Volcano Classic Vaporizer Review: Is It Still the Best?

Excellent, effortless vapor
Conserves your herbs
Classic heats up slow, blows up fast
Simple and easy to use
Works with dry herbs and extracts
The benefits to using bags
Indispensable accessories
A leader in safety and materials
Dimensions (base unit)
Three year warranty
What comes with the Volcano Classic?
For best results
Low maintenance
Classic or Hybrid?
Is the Volcano Classic vaporizer worth it?
Who is the Volcano for?
Who is the Volcano not for?
Is the Volcano still the best vaporizer?
Final thoughts

A lot has happened since the Volcano debuted in 2001, and there are a lot more vapes to choose from now. Despite all the options available, the Volcano vaporizer still shines when it comes to consistently producing high-quality, effortless vapor that can extract quicker and more thoroughly than other vapes. A power switch turns on the heater, an analog turn dial controls the temperature, and a fan switch forces air into a turkey bag or “balloon.”

Even after all these years, the Volcano's high-end, medical-grade components and German engineering still lead the way when it comes to lab testing and independent certifications. After a full re-acquaintance with an old friend for this review, it’s obvious it is very relevant and still a leader in a number of ways.

Volcano Classic Vaporizer

$383.20 Regular price: $479.00

The Volcano Classic vaporizer is exactly that - a classic.

Fantastic vapor
Easy to use and share
Consistent
Efficient
Amazing track record

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Volcano Vaporizer Review: Excellent, effortless vapor

The Volcano has a reputation for excellent performance every time you fire it up, without any fuss or setup. It’s easy to load and assemble, fills bags quickly, and makes tasty vapor that is always cool and comfortable to draw, thanks to the bag system and full convection heating. It’s also versatile enough to go through a full bowl in three or four bags at once, or just blow up enough for one super flavorful hit, and save the rest for later.

Volcano efficiently conserves your herbs

The Volcano vaporizer was designed with efficiency in mind from start to finish. The ceramic heating element and large heat exchanger, coupled with a wide temperature range and convection air stream, deliver precisely measured, on-demand heat so your herbs only cook at the temperatures you want, when you want. The bowl can be removed between uses to preserve your herbs, and the bag system catches all the vapor so nothing is lost. If you have a little more self-control than we can usually muster, you can blow up partial bags instead of more than you need.

Volcano Classic heats up slow

Most desktop vapes take their time warming up, and the Volcano Classic is no different. It takes from 3:30 (350° F) to six minutes (446° F) depending on the temperature you select. The Hybrid, however, is ready within two minutes, or about the time it takes to prep the herbs. Once up to temperature, it’s a racehorse, filling bags in around 30 seconds with ease. The Volcano Hybrid vaporizer has an auto-shutoff timer adjustable from five minutes to six hours, while the Volcano Classic has no timer. If you want your Volcano on 24/7, the Classic version has the advantage.

volcano vaporizer with oven

Straight-forward and easy-to-use

Whether it’s the Classic or Hybrid, the Volcano is simple and maximizes ease of use. There are HEAT and AIR buttons (the Classic uses switches and an analog knob), and a heat indicator light. The Classic uses a knob to set the temperature, and the Hybrid has an LCD readout with specific temperature settings. The closed system takes almost all of the human error out of the equation so you can’t burn your herbs.

The bag and valve system couldn’t be easier. The herb chamber sits right on top of the volcano, with a tube that clicks into the mouthpiece, so the bag fills facing straight up. When it’s filled, just press your lips to the mouthpiece, breathe without any effort, and pass it around. It’s natural to fill up a bag all the way, but you can fill as little as you want for smaller sessions. Best of all, even though the Volcano has to stay plugged in, you can take your bag and walk away instead of being tied to the wall.

How does the Easy Valve system work?

The Easy Valve system is a maintenance-free design. It offers a single, replaceable balloon size. They last anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on how much herb you’re vaping and if you clear out the bag every time. This means less hassle and more convenience, allowing you to focus on enjoying your session rather than maintaining equipment.

How effective is the Volcano's Fan-Assist System?

The fan-assist system in the Volcano Classic is highly efficient, setting it apart from many other vaporizers on the market. By utilizing forced-air technology, it can quickly and evenly fill balloons with vapor. This ensures a consistent, smooth experience without manual effort.

Key Features:

Uniform Vapor Distribution: The fan helps distribute heat and vapor evenly, avoiding hotspots and ensuring each draw is flavorful.
Compatibility: The system can seamlessly transition from filling balloons to working with whip attachments, offering versatility for different vaping preferences.
Ease of Use: Users appreciate the hands-free operation, making it simple to achieve optimal vapor quality without constant adjustments.

