Volcano Vaporizer REVIEW

Volcano vaporizer digital The Volcano vaporizer, by German-based company Storz & Bickel, is the “800-pound gorilla in the room” when it comes to high quality vaporizers.

The undisputed heavyweight champ of vapes, the Volcano has set the bar high when it comes to quality, durability and performance. Not to mention price.

It sells for between $500+ (Classic) and $600+ (Digital) USD, is at the outer reaches, in terms of price, for the average vaporizer user.

But, As with any good vaporizer it is well worth the investment in your health. Read on to find out what makes it different from other vaporizers. Be sure to watch the video too.

It comes in two styles. The Classic has a dial-style design that allows you to set your desired vape temperature. The dial is numbered “1” through “9”, and the manual that comes with the Classic has a diagram that explains how the numbers indicate a temperature range. According to the Storz & Bickel website, the temperature range of the “classic” is between 130°C and 230°C (266° and 446°F).

The digital has a very large and easily readable LED display with big green “+” and “-” buttons to manually adjust its vape temp. Another handy feature of the digital version is the auto switch-off function.The temperature range for the “Digit” is between 40°C and 230°C (104°F and 446°F). The difference in temperature ranges between the two has to do with the digital accuracy of the “Volcano Digit”. Dig it?

Both the “Classic” and the “Digital” use “Easy Valve” and “Solid Valve” balloon technology. Honestly, I really don’t know what this means…lol. But seriously it’s a matter of preference. The Solid Valve is durable, re-usable and you can choose your balloon size. It’s cheaper than the Easy Valve but you’ll have to put some work into it, take it apart and clean it. The Easy Valve is basically maintenance free, no cleaning involved but it has a pre-set balloon. The Solid Valve will help save a few dollars over the long term, since the balloons can be purchased separately, as compared to the easy valve where the balloons have to be replaced together with the valve.

What can I say, it’s all in the name…the Easy Valve is ‘Easy’.

I think I would have to own one for about a year to fully appreciate the difference between the valve systems. To me, it’s a matter of durability. It’s cool tech though. Just push in the valve attached to the balloon and the vapor is released, ready to be inhaled.

Anyway, I do wonder why the Volcano vaporizer uses only the balloon, and not a wand whip as well. I would like to see a vape chamber attachment, on the Classic and the digital, with a wand whip valve attachment. It is an industrial-sized piece of equipment though. Maybe that’s why.

The filling chamber is pretty big. My guess is that you could get a good 2-2.5 grams of your finest “cheeba-cheeba y’all” in there.

But, I wouldn’t suggest doing that. Unlike a smoking bowl or bong, it’s not necessary to pack your “pot”-pourri in tight. It’s a good idea to leave some room for the hot air from the heating chamber to circulate and properly vape your buds.

So is it worth it?  If money is no object I’d recommend you buy a Volcano, because it is the best herbal vaporizer and it will last you a very long time because of the build quality.

It even serves a dual purpose as a restaurant or home kitchen appliance as well. Read more about that in my “cooking with the Volcano” article.

Now your probably thinking: How much does it cost? Well, the Volcano is the Maybach of modern vaporizers. Like a Maybach, it probably is a bit on the expensive side for most aspiring users.

Where to Buy One

Best USA Price for the Volcano Classic: $ 539 at VapeWorld

Best USA Price for the Volcano Digital: $ 669 at VapeWorld

Best Europe Price for the Volcano Classic: €397,00 at Vaposhop

Best Europe Price for the Volcano Digital: € 497.50 at Vaposhop

 

Volcano Vaporizer REVIEW4.25Vaporizer Blogger2011-02-08 12:54:22The Volcano vaporizer, by German-based company Storz & Bickel, is the “800-pound gorilla in the room” when it comes to high quality vaporizers…
  • Darin

    Leave it to the Germans to put out such a wonderful product. Donʼt need no Beamer or Mercedes in my garage, I have the Volcano Digit Vaporizer with Easy Valve System, and I can and will enjoy it as much as any car ever produced. What I am trying to say is that fellow reviewers across the board were all right when they said this Volcano is the real deal. Vapor oh Vapor, where you been all my life? I wish I would have known and acted on it earlier but it is never too late to enjoy superior delivery with almost none of the negative aspects. Vapors are so much healthier than smoke and now with all these green initiatives going on around our ever so cool planet I see myself emerging as a conscientious and caring human being, just waiting for that faithful day when proper legalization of what needs to be made available to nice folks such as my friends and I arrives in full force. For those who enjoy the kind and invigorating aromas and vapors such as what this capable machine can produce all I can say is: The sky is the limit and I mean that literally. What a sound investment and how nice it was delivered, how efficient and precise the parts all fit to create the ultimate hit. I am sold and bought for and it looks like this new relationship shall be a great one and who knows what tomorrow will bring in the form of wonderful smelling herbs Happy Vapor Trails!

