Overview
The Myrtlezap is a desktop log-style vaporizer designed and manufactured by Rick, the creator of the original Aromazap. It is a convection-dominant vaporizer that heats dry herb through a stem inserted into a heated core, powered by a standard wall adapter with an optional car adapter for portable use. The Myrtlezap represents an evolution of the original Aromazap design, distinguished by its use of myrtle wood for the outer body. The device was available and actively discussed within the vaporizer community from approximately 2009 onward, during a period when log vaporizers were among the most popular and respected form factors for efficient, always-on desktop vaporization.
The Myrtlezap belongs to a lineage of log vaporizers — compact, cylindrical desktop units designed to be left on continuously, drawing minimal power while delivering on-demand vapor through small-capacity stems. The device was handmade by its creator and sold directly, typically arriving within days of ordering, which was noted favorably by early adopters.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Type | Desktop log vaporizer |
| Heating Method | Convection (hot air drawn through herb in stem) |
| Power Source | Wall adapter (AC); car adapter included |
| Body Material | Myrtle wood |
| Heat Exchanger | Brass (RoHS compliant) |
| Stem Material | Brass with glass or wood components |
| Included Accessories | Unit, wall plug, car adapter, 2 stems, aroma butterfly, essential lemon oil, flax seed oil (for wood care) |
| Retail Price (circa 2009) | ~$145 (including shipping) |
| Warm-Up Time | Designed to be left on continuously; reaches operating temperature within minutes when first powered on |
| Chamber Size | Small (stem-pack style, micro-dosing capacity) |
| Temperature Control | Fixed (non-adjustable); set at factory |
| App Control | None |
Note: The Myrtlezap does not feature user-adjustable temperature settings. Its operating temperature was set by the manufacturer and optimized for vaporization without combustion.
Community Reception
The Myrtlezap was warmly received within the vaporizer community, particularly among enthusiasts who valued artisan craftsmanship, efficient herb usage, and the aesthetic beauty of natural wood. Multiple community members praised the device's build quality, describing it as "the nicest thing I own" and "a piece of art." One community member noted that the Myrtlezap produced "thicker, steamier hits" compared to similar log vaporizers, attributing this to the unit running slightly warmer.
Pros frequently cited by the community:
- Beautiful myrtle wood construction with unique grain patterns
- Excellent vapor production and efficiency
- Generous accessory package at a competitive price point
- Fast shipping and responsive customer service from the maker, Rick
- Designed for continuous ("always-on") operation with minimal energy draw
- Good stem-to-base fitment, contributing to consistent vapor quality
- Car adapter included, extending use beyond the home
Cons and concerns raised by the community:
- The use of brass in the heat exchanger and stems was a recurring discussion point. Some community members expressed concern about potential lead content in brass components, though it was clarified by knowledgeable members that all brass used in the Myrtlezap was RoHS compliant — meaning it met the Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive and contained no significant lead
- Stems were not interchangeable with those from competing log vaporizers (notably the Purple Days)
- Fixed temperature with no user adjustment, which limited fine-tuning for personal preference
- As a desktop unit, it lacked true portability despite the inclusion of a car adapter
Both the Myrtlezap's creator Rick and the Purple Days' creator Tom were described as "very well respected members" of the community, and community consensus held that both products were excellent. As one experienced community member summarized: "whichever choice you make will be the RIGHT one."
Tips & Techniques
The community developed several best practices for getting the most out of the Myrtlezap:
- Leave it on: Like other log vaporizers, the Myrtlezap was designed to be left powered on continuously. The device drew minimal electricity and maintained a consistent temperature, meaning it was always ready for use. Community members widely agreed that continuous operation was both safe and optimal for performance.
- Stem packing: The stems hold a small amount of herb — typically enough for one to a few draws. Community members recommended a light, not overly tight pack to allow adequate airflow for convection heating. Overpacking could restrict airflow and reduce vapor quality.
- Drawing technique: Slow, long draws were the preferred technique. One community member described taking "2 really long slow draws" to fully extract a stem load, cooking the herb to an even brown. The slow draw speed allows the convection air to heat evenly through the packed material.
- Stem rotation: Users who consumed multiple stems in a session recommended allowing brief pauses between stems to let the heater maintain optimal temperature.
- Aroma butterfly use: The included aroma butterfly accessory allowed the unit to function as an essential oil diffuser when not being used for herb, making use of the always-on design as a room fragrance device using the included lemon essential oil.
- Wood care: The included flax seed oil was intended for periodic application to the myrtle wood body to maintain its appearance and protect the wood over time.
Temperature Guide
The Myrtlezap features a fixed, factory-set temperature and does not allow user adjustment. The operating temperature was set by the manufacturer to be hot enough for effective vaporization while remaining below combustion temperatures.
Community members noted that the Myrtlezap appeared to run slightly warmer than some comparable log vaporizers, which contributed to its reputation for producing thicker, more visible vapor. The ABV (already been vaped) material was consistently described as coming out evenly brown, suggesting thorough extraction at the device's set temperature.
