Volcano Classic VS Digital Volcano Review
- Update: The Digital Volcano was discontinued in August 2019 and replaced by the Volcano Hybrid
Contents
Volcano by Storz and Bickel
The Classic Volcano is one of the best of its kind, if not the Best Desktop Vaporizer. The Volcano is inarguably a top-of-the-line device that is another impressive offering from German manufacturers Storz and Bickel. When people think of a memorable vaping experience at a party or a cannabis industry live event, they’re probably thinking of the Volcano. Some vaporizer enthusiasts still have their Volcanoes that they purchased in the early 2000’s, and they’re still working perfectly. That is an ultimate test to the quality and longevity of this desktop vaporizer.
The user-friendly functionality and design of this desktop vaporizer is second-to none. Couple that with the superior vapor quality and thickness, and this is a perfect for parties and more intimate home sessions. When it comes to a workhouse that delivers the best tasting, thickets clouds possible, the Volcano is up there with the best of the best.
For all of its awesome selling points, there were some notable drawbacks of the Classic, which is why the Digital was created in the first place. The most notable drawback was that there was no temperature indicator with the Classic. Storz and Bickel fixed this issue with the Digital unit, and you can now reach the exact temperature you desire, if that’s something of importance to you.
Volcano Vaporizer Superior Vapor Quality
The vapor quality from both the Classic and the Digital Volcano is second-to-none. You will get flavorful, robust, smooth hits and blow the thickest vapor clouds when vaping with dry herbs. The clouds that come from toking concentrates will be a bit smaller, but still very flavorful and delicious. The concentrate tokes that you get with the balloons are much less harsh than a dab rig. The only time you might
The terpene profiles in your botanical products will come through perfectly in every toke, whether you use dry herbs or concentrates. There are other desktop vaporizers on the market, like the VapeXhale Cloud EVO, that some vape lovers believe deliver more flavorful hits. Meanwhile, others say that way of thinking is petty and that the drop off in quality is small. Either way, the taste, smoothness and quality of the vapor from the Volcano can satisfy even the snobbiest of vape snobs. Which is very impressive, considering how much vapor you can fit into a single balloon.
How to Use the Volcano Vaporizer?
The Classic Volcano uses a heating scale that goes from 1-9, with each setting at its own individual temperature. The dial that you use to operate the Classic Volcano desktop vaporizer looks a lot like a guitar amp, although the knobs don’t quite go to 11. Again, this unit is a rock and roll style party vape. As much as it is the quintessential desktop party vape though, it is also coffee table friendly enough for two people, or even if you’re flying solo. This vape takes about three minutes to be ready to use, so it’s definitely not for vape users who want their hits quickly.
The simple user interface of this desktop vaporizer uses two small buttons, red on the left and green on the right, with an orange yellow operating light in between. This design is familiar, as the light combination is similar to a horizontal traffic light – which adds to the easy to use nature of this device.
Once you choose a heat setting from 1-9 the red button heats up the device and essentially is the on/off button. The middle orange yellow light indicates that the unit is operating and getting up to the temperature you want. Once the orange yellow light turns off, it’s all heated up and ready to toke. To do so, hit the green ‘air’ button, which activates the device’s air pump and vaporizes your dry herbs or concentrates. Because the air pump on the Volcano is so strong, it can get pretty noisy at times – which obviously doesn’t matter at parties, but can be distracting for smaller gatherings or private sessions. Prepare yourself before hitting the green light for go, because the air pump on this outstanding desktop vaporizer packs a real punch.
The temperature controls are the biggest difference between the two. When using the Classic Volcano, you just turn the knob and have no way of knowing what temperature you’re at. This takes some trial and error to determine the best setting for vaping. With the Digital Volcano, those issues are nonexistent. The digital settings give you precise temperature accuracy and allow you to vape and the exact temperature you choose. Some vape enthusiasts prefer to pay up for these features, while others don’t think it’s a big deal. It’s all a matter of your personal preference.
