Zephyr Ion Vaporizer Review

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by James Bickford

Updated: October 21, 2022

Zephyr Ion desktop

Review Score: 85/100

Price range:
$249.99-$359.99
Temperature range:
100-440°F
Dimensions:
6.25" x 6.75" x 10.75"
Voltage Input:
110 - 120V
Works with:
  • Herbs icon
  • Oil icon

Pros

  • Made of stainless steel
  • LCD screen
  • Intuitive controls

Cons

  • Design is more focused on its function

Starting Price: $ 249.99

A desktop vaporizer that uses balloons, the Zephyr Ion is a reliable device that performs great and is easy to use. The device is designed beautifully; it is ergonomic – users can use one hand to operate it – and the build quality is superb.

First Impressions on Zephyr Ion Vaporizer

Zephyr Ion desktop

Design

Fresh off the box, users will see how the Zephyr Ion looks like something out off a laboratory. It has a wide base that accommodates the LCD screen, which displays temperature, and the buttons that control the device’s functions (like in the box mods). Above it is a tapered neck, and a medium sized, bowl-shaped top where the valve – to which balloons are attached – is located. It is a bit clunky to look at, but the design is more focused on its function. Users can operate the device with one hand, which is excellent. The unit is also colored black and silver, contributing to its overall business-like vibe.

Build Quality

The Zephyr Ion is built to last. The device is made of stainless steel and has a significant heft to it, contributing to its stability. Everything fits perfectly, without any overlaps or looseness, and the buttons look sturdy enough to survive multiple presses. The heating element is fully enclosed to protect it from both bumps and outside elements and is made of ceramic, with the baskets crafted out of stainless steel. Everything about the Zephyr Ion is well-made out of high-quality materials. In all, you get what you pay for here.

What’s in the Box

Zephyr Ion Vaporizer Box Review

Users who purchase the Zephyr Ion get:

  • 1 Zephyr Ion Vaporizer
  • 1 Free Aromatherapy Herb Sample
  • 1 USB Cord
  • 2 Bag-Valve Sets – Mouthpieces with bags pre-attached
  • 2 Filling Baskets
  • 1 Whip

  • 1 Liquid Pad Set
  • 2 Replacement Air Filters
  • 2 Replacement Basket Seal Washers
  • 4 Replacement Bags with Bag Ties
  • 4 Replacement Screens

Vaping Experience with Zephyr Ion Vaporizer

Zephyr Ion Vaporizer Experience Review

Usability

Before using the Zephyr Ion, it is recommended to refer to the instruction manual first, especially if one is not used to using balloons. Even so, the device is very easy to use, and can be fully operated on with one hand.

The device is turned on by pressing the power button. The power LED changes its color to green to signal that the heating element is activated. Once the LCD screen turns to red, the temperature can be set using the + and – buttons. When the LCD screen changes to green, this means the chamber has reached the temperature set.

Loading the device is also very easy. Dry herb is loaded by packing it loosely into the stainless steel basket, filling it about ½ or ⅓ of the way. Filling it to the brim will restrict airflow and won’t maximize the surface area. Users then open the lid of the device and put the basket into the holder. However, make sure the basket is inserted right, if not, the lid will not close properly.

Users then press the button labeled “Air” then wait about five minutes before attaching the bag to the air straw. When the bag is almost full, press the “Air” button again to stop airflow. When not filling a bag, leave the lid of the device open to help cool the heating chamber. Depending on the quality of the material used, one can fill multiple bags at a time.

Inhaling through the bag is simple too, one just holds the mouthpiece up to the lips, then press the valve button to release the vapor. This should be done within ten minutes of filling the bag for best results.

Overall, the device is simple to use and easy to clean. There may be a slight learning curve when one is not used to balloons, but it is simple enough to master after a couple of vaping sessions.

Vapor Production and Performance

Vapor production is excellent. Full, thick clouds that are full of flavor can be achieved with this unit. The ceramic heating chamber and stainless steel basket do not taint the taste in any way, as do the bags that are made from high-quality material.

Performance is top-notch and is expected for a vaporizer at this price point. Baskets are easy to fill and clean out, and the device produces minimal noise. However, when removing the basket from the chamber, one should take care since it could get very hot. Be advised that when the device is kept on, it will remain at the temperature one has set it to, so always remember to shut it off first.

Other vaporizers tend to have a droning noise when operating, which puts the Zephyr Ion a step above. Handling the device is also very easy, with all the controls laid out in a way that one can operate it with one hand.

Battery Life and Atomizers

The Zephyr Ion does not run on batteries, so users do not have to worry about running out of power during a vape session. The voltage input of the device is at 110-120V 50/60Hz, so those who live in other countries might have to purchase a transformer or adapter.

The heating element is made of ceramic, which plays a huge part in the device’s clean tasting vapor. Temperature ranges are from 100°F to 440°F, enough power to vaporize dry herb as well as essential oils.

Another thing that the Zephyr Ion has which other vaporizers do not, is that air is kept separate from the coils. This results in a vapor stream that’s clean and pure. The heating element is also fully-enclosed, which means outside elements that might taint the vapor’s flavor cannot get in. The device employs an elaborate heating system, using 32 individual heat and air channels to keep the vapor’s quality consistent.

Zephyr Ion Vaporizer Specifications

Dry Herb Capacity: 0.50 grams
Heating Type: Convection
Heating Source: A/C
Heating Element: Ceramic
Chamber Material: Stainless Steel
Heat Up Time: 3+ minutes
Delivery Method: Whip / Tube Balloon / Bag

Pros&Cons

Pros

  • Made of stainless steel
  • The protected heating element is fully enclosed
  • LCD screen
  • Intuitive controls
  • Full, thick clouds that are full of flavor

Cons

  • Design is more focused on its function

Additional Details

For the price, users get a reliably stable device with impressive performance. The Zephyr Ion also has an auto-off feature that shuts off if not used for a while. This is a great addition and perfect for those who tend to leave their devices on while doing something else.

Adding to the unit’s value is the excellent and friendly customer support that answers all queries promptly.

If you are on the lookout for a high-performance desktop vaporizer that’s easy to use and built like a tank, the Zephyr Ion is the device you need. It is not cheap, but then anything of quality isn’t.

Published: August 20, 2015Updated: October 21, 2022
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James Bickford

My way of understanding the significance of vaping came not only through the disruption of smoking but its effects on society as a whole. Now I bring people to vaping and bring vaping to people. I love using new gear, writing in-depth reviews and generally nerding out about vaping to like-minded people.


Comments

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3 comments on “Zephyr Ion Vaporizer Review

  • Robert lee

    March 30, 2022 at 2:05 am

    Do you still sell these March 30th 2022 ? Where is the company website for the ion vaporizer ? Thx

  • Matt

    January 12, 2021 at 10:53 am

    Looking to purchase zephyr ion $249.
    But the web pages will not load.

    • James Bickford

      January 18, 2021 at 8:09 am

      Hi Matt, thanks for writing in, but what pages are you referring to specifically? Please let us know how we can help.