Since its debut in 2001, the Storz and Bickel Volcano Vaporizer has maintained its place as one of the top desktop vaporizers on the market. While several other options have become available, the Volcano is still one of the best available. With high-quality components and abundant vapor, this is an excellent choice for those looking for a full-featured option for home use.
The Bag
Any review of the Volcano must include a discussion of bags. The Volcano is a balloon-style vaporizer. For those unfamiliar with the concept, the device blows the vapor into a food-grade plastic bag with a valve. The vapor is then inhaled from the bag. There are pros and cons to this approach. On the pro side, the vapor expands and cools as it enters the bag so it is never hot. There is also almost no waste since everything goes into the bag and stays there until you want it. Finally, unlike other methods, there is little to no resistance creating a smooth, natural hit. Some users feel that the flavor reduces as the vapor expands in the bag. There are concerns about vapor potency as the vapor mixes with air inside the bag.
Balloon style vaporizers are a matter of preference. If you enjoy the convenience and cool vapor of this type, the Volcano is a great choice.
Vapor Quality of Volcano Vaporizer
Among all the ways to assess a vaporizer, vapor quality is the most essential. Especially when we are talking about a top-of-the-line, table-top model, there is no need to sacrifice vapor quality. The Volcano gets high marks in both areas of vapor quality, potency, and flavor. Let’s start with potency. Balloon-style units are at a disadvantage when it comes to providing hard-hitting vapor potency. Any time there is an additional step between the creation of the vapor and your mouth, there will be a perceived reduction in potency. However, in the case of a bag system, this is simply an issue of the vapor mixing with air. The vapor itself hasn’t gone anywhere. It just may take more inhales to get it into your lungs. Fortunately, with the balloon, the inhales are resistance free, and the vapor is nice and cool.
When it comes to flavor, the Volcano is among the best in this category. There is always a reduction in taste due to the air mixture in the bag. However, the Volcano makes up for this by starting out with exceptional quality vapor. The better the vapor flavor before it mixes with air, the better the final product. Add this to the fact that the vapor from the bag will always be cool, and the Volcano will provide flavor to please most discriminating users.
Build Quality of Volcano Vaporizer
The Volcano vaporizer has been around long enough to get a feel for quality. Since these have been on the market for close to 20 years, users have demonstrated that these can last for over ten years. The German engineering and Storz and Bickel’s reputation for quality mean that you are buying a reliable product. The Volcano is also certified as a medical device in Israel and Canada, demonstrating the use of high-quality, safe materials and manufacturing attention to detail.
Ease of Use
The Volcano may look a little intimidating for new users. Both the volcano classic edition with its temperature dial or the newer “Digit” with its digital display look like serious machines. However, they are both designed for ease of use, meaning that it is quick and easy for nearly anyone to get fantastic vapor going in no time. Just fill the bowl, heat it up, and fill the bag. Once the bag is filled, you can remove it and take it with you. Despite the fact the device itself needs to be plugged into a wall outlet, you are not stuck there once the bag is removed.
Efficiency
One of the few drawbacks of the Volcano is efficiency. If getting the most out of your herbs is essential to you, the Volcano may not be your best choice. Balloon-style vaporizers are not exceptionally efficient to begin with. Condensation and dissipation mean that some of the compounds are going to stay in the bag or be released into the air. The size of the bowl can also be inefficient, especially if you are counting on this device for solo use. However, this won’t be an issue if used by multiple people calls for a more substantial amount of herb.
Final Thoughts
In terms of desktop, balloon-style vaporizers, the Volcano is still at the top of the class. While manufacturers are perfecting more portable systems, Storz and Bickel’s 20-year-old release still represents the best in this category.
