Peak 
    • Dr. Dabber Boost Evo
    • KandyPens Oura Vaporizer
  • Best Nectar Collector
    • HUMANSUCKS Stinger Electric Nectar Collector
  • Best Dab Rig (Glass)
    • 8″ Straight Fab Dab Rig
    • Recycler Dab Rig Diffused Downstem
  • Best Dab Rig (Mini)
    • Big Face Mini Rig 4-Piece Kit
    • MJ Arsenal Infinity Mini Rig 
    • Evolution Dust Devil Sidecar Hybrid Dab Rig
    • Pulsar Atomic Nucleus Unique Scientific Dab Rig

What is a Dab Rig?

What is a Dab Rig?

Dab rigs are a vaporization device explicitly used for cannabis concentrates, otherwise known as dabs. The most basic dab rigs have only a nail and chamber connected to a mouthpiece. The nail is heated, you place cannabis concentrate on top, and it is immediately vaporized and can be inhaled through the mouthpiece.

However, modern dab rigs have many different accessories and gadgets that stabilize the temperature, control the airflow, protect the flavor, and help customize the dabbing experience. In other words, there are hundreds, even thousands of different dab rigs to choose from, each with its unique quirks and benefits that may appeal to your preference. 

Here, we’ll cover all the quirks and necessities, from the difference between e-rigs and glass rigs to nails, bangers, reclaim catchers, and more. Here’s what you need to know about the best dab rigs of 2022.

The Best Dab Rig (Electric)

Puffco Peak Smart Electric Dab Rig

Puffco Peak Vaporizer - Best Electric Dab Rig

Puffco has made a name for itself in the world of Electric Dab Rigs, and the Puffco Peak Dab Rig makes it easy to understand why. The Best Electric Dab Rig (and overall, best dab rig), a desktop vaporizer, charges up in about two hours and lasts for around 30 sessions. The electric dab rig heats evenly in only 20 seconds and has four different temperature settings to choose from, plus it adjusts the heating time based on the temperature of the nail each time.

As a bonus, the “smart rig” has a surprisingly simple build that makes it easy to clean (just the bubbler and the base) and is only 7 inches tall, so it makes an excellent portable dab rig option. 

Specs:

  • Borosilicate Glass Build
  • Haptic Vibration Technology
  • Intelligent Temperature Calibration
  • LED Light Band
  • Rugged Construction and Silicone Base
  • Water Filtration System

Brand: Puffco | Price: $299.50 | Material: Borosilicate Glass | Color Choices: 1

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Dr. Dabber Boost Evo

Dr. Dabber Boost Evo - Best Electric Dab Rigs

A close second on the list of best dab rigs, the Dr. Dabber Boost EVO features a patent-pending temperature control sensor that’s designed to help you achieve the perfect dab every single time. Enjoy six different heat settings, an 11-second heating period, interchangeable glass parts, included quartz banger, and lengthy battery life. The Boost Evo is available in Moon White and Eclipse Black. 

Specs:

  • Revolutionary Magnetic Quartz Atomizer with built-in temperature sensor
  • Enhanced ergonomics with grip pads
  • Five RGB light modes plus Stealth Mode for discrete dabbing
  • Up to 60 hits on a single charge
  • Pass through USB-C charging
  • Auto shutoff after 15 minutes
  • Durable and protective carrying case included
  • 1 Year Warranty

Brand: Dr. Dabber | Price: $329.95 | Color Choices: 1

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KandyPens Oura Vaporizer

KandyPens Oura Vaporizer

KandyPens brings the most innovative dabbing technology into play with the Oura Vaporizer. This electric dab rig is powered by a 3000mAh battery that charges to 100% in under an hour via USB-C. Plus, the buttonless device is designed to be super simple to use.

Specs:

  • Portable & Buttonless Design
  • Durable Zinc Alloy Shell
  • Handmade Glass
  • 3000mAh Battery
  • Smart Touch Sensor
  • 4 Temperature Settings
  • Quartz Atomizer
  • Ceramic Bowl Insert
  • USB-C Fast Charging
  • Haptic Vibration Technology

Brand: KandyPens | Price: $199.50 | Material: Zinc Alloy and Glass | Color Choices: 2

20% Off Code: K2C20

The Best Nectar Collectors

Human Sucks STINGER Electric Nectar Collector Kit

Inhalco Stinger Electric Nectar Collector

The STINGER Electric Nectar Collector is an effortless dabbing tool that features single-button control and automated heating. The portable nectar collector features a 2,000 mAh battery that charges in only two hours and lasts for up to 60 dabs. The rig has four temperature settings and heats in only five seconds, making it one of the most sophisticated and convenient portable dabbing tools on the market.

