In short: The MAD Heaters TEMPEST 2 is one of the best butane vaporisers on the market. At just 46 grams and 122 mm in length, it fits in any pocket, delivers flavour-intense hits through pure convection, and needs no battery. If you can handle the flame, you get a device that outperforms many battery-powered vaporisers in flavour and efficiency.
Prices are updated daily across 100+ shops. Last review update: April 2026.
Key takeaways
- Pure convection vaporiser with no electronics, battery or charging times, made from titanium, stainless steel and aluminium
- 46 grams light (43 g with wood heat shield), 122 mm long, fits on any keyring
- Heat-up time approx. 15 seconds, maximum temperature 290 °C
- Six ball materials (zirconia to stainless steel) and three chamber sizes (0.6 / 0.9 / 1.2 cc) for individual customisation
- Compatible with induction heaters (iSpire Wand, YLL 3.0), no lighter needed
- MAD Heaters has 100 reviews on Trustpilot, currently from 180 € at 18 shops
What is the TEMPEST 2 and how does it work?
The TEMPEST 2 is a butane vaporiser from the British manufacturer MAD Heaters, which has collected 100 reviews on Trustpilot. It works entirely without electricity or a battery: instead, a jet flame lighter heats the outside of a stainless steel heating head. The air is drawn through the material when inhaling (pure convection), and two click discs plus a visual indicator show when the temperature has been reached. The concept is reminiscent of the DynaVap, but the airflow design is fundamentally different: more open, with more volume, which changes the flavour noticeably.
Key fact: MAD Heaters TEMPEST 2 uses convection heating from – EUR across 0 shops. Heat-up time: 15 seconds. (Vapochecker, 2026).
Compared to the previous model, the second generation has an improved click system, optimised airflow and an adjusted chamber size. MAD Heaters is based in the United Kingdom and handcrafts every single device. With butane devices, manufacturing tolerances directly affect vapour quality, and handmade precision makes a measurable difference here.
What technical specifications does the TEMPEST 2 have?
The TEMPEST 2 measures 122 × 18.5 mm and weighs 46 g (aluminium heat shield) or 43 g (wood heat shield) depending on the variant. Here are the full specs according to the official MAD Heaters manual:
| Feature | TEMPEST 2 |
|---|---|
| Price (approx.) | from 180 € |
| Heating method | Pure convection (butane or induction heater) |
| Max. temperature | ~290 °C (depending on heating technique) |
| Heat-up time | ~15 seconds |
| Battery | None, butane or induction |
| Dimensions | 122 × 18.5 mm |
| Weight | 46 g (aluminium heat shield) / 43 g (wood heat shield) |
| Materials | Titanium, stainless steel (indicator housing, outer induction cap, screens), aluminium or wood (heat shield), FKM O-rings |
| Indicators | Two click discs + visual indicator |
| Chamber size | Adjustable: 0.6 / 0.9 / 1.2 cc (~0.1 / 0.15 / 0.2 g) |
| Connection | 8 mm stem/bowl, compatible with DynaVap accessories |
| Water pipe | Yes |
| IH compatible | Yes (iSpire Wand, YLL 3.0) |
| Warranty | 2 year |
| Shops on VapoChecker | 18 |
Price history
Overview of all comparison articles on VapoChecker.
What does the vapour from the TEMPEST 2 taste like?
The TEMPEST 2 delivers flavour-intense, clean vapour at premium level thanks to pure convection and an open airflow design. Convection heats only the air, not the material directly, which is gentler and more aromatic than conduction devices like the DynaVap. Currently from 180 € at 18 shops.
This is where the TEMPEST 2’s greatest strength lies. Thanks to pure convection and the open airflow design, the vapour tastes exceptionally clean and aromatic. Conduction devices like the DynaVap heat the material directly, which delivers fast but sometimes harsher results. Convection heats the air, which then flows through the material: gentler, cleaner, and much more layered in flavour.