Volcano Vaporizer Easy Valve vs Solid Valve Kit
When purchasing either a Digital or a Classic Volcano, you have a choice between two different bag aka balloon kits: the easy valve and the solid valve. Both of the kits come with balloons that are extremely high grade and durable. You won’t have to worry about the bags making any kind of bad stench or taste, either, because Storz and Bickel have that all covered.
If you choose the Volcano Easy Valve Kit, you’ll be using mouthpiece and bag sets that you simply replace when they become observably foul enough to do so, or when your hits start to taste a bit like resin. The easy valve kit gets its name because it comes with fewer parts easier to assemble, and the different parts it comes with are disposable. The bowl on both the Digital and the Classic Volcano desktop vaporizer is made of thick plastic and is a lot like that of the Mighty Plus and the Plenty Vaporizer, which are also made by Storz and Bickel.
The solid valve kit uses a bowl, bags, and mouthpieces that are thicker and much heavier than that of its easy valve cousin. The solid valve is harder to assemble but can save you money on the volcano bags in the long run. The solid valve kit comes with components that you can clean and reuse multiple times, although they too can be replaced if necessary.
Volcano Vaporizer Manufacturing Quality
Like most, if not all products that come from the brilliant minds of Storz and Bickel, the Classic Volcano desktop vaporizer features an extremely solid foundation and materials that are just simply built to last. Everything that goes into these desktop vaporizers are virtually free from odors and the components that come in contact with you are food safe.
As we previously mentioned, we know of vaporizer enthusiasts who are still using their Volcanoes that they bought in the early 2000’s. That is some serious staying power. The temperature display on the Digital unit can be degraded over time if you’re not careful, so handle with care. As long as you don’t use the Digital carelessly, it should be fine for years to come. But, that is one drawback, especially if you tend to use this unit at parties. The Classic Volcano, and its younger sibling, the Digital Volcano both come with a respectable 3-year warranty.
Pros
- Delicious flavor
- Thick, high quality vapor clouds
- User friendly
- Built solid to last
Cons
- Pretty steep price tag, Digital is even pricier
- Takes about three minutes to heat up
- Fan can be noisy
- Obviously not portable
- Temperature display on Digital can degrade over time
Volcano Classic VS Digital Volcano Conclusion
Because these are desktop vaporizers, they are probably more designed for an experienced vaporizer enthusiast and not a newbie looking to toke a few vape hits here and there. The fan on both the Classic and Digital can get a bit noisy, it’s obviously not portable and it does take three full minutes to heat up. The price tag is a bit steep for this unit, which can turn people off.
Looking past its flaws, this is the quintessential desktop vaporizer. The Classic Volcano sits atop its throne as the best of its kind for years and years, and the Digital is right there with it. For good reason, too, as the vapor clouds are thick, robust and delicious. The interface is easy to understand and the vape itself is built to stand the test of time. You will not be sorry if you choose to buy a Volcano.
Do you own a Digital or a Classic Volcano? Is it the best desktop vaporizer money can buy? If not, what do you think is the best? Let us know in the comments! Stay tuned for more great reviews just like this one!
One last vaporizer to consider if you want to enjoy vaping both concentrates and flower is the Dr Dabber Switch!
If you’re still not sold, be sure to check out these relevant reviews:
About Author
Meet Drew, a prolific author who delves into the world of cannabis vaporizers, sharing his expertise through insightful product reviews. With an insatiable curiosity and dedication to his craft, Drew spends countless hours each month testing and experimenting with newly released vapes. His extensive experience and in-depth knowledge make him a trusted authority in the industry. Beyond his passion for vaporizers, Drew leads an active and diverse life. In his free time, you'll find him engaged in powerlifting and boxing, seeking the thrill of physical challenges. However, his love for literature remains a constant companion. Drew immerses himself in the captivating realm of crime thrillers as both an avid reader and writer. Don't miss the chance to delve into his gripping novel, 'Intertwined, a biker's tale,' which promises an enthralling experience. Drew welcomes readers to reach out to him with any questions they may have by leaving comments here and he will respond back.