Volcano Hybrid Review: The Ultimate Desktop Vaporizer. Period.

How Does the Volcano Hybrid WorkPin
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Is the Volcano Hybrid the best desktop vaporizer on the market, or are you going to be better off with something cheaper? Here’s my full review of this truly brilliant tabletop vaporizer, warts and all…


TL;DR: What Makes The Volcano Hybrid The Ultimate Desktop Vaporizer?

How Does the Volcano Hybrid WorkPin

The Volcano Vaporizer Hybrid is the third-generation version of Storz & Bickel’s seminal desktop vaporizer and easily their most feature-packed device yet which is why it is our #1 top-rated desktop vaporizer for 2024.

Unlike its predecessors, the Volcano Hybrid supports both whip-style vaping AND balloons, offering users the best of both worlds.

Replacing the Volcano Digit, the Hybrid is now one of only two options in the Volcano lineup, with the Volcano Classic being the other, cheaper entry-level model. With a higher price comes a variety of optimizations, improved performance, and innovative new features that make this more than just a minor update – it’s a complete overhaul.

Pros (What You’re Paying For):

  • Durability: Built to last, backed by a 3-year warranty.
  • Hybrid Inhalation: Whip or Balloon options? You’ve got both.
  • Heat-Up Time: 🔥 70 seconds – no waiting around.
  • Smartphone Control: Control your Hybrid wirelessly.
  • Insane Vapor Quality: Pure convection, cool and dense.

Why You’d Get The Volcano Hybrid…

I get it, this thing is an investment. You already know it costs a fair chunk of change, so the next logical question is whether it is worth it or not. 

My two cents on this question is as follows: for the right type of user, the Hybrid is worth every darn penny.

It offers best in class vaporization technology, it’s versatile, doing both whip and forced air-style vaping, and the vapor production, flavor, and general build quality is off the charts. 

I’ve tried literally every desktop vaporizer on the market, ranging from e-rigs like the PuffCo Peak Pro to more cost-effective dry herb desktop vaporizers like the Arizer Extreme Q, and while they’re great at what they do, none of them can match the Volcano for sheer performance. 

This is why, should you ever frequent a high-end, serious cannabis store in a 420 State or Amsterdam, you’ll ONLY see Volcano vaporizers in use – they’re the best, they deliver the best performance, and they’ll run for decades without issue. 

And if you don’t know much about Volcano vaporizers and why they’re so beloved by serious weed freaks, here’s a few points on what makes them generally unbeatable in the desktop vaporizer space:

  1. Unmatched Build Quality: German-made with high-quality materials like stainless steel and ceramic, ensuring durability and reliable performance.
  2. Advanced Convection Heating: Pure convection heating with a powerful 100-watt heater extracts all essential flavors from your herbs without combustion for a clean, smooth experience.
  3. Dual Inhalation Modes: Enjoy the classic balloon experience or switch to whip mode for more casual, direct vaping sessions.
  4. App-Controlled Precision: Adjust settings like temperature, fan speed, and more, all through the convenient smartphone app.
  5. Massive Power and Speed: Heats up in just 70 seconds, producing dense, cool vapor on demand, making it 10x faster than previous models.

Volcano HYBRID Specs & Features

How Does the Volcano Hybrid WorkPin
  • Hybrid Inhalation System – Supports Both Whip-Style & Balloon Vaping
  • Digital Display – Makes It Easier To See What’s Going On
  • App Compatibility – You Can Use Your Phone To Control Temperature Settings & Power Settings
  • Pure Convection Heating – Air is propelled through the vapor path by a 100-watt heater that extracts the essential flavors of your dry herb without combustion
  • 100-Watt Heater – Insanely Powerful Heater For Precise, Fast Heating
  • Dual-Use Vaporizer – You Can Use it as a Whip-Style Device or Go The Traditional Route and use a Balloon.
  • 10x Faster Heat-Up Time – Thanks to Improvements to the Specs, The Volcano Hybrid Heats Up Materials 10X Faster Than Before

As you can see, this isn’t a minor update; the Volcano HYBRID vaporizer is a complete overhaul of Storz & Bickel’s existing Digit vaporizer. It is faster, more powerful, and it features much-needed, new features like the ability to do whip-style vaping and control the device remotely via a smartphone app.

