Steeping your e-juice can be one of the most efficient ways for you to improve your e-liquid's taste while ensuring the highest quality vape possible. It is a relatively common practice that, although may be daunting at first, can quickly become a habit for experienced vape technicians. There are multiple methods that you can use to steep your e juice, and knowing how to choose between them based on your circumstances can allow you to make the most of your vapor juice. Be sure to plan ahead accordingly and always engage in the necessary safety precautions to avoid issues.
Steeping Your Vape Juices
What is Steeping?
You are no doubt already familiar with the steeping process, just in other ways. Steeping has enjoyed a very long tradition with beer, teas, and even different types of food products. The steeping process is designed to extract nutrition or release more flavor, as in the case of steeping your juices. Many experts think of steeping vape juice as a way of aging the juice in order to remove some of the harsher alcohols and bottled tastes. Steeping correctly will mix up the VG and PG base while also balancing out the nicotine and flavor content. The process of oxidizing the juice for more flavor also darkens the liquid's color, resulting in a richer, more fibrant display.
Why Steep
People may steep for any variety of reasons, including:
- Flavor
- Appearance
- Smoothness
- Balance
Steeping your liquids can be ideal if you are interested in changing up your experience. Because of how efficiently it can improve the flavor, you can look forward to a greater degree of enjoyment, adjusted according to your methodology. Steeping adds a unique degree of aged quality as well. You get rid of a lot of the chemical taste and get a flavor that is closer to what you would want in your final product. The additives and preservatives that keep the juice ready for shelf storage take away from the full potential of the liquid. If you try the juice for yourself, whether in a vape pen or dab pen, and find that the tastes are a little harsh, you may want to consider steeping and aging to improve the flavor profile.
Is Steeping Worth It?
Some may not be sure if the time investment is worth it, but the fact of the matter is that more and more people are starting to steep their liquids to get the desired flavors. Not only are people enjoying personal use out of their steeping but an entire craft movement is starting to take root all over the world. More and more people are beginning to explore their creativity and taste options when it comes to their juice. The result is a higher demand for all types of refined vape items. As you dive into the process, you can enjoy new methods of experimentation, resulting in an understanding of nuances you may never have thought of before!
How Does the Process Work?
Generally speaking, steeping involves heating up your juice and shaking it in order to induce mixing. Shaking it also allows air in for the oxidation process. There are many different approaches on steeping the juice, and they can vary largely depending on how much time you have and what depth you want in your process. Some of the simplest methods involve storing your juice in a dark, cool place, shaking it to expose it to air and checking on it every few days until you are happy with the final product's taste in your wax pen. Know what types of results you are looking for and plan accordingly.
Common Methods of Steeping
Generally speaking, steeping methods can be divided into two primary categories:
- Slow steeping
- Fast steeping
These methods are divided largely on how much time you have to work with the materials. Not all steeping methods are right for all situations, but it can be easy to use the slow method if you have the time.
Slow Steeping
Slow steeping is very straightforward. The most traditional method is perfect for those who have time, as this is the most frequently used method of slow steeping.
Begin by removing the wrappers from your bottles. Set your bottles somewhere cool and dark for one or two weeks. Any dark place will do, and be sure to shake the bottles once a day. Do not let light touch the bottles, or it may end up tarnishing your vape juice. Every now and then during the period, open the bottles and let the air speed up your oxidation process. Make sure you only leave them open for a little while, as too much air may end up evaporating the juice.
Fast Steeping
Unlike with slow steeping, fast steeping methods focus on establishing the desired results as quickly as possible. There are numerous methods to consider, especially if you are looking for one that will work with the specific materials that you have onhand. Plan ahead for what you need and always take the time to prepare the area so as to avoid damage to yourself and your belongings.
Hot Bath Steeping
This is perhaps one of the most common and efficient ways for you to steep your juice. The method focuses on blending contents, steeping appropriately, and preparing the molecules for oxidation. Fill a large bowl with warm water and make sure that it is not too hot. Put your vape bottles in a sealable bag and then set them in the bath. Leave them there until the water cools to approximately room temperature before removing the bottles. Uncap them to let the gasses dissipate and then close them again. Shake the bottles well and give them a try.
Bird Bath Steeping
This fast steeping method also involves filling a container with warm water. Make sure that the water is not too hot. With this method, you take the caps off of the bottles first and then set them halfway into the warm water. Make sure that no water can get into the bottles while they rest there. Leave them alone until the water has cooled down, and then take them out. Replace the caps, and shake the bottles well before testing out the juice.
Slow Cooker Steeping
Fill a standard crockpot with water, and place your juice bottles into a sealable bag. Make sure that you remove as much of the air from the bag as possible, as it could interfere with the steeping process. Place the crockpot on a low setting, and then place the bottles into the crock-pot. You can leave them there between one and four hours. Uncap the bottles, let the gases dissipate a little, and then cap again before shaking well. Experiment with the timing to see different results!
Space Heater Steeping
This is a particularly low-tech method that can still provide you with the results you are looking for. Begin by adjusting your space heater to its low to medium setting. Put your bottles in a sealable bag, and fill a mason jar halfway with water. Place the mason jar approximately a foot away from your heater, and put the bag with the bottles inside. Allow the jar to hit until the liquid becomes warm. Leave it as such for a little while, and uncap to let them breathe. Afterwards, all you need to do is cap them again and shake before using.
Microwave Steeping
Microwave steeping may require for you to do a little bit of additional calibration and adjustment. Not all microwave units work the same, though the results should be immediately visible when you check on the project regularly. Begin by placing your bottles into the microwave and running the microwave on high for 10 seconds. Afterwards, uncap the bottles and let them breathe before capping them again and shaking them well.
Hot Rice Steeping
A little bit more rustic, this method focuses on transferring the heat from the rice into your bottles. Begin by grabbing a microwavable bowl and filling it with uncooked rice. Make sure that the rice is dry. Heat your rice in the microwave until it is hot, and then completely cover your juice bottles with rice. When the rice has finally cooled down, check on the juice. Open the cap, let it air out a little, and then remove it and shake well. It should be ready for use after.
Jewelry Cleaner Steeping
Though a little esoteric as far as methods go, this can be one of the best ways to thoroughly steep your juices if you have the equipment available. Begin by filling the jewelry cleaning device with water. Put the bottles in the water, making sure that they are tight. Turn the device on and allow the heater to work for 30 minutes. Afterwards, you can open the caps, let the bottles breathe, and then close them and shake them. Let them rest a little and then see how different the flavors are.
Candle Warmer Steeping
The candle warmer method is similar to the rice method. Fill a durable coffee mug with dry rice. Afterwards, bury your bottles in the mug's rice and put the mug on the candle warmer for up to eight hours. During the heating process, uncap the bottles every two hours to let them breathe. Cap them again and shake them for 30 seconds before putting them back in the rice.
It is always a good idea to think about what methodology will get you the best results at the most convenience to you. Different techniques may result in different subtleties in the taste, and learning more about what will work best for you can allow you to get the most consistent results in the future. Plan ahead for your needs and document your results to determine how flavorful you can get your next batch of juice.