Complete Guide to Dab Pens: How to Use and Clean?

If you’re looking to vape concentrates but don’t want a bulky dab rig, then the dab pen is one of the most convenient and effective ways to do it.

Dab pens have revolutionized the way cannabis enthusiasts enjoy concentrates, offering a portable, discreet, and user-friendly way to vaporize your dabs on the go.

But if you’re new to dabbing, then dab pen may make you feel unfamiliar and confused.

This article explores everything you need to know about wax dab pens, what are they, how to use and clean them, and whether one is worth adding to your arsenal.

What is a Dab Pen?

A dab pen is a compact, battery-operated vaporizer specifically designed for consuming cannabis concentrates.

These pens are a quick, easy, and portable way to enjoy potent THC hits while on the go!

They all use a coil or atomizer where you place your dab, which heats up and vaporizes your concentrates for you to inhale.

Most dab pens activate with a simple button press, with premium models offering adjustable temperature settings for customized vaping experiences.

The Anatomy of a Dab Pen

A typical dab pen consists of several key components:

1. Battery

The battery powers the entire vaping device, supplying the energy to heat the atomizer. To charge, some vape pen batteries use USB-C or micro-USB. Others have proprietary chargers that only fit their brand.

2. Atomizer or Coil

The heating chamber, also called the atomizer, holds your concentrate. Inside, you will find a rod coil or a flat heating plate.

Coils are often made from ceramic, quartz, or titanium. Each material has unique benefits to offer. For example, ceramic gives smooth vapor, quartz heats fast, while titanium is durable.

3. Mouthpiece

The mouthpiece allows you to inhale vapor once the dab has been heated up. Most are detachable, so you can clean them regularly.

4. Fire Button

Fire Button let you turn on/off the device, choose heat levels for better flavor or stronger effects.

There is also a LED indicator light or Digital screen to show heat settings or battery life.

How to Use a Dab Pen?

The following are the steps to follow when using a dab pen:

Step 1: Open the cap to expose the heating chamber or atomizer.

Step 2: Use a dab tool to place a small amount of your chosen concentrate into the pen's chamber. Put the cap back into place.

Be careful not to overfill, as this can lead to leakage and inefficient vaporization.

Step 3: Turn on your dab pen by pressing the power button several times quickly—usually five.

Step 4: Many dab pens allow you to adjust the temperature to control the intensity of your dabbing experience.

You may need to push the button several times rapidly—usually two or three.

Step 5: Press and hold the button while inhaling from the mouthpiece. Inhale in a slow, steady manner.

Release the button after inhaling, and wait a few seconds before your next puff to let the coil cool slightly.

Step 6: After your session, Turn off the device by pressing the power button several times quickly—usually five.

Pro Tip: Make sure the battery is fully charged before you use your dab pen. Most dab pens can be charged with a USB-C cable attached to a wall charger or some other device.

Start with a lower temperature setting if you're new to vaping, and gradually increase it to find your preferred vaporization temperature.

How to Clean a Dab Pen?

Concentrate residue can build up quickly, especially in smaller dab pes. Regular cleaning keeps your dab pen working longer and ensures clean, flavorful vapor.

Clean after each session: Use a a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to wipe the chamber after each session to prevent buildup and bacterial growth.

You can also turn on and set your dab pen to the highest temperature. This will allow the heating elements to burn off any sticky residue.

Deep Clean after several use: Disassemble the dab pen, remove the atomizer, mouthpiece and other detachable parts from the device.

Soak the coil and other non-plastic parts in 90%+ isopropyl alcohol for 30 minutes, scrub with a brush, rinse with clean water, and dry completely before reassembling.

How to Choose the Right Dab Pen for you?

Consider the following factors when selecting a wax dab pen:

1. Variable Voltage

Variable voltage in a dab pen gives you the ability to adjust the power of your vaping device.

Essentially, this valuable feature allows you to fine-tune the intensity of your wax vape, resulting in a more personalized vaping experience.

2. Portability and Battery Life

The capacity of the battery (in mAh) gives you an idea of how long it will last between charges. Generally speaking,

A higher-capacity battery is preferable to a lower-capacity one, but the truth is that this sometimes conflicts with portability. Usually, higher-capacity batteries will be bigger and therefore less portable.

So one of the main things to consider is which is most important for your purposes.

3. Heating Element Material

Heating tech determines vapor quality. The atomizer or coil is usually made of titanium, ceramic, or quartz.

Quartz offers purest flavor, ceramic provides even heating, titanium is the most durable but can get metallic taste.

4. Ease of Use

Your dab pen should be intuitive, easy to load, and ready to use in moments.

The last thing you want is a complicated device that takes away from the pleasure of your sessions.

5. Build Quality

Given that these devices are portable, they’re bound to face some rough handling.

Opt for a pen that boasts a solid build, made from high-quality stainless steel or zinc alloy, ensuring it withstands occasional drops.