To customize this dabbing experience, even more, attach the included glass bubbler attachment for cool, water-filtered vapor with no splashback. 

Specs:

  • Battery: 2000mAh
  • 2-Hour Fast Charge Time
  • 60-Session Average Battery Life
  • 5-second Heat Up Time
  • 4 Pre-programmed Heat Settings
  • USB-C Charging Connection
  • Includes USB Cable, Wax Tool, Dab Container, and Extra Heating Tip

Brand: HUMAN SUCKS | Price: $159.50 | Color Choices: 1

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The Best Glass Dab Rigs

8″ Straight Fab Dab Rig

Best Glass Dab Rigs

This 8″ rig is the epitome of classic glass dab rigs. The simple, effective design makes it easy to use and clean. It’s available in a handful of accent colors, like green, blue, or purple, and includes a built-in Seed Of Life percolator to cool the vapor as you toke.

Everything you need to get started is here for regular bud, but pair it with a reclaim catcher for the perfect dabbing experience.

Specs

  • Durable borosilicate glass
  • Includes a classic quartz banger
  • 14mm female joint
  • Compatible with multiple aftermarket parts

Brand: Inhalco | Price: $99.98 | Material: Glass | Color Choices: 7

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Recycler Dab Rig Diffused Downstem

Glass Dab Rig Recycler

This Recycler Dab Rig features the heavily sought-after double-chamber engineering designed to provide cool, flavorful hits beyond comparison. The water rig features a sturdy beaker-style base and sits at a medium 12″ tall, so it’s perfect for at-home use. Although the design is classic, the intricate glasswork is still incredibly eye-catching, making this an ideal tabletop dabbing accessory. Make sure to pair it with a banger and reclaim catcher, and you’ll be all set. 

Specs:

  • 14mm Female Joint
  • Swiss Percolator
  • High-Quality Pinholes Glass
  • Includes 14mm Glass Bowl 

Brand: Inhalco | Price: $105.98 | Material: Glass | Color Choices: 1

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The Best Dab Rigs (Mini)

Big Face Mini Rig 4-Piece Kit

Best Mini Dab Rig

This Mini Dab Rig sits at just 4.5″ tall but leaves plenty of room for its playful “Big Face” design. The glasswork features boldly colored smiley faces that are sure to catch your eye. The dab rig itself is simple and features a basic water-filtration system for a bit of vapor-cooling power. As masters of the art of smoking, Goody had made tons of the best dab rigs and kits. 

Specs:

  • Height: 4.5″ 
  • 1 X Goody Glass Mini Rig
  • 1 X 10MM Quartz Banger
  • 1 X Bubble Carb Cap
  • 1 X Mini Dab Tool

Brand: Inhalco | Price: $69.99 | Material: Glass | Color Choices: 1

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MJ Arsenal Infinity Mini Rig

Best Mini Dab rig

The MJ Arsenal Infinity Mini Rig™ is a compact, portable dab rig that’s ready to go whenever you are. Its little size makes it ideal for dabbing on the go, but don’t mistake its size for lack of power—this little rig is built for lasting performance. This portable mini rig is made from durable borosilicate glass that combines fab-egg percolation and a double uptake recycler for smooth, flavorful vapor. 

Specs:

  • Handcrafted Borosilicate Glass
  • Fab-Egg Functionality
  • Double Uptake Recycler
  • Travel-Ready Design
  • Base-Connected Percolator
  • 10 mm Connection

Brand: Inhalco | Price: $69.00 | Material: Glass | Color Choices: 7

20% Off Code: K2C20

Evolution Dust Devil Sidecar Hybrid Dab Rig

Dust Devil Sidecar Hybrid Dab Rig

This Evolution Dust Devil Sidecar Rig is a hybrid rig that’s perfectly portable and includes all the bells and whistles you need to customize your dabbing experience. Check out its built-in, slitted percolator and various dabbing accessories, including a quartz nail, quartz banger, and glass bowl. The “side-car” style mouthpiece offers an extra cooling layer for a smooth, efficient cloud output. 

