AirVape has been branching into some cool territory, and their first device to show for it is the new Enso Shisha. This unit isn’t just another attempt at reimagining portable vaporization; it’s a modern twist on the classic hookah, engineered specifically for those who want a true shisha experience without the hassles of charcoal or super complicated setups.
Unlike most Desktop Vaporizers or Electric Dab Rigs, the Enso works with almost all materials, including, of course, shisha. I’ve heard of people using concentrate mixes, as well as different 50-50 mixes. We here will be testing this one out using pure Dry herbs. This way we can make the best comparison to regular Desktops.
Although it’s not specifically a cannabis device, in this review, we will break down what it’s like to use the Enso, how it’s built, how it compares with leading desktop vaporizers, and what type of user it really suits. We will consider it a desktop vaporizer, so if you want to see how it stacks against actual units, check out our Best Desktop Vaporizers ranking page.
How Does Enso Shisha Work?
The AirVape Enso Shisha stands out by bringing the classic hookah experience into the modern age. Traditionally, hookahs rely on charcoal to heat up, which can introduce smoke, ash, and inconsistent heat. The Enso, however, uses a fully electronic heating system just like the latest vaporizers to deliver clean, controlled vapor with the push of a button. It’s a similar leap to what the first electric dab rigs or desktop vapes did for concentrate and dry herb users: replacing open flames and combustion with precise, battery-powered heating.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set up and use your Airvape Enso:
Step 1: Twist off the glass water tank and fill it with cold water to the marked level.
Step 2: Insert a blowout Valve on the side of your Enso.
Step 3: Remove the thermocap, place a packed cup into the heating chamber, and securely replace the thermocap.
Step 4: Connect the vapor hose to the device’s stem.
Step 5: Press and hold the dial for 3 seconds. To exit Shisha mode, click the button 3 times, and a colored LED will appear.
Step 6: Move the Dial to your preferred temperature setting and then double-click the button to start the heating process.
Step 7: Once preheated, you should hear a beep that indicates it has reached its temperature. Begin drawing gently through the hose. (Long, slow pulls produce thicker vapor.)
If you’re using the Enso Shisha with dry herbs, keep in mind you don’t need to fill the entire bowl, a smaller amount is perfectly fine, especially for solo use. For this setup, you’ll be using the ceramic cup, and while you can insert the mesh screen if you like, it doesn’t really affect the vapor production; the screen tends to move around since it doesn’t fit snugly in the cup, so using it is entirely up to your personal preference. In terms of vapor, don’t expect especially thick clouds when vaping herbs unless you push the temperature higher. For those who prioritize flavor, sticking to the middle temperature settings works well; you’ll still get consistent vapor, just not the heavy clouds you might see with traditional shisha. Lastly, although the Enso comes with a poker tool, it’s mostly intended for breaking up shisha tobacco, so you likely won’t need it when using dry herbs.
Manufacturing Quality
The Airvape Enso showcases impressive manufacturing quality with its robust zinc alloy construction that gives the device a high-quality feel. The combination of premium materials throughout the build is noteworthy. From the thick glass water tank that twists off with satisfying precision to the stainless steel vapor path that ensures pure flavor delivery. The ceramic chamber is also of very high quality.
What immediately stands out is the thoughtful engineering behind the magnetic attachment system. The magnetically attachable hoses create a seamless user experience that eliminates the typical awkwardness of traditional shisha setups. The protective glass feet on the water tank bottom and the water-resistant bowl design further showcase thoughtful engineering decisions.
However, there are some areas where the manufacturing could benefit from refinement. The vegan leather strap, while aesthetically pleasing, has shown durability concerns with reports of material dissolution at the sides and breakage during regular use. This is particularly noticeable when compared to devices that incorporate more robust fabric and aluminum housing combinations, such as the Utillian 8, or those that feature grooved silicone bases for enhanced grip and longevity.
