Introduction
E-rigs typically command premium prices, often ranging from $200 to $400 for quality options. The Yocan Pillar challenges this by delivering water-filtered concentrate vaporization at a fraction of typical e-rig costs. At around $120, it brings features like auto sessions, interchangeable coils, and genuine water filtration to budget-conscious users.
The Pillar targets users who want smoother hits than dry concentrate pens provide but do not want to invest in expensive desktop e-rigs. Its portable form factor—unusual for devices with glass bubblers—adds appeal for those who value mobility alongside smoothness.
Design and Build
The Pillar uses a zinc alloy body that feels substantial without being excessively heavy. At 286 grams with the glass bubbler attached, it is heavier than pen-style devices but remains genuinely portable. The cylindrical design maintains a consistent 40mm diameter from base to top, allowing it to fit in larger pockets more easily than bulkier e-rigs.
The borosilicate glass bubbler sits atop the device, providing water filtration that cools and smooths vapor before inhalation. The glass quality is decent for the price point—not premium, but functional and reasonably durable with careful handling.
Adjustable airflow control on the base lets you tune draw resistance to your preference. Tighter airflow concentrates flavor while looser airflow produces larger clouds. The adjustment ring moves smoothly and stays in position during use.
Five color options are available: black, silver, champagne gold, and others depending on retailer stock. The matte finish resists fingerprints reasonably well.
What's in the Box
The Pillar kit includes:
- Yocan Pillar battery base
- Borosilicate glass bubbler
- TGT P Coil (ceramic donut)
- TGT Quad Coil (quartz rods)
- Dab tool
- USB-C charging cable
- User manual
Including both coil types is a thoughtful touch that lets users experiment with different heating styles without additional purchases.
TGT Coil Technology
The Pillar uses Yocan's TGT (Target Tech) coil system, offering two distinct heating options:
TGT P Coil (Ceramic Donut)
The ceramic donut coil heats evenly across a flat surface, providing:
- Slower, more gradual heating
- Maximum flavor preservation
- Efficient use of concentrates
- Best for low-temperature dabs
This coil suits users who prioritize taste over cloud production. The ceramic material does not impart flavor, allowing concentrate terpene profiles to come through clearly.
TGT Quad Coil (Quartz Rods)
The quad coil uses four quartz rods wrapped in heating wire:
- Faster heat-up time
- Larger vapor production
- More intense effects
- Better for thick concentrates
This coil appeals to users who want bigger hits and do not mind sacrificing some flavor nuance for vapor density.
Both coils thread into the same atomizer base, making swapping straightforward. Coil life varies by usage, but expect several weeks to a few months before replacement becomes necessary.
Water Filtration
The glass bubbler is the Pillar's defining feature. Water filtration provides several advantages over dry concentrate devices:
Cooler vapor: Hot vapor passes through water, reducing temperature before it reaches your throat and lungs. The difference is immediately noticeable compared to pen-style devices.
Smoother hits: Water removes some harshness, making draws more comfortable—especially at higher temperatures.
Mild filtration: While not as thorough as larger rigs, the bubbler does filter some particulates from vapor.
Fill the bubbler with enough water to cover the percolator holes but not so much that it splashes into the mouthpiece. Room temperature water works fine; some users prefer slightly warm water for even smoother hits.
Operating Modes
The Pillar offers two operating modes to suit different preferences:
On-Demand Mode
Hold the power button to heat the coil. Vapor produces while the button is pressed, stopping when released. This mode provides maximum control over session length and intensity.
Auto Mode
Double-click the power button to activate a 30-second automatic heating session. The device heats continuously without requiring you to hold the button, freeing your hands and providing consistent heat throughout the draw.
Auto mode is particularly useful for:
- Longer, more relaxed sessions
- Users who find button-holding uncomfortable
- Sharing with others
- Consistent, measured doses
The 30-second duration works well for most users, though some may wish for adjustable session lengths.
