Review: We tested the PAX Mini herbal vaporiser — how did it fare?
- Design and construction
- Usage
- Who is the PAX Mini designed for?
- Comparison with other models
- Is the PAX Mini worth it?
- FAQ
Design and construction
The PAX Mini is a herbal vaporiser that truly lives up to its name — it measures just 93 x 31 x 22 mm and weighs only 90 g! This makes it one of the most compact vaporisers on the market.
The body is made of anodised aluminium, which makes it not only lightweight but also strong and durable.
The device is available in three basic colours: Onyx, Platinum and Poppy. For design enthusiasts, the manufacturer has also released an Onyx and Platinum version with an iconic heart pattern, created in collaboration with the JGoldcrown studio. True artists can customise the vaporiser to their own taste on the manufacturer’s website and, for an additional fee, have their own design engraved on the body. You can also make your Mini unique and protect it with a stylish silicone cover.
PAX focuses on maximum simplicity here — the device is equipped with a single button in the recess on the mouthpiece to turn it on and 4 X-shaped LEDs on the front of the body that light up when you turn on the device and signal:
- Power on: When turned on, the LEDs flash white in a clockwise rotation.
- Heating and readiness: During heating, the LEDs light up purple from bottom to top. Once the vaporiser is ready for use, all four LEDs light up green.
- Battery status: Each LED represents 25% of the capacity. When the battery is almost empty, the upper left LED flashes red three times.
The package includes two types of mouthpieces: flat and raised. When drawing from the flat mouthpiece, the draw seems slower and, thanks to the longer heating of the vapour, tastier and denser than when using the raised mouthpiece, but at the expense of comfort — I definitely found the raised mouthpiece more comfortable.
At the bottom of the device is a herb chamber with a magnetic lid. The chamber should hold up to 0.25 g of herbs, which is just right for individual use. It is equipped with a new 3D filter oven screen, which is designed to be easier to remove and clean, while ensuring optimal airflow.
Usage
The PAX Mini requires no setup and is very easy to maintain.
1. Preparation
The PAX Mini uses conduction heating. Unlike convection heating, where herbs are heated by a stream of hot air, conduction uses direct contact with the hot chamber wall. Therefore, proper packing of the chamber is key to the effective functioning of a conduction vaporiser.
I am therefore a little disappointed that the package does not include a tool to make tamping easier. Fortunately, unlike most other parts and accessories from the manufacturer, the separately sold PAX multifunctional tool is compatible with the Mini, and I would personally recommend purchasing it. Although you can tamp the filling without it, the tool is shaped to fit precisely into the chamber and evenly compress the herbs to the edges, ensuring optimal heating.
Once switched on, the device is ready for use in just 22 seconds.
2. Coating
The PAX Mini has only one temperature mode, so there is no need to adjust anything. The inability to select the temperature may seem limiting, but this mode is intelligent and adapts the settings to your draw.
If you take short, gentle puffs, you will get tasty, cooler vapour, while longer, stronger puffs will create denser clouds of vapour. This system works very well and will not disappoint even more advanced users.
3. Battery life and charging
The battery has a capacity of 3000 mAh and should last for at least 150 minutes of use, or roughly 8-10 sessions, depending on how you use the vaporiser.
A full charge takes approximately 2 hours. The vaporiser is charged via connectors on the back using its own magnetic charger, which is an elegant but very impractical solution at a time when the vast majority of modern devices have a universal USB-C port. Unfortunately, it is also not possible to use the device while it is charging.
4. Cleaning and maintenance
Cleaning the Mini is very easy. After each session, simply remove the magnetic cap, empty the residue from the chamber and wipe the inside with a cloth.
After several sessions, it is important to clean the vaporiser more thoroughly. I always do this when the device runs out of power. In addition to the chamber, I clean the entire vapour path with the included brush. Unlike older models, the new 3D filter oven screen can be removed very easily, making the whole process really quick and easy.
Once there are no herb residues left in the vaporiser, I dip the brush in isopropyl alcohol and clean the rest of the deposits in the vapour path. I also clean the oven screen with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol and wipe the chamber and mouthpiece.
Who is the PAX Mini designed for?
The PAX Mini is aimed at new users or those who simply don’t want to worry about anything when vaping without compromising on the experience. It is an attractive, simple and high-quality device.
However, if you are an advanced user, the PAX Mini will probably not be enough for you — it has a smaller chamber and offers no settings.
Comparison with other models
When choosing a vaporiser, it is essential to consider which features are most important to you. For comparison, I have selected two vaporisers:
- PAX Plus: shares the Mini’s minimalist design but offers more options and is ideal for advanced users
- XMAX V3 Pro: a popular vaporiser in the same price range, aimed at those who prefer versatility and functionality over attractive looks
The following table provides an overview of the basic specifications of each vaporiser.