FeatureVolcano DigitVolcano Hybrid
Heating MethodConvectionHybrid (Convection + Conduction)
Heat-up Time3-5 minutes1-2 minutes
Temperature Range104°F – 446°F (40°C – 230°C)104°F – 446°F (40°C – 230°C)
Temperature ControlDigital display, +/- buttonsDigital touchscreen display
Vapor DeliveryBalloon onlyBalloon and Whip
Precision+/- 2.7°F (1.5°C)+/- 1.5°F (0.8°C)
Auto Shut-off30 minutes (non-adjustable)Adjustable (5 minutes to 6 hours)
Smartphone AppNoYes (Android and web app)
Filling ChamberStandardImproved locking mechanism
DisplayLEDLCD touchscreen
Extraction SpeedStandardFaster (due to hybrid heating)

First off, the Hybrid’s heating method combines both convection and conduction, meaning it heats faster and more evenly, giving you richer, denser vapor.

If waiting around isn’t your thing, you’ll appreciate the Hybrid’s one-to-two-minute heat-up time, which blows the Digit’s three-to-five-minute wait right out of the water.

Temperature control on the Hybrid is next level, too, thanks to its digital touchscreen display.

Forget the Digit’s simple buttons – with the Hybrid, you get pinpoint precision at your fingertips. Speaking of precision, the Hybrid ups the ante with an accuracy of +/- 1.5°F, giving you exact control over your session.

Plus, if you’re craving more versatility, the Hybrid offers both balloon and whip vaping, adding a layer of flexibility the Digit just can’t match.

And let’s talk smart features.

the original volcano vaporizerPin
This is the OG Volcano Vaporizer. See that dial? Yeah, the Hybrid’s system is WAY more advanced and much easier to use.

The Hybrid is compatible with a smartphone app (yes, finally), meaning you can tweak your settings without even touching the device.

Compare that to the Digit, which doesn’t even come close to offering wireless control.

Even the filling chamber is upgraded, with an improved locking mechanism that makes loading and unloading smoother and more secure.

As for shut-off options, the Hybrid crushes it with an adjustable timer that ranges from five minutes up to six hours.

The Digit? A fixed 30 minutes, no customization there.

Throw in a sleek LCD touchscreen display and faster extraction speed, and the Hybrid isn’t just better – it’s a complete overhaul that gives you way more bang for your buck.

And that’s why the price is the price. Yes, it ain’t cheap. But think of it this way: you’ll never have to buy another vaporizer ever again. The Hybrid will probably outlive you; it’s German-made and designed to run flawlessly for decades.

My buddy has the OG model which came out in the 1990s, and it STILL works. He looks after it properly, of course, but it still works as good as it did when he first got it.

You cannot beat German engineering.

What You Get In The Box

  • 1x Storz & Bickel Volcano Hybrid Hot Air Generator
  • 1x Power Cord
  • 1x Easy Valve Balloon w/Adapter
  • 1x Tube Kit
  • 1x Filling Chamber
  • 1x Air Filter Set
  • 1x Herb Mill
  • 1x User Instructions
  • 3x Easy Valve Balloon w/Mouthpiece

Performance

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The Volcano Hybrid is a powerhouse with its 100-watt convection heater and superior airflow, delivering dense, flavor-packed vapor with every draw.

With both balloon and whip modes, you get massive volume and flavor control, letting you customize your experience to suit your preference.

Simply adding the latter two features alone would have been enough to propel the Volcano HYBRID way ahead of everything else in the vaporizer market, but Storz & Bickel THEN went and made it 10X faster at heating up weed just for the hell of it!

For users comparing with competitors like the Arizer Extreme Q or Herbalizer, the Hybrid’s power, speed, and vapor quality make it essentially untouchable right now.