Because of the fixed temperature, users controlled their experience primarily through draw speed:
- Slower draws = higher effective temperature at the herb, producing denser vapor and more thorough extraction
- Faster draws = cooler air reaching the herb, producing lighter, more flavor-forward vapor
No specific temperature readings in degrees were documented by the community for this device, as it lacks a temperature display or adjustment mechanism.
Maintenance & Cleaning
While detailed cleaning protocols specific to the Myrtlezap were not extensively documented in the available community discussions, general log vaporizer maintenance practices apply:
- Stems: Glass and brass stems should be cleaned regularly. Soaking in isopropyl alcohol dissolves resin buildup. Stems can also be pushed through with a pipe cleaner for routine maintenance.
- Heater core: The internal heating element area should be kept free of debris. A dry cotton swab can be used to wipe the interior bore when the device is cool.
- Wood body: Periodically apply the included flax seed oil to the myrtle wood exterior to condition and protect the wood. Avoid submerging the wood body in liquid.
- ABV reclaim: The honey-colored reclaim that builds up inside stems was noted by the broader log vaporizer community as being potent and reclaimable for edible use.
Common Issues & Fixes
Brass and Lead Concerns
The most extensively discussed concern around the Myrtlezap involved the use of brass in its heat exchanger and stems. Some community members worried about potential lead or other heavy metal exposure from heated brass. This prompted significant community debate.
Key clarifications that emerged from the discussion:
- A community member with knowledge of the product confirmed that "all brass used in the Zap is RoHS compliant," meaning it met European standards restricting hazardous substances including lead
- Multiple community members pointed out that the operating temperature of the Myrtlezap was far below the melting point of chromium (over 1,900°F/1,038°C) and other metals, making off-gassing from stainless steel or brass components at vaporization temperatures extremely unlikely
- One community member drew an analogy to restaurant-grade stainless steel, noting that stainless steel is universally used in professional kitchens for cooking, food storage, and utensil washing — a standard that underscored its safety at food-contact temperatures
- The community did not reach a definitive conclusion on whether the brass posed any real risk, though the weight of informed opinion suggested the concern was largely theoretical at the temperatures involved
Stem Compatibility
New users sometimes asked about using stems from other log vaporizers (particularly the Purple Days) with the Myrtlezap. Community members confirmed that stems are not interchangeable between the two devices. Users seeking alternative stem materials needed to source them specifically for the Myrtlezap.
Terminology Confusion
Some users confused "brass" with "bronze" when discussing the Myrtlezap's materials. A community member clarified: "All brass used in the Zap is RoHS compliant. There is no bronze."
Accessories & Modifications
Included Accessories
The Myrtlezap shipped with a notably generous accessory package:
- 2 stems
- Wall adapter (AC power)
- Car adapter (12V DC)
- Aroma butterfly (for essential oil diffusion)
- Essential lemon oil
- Flax seed oil (for wood maintenance)
Aftermarket and Modifications
Community discussions touched on the desire for stainless steel stems as an alternative to the stock brass stems, driven by material safety concerns. However, no widely adopted aftermarket stainless steel stem solution was documented in the available discussions. Purple Days stainless steel stems were confirmed to be incompatible.
The car adapter expanded the unit's versatility beyond strictly desktop use, though the device still required a power source and was not a true portable.
Comparisons
Myrtlezap vs. Purple Days
The comparison between the Myrtlezap and the Purple Days was one of the defining debates in the log vaporizer community during 2009–2011. Both devices shared the same fundamental design philosophy — compact, always-on, convection log vaporizers using small stems — but differed in several key areas:
| Feature | Myrtlezap | Purple Days |
| Creator | Rick (Aromazap lineage) | Tom |
| Body Wood | Myrtle wood | Cherry wood, with myrtle and other options later offered |
| Heat Exchanger | Brass (RoHS compliant) | Stainless steel (with fins) |
| Lead-Free Design | RoHS compliant brass | Fully lead-free, RoHS compliant |
| Price (circa 2009–2010) | ~$145 | ~$165 (~$20 more) |
| Availability | Fast shipping (as quick as 3 days) | 3–5 week wait time |
| Warranty | Standard | Longer warranty period |
| Stem Compatibility | Myrtlezap-specific | Purple Days-specific |
| Vapor Character | Reported as slightly warmer, thicker hits | Consistent, well-regarded |
Community consensus was that both were excellent devices made by respected, trusted artisans. As one well-known community member advised a prospective buyer: "the creators of both the Zap and the PD, Rick and Tom, are both very well respected members here and both make excellent products." The choice often came down to personal priorities: those who valued immediate availability, lower price, and the beauty of myrtle wood gravitated toward the Myrtlezap, while those who prioritized the fully stainless steel vapor path and longer warranty often chose the Purple Days.
The broader community also acknowledged other log vaporizers in the same category, including the Woodeez and the CeramicRockZap (a variant in the Aromazap family), all of which received favorable reviews and were seen as part of a thriving artisan log vaporizer ecosystem.