Vape Pen vs. Wax Pen - What's the Difference?

Wax pens and vape pens aren’t “tomayto, tomahto” like they’re often treated. In fact, they’re different in quite a few ways, including the thc material they vaporize, how they’re made and how they’re used. So, what is a dab pen vs a vape pen? Why is it important to know the difference? Well, if you go into a smoke shop and ask for a wax pen and you have a wax pen cartridge you want to use, they might not bring back what you expected. Think about it this way: all wax pens are vape pens, but not all vape pens are wax pens… and then some are both. Let’s break it down. 

All wax pens are technically vape pens because of the literal vaporization that occurs to the material in the device. Dab vape pens include a heating coil and atomizer to vaporize the thicker consistency of wax. The heating coil is responsible for carrying out the first step of vaporization in your device. It converts the power from the battery into heat, which vaporizes the wax in the atomizer. The atomizer is necessary only for dab vape pens, since this is where the wax or concentrate is loaded before reattaching it to the battery.

Preparation with a wax vape pen is a bit more of a process than the one for concentrates. This makes dab pens great for the hands-on stoner who prefers raw material and finds the entire smoking process meditative. First, use a dabbing tool to take a bit of wax out of the container and into the atomizer. The dabbing tool should be a heat-resistant and non-stick material so it’s easy to slide your wax off it.

Concentrates are known for being tricky to pick up and handle neatly. This has been a pet peeve of ours for years, so we created the Ooze Hot Knife! This is a medical-grade ceramic dab tip that screws right onto the top of your Ooze pen. The tip heats up so no wax will stick to the tool, it all slides cleanly off into the banger.

The top of the atomizer may have to be removed to access the coil. Then, reattach the atomizer, and dab away!  

Our glass Globe attachments are perfect for easily loading your wax, and they can even transform your regular vape pen into a functional dab vape pen. Simply add your wax and swap out your pre-filled oil cartridge for the Globe for a mobile dab. This is because the Globes include two types of coils, allowing them to vaporize the stickiest wax.

Vape pens are a simple battery device on which to attach a 510 thread, pre-filled oil cartridge. These are often single-use cartridges that you can buy from the dispensary already loaded with cannabis oil. This oil is extracted from the cannabis plant and often consists of a range of cannabinoids and terpenes for flavor. Most pre-filled oil cartridges on the market are “510 thread.” This refers to the way it physically connects to your vape battery, and most vape pens are made to be compatible with 510 thread cartridges. 

Understanding the nuances between vape pens and wax pens is crucial for selecting the right device for your needs. To complement this knowledge, dive into our extensive 510 thread battery, where you'll find versatile options that cater to both types of pens, ensuring a perfect match for any preference.

Unlike dab vape pens, batteries designed for oil don’t include a heating coil, making it a closed system perfect for loading external oil cartridges or even ceramic coils onto. The cartridge screws onto the heating chamber of the battery (the pen itself) that vaporizes the THC oils. These devices are great for the smoker who wants to consume cannabis in the most convenient and clean way possible. They’re super easy to use– all you need to do is connect your pre filled THC cartridge and click a button. Plus, you never touch the actual material.

Some of our favorite vape pens are the Slim Twist Vape Pen and the brand new, square-shaped Quad battery, both of which are compatible with all 510 thread cartridges, feature a preheat option and different temperature options. If you already know what voltage you like, our 650, 900 and 1100 batteries are an even simpler option. With great battery life and durable heating elements, all Ooze vape batteries make an excellent addition to your smoking circle!

As the cannabis industry continues to quickly evolve, it’s not a bad idea to invest in a device that can be used for both cartridges and raw concentrates. Not to mention, your own preferences might change over time. Our Duplex Dual Extract Vaporizer and the Ooze Duplex Pro is a vape battery device that can be used for 510 threaded pre-filled THC cartridges and includes a coil and atomizer for wax.

Our other favorite hybrid vaping device is our newly-redesigned Fusion, which includes three different coil styles, so you can select which setting is best for the material you’re vaping. Just attach either your atomizer (loaded with a fat dab) or your pre-filled oil cartridge. If you’re opting for wax, make sure to attach the coil first before the mouthpiece top. For oil, forget about the coil and mouthpiece, just attach your cartridge to the battery. We just added new colors to the lineup, so you can mix and match your Fusion attachments with even more options.

No matter your smoking style, there’s a vape pen to fit. Whether you like to mix it up between dabs and oil, or just stick with one, invest in something that will make your day a little easier—and more fun!

Now that you know which device to use, check out how to adjust the temperature settings that best fit your cannabis material of choice.