Smokegear reports the panel results supplied with its category reviews. A score compares devices within the same category, using the stated criteria; it does not establish medical safety or compare unlike products on a single universal scale.
How many people rated each category?
| Review category | Panel size | What is evaluated | Source guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry herb vaporizers | 3 adults | Five criteria in the category scorecard | 12-device panel |
| Electric dab rigs | 4 adults | Vapor, flavor, temperature, ease, cleaning, build, battery/portability | Seven ranked e-rigs |
| Dab and wax pens | 4 adults | Vapor, flavor, control, ease, cleaning, pocketability, build, value/risk | Five-device panel |
| Complete electric shisha | 3 adults | Ease, vapor/smoke output, build, cleaning, similarity to traditional shisha | Five-device panel |
| Electronic heat management | 3 adults | Ease, heat performance, heat adjustment, build, cleaning, traditional-session feel | Five ranked eHMDs |
How is the electric dab rig score calculated?
The supplied four-user framework weights vapor quality 20%; flavor 15%; temperature consistency 15%; ease of use 15%; build quality 15%; cleaning and maintenance 10%; and battery/portability 10%. The final performance rating is presented on a five-point scale. An ownership-value score is shown separately for purchase cost, recurring upkeep and purchase conditions.
How is the wax pen score calculated?
The submitted wax-pen guide describes a four-user consensus translated into a weighted scorecard: vapor quality 20%, ease 15%, pocketability 15%, and flavor, temperature control, cleaning, build quality and value/buyer risk at 10% each. The original guide notes that raw session score sheets were not supplied with that version; we publish only its supplied panel ratings rather than inventing individual numbers.
Why do some products have no ranking?
An unreleased, untested, or insufficiently observed device cannot be assigned a final panel score merely for completeness. Focus V CARTA 3 is held out of the electric dab rig long-term ranking; ENSŌ Diamond, WOW Hookah and Hookamonk Warp were not included in the tested eHMD ranking. Other unranked models remain editorial context, not lower-scoring failures.
How do we distinguish a test observation from a manufacturer specification?
Panel reports summarize users' experiences with the devices; temperature ranges, batteries, session limits and warranties are product specifications or manufacturer marketing and are described as such. Buying prices and retailer return policies can change and are not evidence of performance. We do not generate independent laboratory measurements from scores.
Are the pictures evidence of testing?
No. The publication package includes Smokegear-supplied editorial artwork, some AI-generated illustrations, and model visuals. They help explain categories; they do not substantiate testing, health claims or product authenticity. Confirm exact product appearance with the manufacturer.
Can a 4.8/5 rating be compared with a 9.5/10 rating?
Not as a scientific cross-category hierarchy. Each ranking uses its own criteria and panel. A higher number on a different scale does not show a safer or superior device for everyone.
Editorial scope: The supplied records identify anonymous adult testers by their preferences, not independent names or professional credentials. The publication does not invent biographies, medical claims or unrecorded test sessions.