The temperature zone makes a clear difference. The first hits straight after the click deliver a pronounced terpene profile: fresh, aromatic, light clouds. If you heat beyond the click, you get denser clouds and a fuller extraction profile. Both zones work well. Want more initial flavour and stronger convection? Move the torch closer to the air slots and expect slightly early indicators, according to the official manual.
The click mechanism and the visual indicator
The TEMPEST 2 has two feedback systems: two click discs and a visual indicator. The click discs audibly signal when the temperature has been reached. The visual indicator moves during heating and shows progress visually. Important: the indicator continues to move after removing the flame, because heat spreads and equalises within the cap. Never heat the indicators directly.
The click discs may change slightly during the first 10 to 30 uses. Although the head contains two click discs, they may activate simultaneously. After 2 to 3 heating cycles, a filling is fully extracted. When reheating, stop one marker line earlier than on the first cycle, because the material is already preheated.
Draw technique
Slow, steady draws deliver the best results. According to the official MAD Heaters manual: cover the air hole with your thumb for the majority of the draw. This increases the negative pressure and optimises the airflow through the material. Drawing quickly cools the heating head down too fast. After five sessions, the technique clicks into place.
How do you use the TEMPEST 2? Step-by-step guide
New users usually don’t fail because of the device, but because of the technique. Here is the exact process according to the official MAD Heaters user manual:
- First use: Before the very first use, thoroughly clean all parts with a Q-tip and 99% isopropyl alcohol (see cleaning section below).
- Fill the chamber: Unscrew the cap and press the heating head directly into the ground material (hoover method), or fill it with a small spoon. A light tamp is enough. Keep the threads clean: material residue in the thread blocks the airflow.
- Close the cap: Screw it on gently until it stops. Don’t overtighten. Try to avoid touching the steel parts of the cap, as finger oils may burn onto the surface when heated.
- Position the lighter: Hold the flame approx. 1 cm from the cap and slowly rotate the device. The even rotation ensures uniform heating of the heating head.
- Wait for the click: An audible click indicates that the temperature has been reached. Watch the visual indicator at the same time. Remove the lighter immediately.
- Draw: Cover the air hole with your thumb and inhale slowly and evenly. Keep it covered for most of the draw.
- Reheat: For the second and third cycle, stop about one marker line earlier than on the first heat-up, the material is already preheated.
- Debowling: Use the leather case, the Reload 3’s magnet, or the tool on the underside of its lid to securely hold the hot cap and twist it off. The cap stays hot for several minutes. To detach from the magnet: tilt instead of pulling.
After 5 to 10 sessions, the process becomes routine. Most users report that from this point onwards, they get reliably good results without having to think about it.
What lighter does the TEMPEST 2 need?
MAD Heaters officially recommends a dual-, triple- or medium-sized single-flame lighter. Each option has its place:
- Single-flame: The most precise, lowest risk of overheating. Heat-up time slightly longer (35 to 45 seconds). Recommended for beginners.
- Dual-flame: Good balance of speed and control. The most common choice among experienced butane users.
- Triple-flame: Fastest heat-up time, but less room for error. Too small a distance leads to overheating more quickly. More suitable for experienced users.
The butane quality is at least as important as the type. Cheap, unrefined butane leaves deposits in the heating head and permanently affects the flavour. Triple-refined butane (e.g. from Colibri or Newport) is the right choice.
Can the TEMPEST 2 be used without a lighter with an induction heater?
What most people don’t know: the TEMPEST 2 is also compatible with induction heaters. That opens up a completely different way of using it, no lighter, no butane, no flame in the room.
Two devices officially work according to the MAD Heaters manual:
iSpire Wand: three usage methods
The Wand adapter must be installed first. The red marker lines on the cap show the correct insertion depth: the top of the Wand’s glass should sit between the two red lines. Three methods are available:
- Timer method (recommended): Set the temperature to 290 °C / 550 °F and let it run until “Time Over” appears. For stronger extraction: increase the temperature in 10 °C increments or push the adapter 1 mm deeper. The click indicators can be ignored with this method.
- Click method: Set the temperature to maximum and remove the TEMPEST 2 shortly after it clicks. The adapter depth affects the click timing.