The magnetic lid system, while innovative, experiences wear over time with the coating gradually peeling off during extended use. Steel brush cleaning can accelerate this degradation, though this is largely user error. It’s worth noting that devices with polished ceramic chambers typically maintain their finish better over time, suggesting room for improvement in Enso’s coating durability.
Despite these minor concerns, Airvape is actively addressing quality issues in newer production runs. The core device maintains its solid feel and performance, with the stainless steel vapor path and ceramic chamber delivering the pure, clean sessions that users expect. The combination power button and control wheel operates smoothly, and the adaptive lighting system adds a premium touch without appearing gimmicky.
Vapor Quality
The Airvape Enso delivers impressive vapor quality thanks to its thoughtfully designed airpath and premium materials. The stainless steel vapor path combined with the ceramic chamber creates an excellent foundation for clean, pure-tasting sessions. The ceramic chamber is particularly noteworthy since it’s non-reactive, ensuring you get the clean, pure aroma and flavor of your materials without any unwanted tastes, while the stainless steel pathway maintains durability without affecting flavor quality.
What sets the Enso apart is its versatility across different materials. The ceramic cups included in the kit work exceptionally well for vaporizing dry herbs mixed with nicotine-free herbal molasses. Sessions can extend up to 45 minutes, which is considerably longer than many portable devices that typically offer 10-15 minute sessions. This extended session capability makes it ideal for group use or leisurely solo sessions where you want to take your time. If vapor production seems insufficient after the initial heat-up period, increase the temperature, allowing 30-60 seconds between adjustments for the change to take effect. Do consider that upping the temperature will reduce the quality of the flavor.
The aluminum disposable tobacco cups offer a different experience for those who prefer traditional shisha materials, while the optional gold-plated herb cup caters to dry herb enthusiasts seeking shorter, more concentrated sessions. Having multiple chamber options means you can tailor the vapor production to your specific preferences, something that many single-chamber devices can’t match.
The glass water tank plays a crucial role in vapor quality, providing excellent filtration and cooling. Something more atune to Electric Dab Rigs instead of Desktop Vaporizers.
For concentrate users, the specialized steel wire sheets provide adequate performance, though they lack the sophistication of dedicated ceramic chambers with larger capacity designs that some concentrate-focused devices offer. The wire sheets do their job effectively, but those seeking the absolute best concentrate experience might find the Best E Rigs with advanced ceramic technology more suitable for their needs.
Temperature Flexibility
The AirVape Enso offers an extensive temperature range from 180°C to 330°C, allowing users to customize their sessions from light and flavorful to dense and robust. Temperature is controlled via a single-button wheel with 34 distinct click-stop positions, providing both tactile and visual feedback through the physical clicks and an adaptive light bar that brightens as you increase the heat. This analog-inspired method is intuitive and engaging, though it doesn’t offer the degree-by-degree precision found in digital display devices like the Volcano Hybrid.
To suit different vaping styles and materials, the Enso features two heating modes: Orange mode, which uses a smart heating algorithm ideal for extended shisha sessions, and Green mode, which delivers linear power for quicker extraction, particularly effective with dry herbs and more delicate blends. While these modes add useful flexibility, it’s important to note that the Enso does not include preset temperature memory or a digital temperature display.
AirVape’s recommended guidelines are simple: opt for lower settings to enjoy smoother, more nuanced flavor, and raise the temperature for thicker, cloud-heavy sessions. While some users may miss the precision and convenience of digital controls, the Enso’s broad temperature spectrum and satisfying tactile controls still provide substantial versatility for both casual and advanced users. This approach is also practical, given the Enso’s compatibility with a wider range of materials than most devices, which are typically limited to cannabis products or concentrates. Because the Enso supports dry herbs, shisha, herbal blends, and more, a universal preset system simply wouldn’t fit all use cases.
Battery Life
The AirVape Enso is powered by a high-capacity 5,000?mAh removable battery, delivering up to 2 hours of continuous use per charge, outperforming most Portable Vaporizers, which typically offer only 60 to 90 minutes of runtime. The removable battery system features a sturdy, quick-release latch that feels solid and well-engineered, allowing for easy and secure battery swaps. You can purchase extra batteries, making it possible to extend your sessions indefinitely by simply swapping in a fresh one.