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Category |
Portable vaporiser |
portable vaporiser |
portable vaporiser |
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Compatible refills |
herbs |
herbs and concentrates |
herbs and concentrates |
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Chamber size |
0.25 g |
up to 0.50 g |
0.15 g |
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Heating type |
Conduction |
Conduction |
convection |
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Heating time |
22 s |
22 s |
15 s |
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Flavour and steam |
Optimal experience according to the draw |
great vaping experience, flavour and vapour according to the selected settings |
average flavour, dense vapour, vapour may be hot at higher temperatures |
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Controls, modes |
turn on with a button, no settings — one smart mode |
One button, 4 preset modes |
Display and 3 buttons, temperature settings in degrees, on-demand mode |
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Battery |
Integrated, 3000 mAh, 150 minutes of battery life |
Integrated, 3300 mAh, 150 minutes of battery life |
Replaceable, 2600 mAh, 50 minutes battery life
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Charging |
2 hours, own charger, cannot be used while charging |
2 hours, proprietary charger, cannot be used while charging |
2 hours, USB-C port |
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Size and weight |
93 x 31 x 22 mm, 90 g |
98 x 32 x 22 mm, 95 g |
150 x 27 x 24 cm, 107 g |
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Price |
Medium |
high |
low |
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Advantages |
simplicity, design, compactness |
can be used with concentrates, simplicity, design |
Can be used with concentrates, precise temperature control, replaceable battery |
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Disadvantages |
can only be used with herbs, no settings, charging |
charging, high price |
small chamber, short battery life |
The manufacturer PAX emphasises premium appearance and simple but reliable use. If you are looking for a herbal vaporiser that looks great, requires no settings and still provides a great vaping experience, the PAX Mini is the ideal choice for you.
You will appreciate the PAX Plus if you want more options — it allows you to vape concentrates and offers 4 temperature modes. However, its price is significantly higher.
The XMAX V3 Pro is a great alternative for those who prefer to compromise on stylish looks but gain the ability to vape concentrates, precise temperature control, a replaceable battery and USB-C charging. Its disadvantages, however, are its small chamber and short battery life.
Is it worth upgrading from the PAX 2?
Unlike the older PAX 2 model, the PAX Mini is smaller, comes with smart heating and a 3D filter oven screen that is easier to remove and clean. On the other hand, it only offers one temperature setting, while the PAX 2 has four. If you have the older PAX 2 model and are thinking about buying the newer model, you should consider whether you will miss these settings options.
You will appreciate the PAX Mini if you want a newer, more efficient and more user-friendly device from a proven manufacturer.
Is the PAX Mini worth it?
The PAX Mini is the perfect choice for those looking for minimalism and quality. It is a device that excels in top-notch design, is easy to use and produces tasty vapour according to your draw. Thanks to the innovative 3D oven screen, maintenance is easier than ever.
The main disadvantage of the PAX Mini is charging — the device does not have a modern and universal USB-C port, but has a connector for its own charger. It also lacks support for use while charging.
Frequent and advanced users will also likely miss the ability to vape concentrates and set the temperature at their discretion.
FAQ
1. Is it better to use a flat or raised mouthpiece?
It depends on personal preference. If you want tastier and denser vapour, use a flat mouthpiece; if you want a more comfortable and natural draw, go for a raised one.
2. Can the PAX Mini be used with smaller amounts of herbs, or is it necessary to always fill the entire chamber?
Because the device uses conduction heating, it is important that the herbs in the chamber are packed tightly against the walls. The chamber should therefore always be full. The PAX Mini chamber holds 0.25 g of herbs, which is a typical dose for one user.
If you decide to use a smaller amount of herbs, the result may be less efficient consumption and a less pronounced flavour and weaker vapour.
3. Can the PAX Mini be connected to a mobile app, as with other PAX models?
No — the PAX Mini is designed for maximum simplicity and therefore does not support any connection to a mobile app. It also does not have the option to set the temperature or other modes — everything is handled by a single smart mode that adapts to the strength of the draw.
4. Does the PAX Mini need a filter change? How often?
The 3D filter oven screen does not have a fixed lifespan — it depends on the intensity of use and how carefully it is cleaned. However, it is a fragile part that may need to be replaced over time. With regular use and proper maintenance, it will last for several months. It is time to replace it when you notice that the vapour is not flowing as well, the oven screen can no longer be completely cleaned, or it is starting to deform. Replacement 3D oven screens are available for purchase on our website.
Author: Matthias Roth
Photo: AI
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