  • Terrence H.

    I like to think that I have tried many substitutes before finally making the push and getting a Volcano, and I must say I will never look back. The volcano is the BEST thing you could ever buy. The Volcano comes assembled and ready to use, it is made with the highest quality possible, and it even comes with a 3 year warranty. The is the most effective system I have found, and nothing comes close to how well this works. There is no smoke involved, only vapors thus it lacks that tell-tale smell. The only smell you get is a aroma akin to Jiffy-Pop. Over all I must say I could not be happier with my purchase, and would recommend this system to any one else who enjoys the finer things in life. ”

  • Scottie W.

    Love this vaporizer. My only complaint is that it was so expensive. But you get what you pay for! Having tried many other types, this one is simply the best by far. No comparison. Youʼll be glad you did.

  • Michelenegele

    i  think the volcano is not clean enough if you use it intensly,because compared to vaporizers that filter the vapor through water, this one gives me constricted lungs after an evening of using it. the plus is that it is very easy in maintenance

  • Furbunches

    I bought a vaporizer 2 years ago and it has slowly quit heating up to the point that it does not work.  $300 a year is too much I’ll buy a less expensive brand next time so I’m not wasting my money.  

    • Anonymous

      Could you share with us which vaporizer you bought? I think our readers will appreciate that.

  • Furbunches

    why do you critique your reviews?  I’ll blog that you don’t post reviews that are not favorable.  We own 2 vaporizers and will never buy another one again.

    • Anonymous

      Hi, I am not sure what you are referring to. Could you please explain?

  • Anonymous

    Thanks for commenting JGaiski. Really appreciate your opinion and your “how to” on making your own vaporizer Mac Gyver style. If there is enough interest from readers that want to get their hands dirty we could put up some content on how to make your own vaporizer. Better yet. Maybe you’d like to illustrate how you make one and we’ll post it as an article on our blog. 

    What do you think?

  • Sarah

    This was very interesting and not at all what I thought of when I thought of a vaporizer. I used to have one because I have some very bad allergies and it didn’t look anything like this and the only thing you put in it was water. I’m going to do some further research into this and look at some of the related articles at the bottom of the page, thank you for your post.

  • http://twitter.com/TruckerWizard trucker wizard

    Nice review guys.  I love my Volcano Digit, works a million times better than the old school pencil sharpener looking wooden box vaporizers.  Nice being able to chill back with a bag and relax.

  • VinceKirtley

    What is the scientific reason that bag need to be changed (after, for example , 50-200 uses). And where can I get a citation. This is for an argument with an idiot who seems to thing you can use one bag forever.

    • vaporizerblogger

      Over time the integrity of the bag breaks down due to a couple factors. One, for the sheer nature of what the bags are used for, they will develop resin over time, which will make them very sticky and unusable. Also, there are external factors such as holes and rips that would warrant a bag change.
      I wish I had a more ‘ scientific’ answer for you.. Does that answer your question?

    • Jman

      Look at the Volcano website for the contents of the Volcano starter kit… It comes with a whole roll of bags. Also, I own one and the things get gunked up or develop leaks after a couple months of heavy use.

  • Quinlin

    I’m trying to decide between purchasing an Arizer Extreme Q and a classic Volcano. I have read great reviews about both. Does anyone know if the technology and parts used to make both vaporizers make one healthier than the other… meaning one has less exposure to toxins in the housing material, heating element, plastic bags being BPA free? I’m wondering if one vaporizer produces a healthier vapor with less toxins/carcinogens? Obviously, there is a price difference of $300 between the two. Can anyone tell me reasons to buy the Volcano over the Extreme Q rather than saving money. Also, pros and cons to using bags vs. wand whips? Has anyone tried both? So many questions. Sorry. First time vape user so I’m wanting to learn and make the best purchase. Thanks for any input!

