Dr. Dabber XS Review: An E Rig Worth its Portability?

We’ve seen lots of attempts to make strong Wax Vaporizers that can be used on the go. The Utillian 8 and the Core 2.1 have become popular in this category for being affordable. Now, we’ll talk about a new one, the Dr. Dabber XS.

The Dr. Dabber XS is an E Rig made for people who want to vape Wax while focusing on portability and convenience. It’s part of Dr. Dabber’s collection of dabbing devices and is one of the smallest and easiest-to-use models they have. It still keeps the brand’s promise of good performance and quality. When you read a review of the Dr. Dabber XS, you’ll learn about its main features, pros and cons, and where it stands in the e-rig market overall.

For a broader look into how Dr. Dabber XS performs in comparison to its competitors, check out our Best E Rigs ranking page, where we introduce and compare the best E Rigs on the market.

Table of contents

1. How It Works
2. How to Clean the Dr. Dabber XS E Rig:
3. Temperature Flexibility
4. Vapor Quality
5. Manufacturing Quality
6. Battery Life
7. Portability
8. Ease Of Use
9. Overall Experience

Dr. Dabber XS

Rating:

87%

1  REVIEWS

USD 120.39

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How It Works

The Dr Dabber XS was created, as the name suggests, to be a smaller version of the already popular Dr Dabber Switch. The XS is pretty simple to use, it includes some features that those familiar with Dr Dabber will have seen, like the spill-free glassware. All in all, it’s easy to use, here’s a step-by-step guide to operating the Dr Dabber XS E Rig:

1. Fill the bubbler with water to a quarter of its capacity(30mm/1.25 Inches), using the filling funnel.
2. Turn on the device by pressing the power button five times
3. Press the power button three times to select a temperature setting.
4. Put your wax in the heating chamber using the loading tool. 
5. Hold the power button for three seconds to start heating the device to the pre-selected temperature.
6. Once it reaches the right temperature, start inhaling from the water bubbler.
7. After you’re done, unlock the carb cap to clear out any remaining vapor.

How to Clean the Dr. Dabber XS E Rig:

1. Remove the bubbler and heating chamber carefully from the base. This separation is important for thorough cleaning.
2. Wash the bubbler gently with warm water. Be careful to handle it gently to avoid damage. After washing, use a soft cloth to dry it completely, ensuring no water is left.
3. Clean the heating chamber and the base using a cotton swab with a little isopropyl alcohol. 
4. It’s highly recommended to clean the device regularly. Doing so not only keeps it in good working order but also improves the flavor of your vaporizing experience.

Temperature Flexibility

The Dr. Dabber XS comes equipped with four distinct temperature settings: 

475°F (245°C) – Purple LED
525°F (275°C) – Blue LED
575°F (300°C) – Cyan LED
625°F (330°C) – Green LED

These settings are powered by Dr. Dabber’s patented TCH heating technology, ensuring a reliable and consistent heating experience. However, during my testing, I really noticed a significant jump of 50°F between each setting. This gap, while it may cater to a broad range of preferences, lacks the fine-tuning ability I’ve found in other popular E Rigs. For connoisseurs who seek granular control over their dabbing temperatures, this might be a slight drawback.

The Dr. Dabber XS E Rig, while boasting a range of temperatures, seems to cater more to those who prefer simplicity over meticulous control.

Vapor Quality

In my experience with the Dr. Dabber XS, it became evident that while the vapor quality is adequate, it doesn’t quite stand up to the expectations set by more performance-based E Rigs like the Utillian 8, which has a 3D chamber, ruby pearls, and a multi-function tool that enhance the flavor and efficiency of your concentrates.

The XS produces a reasonable amount of vapor, but it lacks the intensity and volume that cloud enthusiasts often seek. This E Rig seems more tailored to casual or beginner users rather than those who prioritize dense, powerful vapor clouds. 

Its moderate vapor production suits relaxed sessions, but may not fulfill the demands of experienced users looking for a more robust vaping experience. 

Manufacturing Quality

The manufacturing quality of the Dr. Dabber XS E Rig is pretty good, considering its priority is to be compact and functional at an affordable price point. The rig’s body is made of a stylish proprietary polymer that feels really sturdy. 

The water bubbler attachment is also worth mentioning. It efficiently handles water, resulting in smoother vapor and an enhanced vaporizing experience. I was particularly impressed by the XS’s heating time of around 12 seconds, which is quick for a rig of its size, making it convenient for short sessions.

With all this said, if I’m being honest, the XS is not really that small, especially considering the glass attachment is on the side of the unit instead of on the top. There are definitely other E Rigs on the market that are similar in size and price point but offer better vapor quality in general. The Utillian 8 comes with a fully 3D Heating chamber like the Carta 2 but at half the price, and I would argue that it’s as easy to travel with as the XS. 