6. Safety Features

Safety should always be your top priority. Make sure you opt for dab pens that come with built-in safety features like automatic shut-off, which prevents the device from overheating.

7. Brand Reputation

Research trusted brands with positive reviews for quality and customer service.

Never buy unbranded devices. Companies that won’t put their name on products won’t support you when they break.

8. Price Point

While quality is paramount, it should not break the bank. Look for a pen that offers the best value for your investment.

4 Best Dab Pens to Buy

Dab pens have exploded in popularity, giving vapers new and versatile ways to enjoy concentrates.

However, with so many types and models in the market, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. So how do you find the truly excellent dab and wax pens?

Don't worry! we have done the work for you and are proud to offer the best dab pens right now has to offer in a variety of models.

1. Lookah Swordfish

The Lookah Swordfish dab pen delivers elegant design and replaceable 710 quartz cup coil that preserves terpene flavor in a compact, travel-ready form.

The zinc alloy body with bright color feels premium and survives daily abuse. The glass mouthpiece provides pure flavor without any metallic taste.

Three preset temperature settings (3.5V, 3.7V, and 3.pV) with 10s preheat function handle any concentrate consistency.

The big 950mAh battery provides 10-15 sessions per charge with Fast USB-C charging.

The Swordfish wax pen eliminates intimidation with its one-button operation and LED Light. The magnetic cap at the top section allows you to load and re-cover your concentrate easily.

It’s the most versatile pocket-friendly option. Perfect for travel, concerts, or anywhere you need maximum functionality in minimum space.

2. Lookah Python

The Lookah Python is a sleek, discreet, portable yet durable dab pen, perfect for on-the-go dosing without drawing unwanted attention.

This small dab pen is about the size of a zippo lighter and just as light, easily to hold and operate with just one hand. The lid itself to access the heating chamber flips up like a Zippo lighter.

The shell has a serpentine texture that provides a secure grip. Crafted from premium alloy steel material, It is tough, durable, and long-lasting.

The 650mAh battery delivers all-day use with a handy 10s Preheat Function and 3 variable voltage settings (3.4V, 3.7V, and 4.0V) that range from flavor-preserving low temps to cloud-producing high heat.

The heating element is 710 quartz cup coil, which is a great choice in terms of fast heating and preserving the flavor of your concentrate.

Single-button interface cycles through all functions, while the LED display shows real-time battery levels and voltage settings.

3. Lookah Ant

The Lookah Ant is a sleek, compact yet powerful wax pen that offers an exceptional dabbing experience.

Resembling a sleek ant insect, the LOOKAH Ant looks stylish and modern. The unique four-leg design enables it to stand upright independently.

The durable Zinc alloy body can handle daily wear and tear that cheaper plastics simply can’t. The silicone mouthpiece replaces the fragile glass, enhancing its portability.

Advanced 710 quartz cup coil heats concentrate quickly for superior flavor preservation. Three temperature settings (3.2V, 3.6V, and 4.0V) accommodate different preferences in the same session.

950mAh battery offers numerous hits per charge with USB-C convenience. LED Digital Screen clearly and intuitively communicate status of battery level and voltage settings.

4. Lookah Seahorse Pro Plus

The Lookah Seahorse Pro Plus is a great electronic dab pen that has a very cool innovative design and great functionality.

Though technically categorized as a wax/dab pen, the Lookah Seahorse pro Plus offers a unique approach that sets it apart from traditional dab pens.

It is also known as an electric nectar collector or dab straw—designed to let you dip its heated tip straight into your wax and inhale the vapor instantly.

The unit itself is pretty small, Powered by a 650mAh battery and charges quickly via USB-C.

With three preset temperature levels, an automatic preheat function, and two operation modes, the Lookah Seahorse pro Plus gives users flexible options to tailor their dabbing sessions.

Using a quartz tip that heats up quickly, the device efficiently vaporizes your wax, resulting in a highly potent and concentrated experience. Glass tube vapor path keeps vapor pure and untainted.

The Lookah Seahorse pro Plus uses a universal 510 thread. This gives it dual-use capability- works as a 510 vape battery. The included silicone hose adaptable to any 10-14 mm glass rig for water filtration.

In Conclusion

Dab pens are portable ways to benefit from concentrates and are easier to use and more convenient than other methods of dabbing.

Once you’ve learned the basics, dab pens are valuable and powerful devices to add to your cannabis toolkit.

There are many dab pens to choose from, each with different designs and settings to match your preference.

Our top picks, like the Lookah dab pens, stand out for their commitment to excellence, combining sleek aesthetics, affordable price, user-friendly design, with outstanding performance.

By understanding your requirements and doing a bit of research, you’re bound to find a pen that resonates with your needs.

So with a small, one-time investment, you can leave your bulky glass dab rig at home and throw that much more travel-friendly dab pen in your bag.