E-Nail vs Torch: Which is Right For Your Dab Setup?

Dabbing is the best way to enjoy unparalleled flavor purity and the strongest possible effects. But picking the perfect dab rig for beginners is only half the battle. Then, you have to figure out how you’re going to actually use it - via E-nail vs torch.

Torches are the classic way to dab. You manually heat the banger until it’s red hot. Then, you give it some time to cool before going in so you don’t scorch the terpenes (and your throat!). 

But while torches work, they introduce a lot of margin for error. It’s easy to underestimate how hot your nail is and go in while it’s still way too hot. Or, wait too long after heating and you don’t fully vaporize your concentrate - you end up wasting it.

This is the appeal of an E-nail. It takes all the guesswork out of dabbing. An electric coil fits around your banger, and you use a separate device to actually set the temperature down to the degree. You get unprecedented precision in how the dabbing experience goes.

Learn more about the two options below, and find all the dab essentials you need here at Badass Glass - including the #1 selection of dab rigs for sale!

E-Nail vs Torch (Fast Facts)

How Dabbing With a Torch Works

When we say torch, we’re referring specifically to a butane torch. You activate the device and angle the flame right onto the bottom of your banger. You’ll typically heat the banger for 20-30 seconds - or until you see the bottom starting to glow red. Then, you turn the torch off and wait 30-60 seconds before you start dabbing. 

That cool-down window can make or break the dab, though. There’s a fine line between too hot and not hot enough. Neither of those is great. Finding the sweet spot takes a lot of trial and error, and sometimes, a little luck. 

A lot of dabbers get a good feel for timing eventually, but it can change depending on banger thickness, room temperature, and how long/how close you held the flame to the banger. There’s just a bit of guesswork involved. 

Pros

• No batteries, cords, or chargers. A torch works anywhere you can safely light a flame
• Cheaper upfront - we have torches for as little as $31 and advanced models for less than $75
• They heat up the banger much faster than an e-nail
• Super simple to take care of. Just refill the torch with butane as needed

Cons

• Temperature is a constant guessing game. It takes intuition and experience to consistently find the sweet spot
• Butane can run out mid-session and force you to completely start over - or worse, run to the store for a refill
• Open flame is always going to be a safety concern

What is an E-Nail?

An e-nail is an electronic heating device. It replaces your torch and takes all the guesswork out of finding the right temperature for your dabs. 

The original E-nail uses a PID controller box, which connects to a coil that wraps around your banger/nail. That controller box either plugs into an outlet or takes batteries. Then you press a button to turn on the device. You can raise or lower the temperature to the exact degree.

We know you came here to learn about the E-nail vs torch, but we want to let you in on a different option while we’re on the subject - an electric dab rig. These have a built-in heating element and a water chamber without any separate controller or coil. They’re battery-powered and super compact.

That said, let's get back to the pros and cons of the E-nail. 

Benefits

• Exact temperature control, right down to the degree
• Great for low-temp dabbing since you don’t have to worry about scorching the terpenes
• Hands-free heating lets you load up the dab and get ready while the device heats the banger
• No stressing about an open flame 
• Great for longer sessions. The nail stays hot as long as the device is on, so you can easily do back-to-back dabs

Considerations 

• More expensive upfront. Good E-nails cost between $100-$400
• Less portable since there’s more stuff to pack up, and many E-nails need an outlet

E-Nail vs Torch: Side-by-Side Comparison

You can already see that there are fewer cons associated with an E-nail than a torch. But let’s take a closer look at the E-nail vs torch side-by-side below to help you choose the right method.

Upfront Cost

Torches are obviously more affordable upfront. A really good butane torch is only $30-$75. That’s a fraction of what you’d pay for a solid E-nail at $100-$400. 

You get what you pay for, though. An E-nail saves you so much stress and really elevates the dabbing experience. Think about how much you spend on a good gram of rosin or live resin - why would you not invest in a better setup to make the most of it?

Same idea behind investing in a better quartz banger to pair with your rig. 

Ease of Use

Obviously, E-nails are a whole lot easier to use than torches because there’s nothing to it. You just wrap the coil around your banger and turn the device on. Set the temperature. 

Now, torches are mechanically simple. You click the trigger and lock it to hold the flame open. Torch your nail until it glows red hot. That part’s easy. Figuring out how long to wait is the tricky part, though. Speaking of which…

Controlling Your Experience

Temperature is everything with dabbing. The experience at 450°F is very different from 500°F. It’s the difference between a flavorful low-temp dab that doesn’t burn your throat and a scorching lung-buster that leaves you coughing for the next 5 minutes. 

This is the whole reason you invest in an E-nail. Flavor, vapor density, harshness, how much concentrate vaporizes versus pooling up unused in the banger is no longer a guessing game. You set the temperature and trust it.

On the other hand, you have to set a timer after seeing your banger glow red. Then you can go in after 30-60 seconds. You have to play around with timing to find the sweet spot. 

This is why a lot of torch users decide to upgrade with the Wulf Mods Dab Rite Pro Digital Infrared Thermometer. It reads your banger's surface temp in real time.

Portability

A torch is more portable than an E-nail - especially an E-nail that requires an outlet for power, as many do. In contrast, a torch can get thrown in your bag and go anywhere with you. 

It’s still a little more of a hassle to travel with a full dab rig setup than an e-rig, but that’s a conversation for another day. In fact, we have a separate guide comparing the E-rig vs dab rig if you’re curious! 

Badass Glass Has the Dab Rigs and Accessories You Need to Enjoy Every Session! 

Now that you’re up to speed on the difference between an E-nail vs torch, all that’s left to do is decide which makes the most sense for your dabbing experience. From essential accessories to the many types of dab rigs, Badass Glass has everything you need in one place! Shop now.