Related: How to use the Volcano Vaporizer

Works with dry herbs and extracts

The Volcano’s versatility shines, with support for both herbs and extracts. The loading chamber can hold up to half a gram of dry herbs, but also works with loads as small as a tenth of a gram using the stainless steel extract pad as a spacer, or with the dosing capsules. You’ll get the best results with extracts if you use enough to cover roughly two thirds of the pad and turn the temperature all the way up. If you think the vapor quality is too harsh, load less and/or drop the temperature.

Several benefits to using bags

Vaporizing with bags has some advantages over other methods. They’re easy to share, great for parties, and give the vapor space to expand and cool, so it’s never hot. They also ensure there’s no waste, since everything goes right into the bag. The valves don’t leak and let you take hits that feel effortless, like natural breathing, instead of the resistance you feel from a portable vape, like the PAX 3. We usually get around four large hits per full bag, and you can fill the bags to any amount you want, from one hit, to a full bag.

volcano review bag in hand

How often should you replace the bags for the Volcano?

When using the Volcano, the frequency of bag replacement varies based on usage. For moderate users, bags generally last a few weeks to a month. However, if you’re using it several times a day, consider replacing the bags every one to two weeks for optimal performance.

Signs it’s time to replace the bag:

Loss of vapor quality: If the vapor starts tasting stale or less potent, it might be time for a new bag.
Visible residue: Any build-up inside the bag suggests it's no longer functioning at its best.
Wear and tear: Holes or fraying edges are clear indicators that a replacement is due.

Comes with indispensable accessories

The accessories included with the Volcano vaporizer are basic, but effective – a plastic grinder for the perfect grind, and a horsehair makeup brush to clean all the parts after use. It comes with the Easy valve balloon system, so the Solid valve is now optional. But it’s the dosing capsules, developed for the medical certifications, that steal the show. With the Filling Chamber Reducer installed into the Volcano’s easy valve system, they drop right in and hold up to 0.15 grams of dry herbs. They’re perfect for personal use, and they fit all Storz & Bickel vaporizers. There’s an entire spread of dosing capsule accessories that make them easy to load and carry, and even get them working with extracts.

Check out the POTV Volcano Glass Adapter!

Inhale the Volcano’s legendary vapor through our suite of POTV Glass Accessories with the Volcano Glass Adapter! Take the edge off of your Volcano vapor with our glass stems and mini bubblers, or seamlessly connect to your favorite tabletop bubbler. When you’re finished, store the adapter in the included stand. It even has a dedicated spot for your cleaning brush!

A leader in safety and materials

Storz & Bickel stands alone in the industry when it comes to product testing and certifications. All of their vaporizers are designed and manufactured in Germany, and use an aluminum heat exchanger, prompting a study to show that aluminum isn’t getting into the vapor. The Volcano 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.

It’s safe to say the Volcano is a medical grade vaporizer you can be confident in. Not only that, but there isn’t a lick of glass in it, so it can hold up to heavy use.

However, if you’re a heavy user, there are a few practical aspects to consider:

Heating Time: The Volcano Classic takes a few minutes to heat up, which may require some patience if you use it frequently.
Maintenance: Frequent users will find that the bags need to be replaced often.
Noise Levels: The fan and the bags are quite loud, so expect some noise that others in the room will notice.

These points highlight that while the Volcano is incredibly durable and reliable, it does have some real-world usage considerations that heavy users should keep in mind.

Dimensions (base unit)

Height: 7.1 in / 18 cm
Diameter: 7.9 in / 20 cm
Weight: 3.5 lbs / 1.6 kg

Name and Manufacturer

Name: Volcano Classic Vaporizer
Manufacturer: Storz & Bickel

Performance and Materials

Materials: Dry Herbs & Extracts
Temp Range: 226F – 446F (108C – 230C)
Heating: Hybrid

3-year warranty

The Volcano comes with a 3-year warranty on workmanship and defects. If you decide to buy your Volcano vaporizer from us, you are covered by our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

What comes with the Volcano Classic?

What's in the box:

Volcano Vaporizer
Easy Valve Starter Set
Storz & Bickel Grinder
Spare Air Filter Set
Extra Screens
Mouthpiece
Cleaning Brush

Tips for getting the best results

We’ve got plenty of tips in this blog post, but here are a few to get you started. If you’re getting weak vapor when you load less than a full chamber, buy the Filling Chamber Reducer and use the Dosing Capsules for even more efficient vapor production.

