The heating element is the heart of any vaporizer. Ceramic and quartz elements heat more evenly than metal coils, which means better flavor and smoother vapor. Some cheap devices use nichrome wire, which can burn your oil and taste harsh. You don't need to know the exact wattage—just look for 'ceramic' or 'quartz' in the description.

Another spec that matters is voltage or temperature control. Being able to dial down the heat for thicker oils or up for thinner ones gives you flexibility. A fixed-voltage device is fine for beginners, but if you're particular about your sessions, adjustable voltage is worth the extra cost.