Voltage Settings
Three voltage presets allow customization based on concentrate type and preference:
| Voltage | LED Lights | Heat Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2V | 1 light | Low | Flavor-focused, live resin |
| 3.7V | 2 lights | Medium | Balanced vapor and flavor |
| 4.2V | 3 lights | High | Thick concentrates, big clouds |
Click the power button 3 times to cycle through settings. LED indicators show the current selection. Start low and increase if vapor production is insufficient—higher voltages consume battery faster and can diminish flavor.
Performance
Vapor quality through the water bubbler is notably smoother than dry concentrate pens. The combination of water cooling and the TGT coils produces comfortable draws even at higher temperatures. Flavor preservation is good, particularly with the ceramic donut coil at lower voltages.
Cloud production is respectable without being exceptional. Users coming from pen-style devices will notice improvement, while those accustomed to desktop e-rigs may find production modest. The Pillar sits appropriately in the middle ground its price suggests.
Heat-up time varies by coil and voltage. The quad coil reaches temperature faster than the ceramic donut, and higher voltages accelerate heating. Expect 10-20 seconds to reach optimal temperature depending on settings.
Battery Life
The 1400mAh battery is the Pillar's most notable compromise. While adequate for most users, it falls below the 1800-2500mAh capacities found in some competing e-rigs.
In practice, expect:
- 20-25 sessions per charge at moderate settings
- 15-20 sessions at higher voltages
- Approximately 6 auto mode cycles (30 seconds each) before significant depletion
For daily home use with occasional charging, the battery handles typical consumption patterns. Heavy users or those away from chargers for extended periods may find capacity limiting.
USB-C charging is a welcome inclusion, reaching full charge in approximately 2 hours. The device cannot be used while charging.
Maintenance
Water filtration devices require more maintenance than dry pens:
Daily/After Each Session
- Empty water from the bubbler
- Rinse the glass with warm water
- Wipe the mouthpiece
Weekly
- Clean the glass bubbler with isopropyl alcohol
- Clean the coil chamber and airpath
- Inspect coils for residue buildup
As Needed
- Deep clean coils by soaking in isopropyl alcohol
- Replace coils when flavor degrades
- Check seals and o-rings for wear
The glass bubbler detaches easily for cleaning. Avoid using abrasive materials that could scratch the glass or damage seals.
Who Should Buy the Yocan Pillar
Budget e-rig seekers: At around $120, the Pillar delivers water filtration and auto mode features that typically cost much more. It is an excellent entry point to e-rig vaporization.
Smoothness prioritizers: Users who find dry concentrate pens harsh will appreciate the water-cooled vapor. The difference in comfort is substantial.
Portable e-rig users: The cylindrical design is more portable than many e-rigs with similar features. It genuinely fits in a jacket pocket.
Experimenters: The two included coil types let you explore different heating styles without additional investment.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Battery life demanders: The 1400mAh capacity may frustrate heavy users or those frequently away from chargers. Consider devices with larger batteries if this matters.
Desktop quality seekers: While good for its price, the Pillar does not match the vapor quality or capacity of premium desktop e-rigs. Those wanting the best should budget accordingly.
Minimalists: The water chamber requires regular cleaning and careful handling. Users wanting zero-maintenance devices should consider dry concentrate pens.
Final Verdict
The Yocan Pillar successfully democratizes e-rig features, bringing water filtration and auto sessions to a budget-friendly price point. The smoother vapor compared to dry pens is immediately noticeable, and the dual coil options provide flexibility for different preferences.
The battery capacity is a genuine limitation, and the glass bubbler demands more care than pen-style devices. These trade-offs are reasonable given the price—you get e-rig functionality without e-rig cost.
For users wanting smoother concentrate consumption without premium investment, the Pillar represents excellent value. It performs above its price point while remaining genuinely portable. As an introduction to water-filtered concentrate vaporization or a budget-friendly daily driver, the Pillar delivers.
Related: Yocan Pillar Manual | Yocan Orbit Review