Specs:

  • 7 Inches Tall
  • Available in Several Colors
  • Flared Mouthpiece
  • For Use with Herbs or Concentrates
  • Includes a variety of Accessories

Brand: Evolution | Price: $199.98 | Material: Glass | Color Choices: 1

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Pulsar Atomic Nucleus Unique Scientific Dab Rig

"Atomic Nucleus" Unique Scientific Dab Rig

Pulsar’s Mini Aerospace Atomic Nucleus Oil Rig features a unique geometric, triangular design that sits on a sturdy base and includes a simple downstem filtration system. The 6″ rig has a serious mad-scientist-appeal and comes with a pure quartz banger to offer the most flavorful dabbing experience possible.

Because of its small size and durable build, this Pulsar rig makes an excellent portable dab rig and serves as an eye-catching centerpiece for your dab rig collection.

Specs:

  • 45 Degree Female Joint
  • Borosilicate Glass
  • Fixed Downstem
  • Includes Quartz Banger

Brand: Pulsar | Price: $99.50 | Material: Borosilicate Glass | Color Choices: 1

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Types of Dab Rigs / Materials 

Dab rigs can be made from multiple different types of materials. There’s no one best dab rig construction, but the material affects durability, flavor output, temperature resistance, and price. The most popular types of dab rigs include:

Electric Dab Rig

Electric dab rigs, otherwise known as “e-rigs,” are becoming increasingly popular because of their convenience. Because they are electrically heated, there’s no need for a torch. Typically, the device uses quartz or ceramic nails heated by an external power supply. They also heat consistently and have effortless temperature control, which better preserves the flavor of the dab.

However, electric dab rigs are generally more pricey than other rigs and do require an electricity source, so keep in mind that they’re not always best for dabbing on the go.

Glass Dab Rig

Glass dab rigs offer the widest variety of shape and size options. They’re generally made from borosilicate glass, a sturdy form of glass that tolerates high temperatures. Most glass dab rigs are compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories, are known for preserving the flavor of cannabis concentrate, and can offer a wide temperature range. Glass rigs will need to be cleaned regularly. 

Silicone Dab Rig

Silicone dab rigs are often more affordable, and they’re typically chosen by those looking for a portable, cheap dab rig that’s easy to clean. Many silicone dab rigs are advertised as “dishwasher safe” and even compatible with aftermarket accessories. You do sacrifice a bit of flavor and efficiency with a silicone rig, but you do get increased durability with plenty of different color and style options.

Tools you Need for The Best Dabbing Experience

Aside from your rig, you’ll need a few more items to complete your dabbing experience. Some things are crucial, while others are highly recommended. Here’s what we suggest:

Torch

If you aren’t using an electric rig, you’ll need a torch to heat your dab nail. Typically, this is a refillable butane torch. They come in all different sizes, and some have multiple flame jets, although one is usually enough for most dab nails.

Dabs

You’ll need some form of concentrate to use with your dab rig. There are many different types of dabs, ranging from soft wax and sap to dense shatter and crumble. The kind of cannabis concentrate you choose will slightly impact the user experience, but the concept is the same. The best form of dabs is based on your preference. And hey, did you know you can even dab Delta-8?

Carb Cap

A carb cap is used to cover your heated nail after you apply your dab to trap heat, increase convection, and control airflow. You can dab without a carb cap, but using one is essential to an optimal, low-temp dabbing experience and helps you get more out of your concentrate material.

Reclaim Catcher

A reclaim catcher can either come built into a rig or bought as an aftermarket part. Generally, it houses the banger, and its primary purpose is to catch reclaim or the resin that would otherwise coat the inside of your rig.

Reclaim catchers are useful because they collect concentrate material that would otherwise be wasted for later use. As a bonus, they help keep your rig clean and clog-free, which improves the overall flavor and user experience.

Quartz Banger

A Quartz banger is a type of dab nail in the form of a dish that holds the concentrate material. While quartz is not the only kind of banger you can find, it is a popular choice because it is sturdier than glass, easier to clean than titanium, and heats evenly.

Cleaning Tools

It’s not always necessary to buy any special tools for cleaning your rig (unless it has plenty of intricate, hard-to-reach parts). Still, you’ll probably want to keep cotton swabs, rubbing alcohol, and maybe a microfiber rag on hand to regularly maintenance your rig. Cleaning it regularly is way easier than trying to clean it after you’ve let it gunk up for weeks or months, and a dirty rig will underperform a regularly-cleaned rig every time.

