Vapman Classic

The Vapman is heated with a normal lighter — no battery, no cable, no charging. You briefly hold the flame to the underside of the brass chamber while slowly rotating the device. After 5 to 8 seconds, the operating temperature is reached. The learning curve is a little steeper than with electronic devices: you need to develop a feel for flame distance and heating time. Once you master it, you are rewarded with very flavour-intensive vapour.

The chamber is made from brass, which stores heat well and releases it evenly. The material is food-safe and durable. The chamber size is deliberately kept small — about 0.05 grams fit inside. That sounds like little, but it is enough for one to two strong draws. For microdosers, this is an advantage: you use little material and still get full flavour.

Thanks to the small chamber and controlled butane heating, the Vapman delivers surprisingly flavour-pure vapour. The hybrid heating — conduction through brass plus convection through airflow — ensures even extraction. With the right technique, the first draw tastes aromatic and fresh, the second a little stronger. Three draws per filling are realistic. Compared with larger devices, the amount of vapour is lower, but the quality per draw is at a high level.

Cleaning is straightforward. The brass chamber can be wiped out with a cotton bud and a little isopropanol. The wooden housing should be kept dry. Residue hardly builds up because the filling quantity is so small. Occasionally check the screen and replace it if needed — that is all. No wear parts, no electronics that can break. With normal care, a Vapman lasts for many years.

The Vapman requires a little practice -- and that is exactly what makes it special. The flame of the jet lighter should end about one centimetre below the brass cap, not sit directly against the metal. Rotate slowly, heat evenly, and take the first draw after 5-8 seconds.

Beginners often overheat it on the first attempt. A good guide: as soon as the vapour feels slightly warm, the temperature is right. If it scratches, the flame was too close or applied for too long. After three to four sessions, most users have the technique down.

If you already have experience with DynaVap devices, you will know the principle. The difference: with the Vapman there is no audible click. Instead, you learn to estimate the right temperature by the feel at the mouthpiece -- a deliberate, almost meditative process that many see as an advantage.

• Vapman