Dosing Capsules for Vaporizers
Dosing Capsules for Vaporisers: Function, Benefits and Compatible Devices
What Are Dosing Capsules?
Dosing capsules — sometimes also called dose caps or dosing caps — are small metal inserts made of stainless steel or aluminium. Depending on the model, they hold between 0.05 and 0.15 g of material. The capsule is filled in advance, placed into the heating chamber, and simply removed after the session. The principle is straightforward, but the effect is noticeable: no loose material in the chamber, no crumbly mess, no laborious cleaning after every use.
Most capsules have a fine screen on both sides. This allows the hot air (in convection devices) or heat (in conduction devices) to pass evenly through the material. The capsule functions like a small, replaceable oven insert.
Benefits of Dosing Capsules
Anyone who uses their vaporiser daily will notice the difference quickly. Here are the main reasons why capsules are worth it:
- Clean heating chamber: The material does not come into direct contact with the chamber wall. Resin residue and crumbs remain inside the capsule. The chamber stays clean for weeks or even months.
- Quick loading on the go: Capsules can be prepared at home and carried in a capsule magazine or case. On the go, swapping takes 5 seconds — capsule out, new one in, done.
- Consistent dosing: Each capsule holds the same amount. For anyone wanting to monitor their consumption, this provides a reliable unit of measure.
- Less cleaning effort: Instead of scrubbing the entire chamber and cleaning it with isopropyl alcohol, it is enough to tap out the capsules and soak them in alcohol occasionally.
- Discreet use: No crumbling in public places, no visible loading. Insert capsule, vaporise, remove — unobtrusive and quick.
Disadvantages and Limitations
Dosing capsules are not a cure-all. There are a few points worth knowing:
- Slightly restricted airflow: The metal walls and screens of the capsule can marginally increase draw resistance. On most devices this is barely noticeable, but on models with an already narrow air channel it may be perceptible.
- Smaller chamber capacity: The capsule holds less than the bare chamber. In the Mighty+, for example, approximately 0.15 g fits in the capsule; without a capsule it is up to 0.25 g.
- Upfront cost: A set of 40 capsules plus magazine from Storz & Bickel costs around 25–30 EUR. Not a fortune, but an additional expense.
- Not available for all devices: Some vaporisers have no compatible capsules. And third-party capsules do not always fit precisely.
Compatible Vaporisers with Dosing Capsules
Not every vaporiser supports dosing capsules. Here are the most important devices and their capsule systems:
Storz & Bickel
The market leader in dosing capsules. All current S&B devices use the same capsule system — meaning one capsule fits the Mighty+, the Crafty+, the VENTY, the Volcano Hybrid, and the Plenty. The magazine holds 8 capsules and is the size of a matchbox.
S&B capsules are also available as a drip pad variant for concentrates and oils. The standard capsule holds approximately 0.15 g of dry material.
DynaVap
DynaVap devices such as the M7, M7 XL, DynaVap B, B2, and G3 use their own capsules (known as DynaVap Capsules). These are smaller than the S&B variant and hold around 0.05–0.08 g. The advantage: even less cleaning required, as the CCD screens (Captive Condenser Disc) provide additional shielding for the material.
Arizer
Arizer devices such as the Air MAX, Solo 3, ArGo, and Solo 2 MAX do not use classic dosing capsules but rather glass stems with stainless-steel capsule adapters. The concept is similar: material is loaded into the adapter, which is then inserted into the stem. The capacity is approximately 0.1 g.
Further Compatible Devices
- XMAX V3 Pro — uses its own dosing capsules (approx. 0.1 g), available as an accessory set
- DaVinci IQ3 — uses DaVinci capsules, which are also compatible with older IQ models
- PAX Flow — uses PAX’s own capsules, specifically developed for the 3D chamber system
Capsule Types at a Glance
The following table summarises the common capsule types with manufacturer, capacity, and key feature — making it easy to find the right type for your device.
| Capsule Type | Manufacturer | Capacity | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Dosing Capsule | Storz & Bickel | ~0.15 g | Fits all S&B devices, 8-slot magazine available |
| Drip Pad | Storz & Bickel | — | For concentrates and oils, inserted into the standard capsule |
| DynaVap Capsule | DynaVap | ~0.05–0.08 g | Compact, fits all tip models |
| Stainless Steel Capsule | Arizer (third-party) | ~0.1 g | Adapter for glass stems |
| XMAX Dosing Capsule | XMAX | ~0.1 g | Fits V3 Pro and Starry models |
| DaVinci Dosing Capsule | DaVinci | ~0.1 g | Compatible with the IQ series |
In short: Storz & Bickel offers the most widespread, cross-device system, whilst DynaVap, XMAX, and DaVinci use their own, more compact capsules. When buying, ensure that the capsule and vaporiser come from the same ecosystem.
Practical Tips for Dosing Capsules
With a few simple steps you can get the most out of dosing capsules — from preparation and grind size through to cleaning:
- Prepare at home: Fill 5–8 capsules at once and store them in a magazine or a small tin. This gives you enough for a full day out.
- Fine grind: Dosing capsules work best with finely to medium-finely ground material. Coarse pieces will not fit and prevent even extraction.
- Do not overfill: Fill the capsule to just below the rim, but do not press or pack it down. Air must be able to flow through the material.
- Clean regularly: After emptying, collect used capsules in a small tin. Once a week, soak all collected capsules in isopropyl alcohol (90%+) for 20 minutes and allow them to dry.
- Capsule tool: Anyone who changes capsules frequently should invest in a small pair of tweezers or the official S&B filling tool. This saves burning your fingers.
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What should you look for when buying a vaporiser?
Key factors include heating method (convection vs. conduction), battery life, portability, and price.
How much does a good vaporiser cost?
Good vaporisers cost between 50 and 400 EUR. We compare prices from 277+ shops worldwide.