- Visual: Hold the Wand upside down and follow the visual indicator through the glass.
A full Wand battery provides roughly 10 to 15 heat-up cycles. At 50% battery level (measured when not heating), increase the temperature setting by 10 °C to compensate for weaker batteries. Ambient temperature also matters: at minus 10 °C difference, increase the Wand temperature by plus 15 °C.
Warning: The glass adapter gets very hot. Don’t touch the bottom of the glass and don’t place it on surfaces that could melt. The Wand Stand accessory keeps the glass elevated.
YLL 3.0 induction heater
Setting 80 watts, timer 35 to 40 seconds (with standard zirconia balls). Position the disc at the bottom of the heating chamber about 3 mm from the base, or use the optional 3 mm spacer. At lower power, increase the heating time; at higher power, reduce it to avoid combustion.
A tip from the manual: lower wattage gives the chamber more time to warm up evenly before the draw. That’s especially helpful for short puffs (mouth-to-lung).
For home use, an induction heater is often the more comfortable solution: more even, quieter, and more pleasant for water pipe setups than an open flame. When travelling, the lighter remains the simpler choice.
What ball options are there and how do they change the vapour quality?
One detail that sets the TEMPEST 2 apart from almost every other butane vaporiser: the balls in the heating head are replaceable. Six different materials are available, and each one noticeably changes the vaping experience. Higher fill weight stores heat longer and provides smoother, slower heat-up cycles. Lighter balls heat up faster and deliver a quicker, punchier hit.
Stainless Steel
Zirconia (Default)
Ruby
Silicon Carbide (SiC)
Borosilicate Glass
Quartz Glass
Source: MAD Heaters Tempest 2 Manual
Heating times measured with the MAD Heaters YLL 3.0 (30–100 W) — compare prices
Technical Details (YLL 3.0, Density, Thermal Conductivity)
| Material | Density | Therm. Cond. | YLL 3.0 60W | YLL 3.0 80W | YLL 3.0 100W | Wand Temp |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | 7.87 g/cm³ | 16.3 W/m·K | 49–54 s | 38–43 s | 29–32 s | 320 °C / 600 °F |
| Zirconia | 5.68 g/cm³ | 2.5 W/m·K | 45–50 s | 35–40 s | 27–30 s | 280 °C / 525 °F |
| Ruby | 4.00 g/cm³ | 35 W/m·K | 45–50 s | 35–40 s | 26–30 s | 280 °C / 525 °F |
| Silicon Carbide | 3.21 g/cm³ | 120 W/m·K | 40–45 s | 31–36 s | 24–27 s | 260 °C / 490 °F |
| Borosilicate Glass | 2.23 g/cm³ | 1.1 W/m·K | 39–43 s | 30–35 s | 23–26 s | 250 °C / 480 °F |
| Quartz Glass | 2.65 g/cm³ | 3 W/m·K | 39–43 s | 30–35 s | 23–26 s | 250 °C / 480 °F |
The standard zirconia balls offer a good compromise between heat retention and heat-up speed. For more flavour, try ruby or SiC. Stainless steel balls store the most heat and deliver the densest clouds, but also need the longest heat-up time. To swap: fill the chamber with balls until they sit just below the screen slot line (approximately 75 x 2.5 mm or 40 x 3 mm balls).
How do you adjust chamber size and airflow on the TEMPEST 2?
The TEMPEST 2 has two adjustment options that many users aren’t even aware of: a variable chamber size and adjustable airflow. Both significantly affect the vaping result.
Adjustable chamber size
Using the included steel tube, the chamber can be adjusted to three sizes: 0.6 cc, 0.9 cc or 1.2 cc (approximately 0.1 g, 0.15 g or 0.2 g). For the smaller chamber, push the screen all the way down first, then slowly push it back up from the neck side until it sits at the desired position. The smallest setting works well for micro-dosing or quick single draws.
Airflow adjustment
Two points can be adjusted:
- Cap: Loosen the top cap screw, rotate the induction sleeve to set the airflow, then retighten. If the screw is tight, use a 2.5 to 3 mm flathead screwdriver.
