When liquids are heated, the molecular kinetic energy is greater and more molecules escape, with the pressure of vapor formed high, meaning that the rate at which the liquid forms into vapor depends on the temperature. Liquids do not have to reach their boiling point for vaporization to occur but the higher the temperature, the faster the vaporization.

Let us take an example of water. Even when water is left at room temperature, it evaporates, but very slowly. It evaporates a little faster when it is heated and once it reaches the boiling point, it evaporates at an even greater speed.

Yet another way to understand the process better is the way a hair dryer works. It works by releasing hot air that dries the hair faster than when left to dry naturally. The heat from the hair dryer evaporates the water in the hair. The same thing happens when air is blown on something in order to dry it.

Vaporizers work on the same principle. Herbs release their essential oils naturally but when air is blown over the herbs, vaporization is higher. However, when that air is heated with the temperature set at the boiling point of that specific herb or close to it, vaporization takes place faster and herbs release more essential oils. The principle behind convection vaporizers is a combination of the two methods, i.e. drawing air over the herbs and heating that air to increase the essence.

This theory works wonderfully with herbal vaporizers. Herbal vaporizing is far more efficient than smoking, does not harm as smoking does, the user can enjoy the essence and flavor of the herbs used and the vapor does not irritate the throat like smoking does.