Arizer is a well-known brand that creates dry herb vaporizers. Some of the most popular are the Arizer XQ2 and Solo 2. Arizer also created smaller, more portable devices like the Arizer Air Max.
The Arizer Air SE is a part of the portable gang but seems to be a new approach to serve a wider customer base. In this comprehensive review, we will delve deeper into the various aspects of this portable vaporizer, providing a thorough evaluation for those considering it as a go-to device. You can also view our full device ranking to see how it compares to other portable dry herb vaporizers.
How it Works
The Arizer Air SE operates with ease, featuring a two-button control system and a removable 18650 battery. The device’s simple yet effective design ensures straightforward functionality. The temperature levels are indicated by a color-changing LED, allowing users to customize their sessions. A little too small for our taste, but fine for a budget device.
Step-by-step of how to use the Arizer Air SE for optimal performance:
- Turn the Arizer Air SE on by pressing and holding the up and down buttons for a few seconds.
- Choose your temperature setting indicated by the LED light. (Blinking LED indicates activated heating element)
- Once set, wait for the device to fully heat up. (LED light will stay solid)
- Fill the bottom of the Glass Aroma Tube with your herb.
- Insert the Glass Tube into the top of the device after heat is reached and inhale. You can also have the herb preloaded, but the flavor is better when hot-loaded.
Please note that the vapor is not as dense when the unit indicates its ready. The readiness indicator light jumps the gun a bit, because arizer wants to be fast, but if you wait another 30-45 seconds the vapor gets denser and more delicious.
Temperature Flexibility
The Arizer Air SE offers preset temperatures, which can be a great option or a huge limitation, depending on how they are made. In our opinion, Arizer did very well since the Air SE offers five diverse preset temperature levels, each represented by a corresponding color on the LED indicator. From a cool blue at 180°C to a warm red at 210°C, the device caters to a range of preferences.
The 5 included temperature settings allow users to refine their experience and have more than enough options. The Temperature settings are indicated using the same LED that the device uses to display the battery level. The color coding system is:
- Blue (356°F)
- White (374°F)
- Green (392°F)
- Orange (401°F)
- Red (410°F)
As with any vaporizer knowing the temperatures as accurately as possible is a huge advantage since it allows users to choose between different types of sessions. Generally, lower temperatures are best used when looking to enjoy specific flavors of your weed. On the flip side, higher temperatures will be more effective at vaporizing your material and will provide more dense vapor. Keep in mind that your vapor will be slightly harsher when compared to using lower temperatures. Want to learn more? Check out our article on what the best temperatures for vaporizing are.
Vapor Quality
Despite its budget-friendly nature, the Arizer Air SE delivers satisfactory vapor quality. While the somewhat restrictive airflow requires a harder draw, the flavor profile remains enjoyable. This is partly due to the renowned glass tube, which helps provide smoother hits. Although it may not match the performance of some devices, such as the Milatron or Utillian 620, the Arizer Air SE still delivers a commendable experience.
As with many devices, it’s recommended to let the device heat up completely before inserting your glass with the cannabis. This will ensure a much more efficient extraction and more flavorful vapor. We see this method of “hot loading” on many devices. Even the 3rd Generation Zeus Arc GTS is recommended to fully heat up before inserting an ArcPod. Overall, taking into consideration the affordability aspect of this device, the Arizer Air SE is good enough to be seriously considered.
Manufacturing Quality
The Arizer Air SE showcases a slightly different design from its predecessors. Arizer is known for its metallic case, but in the case of the Air SE, it features a plastic chassis with the Arizer logo prominently displayed. The change in material choice allows for cost reduction, though it may diminish the perceived quality compared to the machined aluminum construction of Arizer’s other models. The transparent plastic design provides a glimpse of the internal components, appealing to some users like myself.
The Glass Aroma Tube, on the other hand, is the same one that comes with the previous models. In our opinion, this is a great choice since the glass piece is a staple of the Arizer brand. The glass piece does have a few drawbacks but regarding quality, it does not fail to impress.
Battery Life
The Arizer Air SE comes equipped with a replaceable 18650 battery. This is enough to provide adequate power for its intended usage. While it may not match the battery life of the Air Max or Solo 2, it is specifically designed for optimal performance in this unit. To ensure safety and compatibility, it is recommended to use Arizer’s batteries.
As previously mentioned, the battery life is indicated via the same LED light that shows the different temperature settings. The difference is that there are only 4 battery levels that go like this:
- Red – 10% Battery left
- Orange – 40% Battery left
- White – 70% Battery left
- Green – 100% Fully charged
Portability
While the Arizer Air SE is smaller than other Arizer portables, it will still draw attention due to its glass aroma tube. The Glass tube sticks out of the top of the device, making it very hard to be discreet in public. The Arizer SE seems like it may be better suited for home use rather than on-the-go use. That being said, its compact size makes it easy to carry and store, providing convenience within certain settings. Users may want to consider purchasing a travel case since the glass piece is definitely more prone to breaking than something like a plastic mouthpiece, with a zirconia-based inner lining, which the Milatron offers to preserve flavor.
Ease of Use
Operating the Arizer Air SE is straightforward, thanks to its user-friendly design. The two-button control system allows for easy temperature adjustments. The LED indicators provide clear feedback on battery levels and heating status, although it may take some time to get used to. The Arizer Air SE does feature pass-through charging, which enables vaporizing while the device is connected to the charger. The 18650 battery is replaceable as well, so purchasing an extra is another great option that will add to the convenience of the device by essentially doubling your usage time.
The loading process of this cannabis vaporizer is quite simple and straightforward, thanks to the Glass Aroma Tubes. A simple scoop with the bottom of the glass piece and a quick insertion into the device is all you need to start your session.
Overall Experience
The Arizer Air SE strikes a balance between affordability and performance, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious consumers and Arizer enthusiasts. While some trade-offs were made to reduce costs, such as the plastic chassis and restrictive airflow, the device still delivers a satisfying experience. For those seeking higher vapor production, upgrading to slightly pricier convection devices may be worth considering. However, within its price segment, the Arizer Air SE outperforms many competitors, offering great value for the investment.
To put it in basic terms, for those who desire an Arizer vaporizer without the hefty price tag, the Arizer Air SE is a worthy option. It offers quality vapor at an affordable price without compromising on performance or resorting to lesser-known brands that may compromise overall build quality.