In conclusion, if you like how the device looks, it’s a decent option that won’t leave you hanging. It doesn’t provide the absolute best vapor quality, but it looks cool and gets the job done consistently.

Battery Life

Since this E Rig is specifically designed to be portable, I want to place extra attention on this section. The Dr. Dabber XS comes with a 900 mAh battery, and in all honesty, this is way too low for my liking. 

On a full charge, this E Rig provides approximately 25 heating cycles. While this is not terrible, considering that the sessions are really short with this device, it may not be sufficient for experienced users who prefer longer sessions. With that said, newcomers or occasional vaporizers may not even notice the difference.

I’d like to mention a beneficial feature. Nowadays, USB-C is the standard, but there are still many popular devices that use Micro USB. The Dr. Dabber XS, however, supports USB-C charging. What’s truly impressive is that it also offers Passthrough Charging. This means you can use the XS while it’s connected to the charger. Even if your battery is running low, you can still use the E Rig as long as you have a USB-C cable with you.

The XS by Dr Dabber charges fairly quickly, fully powering the E Rig in about an hour. This is not amazing considering its low battery capacity, but 25 sessions every hour of charging is decent. It also has an auto shut-off feature that conserves battery life by turning off after 5 minutes of inactivity.

Portability

When it comes to portability in the world of Electric Dab Rigs, the Dr. Dabber XS claims to be one of the most portable rigs out there. It measures about 6.47 inches in height and 1.82 inches in diameter. Its compact size is noticeable but not really as small as I initially thought. 

For enthusiasts who prioritize portability above all else, especially when using wax, the Tronian Gammatron is worth considering. This feature-packed wax pen, with its 800 mAh battery, offers nearly the same battery capacity as the Dr. Dabber XS but in an even more compact form. It’s also compatible with the Utillian Glass Bubbler for those who want water filtration. 

Most manufacturers of E Rigs don’t prioritize portability, but Dr Dabber made it a priority with the XS. In my opinion, they could have made the glass smaller to make the whole unit more compact, but it’s still fairly small overall.

Ease Of Use

The Dr. Dabber XS E Rig is relatively easy to use but also has some challenges. One good thing about it is the single button control, which makes operating the device much simpler. This button handles power and temperature selection, making it user-friendly for both beginners and experienced users. I personally found this design to be intuitive and convenient, allowing for quick and hassle-free sessions without dealing with complex settings or menus.

However, the Dr. Dabber XS falls short in certain areas compared to more advanced E Rigs. It does not have an LED screen or compatibility with mobile applications, which are common features in higher-end E Rigs. This absence becomes noticeable when trying to determine precise temperatures or customize the vaporizing experience further.

Filling the chamber with concentrates can be a challenge. The narrow opening makes it difficult to load sticky or runny substances without making a mess. Additionally, the glass water bubbler, which is essential for cooling the vapor, is not the easiest to fill or empty, even with the provided tool. Some water tends to remain inside after cleaning, which can affect subsequent uses. This aspect may require users to be patient and careful during maintenance, which could be a slight inconvenience for those looking for a simpler experience.

The Dr. Dabber XS is easy to operate, but it does have limitations and quirks that users need to adapt to in terms of handling and maintenance. Potential users should consider the balance between its ease of use and the careful management of its components.

Overall Experience

After reading this comprehensive review of the Dr. Dabber XS E Rig, it’s quite evident that this device finds its unique place in the E Rig landscape. The Dr. Dabber XS caters to a specific audience: those new to E Rigs or those who prefer a compact, budget-friendly device for their concentrate vaporizing needs.

One thing to note is its battery life. The 900 mAh battery is somewhat limited, making it less suitable for extensive or heavy use. While it may not satisfy the needs of power users, it is a practical choice for beginners or occasional users looking for an introduction to E Rigs without a significant financial commitment.

For those who are seeking a more robust E Rig experience, the Utillian 8 stands out as a compelling option. It combines premium features with a reasonable price, offering an enhanced experience for both flavor and vapor production.

In the quest to find the ideal E Rig, it’s beneficial to explore various options. Our Best E Rigs Ranking offers an insightful comparison of the Dr. Dabber XS with other top E Rigs in the market. 

In summary, the Dr. Dabber XS holds its ground as a viable entry-level E Rig. It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t always need to invest heavily to enjoy the basics of concentrate vaporizing. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to elevate your sessions, the journey through the world of E Rigs is filled with options to suit every need and budget. Thank you for reading this Dr. Dabber XS Review, and as always, Keep Vapin’!