Tips to Buy a Dab Rig Online

Tips for Beginners

We suggest prioritizing usability and durability over expensive quirks if you’re new to dabbing. It may be tempting to grab one of the flashy dab rigs designed for pro-level dabbers, but you’ll find that even some cheap dab rigs provide excellent flavor and vapor output. Start with a simple dab rig because your dabbing preference will likely evolve as you get more comfortable with the process, and then you can invest in another dab rig later that better meets your specific needs.

  • Look for inexpensive glass rigs with quartz bangers for the most cost-effective, flavorful dab experience. You can find quality, durable rigs for around $100 or less.
  • Choose a simple piece so that it’s easy to keep clean.
  • Invest in a reclaim catcher to help conserve concentrate material and keep your rig free of resin.
  • Some rigs may come with several interchangeable nails, which is a great way to get a feel for the available options.

Tips for Experts

If you’re further along in your dabbing journey, you likely have some preferences in mind. To choose the best dab rig for you, prioritize what’s most important to you, be it filtration, size, portability, and go from there. If you’re upgrading to an electric dab rig, pay attention to temperature settings and battery life, as those things heavily impact the user experience for frequent, experienced dabbers.

  • If you know what you want out of your dabbing experience, consider investing in a rig that meets your needs. It may cost a little more upfront, but a nice rig is sure to please for years and years to come.
  • If you invest in craft pieces or e-rigs, check if any special cleaning tools come with it. Having the proper tools to maintain your rig regularly will help keep it in tip-top shape.

Portable or at Home?

When buying a dab rig, you want to consider whether you plan on using your rig on the go or at home. Both traditional rigs and e-rigs can be used on the go, but you’ll need to keep in mind that you have to have a power source for your e-rig unless it has long battery life. 

Glass dab rigs are typically not chosen as portable dab rigs because they are fragile and easier to break, but some mini glass rigs are glass and make an excellent option for portability. Silicone dab rigs are incredibly portable because they are both lightweight and durable. If you plan only to use your dab rig at home, you may choose from a broader range of designs since size and durability are not as much of an obstacle.

How to Clean a Dab Rig

Some dab rigs, like silicone rigs, are particularly easy to clean. Some silicone rigs are even dishwasher safe, and almost all of them can be wiped out with a disposable towel or microfiber rag. 

A glass dab rig may be a bit more challenging to clean. Some people heat their rig while holding it upside down to allow any resin to drip out. You may also find that boiling certain accessories can help remove any concentrate residue. 

Typically, though, a cotton swab or paper towel and rubbing alcohol are needed to clean a glass rig thoroughly. You may want to invest in a special cleaning brush to help you clean more intricate pieces. After swabbing with alcohol, allow the rig to dry entirely and wipe again with a dry cloth. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How to use a dab rig?

The way that you’ll use a dab rig depends on the type of rig that you buy, particularly whether you have an electric rig or a traditional rig. 

For an electric dab rig, there is typically a button or an on/off switch that controls the heating of the nail. You’ll need to use a torch to heat the nail to your desired temperature for traditional dab rigs.

Once the nail is heated, you place a small amount of concentrate material on the heated nail using a dab tool. The concentrate will immediately vaporize, and you can pull the vapor through the rig to the mouthpiece to inhale. If you have a carb cap, this is when you place it over your nail to increase convection as you inhale. Sometimes, you can get multiple dabs off of one heating session, but you may need to heat your nail again in between dabs.

What’s the best temperature for dabbing?

Dabbing temperatures range from around 315°F to upwards of 700° F. Many people argue that low temp dabbing is the best way to preserve the flavor of cannabis terpenes, so the most common vaping temp is between 315°F and 450°F. Higher temperatures may have less flavor but a higher cloud output.

How to smoke dabs without a rig?

If you don’t love the idea of a bulky dab rig but still want to enjoy cannabis concentrates, we recommend looking at the many different vape pen options available. Vaporizers come in many varieties and may work with concentrate, raw flower, or concentrated vape oils. The Dr. Dabber Stella Vaporizer is an excellent option for vaping, concentrates on the go, and provides an experience similar to an electric dab rig. Or grab a pre-filled vape cart and a simple vape battery, like the VERB 510 Battery with pre-heat function and magnetic lid, to vape your concentrates on the go.

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