Volcano Classic BL37 [A29]

Looking for a vaporizer that delivers top level vapor quality and will last a lifetime? Meet the Volcano Classic, the original desktop vape from Storz & BIckel that’s been setting the standard for over two decades.

Its patented balloon bag system thoroughly extracts your herbs without combustion, delivering smooth and flavorful hits that will impress even the most experienced cannabis enthusiasts.

In this review, we’ll dive into what makes the Volcano Classic a true icon in the vaporizer world. From its simple controls to its low maintenance needs, find out why it’s still a top choice in 2024.

Read our methodology section to understand how we test vaporizers.

October 2024 Update

It’s remarkable that the Volcano Classic remains a top performer in 2024, even compared to newer premium desktop vaporizers. While it may lack some of the bells and whistles of the Volcano Hybrid, the Classic’s vapor quality is still on par with the best. The pure convection heating delivers exceptionally tasty, smooth, and potent vapor.

Efficiency is another area where the Volcano Classic shines. I find I can get multiple flavorful bags from a single bowl, thoroughly extracting the herbs. Compared to popular portables like the Mighty+ or Solo 3, the Volcano’s bags provide cooler vapor and zero draw resistance, making it easier on the lungs.

The only downsides are the slower heat-up time and lack of precise temperature control compared to the Volcano Hybrid. But once it’s up to temp, the Classic performs like a champ. For its price point in 2024, the Volcano Classic remains very competitive and is still the desktop vape to beat for sheer vapor quality.

Quick Review Summary

Unboxing and First Impressions

The Volcano Classic vaporizer comes very well packaged with everything you need to get started vaping, except the herbs of course. Here’s what you get in the box:

• Volcano Classic Vaporizer
• Easy Valve Balloon with Mouthpiece
• Easy Valve Filling Chamber
• Spare Easy Valve Balloon
• Cleaning Brush
• Air Filter Set
• Herb Mill Grinder
• Instruction Manual

The Volcano is a very solidly built unit. Weighing 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg), it has some serious heft to it. The base unit is made of stainless steel with a black powder-coated finish. The top cone section where the filling chamber sits is polished stainless steel. All the accessories have a premium look and feel as well.

[P1 – The complete Volcano Classic kit and everything included in the box]

The Easy Valve filling chamber is made of high quality plastic and stainless steel. It has a nice weight to it and the pieces fit together precisely. The chamber can hold a good amount of dry herb, up to around 0.75 grams if fully packed.

[P2 – Detailed view of the Easy Valve filling chamber, showing herb capacity]

The Volcano Classic uses a patented “Easy Valve” balloon and mouthpiece system. The Easy Valve is a single piece that consists of the balloon bag, a mouthpiece, and a valve that easily attaches and detaches from the filling chamber. Replacing balloons is quick and easy with no fiddling required.

[P3 – Easy Valve balloon with mouthpiece attached]

The included herb grinder does a great job of evenly grinding cannabis to the perfect consistency for vaporizing. It has a nice sharp action and grinds smoothly. The plastic cleaning brush is basic but functional for clearing out the filling chamber after sessions.

Heating, Vapor Quality and Effects

The Volcano Classic is a pure convection vaporizer. This means the air is heated, then passes over the herbs to vaporize them, as opposed to the herbs being heated directly. Convection vapes generally produce better flavor since the material isn’t “cooked”. The tradeoff is they usually take longer to heat up vs conduction vapes.

With the Classic version, you set your desired temperature using an analog dial ranging from 1 to 9, with 1 being the lowest temp (266°F / 130°C) and 9 the highest (439°F / 226°C). It takes anywhere from around 3 minutes on the low end up to 6 minutes on the highest setting for the Volcano to fully heat up.

[P4 – Close up of the Volcano Classic’s temperature control dial and heat/air switches]

Once it reaches temp, the Volcano is extremely efficient at extracting the active compounds from your herbs. The vapor it produces is top-notch – thick, smooth, flavorful, and potent. Entire balloons can be filled with dense, milky vapor in under 30 seconds. The vapor stays fresh in the bag for around 5 minutes before starting to get stale and harsh, so it’s best to fill only what you will consume in that time frame.

[P5 – Volcano Classic filling a balloon bag with thick, milky vapor]

The effects from the Volcano are strong and come on fast. Most users report feeling them within a few minutes of taking a balloon. Even just a few hits can be very effective, especially at higher temperatures. Despite the potency, the vapor is smooth and easy on the throat and lungs.

The balloon and valve system has advantages over other delivery methods like whips or direct draw. The vapor has time to cool down before being inhaled, so it’s never harsh or too hot. Passing balloons around is fun and easy, perfect for group sessions. And since the vapor is trapped in the bag, no hits are wasted – you can take as much or as little as you want at your own pace.

One potential downside of the balloon system is the slight “crinkly bag” sound they make, which can be loud in a quiet environment. Bags also need to be replaced every few weeks to months with heavy use. But overall the benefits outweigh the minor drawbacks in my opinion.

