Description
Volcano Vaporizer Classic by Storz and Bickel
Initially debuted in 2001, the Storz & Bickel Volcano Vaporizer Classic has seen considerable upgrades throughout the years, all while still maintaining the same iconic design, masterful craftsmanship, and impressive technical features. The name itself has become almost synonymous with all desktop vaporizers -- in a similar way the PAX has done with portable vaporizers -- and for good reason. The design of the device is almost unrivalled and its ease of use makes it a perfect device for users looking to purchase their first tabletop vaporizer.
While the majority of devices have a lifecycle of 1-3 years, the Volcano has prevailed as Storz & Bickel’s flagship device and is perhaps the most common tabletop vaporizer used by the majority of herbal vapers. The precedent set by Storz & Bickel is truly impressive, and the Volcano is often cited as the first herbal vaporizers to really draw attention and innovation to the market. Even after its debut, over a decade ago, the Volcano has prevailed in popularity and its impact is still seen in almost all herbal vaporizers that preceded the original Volcano.
At first glance, it would be fair to assume that the Volcano vaporizer is somewhat difficult to use, but this is actually quite far from the truth. Despite the technical advancements Storz & Bickel have managed to integrate into this vaporizer, the overall design of the Volcano has remained focused on usability. The entire device claims to be error proof, and almost any user will be able to quickly grasp the concepts of the vaporizer and in a short amount of time will be able to operate it effortlessly.
Ultimately, the Storz and Bickel Volcano vaporizer presents vapers with a truly powerful desktop vaporizer that is both intuitive and easy to use. The design is still iconic and Storz & Bickel clearly still places a large importance on materials and technological innovation. The Volcano vaporizer also offers a good sense of versatility, as it allows users to vaporize both dry herb and extracts.
Design and Features
As far as desktop vaporizers go, the Volcano vaporizer does fall into the slightly larger camp, measuring in at a height of 18cm and an overall diameter of 20cm. However, the larger size of the device shouldn’t be a real issue, so long as you aren’t travelling with the device, and in most cases, the Volcano can easily fit into a backpack if you plan to move the device to another location away from your home. The larger size of the Volcano vaporizer allows for more internal capabilities and is a valid sacrifice for the performance offered by the Storz & Bickel Volcano vaporizer.
In terms of construction, the Volcano vaporizer is crafted entirely from metal and is engineered in Germany. The tolerances are extremely tight, with special attention being placed on the seams and pieces where the metal meets with other materials. The durable stainless steel used on the device helps protect it from any bumps and abrasions, while the heat-resistant plastic ensures the base of the device won’t melt during heavy vaping sessions. All of these materials give the Volcano a total weight of 3.5lbs or 1.6kg.
When looking at the construction of the Volcano vaporizer, we also need to consider the bags and valves used by the Volcano. Unlike a hose system, the Volcano utilizes high-quality plastic balloon bags, which are meant to hold the vapour in an airtight environment. The bags are paired with Volcano’s incredible valve system, which also ensures that no vapor is lost and allows vapor to be stored in a bag for up to 8 hours.
Looking next at the internal capabilities of the Volcano vaporizer. The device features a 100-watt convection heating source which is run in conjunction with a large aluminum heat chamber. The combination of these two units makes it so the Volcano is capable of outputting a constant temperature.
Temperature Control
Speaking of the heating, while most desktop vapes take some time to warm up, the Volcano vaporizer is somewhat faster taking only 3:30 to heat to 350° F and six minutes to reach 446° F. These are in no way rapid speeds, but they are on the faster end and allow the device to stand above the pack. Once the Volcano has come up to the desired temperature, the air pump fills the bag in just 30-seconds with ease. The device also comes with a 30-minute auto-shutoff timer, meaning the vaporizer can stay on for extended periods of time but also has a built in safety in case you forget to shut off your Volcano vaporizer. The device itself is capable of temperatures ranging between 266 and 446 degrees Fahrenheit.
Thanks to the 12 years of research put into the device, the entire Volcano vaporizer is medical grade and has gone through extensive safety testing to assure this. The aluminum heat exchanger was a particular point of observation and studies have shown that none of the aluminum is getting into the vapor. The Volcano also has electrical certifications (DIN EN ISO 60 335), has been tested and certified by TÜV SÜD (the “Southern Technical Inspection Association”) in Munich, Germany, and the Volcano Medic is certified in Israel and Canada as a medical device.
Ease of Use
As we’ve stated before, the Volcano vaporizer is one of the easiest desktop vaporizers to operate and can be completely mastered in a matter of minutes. The single knob on the device is used to set the temperature, while the only two switches control the fan and power respectively. The simplicity of the device comes in part from the closed nature of the Volcano as the vaporizer handles all the work and removes human error from the equation.
Volcano Easy Valve
The included Volcano Vaporizer Easy Valve is also incredibly easy to use and is virtually fuss-free. The oven sits naturally on top of the Volcano, with a tube that clicks into the mouthpiece, and the bag facing straight up. This positioning allows the vapor to flow naturally upwards into the bag, which then inflates in an entertaining and visually appealing way. From there, users simply need to press their lips to the mouthpiece, breathe with very little effort, and pass it around.
While not the originator of the bag-style vaporizer, the Volcano has almost perfected the bag vaping system and this focus has allowed the Volcano Vaporizer to prevail through the industry. Unlike hose-style desktop vaporizers, the bag used by the Volcano can be easily carried around and passed between people in a larger space. The bag also serves as a way to contain the vapor for extended periods of time, as the Volcano bag can store vapor for up to 8 hours.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy to use
- Intuitive design
- Secure valve construction
- Medically rated
- Relatively fast heat up times
- Iconic silhouette
- Shareable bag system
- Large chamber capacity
- Versatility with dry herb and wax
Cons
- Fairly large and heavy
- Can be somewhat loud
What's in the Box?
As with most herbal vaporizers, the Storz & Bickel Volcano Vaporizer comes with everything you’ll need to start vaping. There will still need to be some consumables you’ll need to purchase down the road, but the supplies offered in the kit should last you for a while.
- Volcano Vaporizer
- 2 x Air Filters
- Storz and Bickel Grinder
- User Manual
Easy Valve Starter Set Includes:
- 4x Easy Valve Balloons with Mouthpieces
- 1x Easy Valve with Balloon Adapter
- 1x Filling Chamber for Herbs
- 3x Filling Chamber Clip
- 1x Filling Chamber Ring (blue)
- 1x Normal Screen Set
- 1x Liquid Pad Set
- Cleaning Brush