- Stem: Loosen the mouthpiece and rotate the heat shield to adjust or fully close the stem’s air intake.
More open airflow delivers lighter draws with more flavour. Closed airflow increases resistance and vapour density. The best setting depends on your personal draw style.
How practical is the TEMPEST 2 for everyday use?
At 46 grams and 122 mm in length, the TEMPEST 2 is one of the lightest and most compact vaporisers ever made. It fits easily into any jacket pocket, onto a keyring or into a small case. No charging cable, no waiting for the battery, no electronics that can break. Choose the wood heat shield to save another 3 grams (43 g total).
For that, you need a good jet flame lighter and butane for refilling. Outdoors, this works perfectly: unlike battery-powered devices, nothing weakens here in the cold. Lithium batteries can lose up to 20% capacity at 0 °C, butane doesn’t.
The learning curve is steeper than with electric devices. Flame distance, heating time and draw technique have to be practised. Most users report that after 5 to 10 sessions, they get reliably good results.
How does the TEMPEST 2 work with a water pipe?
The TEMPEST 2 particularly shines in combination with a water pipe or a bubbler. The 8 mm connection fits standard adapters via glass accessories, and the water-cooled vapour noticeably improves flavour quality. The connection is also compatible with various DynaVap accessories, which expands the options.
For glass setups, the TEMPEST 2 is one of the most popular butane options in the community, especially in combination with an induction heater, which enables calm, hands-free operation.
How is the build quality of the TEMPEST 2?
According to the official specification, the TEMPEST 2 is made from titanium, stainless steel (indicator housing, outer induction cap, screens), aluminium or wood (heat shield) and FKM O-rings that are IPA-resistant. The build quality is of a high handcrafted standard. MAD Heaters produces in small batches, and you can tell. Wear parts such as screens and O-rings are inexpensive and easy to replace.
The locking tabs on the bowl can be rotated to align with the slots on the stem, providing a better grip when opening. A small detail that helps in daily use. When pushing the bowl onto the stem: rotate instead of pushing to protect the O-rings.
The bundle also includes a lighter, replacement screens and a stash jar. Recommended for beginners, as you can get started straight away.
How do you clean the TEMPEST 2?
Cleaning is much easier than with most electric devices. There are no electronics and no sensitive heating elements. The official MAD Heaters manual distinguishes three cleaning levels:
Quick clean (every 30 bowls)
Spray IPA directly onto the cooling spiral while holding a paper towel underneath. Twist the spiral back and forth a couple of times. Use a Q-tip soaked in IPA to clean the inside of the stem. Wipe the mouthpiece and the outside of the bowl with a damp cloth. Takes under two minutes.
Deep clean (every 100 bowls and before first use)
Soak the fully assembled device (excluding the wood sleeve, if fitted) in 99% isopropyl alcohol for at least 30 minutes. Place it in a zip-lock bag and shake periodically. Drain the alcohol, rinse with warm water, shake again briefly in fresh IPA, then disassemble all parts and dry thoroughly. The fully assembled cap (including indicators and balls) can be safely submerged. After cleaning: dry the cap immediately, heat it once empty with an empty bowl to evaporate any remaining moisture.
Important: Never apply oil, wax or lubricant to the O-rings. They must stay completely dry.
Ball cleaning
Remove the balls from the cap and place them in a metal mesh tea strainer. Heat them repeatedly with a medium or large torch until clean. Be careful with glass balls: don’t heat them to extreme temperatures. Alternatively: soak in concentrated liquid sugar soap overnight.
Restoring shine (every 300 bowls)
Soak stainless steel and titanium parts in 5% white vinegar for 1 to 2 hours to restore the original colour. For scratches: clean the surface with IPA, then lightly polish with 2000-3000 grit polishing paper. For a mirror-like finish: apply Autosol polishing paste with a microfibre cloth and buff thoroughly.
How durable is the TEMPEST 2?