If you think the vapor is harsh, try loading less and/or turning the temperature down. The vapor can also get harsh if it sits in the bag for around five minutes, so don’t fill it with more vapor than you’ll use. Resist the urge to always fill a bag unless you are going to consume it fairly soon - there’s nothing wrong with a partial bag, if you just want one or two hits.

Low maintenance & easy clean-up

Cleaning the Volcano is easy and infrequent, depending on how much use it gets, and all you need is a glass of isopropyl alcohol and the instructions. The screens in the filling chamber will need the most attention, and can go for longer between cleanings if you brush out the chamber after each use, instead of letting it sit full until the next use. Deeper cleanings involve soaking the filling chamber parts in isopropyl alcohol, and either changing out the bag or swapping it for a new one. This vaporizer provides fairly low maintenance vaping experience compared to others.

volcano hybrid with app

Should you get the Classic or Hybrid?

The original Volcano Classic is a full convection dry herb vaporizer that has withstood the test of time and satisfied millions. It's easy to use, consistently excellent, and extremely durable. If you choose to drop the extra $220 for the Volcano Hybrid, you'll walk away with a digital display and precise temperature control, a Bluetooth smartphone app that adds a LOT of extra features, and a whip to go along with the bags. But that's not all. With a touch of conduction, the Hybrid's new heating system can extract all the vapor from a full loading chamber in just two bags, instead of four with the Classic.

Is the Volcano Classic vaporizer worth it?

All day long. No other vape has a twenty year track record, yet alone such a good one. The Volcano Classic vaporizer is excellent, durable, and easy to use. It comes with everything you need to start vaping, except the herbs! And if you get it from Planet of the Vapes, you also get an electronic gift card for future purchases.

Who is the Volcano for?

Starting at $479, the Volcano isn’t cheap. It will appeal to someone who wants strong, fast-acting vaporization with little effort. The medical grade components protect the flavor and are extremely efficient, and the bags feel like breathing, with no resistance. It easily handles different load sizes, works with dry herbs and extracts, and has proven itself to be durable for almost two decades. A new Volcano might be the soundest vaporizer purchase you can make.

Pros:

Easy to Use: Simple, straightforward operation.
A+ Flavor: Delivers superior flavor quality.
Reliable: Built to last with a long track record.
Efficient: Extremely effective in vaporizing materials.
Good for Groups: Ideal for social settings.

Who is the Volcano not for?

The Volcano is expensive, so the price tag is a very real barrier. If you purchase with Planet of the vapes, you will already get 20% off your order, but it'll cost you an additional $220 to get the Hybrid and add the whip. Or you can opt for the cheaper Arizer XQ2. It’s a desktop vaporizer that’s tethered to an outlet, so if portability is a must, a portable vaporizer like the Mighty+ or Crafty+ will satisfy.

Cons:

Price: High initial cost.
Size: Bulky and takes up space.
Noise: Can be somewhat noisy during operation.
Analog: Uses older technology.
Not Portable: Stationary and needs to be plugged in.

Budget Desktop Options

If the Volcano's price is beyond your budget, consider the newly released Arizer XQ2 Vaporizer. This upgraded version of the Arizer Extreme-Q offers both a balloon and a whip option. While it may not match the Volcano in vapor quality and has a few design flaws, it is a more affordable alternative.

For more detailed insights, check out our buying guide for the best desktop vaporizers, which provide a range of at-home vape options that might suit your needs better.

Considering Portability?

If you're leaning towards a portable vaporizer, the Mighty+ is an excellent choice. Often dubbed the "portable Volcano," the Mighty+ delivers rock-solid performance and consistency, features not commonly found in portable units. This makes it a compelling option if you need something that isn't tethered to an outlet.

Is the Volcano still the best vaporizer?

We don’t believe there is a best desktop vaporizer for everyone, but if there were, it would probably be the Volcano Classic vaporizer. Our customer reviews are undeniable with hundreds of perfect ratings, and no legitimate bad ones. It’s amazing that over 20 years since its release, it still casts a long shadow and continues to produce some of the best vapor on the market.

Final thoughts

Even after all this time, the Volcano is still one of the best vaporizers on the market. It’s efficient, powerful, tastes great, and the bag system makes every hit effortless. You get the flexibility of both dry herbs or extracts, and the accessories only expand the functionality. Designed and manufactured in Germany with medical grade parts, the Volcano has all the certifications and track record of long-lasting devices -- our review comes almost twenty years after its initial release. If you have the money to spare, it’s still one of the most reliable, durable, and safest vaporizer purchases you can make. Read our Best Desktop Vaporizer Guide for a full review on all our Desktop Vaporizers.