All About Nectar Collectors/Dab Staws

Nectar collectors (also known as dab straws) are one of the most portable, beginner-friendly, and efficient ways to enjoy concentrates. Unlike traditional dab rigs, they don’t require a banger or nail — just heat the tip, dip, and sip.

Whether you're using a simple glass straw or a full-blown recycler nectar collector with a bubbler chamber, this guide breaks down everything you need to know: how to use one, different types, materials, and pro tips.

🔥 What is a Nectar Collector?

A nectar collector is a tube-style vaporizer for concentrates. You heat one end (the tip) and then gently tap it into your dab, inhaling the vapor through the mouthpiece. Think of it like a handheld dab rig — streamlined and super easy to use.

🧪 Types of Nectar Collectors

🔹 Dry Nectar Collectors

No water chamber. These are ultra-portable and easy to clean — great for travel or casual use.

🔹 Water (Bubbler) Nectar Collectors

Come with a small percolation chamber for smoother, cooled hits. These usually separate into parts for easy cleaning and travel.

🔹 Electric Nectar Collectors (E-Straws)

Battery-powered with built-in heating elements, so no torch is needed. These are ideal for low-temp dabbing and beginners who want push-button convenience.

🛠️ Tip Types: What You’re Dabbing With

🔥 Quartz Tips

Heat up quickly
Preserve flavor well
Require slightly more careful handling (can break under extreme heat changes)

Quartz tip

🔩 Titanium Tips

Very durable
Retain heat longer
May slightly dull flavor compared to quartz or ceramic

Titanium tip

🏺 Ceramic Tips

Offer smooth flavor
Heat slowly but retain heat well
Fragile — prone to cracking if dropped or overheated

Ceramic tip

🧱 Common Materials

Nectar collectors are made from:

Glass — clean taste, transparent (you can see reclaim buildup), but breakable
Silicone — portable, indestructible, and easy to clean — ideal for on-the-go sessions
Hybrid — combinations like silicone body with a glass chamber or metal tip for balance

🚀 How to Use a Nectar Collector (Step-by-Step)

Set up your station
Place your dab (wax, shatter, crumble, etc.) in a heat-safe dish — usually quartz or silicone.
Attach your tip
Make sure it's securely connected to your mouthpiece.
Heat the tip
Using a torch, heat until glowing (but don’t overheat). Let it cool for ~5–10 seconds.
Touch & inhale
Lightly tap the tip to your concentrate while inhaling slowly. Don't dunk the tip — just graze it.
Clean it off
After use, let the tip cool and then wipe with a cotton swab or soak in isopropyl for deeper cleans.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions	💡 Pro Tips for Nectar Collectors
What is a nectar collector used for?A nectar collector is used to vaporize concentrates by dipping a heated tip into your dab and inhaling through a straw-style mouthpiece.	Don’t dunk the tip into your dab.Just touch the edge of the extract to avoid wasting material and clogging the tip.
Is a nectar collector better than a dab rig?It depends — nectar collectors are more portable and easier to use, while dab rigs offer better temperature control and smoother filtration.	Use a silicone mat or dab station.They keep your setup clean and stable, especially with hot tips.
What tip should I use — quartz, titanium, or ceramic?Quartz = best flavor, Titanium = durability, Ceramic = smoothness. Each has its pros depending on your preferences.	Let the tip cool slightly before dabbing.Waiting 5–10 seconds after torching helps preserve flavor and avoids burning.
Do nectar collectors need water?Only if you’re using a water (bubbler) nectar collector. Dry and silicone models don’t require water.	Always clean your tip after each session.Reclaim buildup reduces performance and affects taste.
Are nectar collectors good for beginners?Yes! They’re great for quick, no-fuss dabs and travel-friendly use. Just go slow and avoid overheating the tip.	Store upright when possible.This prevents sticky concentrate or water from leaking out.
How do I clean a nectar collector?Disassemble and soak each part (especially the tip) in isopropyl alcohol. Rinse thoroughly and let dry before reuse.	Avoid overheating ceramic tips.They can crack if exposed to sudden temp changes. Use a controlled torch flame.