PAX Mini Vaporiser Review

The PAX Mini is exactly what it sounds like — a smaller, simpler, cheaper version of the PAX Plus. And honestly? For a lot of users, it's the better choice. If you don't need Bluetooth, app control, or the four-experience modes of the Plus, the Mini gives you the same sleek anodised aluminium build, the same conduction heating, and the same discreet form factor for significantly less money.

Simple Done Right

There's one button. Press it to turn on, press it to cycle through four temperature settings (indicated by LED colours), hold it to turn off. That's it. No app, no fuss, no learning curve. The oven is slightly smaller than the Plus — about 0.25g — which is actually perfect for solo sessions. The flavour is solid for a conduction vape, with that signature PAX smoothness on the lower settings. It heats up in under 30 seconds, and the battery comfortably handles 6-8 sessions per charge depending on your temperature setting.

Who Is It For?

The Mini strips away everything that made the PAX Plus expensive — the Bluetooth, the customisable experience modes, the bigger oven — and keeps the core vaping experience intact. If you're new to vaping or you just want a reliable, pocket-friendly device that looks good and works every time, the Mini is the smarter buy. The PAX Plus is objectively more capable, but the Mini delivers 85% of the experience for 60% of the price. That's a trade-off worth making.

Session Walkthrough: Getting the Best From Conduction

Conduction rewards a good pack, so here is my method. I grind fine, fill the oven fully, and tamp gently until the surface feels springy and even — no air gaps, no loose mound on top. I start on the second heat setting, take slow short sips rather than hard pulls, and stir the oven halfway through. That stir makes a bigger difference on the Mini than on most vapes. One packed oven at £79 gives me a tidy solo session, and I always empty the oven while it is still warm so residue does not bake on. For the full temperature breakdown, see our vaporiser temperature guide.

Cleaning and Maintenance Specifics

Conduction ovens punish neglect, so I keep the Mini clean little and often. I brush out the oven after every session, wipe the mouthpiece and vapour path with a cotton bud while warm, and do a deeper oven clean with isopropyl on a bud when flavour drops off. I never overload with sticky herb and leave it sitting — that is how ovens get gunked and draw resistance climbs. Five minutes of care keeps the draw open and the flavour honest. Full routine in our how to clean a vape guide.

Mini vs Plus: Which PAX Should You Buy

The closest rival is the PAX Plus. The Plus adds the bigger oven, Bluetooth app, and experience modes for longer sessions and more tinkering. The Mini at £79 keeps the same sleek feel and core conduction performance with zero faff. I recommend the Mini for solo users, beginners, and anyone who values simplicity and pocketability. I recommend the Plus for couples, sharers, and tinkerers who will actually use the app. Both are discreet, but the Mini disappears into a pocket like nothing else in this price bracket.

PAX Mini FAQ

How many sessions per charge will I get?
I get a comfortable handful of solo sessions per charge on low to mid settings. Higher settings and back-to-back bowls drain it faster, so keep temperatures moderate when you are out for the day.

Is the smaller oven a problem?
Not for solo use. The smaller oven suits one person perfectly and keeps herb fresh. Heavy users or sharers will reload more often — that is the one case where stepping up to the Plus makes sense.

Does it smell when carried in a pocket?
There is some odour after use, like any conduction vape. I empty and brush the oven straight after a session, cap it, and carry it in a small smell-proof pouch when discretion matters.