How long does a TEMPEST 2 last? The titanium and stainless steel heating head and the anodised aluminium barely age. There is no battery that fades after 500 charge cycles, and no heating wire that can burn out. The only wear parts are screens and FKM O-rings, both inexpensive, easy to source and replaced in seconds.
Screens must always be flat before installation. Bent screens won’t tighten properly and could come loose inside the bowl or cap. Users in the community regularly report devices that still work flawlessly after two or more years of daily use, without a single repair. For a device in this price range, that is remarkable.
Who is the TEMPEST 2 the right vaporiser for?
Perfect for:
- Users looking for maximum flavour without electronics
- Outdoor enthusiasts (no battery, no charging cable, no cold-weather problem)
- Glass setups and water filtration (8 mm connection, DynaVap-compatible)
- Tinkerers who want to customise ball material, chamber size and airflow
- Second device alongside an electric vaporiser
- People who appreciate the ritual of manual heating
- Home users who want to switch to an induction heater
Less suitable for:
- Absolute beginners with no experience of butane devices
- Anyone who wants a set-and-forget device with no learning curve
- Discreet vaping on the go (the flame is noticeable)
What alternatives are there to the TEMPEST 2?
Anyone considering the TEMPEST 2 should also compare these devices:
- DynaVap M7: significantly cheaper (~50 €), works with conduction instead of convection, smaller chamber, no swappable balls. Read comparison
- Vestratto Tornado: similar concept, different airflow, higher price range. Read comparison
- Storz & Bickel Venty: electric premium device as an alternative to butane. Read comparison
- Tinymight 2: battery-powered convection as an electric alternative. Read comparison
- Boundless Frolic: electric under 200 €. Read comparison
Is the TEMPEST 2 worth it? Our verdict
Yes, for flavour enthusiasts and outdoor users, the TEMPEST 2 from 180 € is one of the best investments in the vaporiser market. 46 grams, no electronics, with flavour on a level with devices costing 300+ euros. Six ball materials, three chamber sizes and adjustable airflow offer more customisation than any other butane vaporiser.
The TEMPEST 2 is what you get when a manufacturer thinks convection and butane through to the end. In terms of flavour, it plays in the same league as devices that cost three to five times as much. The 46 grams make it the ultimate companion on the go, and in combination with glass or an induction heater it unlocks its full potential.
The price is reasonable for the quality on offer. No battery will ever run flat, no electronics can break, and the handcrafting in the United Kingdom justifies the premium over industrially produced alternatives. If you’re willing to learn the draw technique, you’ll be rewarded. And if you prefer to stay without a flame, simply use an induction heater instead.
Further articles about the TEMPEST 2
Want to compare the TEMPEST 2 with other devices or learn more about butane vaporisers? Here are some related articles:
- TEMPEST 2 vs DynaVap M7 — Convection vs conduction: which butane concept wins in daily use?
- TEMPEST 2 vs Vestratto Tornado — Two premium butane vaporisers in direct comparison
- TEMPEST 2 vs Tinymight 2 — Butane vs battery convection: what’s better for flavour?
- TEMPEST 2 vs Boundless Frolic — Electric under 200 EUR vs handmade from the UK
- TEMPEST 2 vs Storz & Bickel Venty — How does butane stack up against the electric flagship?
- TEMPEST 2 Test (Deutsch) — Our German-language test of the TEMPEST 2
- All MAD Heaters products — Overview of all devices from the British manufacturer
Does the TEMPEST 2 need a battery or electricity?
How long does it take to heat up the TEMPEST 2?
Which lighter does MAD Heaters recommend for the TEMPEST 2?
What ball materials are available for the TEMPEST 2?
Can you adjust the chamber size on the TEMPEST 2?
Can the TEMPEST 2 be used with an induction heater?
Is the TEMPEST 2 suitable for beginners?
How do you clean the TEMPEST 2?
Can the TEMPEST 2 be used with a water pipe?
How long does the TEMPEST 2 last?
Has been testing and comparing vaporisers on VapoChecker since 2020. 800+ devices, 274 shops, 51 countries.