Ease of Use

[P6 – Step-by-step process of preparing the Volcano and filling a balloon]

Using the Volcano Classic is extremely simple. The full process goes like this:

1. Grind your dry herbs to a medium consistency using the included grinder. Avoid grinding too fine as this can restrict airflow.

2. Fill the herb chamber with your ground material. You can fill it as little or as much as you want, from 0.1 grams up to around 0.75g. Use the included liquid pad on top of smaller loads to keep them in place.

[P7 – Filling the Easy Valve chamber with ground cannabis]

3. Pre-heat the Volcano by turning on the heater and air. Set your desired temperature with the dial. The orange light will turn off once it reaches temp, usually within 3-6 minutes.

4. Place the filling chamber with your loaded herbs on top of the Volcano. Attach a new balloon to the top of the chamber and turn on the air pump.

[P8 – Close-up of the Volcano Classic temperature dial and indicator lights]

Efficiency and Maintenance

The Volcano Classic is extremely efficient at extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from your herbs. Even after filling a few bags, the leftover material is evenly browned and spent, with no hot spots or charring. A little goes a long way in the Volcano.

Maintaining the Volcano is simple and rarely needed. The filling chamber screens should be brushed off after each session to remove spent material. Every few weeks, empty and wipe out the filling chamber completely. Soaking the screens in isopropyl alcohol can help remove built up residue if needed.

[P9 – Disassembled Volcano Classic filling chamber and screens]

The balloon bags and valves don’t require any maintenance. With the Easy Valve system, you simply replace the entire bag and valve assembly when the bag gets too old and cloudy, usually after a few weeks or months depending on usage. Replacement Easy Valve balloon and mouthpiece sets are readily available.

The air filters on the bottom of the unit should be replaced every few years, but it’s not critical. The Volcano will continue to function even with very old filters, they are mainly there to keep dust and debris out of the air pump.

[P10 – Underside of the Volcano Classic showing air filter location]

Overall, the Volcano Classic is extremely low maintenance and built to last a lifetime. There are very few moving parts to break down. The most common issue is the air pump wearing out after many years of heavy use, but this is replaceable. Even the original Volcanos from 20 years ago are still going strong for many users to this day.

Volcano Classic vs. Volcano Hybrid

[P11 – Side-by-side comparison photo of Volcano Classic and Volcano Hybrid]

In 2019, Storz & Bickel released the new Volcano Hybrid vaporizer as an upgrade to the Classic. The Hybrid has some notable improvements, but also costs about $220 more than the Classic. Here are the key differences between the two:

The Hybrid heats up much faster, taking only 1-2 minutes to reach temp compared to the Classic’s 3-6 minutes. This is thanks to a more powerful double heater system.

The Hybrid has a digital temperature display and controls that allow you to set the exact degree, while the Classic uses an analog dial with 9 pre-set temps. The Hybrid’s temperature is also more accurate and stable.

[P12 – Close-up comparison of Volcano Classic dial vs. Hybrid digital display]

The Hybrid introduces a new “whip” attachment that allows for direct draw without bags. This provides more instant, on-demand vapor compared to the Classic’s balloon-only system.

The Hybrid has Bluetooth app connectivity for remote control from your smartphone. The app has precision temperature control, timers, alarms, and more. The Classic has no app functionality.

The Hybrid’s oven uses a combination of convection and conduction heating, while the Classic is pure convection. The Hybrid’s vapor is slightly heavier and more potent as a result.

[P13 – Volcano Hybrid with whip attachment in use]

Overall, the Hybrid is objectively “better” than the Classic with its added features and improved performance. However, the Classic still produces outstanding vapor quality and is significantly cheaper. If you don’t need the bells and whistles of the Hybrid, the Classic remains an excellent option.

Verdict

[P14 – Image of Volcano Classic with a filled balloon, ready to vape]

The Volcano vaporizer is a true classic for a reason. It set the standard for desktop vaporizers when it was first introduced in 2000, and it continues to outperform most of the competition 20 years later. Yes, it’s expensive, but you absolutely get what you pay for in terms of vapor quality, efficiency, ease of use, and durability.

With top-tier manufacturing and an industry-leading 3 year warranty, the Volcano is a workhorse that will keep performing at a high level for many years. There’s a reason it’s one of the most popular vaporizers for medical and recreational users alike. While the Hybrid offers some nice upgrades and features, the Classic still delivers 95% of the performance at a lower price.

If you enjoy cannabis and can comfortably afford it, the Volcano Classic is absolutely worth the investment. It provides a vaporizing experience that is second to none, backed by top quality German engineering and nearly two decades of continuous refinement. Whether solo or with friends, it will bring you many years of vaping enjoyment with minimal fuss or maintenance.

[P15 – Someone seen from behind with a balloon filled with vapor]