The portable essence vaporizer according to the present invention comprises a heat source (12) for heating up an air flow which is passed through a substance from which the essence is to be extracted and is supplied to the user. It is characterized in that it comprises a heat exchanger (13) which provides heat generated by the heat source (12) to the air flow, and a thermal insulation (18) which insulates the exterior from the heat source (12) and the exchanger (13). Preferably, said insulation (18) is microporous and has monolithic structures of metal oxides, amorfous silica or glass filaments, and the heat exchanger (13) comprises an open cell foam structure. The vaporizer provides a satisfactory extraction and at the same time is of reduced size and has reduced electrical consumption.