The best material depends on user preferences: stainless steel for durability, ceramic for flavor purity, and ABS plastic for affordability.
Table of Contents
Metal
Metal holders are highly prized for their durability and are resistant to wear and tear. Of metal holders, the stainless steel and aluminum varieties are popular. Stainless steel holders are robust, with a high resistance to oxidation and corrosion. They carry a bit of extra weight that some users find adds to their premium feel and can last for several years, if properly maintained. Their high melting point is a significant advantage as it greatly reduces the risk of degrading, even when exposed to extreme temperatures. Aluminum holders are lighter than those made from stainless steel, but at the same time, they can offer sufficient strength, as long as users are willing to pay a little extra for the premium variety. They also enjoy good heat dissipation, but it’s not as high as it is with stainless steel. Their cost is generally lower, offering a cost-effective yet robust solution.
Plastic
Polycarbonate and ABS plastic are two popular varieties of plastic holders. Plastic holders offer more versatility than their metal counterparts, while also serving as an ideal canvas for a broad range of design options. They are also less heavy than metal holders, capable of assuming any number of colors and assuming an array of different shapes.
Polycarbonate holders are incredibly resilient, with a high impact resistance that reduces their susceptibility to cracking or breaking, even when dropped. They also have a high heat resistance — capable of keeping its shape and strength, even when exposed to temperatures up to 120°C. ABS plastic holders are notable for their strength and stiffness. They can be less expensive than those made from polycarbonate, so they may not offer the same degree of protection, but they represent a good balance between strength, heat resistance and a piece price.
Wood
Natural wood and stabilized wood holders have found a place in the world of electronic cigarettes for the unique aesthetic they bring to the table. Natural wood holders are more labor-intensive than metal or even plastic holder and should be checked for chipping, scratching or denting every time they’re cleaned. The uniquely organic look and feel of these time-intensive pieces is all the reasoning they need to hand over a little extra cash.
Stabilized wood is put through a process of filling wood’s pores with resin, so as to give it a much stronger resistance to moisture and temperature changes than it would normally have. This process also often greatly enhances the size and color of the natural wood grain. All told, the result is an even more beautiful and durable wooden product.
Glass
Glass holders aren’t exactly known for their durability, but they do offer a unique elegance and flavor that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Ceramic
Ceramic holders don’t offer the same level of purity of taste as glass, but they are better at standing up to rough handling. They’re also more resistant to heat and can deliver a more consistent release of flavor than their glass counterparts. This is largely because, their excellent heat resistance allows them to maintain a consistent temperature during use. So, in practical terms, they can help improve a user’s overall vaping experience.