Charging is flexible thanks to dual USB-C ports; both the device and the battery pack have their charging ports, with the battery pack charging slightly faster. A full recharge takes about 3.5 hours, which is reasonable for the battery’s size. The Enso also supports pass-through charging, so you can use the device while it’s plugged in, a practical feature for longer group sessions or when you forget to charge in advance.
While the Enso performs strongly for most of its battery cycle, you may notice a drop in vapor production during the final third of the battery life, especially at higher temperatures. This is common in high-powered devices, but most sessions will remain consistent for up to 45 minutes at a time, which is ideal for group use or extended solo sessions.
Compared to the recurring costs of traditional hookah coal and starter electricity, the Enso’s charging costs are minimal, offering a cost-effective and convenient experience for regular hookah or vaporizer users.
Portability
Traditional hookahs are legendary for being the opposite of portable – heavy glass bases, multiple hoses, and coal setups that require a dedicated space and considerable setup time. The Airvape Enso attempts to bridge this gap by reimagining the hookah experience in a more travel-friendly format, though it comes with its own unique considerations.
The Enso isn’t exactly what you’d call lightweight, but its integrated carry handle transforms what could be an awkward transportation experience into something manageable. The slim profile with top-mounted handle allows it to hang naturally by your side like a briefcase. This thoughtful design element sets it apart from desktop vaporizers that typically require two-handed carrying or awkward cradling. Also, its biggest factor compared to desktops is that it doesn’t need to be plugged into an outlet, making the whole portability process much easier and possible outdoors.
However, when dealing with a device of this size and investment level, protection becomes paramount. Large portable devices like the Enso face unique challenges. They’re substantial enough to sustain damage from drops or impacts, yet are designed to be moved regularly. This is where a quality carrying case becomes essential, providing cushioned protection for both the device and its accessories while keeping everything organized in one place.
That said, if maximum portability is your primary concern when selecting a vaporizer, smaller form factors are available, such as portables for dry herb or Wax Pens for concentrates. These represent the pinnacle of on-the-go convenience. These pocket-sized devices eliminate the weight considerations entirely, slipping discreetly into any pocket or bag without the need for handles, cases, or careful transport planning. A quality wax pen can deliver impressive vapor production while maintaining the stealth and convenience that truly mobile users demand. That said, it’s hard for any portable device of that size to compete with the overall quality and output of vapor that a Desktop or, in this case, the Enso can output.
Overall Experience
The AirVape Enso is a bold and successful reimagining of the traditional hookah for the modern era. With that said, for our purposes, we are considering it a Desktop Vaporizer with some distinct features. It overcomes the portability and convenience limitations of classic hookahs, offering extended, flavorful sessions powered by a robust battery and thoughtful engineering. The durable zinc alloy chassis, premium ceramic and stainless steel vapor path, magnetic connections, and a range of chamber options all combine to deliver clean, enjoyable vapor session after session.
If you’re curious how the Enso stacks up against other desktop vaporizers designed specifically for dry herb, you can visit our Best Desktop Vaporizers ranking page for a comprehensive comparison of leading herb-only devices. For those more interested in water-filtered electric vaporizers, typically geared toward concentrates and wax, our Best Electric Dab Rigs ranking page highlights the top performers in that category, featuring rapid heat-up times, advanced atomizers, and highly refined temperature controls.
In summary, the Enso Shisha is a standout option for anyone seeking the ritual and sociability of hookah with the convenience and consistency of modern vaping. Its session flexibility, quality materials, and thoughtful design make it a compelling choice for both traditional hookah enthusiasts and vape fans looking for something different. Whether you’re in it for group sessions or solo relaxation, the Enso delivers an experience that’s both familiar and refreshingly new.
Thank you for reading this AirVape Enso Shisha review. As always, keep vapin’!