  • Theo

    How mant times can 1 balloon be used?

    • vaporizerblogger

      That really depends on how many times you use it. But we use it here with moderate frequency and a bag can last us a month. If you are concerned with the replacement cost of Volcano bags.. don’t. You can use oven bags or turkey bags just as easily. You might need to do some work in finding the right ones but it sure pays off. I myself haven’t used these, but maybe a community member here can comment on this.

  • RetroGrouch

    I’ve been using a classic volcano for the last three years and I couldn’t be happier. I get all the cannabinoid goodness without the downside of smoking; a huge bonus for an avid cyclist and kayaker. I also find the whole experience more enjoyable, the high seems “cleaner” and more intense than bongs etc. If you can afford it, buy one you’ll not be disappointed.

  • Fred

    I have one classic with two solid valve sets for more than four years. I’m using it everyday, he’s practically always on. Definitely my best buy ever
    I love the durability and I would recommend to water filtrate with a bong since the vapors can be very thick

  • trackstar42

    I have had the Volcano Classic for about 1.5 years, I also own the vapirNo2 and have tried a few of the “pen/e-cig” style portable capes (which all broke after a few months).

    Volcano rocks. Solid valve is less prone to breaking and not that hard to use and clean once you do it a couple of times. Plus it comes with a handy quick reference card for cleaning and putting in a new bag.

    It works all the time, heats up in 1-2 minutes, even if you forget about it and leave it on over night you won’t burn down your house or damage the machine.

    I recommend using oven cooking bags you can buy in the baking section at most grocery stores instead of the bags from S&B. They are not as “crinkly” sounding and are pre-sealed. If you do this, use the smaller size, as the turkey oven bags could get about 10 people baked.

    Pros:
    Works great/reliable
    Easy to use
    Good for multiple people
    Can buy refill bags at grocery store.

    Cons:
    Expensive
    S&B bags provided are very loud, like a potato chip bag.

  • Cobra Kommander

    I have had my classic volcano now for one month and one week exactly. I medicate daily and have been for at least three years. What I have to say about this product is this is the best vaporizer than money can buy. If you are looking for the Rolls Royce of devices for medicating this is it. After using this model, more specifically the classic, I was very impressed by how efficient and clean this product is. Not to mention how easy it is to use, and clean! I ordered the Volcano Classic with the solid value system from Vape World ( a great company to do business with by the way, fast overnight shipping free and the site was certified and the customer service was friendly when I called in for a simple question). This unit is like something from the space age, or for you Fallout fans, “Vault technology” as I like to refer to it to. The ONLY con is the initial cost. I read countless reviews and did A LOT of thinking and research before investing in this product but it will pay itself off if you use it every time you medicate and honestly it will help your breathing and save your lungs from harsh tar and smoke. This product gives you overall the best taste and use of your medication.You will be amazed by how the clean tasty vapor compares to the dirty smoke. Vapor does not leave clouds in a room and coat clothing like smoke does. I cannot say enough good things about my Volcano and many of my friends love to use it with me. This experience eliminates the need for fire, lighters and ashtrays, which we all know can be dangerous and complicated in a certain state of mind lol. I am glad I paid the price to get this top of the line product instead of settling for something cheap. German-made this product is heavy duty and built to last. I know I will have this sweet machine for years to come and I hope my review has convinced some of you thinking about purchasing one to seriously think about this for your health and long term use medicating.

    • http://www.vaporizerblog.com/ Janet Fox

      Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. Amazing comment and truly appreciated!

      • Cobra Kommander

        You are welcome. I have no problem answering any questions anyone has about this product :D

  • http://www.vapeworld.com/volcano-vaporizer nateeey

    is it really good? im willing to buy one.

    • http://www.vaporizerblog.com/ Janet Fox

      Yes it is.

Pros

  • Newest development in the area of vaporizer technology
  • Made to medical quality spec
  • Most accurate temperature control on the market
  • Only vaporizer that allows the most freedom of movement during inhalation
  • One of the safest vaporizers
  • User does not come into contact with glass, heat or electricity during inhalation
  • Every Vaporizer comes bundled with all the necessary equipment to start vaporizing immediately

Cons

  • Price! Itʼs not cheap
  • Balloon dependent
  • If you donʼt hold balloon up while itʼs filling up with vapor it can tip over