How We Review: Sources, Scores and Best Lists
What VapoChecker does and does not do
We compare prices for vaporizers and accessories and editorially classify devices. We do not take our own temperature measurements and do not carry out long-term tests. Where a text is based on our own use, this is stated explicitly. If this note is absent, the text is a source comparison: it is based on the sources we cite, not on our own use.
Many pages carry their own note on provenance, for example “Source comparison, no hands-on test of our own” or “We have not tested this device ourselves”.
Where technical data comes from
For every technical specification, a fixed hierarchy of sources applies:
| Rank | Source | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manufacturer | Data sheet, user manual, official product and support page |
| 2 | Editorial review | Specialist sites with clearly demonstrated hands-on use of the device; their own measurements |
| 3 | User reports | Forums, shop reviews, comments |
Rank takes precedence over date: a more recent test value does not replace a manufacturer specification. If two sources contradict each other, we display the manufacturer’s value and note the discrepancy. We use user reports only as supplementary information. If we earn commissions on sales of a device, user reports are never the sole source for its technical data.
What does not count as evidence
- Product pages from shops, unless the shop is itself the manufacturer
- Marketplace listings and price comparison portals
- Data tables from review portals if they contradict the body text of the same review
- AI-generated summaries without a named primary source, including those on manufacturer pages
- Pages that are no longer accessible and have not been archived
How the score “X out of 10” is calculated
The score “X out of 10” at VapoChecker is the average of at least two published editorial scores from different specialist sites, converted to a scale of up to 10. An editorial score is the number that a specialist site explicitly awards in its review. It is not a test result of our own. Here is how it is calculated:
- We collect explicitly awarded editorial scores from published reviews and convert them to a scale of up to 10.
- The starting value is the average of these values. The prerequisite is at least two scores from different sources.
- Reviews from shop editorial teams count. In the attribution they are identified as shop editorial teams, because the shop earns from sales.
- If multiple reviews cite the same flaw, we deduct up to 0.5 points.
- Stars from customer reviews are not included in the score, nor are scores for a different model in the same range.
If VapoChecker cannot find two editorial scores, the device remains unscored. It then does not appear in lists sorted by score, even if many shops carry it. Color and material variants inherit the score of their base model.
How we sort best-of lists
Automatically generated lists such as “under 50 euros” follow fixed rules:
- Order: by score; where scores are equal, the cheaper device is listed first.
- Inclusion: only devices that are currently available and listed by at least two shops.
- Price threshold: the current price must be below the threshold. If it rises above it, the device is removed from the list.
How we collect prices
VapoChecker reads prices from shop pages automatically, generally once a day. The total price including shipping to your selected delivery country is displayed. Prices that deviate significantly from their previous history go into a review first and only appear after approval. If a price is out of date, we indicate this in the table.
How we evaluate experience reports
Sections such as “Experiences” evaluate publicly available customer reviews and retailer tests. We state the data basis — that is, how many reviews from what time period, and how often a point is mentioned. Shop reviews are usually written shortly after purchase. They say little about long-term durability, and we note this explicitly.
How we fund ourselves
VapoChecker is funded through affiliate commissions: if you purchase via a labeled link, we receive a payment from the shop. The price does not change for you as a result.
- Scores and technical data are produced according to the rules on this page, regardless of whether a shop is a partner.
- In price tables, shops that deliver to your selected country are listed first, sorted by total price. Only when the price is identical does a partner shop appear before another shop.
- Highlighted partner offers are labeled as such.
Reporting errors and corrections
If you find an error, write to us via the contact page. We check the tip against the sources, correct the information if it is accurate, and update the page’s modification date. You can find out who is behind VapoChecker on the About VapoChecker page.
Frequently asked questions
Does VapoChecker test vaporizers itself?
VapoChecker tests vaporizers itself only in individual cases; this is stated explicitly in the text when it does. Most pages are source comparisons drawing on manufacturer specifications, published reviews, and customer ratings.
Why does a device have no score?
A device has no score at VapoChecker when we have not found two published editorial scores for it. Without this basis, we do not assign a number.
Do partner shops influence the best-of lists?
Automatic budget best lists sort devices by catalog score, then by price when scores tie. Curated buying-guide recommendations also consider intended use, features and budget; partnerships can influence selection and highlighted offers. Within one product, comparable offers are ordered by their calculated amount; partner status and previous clicks may break ties. Direct shop buttons in the buying guide prefer partner shops and therefore do not necessarily show the cheapest offer across all retailers. Use the full offer table for the price comparison. Incomplete or outdated offers receive no unconditional best-price badge. Commissions do not change technical facts or documented editorial scores.How current are the prices?
VapoChecker reads prices from shop pages generally once a day. If a price is out of date, this is shown in the table.
Do I pay more via a partner link?
Via a partner link you pay the same price as when accessing the shop directly. The payment is made by the shop to VapoChecker.