FENiX 2.0

FENIX lists the symptoms of a dirty 2.0 in a telling order: the magnetic mouthpiece turns sticky and hard to pull off, the draw tightens, the taste goes burnt, and only then does residue show up in the chamber. The mouthpiece stack clogs first because it holds the screen that vapor hits as it leaves the isolated stainless steel airpath and cools.

1. Cool it, then take it apart: Switch the unit off and let it cool before anything comes away. The mouthpiece is held on by magnets and lifts off by hand. The titanium chamber comes out of the heating chamber with the chamber removing tool in the kit.

2. Brush the bowl before you wet it: Clear loose herb out of the titanium chamber with the supplied brush, then wipe the inside with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl. FENIX asks for 90 to 99 percent alcohol and suggests doing this while the chamber is still slightly warm rather than hot, since the residue lifts more easily.

3. Strip the mouthpiece: Separate the mouthpiece components and push the metal screen out. Metal and ceramic parts can sit in isopropyl for 15 to 30 minutes. Silicone is not to be left soaking, so wipe those parts with alcohol instead.

4. Rinse and dry fully: Rinse the soaked parts under warm water and let everything dry completely. Nothing goes back together damp. The main body is never washed or soaked, and water and alcohol both need to stay clear of the electronics and the charging port.

5. Burn the alcohol off: Reassemble and run one or two empty sessions at the top of the range, 221C, before loading herb again. That clears any leftover alcohol smell from the airpath.

6. Check which chamber you refit: The standard convection chamber carries rings at the top and bottom that hold it off the heating chamber wall. The conduction version has no rings and sits against the wall for a hotter bowl. Both clean the same way but behave differently, so put back the one you meant to use.

FENIX asks for a brush out after each session and a full strip every five to ten. Replacement mouthpieces, screens and chambers are available, so retire a screen that stays clogged after a soak rather than picking at it. Dosing capsules keep the titanium chamber close to spotless if you are willing to use them. The 4400 mAh cell is internal, so keep the port clean and charge the device rather than trying to service the battery.