Electric Dab Rigs

Electric Dab Rigs: What is an E-Rig?

Electric dab rigs are usually called "E-rigs or E-dab rigs." They are advanced battery-powered vaporizers. They have a ceramic or quartz heating coil and a glass bubbler. They do not need a butane torch or external heat source and use electricity.

Electric rigs can have borosilicate glass percolators and offer functionality similar to glass dab bongs but are more portable and efficient.

We've come a long way since traditional dab rigs and quartz bangers, and while many enjoy the pure glass and torch experience, it has its drawbacks. This new generation of electronic-powered devices allows for dabbing without any flames, making dabbing on the go more convenient. Erigs are similar to wax rigs, with a heating chamber to put your concentrates and a water bubbler to filter the vapor.

420Buy.com has four E dab rigs: the LOOKAH Unicorn, Unicorn Mini, Dragon Egg, and Dinosaur.

The Dragon Egg is the most popular device among LOOKAH consumers. The smaller form and durable plastic water chamber make it ideal for dabs on the go.

LOOKAH launched The Dinosaur Electric wax rig in April 2024. This combines LOOKAH's panache for cool glass with the convenience of electric dabs.

Electric Dabbing Rig Benefits

Portable: Electric dab rigs are much smaller than traditional dab rigs. This makes them a portable option for dabbers who enjoy water filtration.

Effective atomization: Dab e-rigs are more potent than wax pens. They offer the whole wax experience that comes with water filtration. The larger atomizer coil heats and vaporizes the cannabis concentrate more effectively than wax pens.

Stable Heating: The best electric wax rig makes it easy to control the temperature, providing stable atomization. You can also adjust the heating voltage to suit your preferences.

Not only are e-rigs handier, but they are also cleaner and easier to use than standard dab pipes. The main benefits are the compact size and smart features like an LED control panel, which make them user-friendly, even for a first-time dabber.

Electric Dab Rig Evolution

E-dabbers have changed a lot since the first devices. Early electric dab bongs were little more than a wax pen with a bubbler attachment.

In 2018, Puffco revolutionized the erig market with the Peak device. The Peak was the first fully integrated Erig that defined the electric dab market.

The Peak bubbler, battery, and atomizer are all seamlessly integrated. This setup had the atomizer core on the outside, making it visually appealing and highly portable. The Puffco Peak Pro is the most recognized erig. It is the device against which others are ranked.

Following its success, many vaping manufacturers launched similar products. These mimicked the style and function but with only slight changes.

In 2020, LOOKAH launched a new electric dabbing device called the Unicorn. The Unicorn was the first erig that placed the atomizer inside the device.

The innovative design shortens the air path, allowing the vapor to go directly into the glass percolator. It also removes the need for a dedicated carb cap.

This design saves wax and makes cleaning easier. LOOKAH also designed a smaller version, the Unicorn Mini. The two products have been well-received and are popular among dabbing enthusiasts.

In 2022, LOOKAH refined the third form of its e-rig, named the "Dragon Egg."

The Dragon Egg is different from the previous dab vaporizer. One of its standout features is the unique placement of the filter system. The filter is at the bottom, and the atomizer part is at the top, making the product more compact.

What's great about this design is that the filter system is easily detachable, making it a breeze to clean. No wonder this product became an instant hit in the market upon its launch!

In 2024, LOOKAH defined a fourth generation of electric wax bongs, the Seahorse Queen.

This integrates the electric nectar collector with the e-dab rig. LOOKAH has also upgraded the design of the electric dab bong and launched the first animal-shaped dab e-rig, the Dinosaur.

How Do you Use an E-Rig?

If you are familiar with using a wax pipe, you will intuitively know how to use an e-rig.

First, turn the device on with the power button.

If the e-rig features a digital display, you can fine-tune your temperature settings to the individual degree. Other e-rigs will feature pre-set temperatures from the manufacturer.

Once the temperature is set, drop your extract into the bucket-like coil using a dab tool.

Press the power button to begin heating your coil. After a few seconds, the extract will start to vaporize, and you can begin drawing from the bubbler while capping the atomizer with the carb hole. 

How Do you Clean an E-Rig?

Cleaning an erig is similar to cleaning your wax vapes. The coils and bubblers can usually be detached.

Parts like bubblers can be soaked in a cleaning solution or alcohol. The airway path between the bubbler and the atomizer can be cleaned with a pipe cleaner and a little isopropyl alcohol.

You can clean bucket and coil atomizers by soaking them in alcohol and allowing drying time. Once clean, coils can be dry-fired while empty to ensure no leftover cleaning residue remains.

What's the Difference Between an E-Rig and an E-Nail?

While the terms are relatively interchangeable, an e-rig refers to a device that provides the entire water pipe experience, including a bubbler, base, and atomizer. The Unicorn is an example of an e-rig.

An e-nail, on the other hand, can refer to just the heating element itself. On a standard rig, it is known as the "nail."

E-nails typically don't include a glass bubbler and are meant to be incorporated with an existing glass piece. The LOOKAH Q7 is an example of an e-nail.

What Temperature Do I Set My Electric Rig?

E Rigs will have either pre-set temperatures or direct temperature control. This allows you to set the temperature to the desired range.

Generally, lower temperatures result in better flavor, while higher temperatures result in more significant clouds but with less flavor.

Lower temperatures result in more draws and a longer overall session. If you want to take larger draws and use more wax, you will want to use higher temperatures.

Why Choose an E-Rig Over a Wax Pen?

If you have previously consumed wax using a traditional water pipe, you might prefer an e-rig over a wax pen. They provide a high-quality dabbing experience. You can place the concentrates in a heated chamber while enjoying water filtration.

They also tend to have larger batteries that need to be charged less frequently. Many now have USB-C charging for quicker recharging. Their atomizers are also more robust and easier to clean.

How Much Water Do You Put in the Bubbler on an E-Rig?

When filling a water bubbler on an e-rig, always remove the glass first. Fill the bubbler with water just above the air holes. Too much water will cause splashback, while too little water will result in less optimal filtration and harsh hits.