Its convection heating, rapid warm-up times, and adjustable fan settings put it way ahead of the competition, and that’s why it’s still the preferred choice for cannabis enthusiasts and medical users.

And when you fill your first ballon or take your first hit, you’ll know what I’m talking about. The vapor quality and density is insane. When you’re filling a balloon, for instance, it looks like the damn thing is full of milk it’s so thick and dense.

Both the now-replaced Volcano Digit and the Volcano Classic were solid performers, delivering decent heat-up times, excellent vapor, and some of the purest vaping experiences around.

Topping what these two could do has been the business of many brands during the past few years. But none have really managed to do it effectively.

And the the Hybrid launched and raised the bar even higher. The Arizer Extreme Q is fine as a cheaper option but it pales in comparison to the power and finesse you get with the Hybrid – it’s like night and day when it comes to vapor quality and overall power.

User Tip: To get the densest vapor, set the temperature around 365ºF-375ºF for dry herbs, or start low and gradually increase for an enhanced flavor experience.

Vapor Quality

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Vaporizers live and die by the quality of vapor they produce. This is why there is such a large discrepancy in price between a cheap portable vaporizer and something like Plenty Vaporizer (also by Storz & Bickel).

And it’s the same with desktop vaporizers too; only with these types of vaporizers, you get A LOT more vapor and more control over how it is generated.

For the pure volume of vapor and flavor, the Volcano Hybrid, like its predecessor, is almost impossible to beat. It generates large amounts of cool, dense vapor that is packed with flavor.

You can control just how much vapor it makes by using the HYBRID’s fan; if you want more, whack the fan on. Want less? Turn it off or switch it down.

Either way, you’re in control. You also have the ability to use the fan to drive the device when it’s in whip mode, which gives it an added punch that is great for when you’re sat around it with a bunch of buddies.

Like its predecessor, the Volcano Digit, the Hybrid is an utter monster when it comes to vapor production.

Nothing else in the niche can hold a candle to this vaporizer in this context.

This is why you’ll pay top dollar for one.

Like a performance German sports car, when you’re using it nothing else compares, and for those that value reliability, usability, and performance, the asking price for the Volcano HYBRID, while steep, is not going to put any of the purists off getting this device.

Volcano Hybrid Settings & Usage Tips

Whip vs. Balloon – Which One to Use?

The Volcano Hybrid’s dual-mode functionality shines here:

  • Balloon Mode: Great for group sessions. It holds a large volume of cool, flavorful vapor, perfect for sharing.
  • Whip Mode: Offers direct inhalation, smoother and quicker. Perfect for solo use or when you want quick adjustments to vapor density on the fly.

In whip mode, turning up the fan delivers a more intense hit – great for sharing or when you want an extra punch.

Pro Tip: Use the fan control in whip mode to increase vapor production for a denser, fuller experience.


Heat-Up Time

The Volcano Hybrid has a heat-up time of just 70 seconds, far faster than previous models. The older Volcano Classic and Volcano Digit took about 2-3 minutes, but the Hybrid’s high-powered 100-watt fan lets you dive in almost instantly. It’s mightily impressive for a vaporizer of this size and power.


Using the Smartphone App

With the Volcano Hybrid’s app, available on iOS and Android, controlling your device has never been easier:

  • Main Controls: Quick access to power and temperature settings.
  • Advanced Settings: Control fan speeds, shut-off times, and customizable workflows.
  • Status Updates: Real-time insights on fan speed, temperature, and other essential info.
  • Tips & Guides: Built-in tutorials help you get the best performance from your Hybrid.

Whip Mode

How do you clean the Volcano Vaporizer HybridPin

Yes. The Volcano Hybrid now does whip-vaping. And, yes, it is 100% legit.

And its addition makes the Volcano HYBRID our new #1 recommendation for the best desktop vaporizer on the planet right now.

The vapor is smooth and full of flavor, it’s also dense and the volume you get off a single draw is utterly NUTS.

Add in the fact that you still have support for the Volcano’s traditional way of vaporizing, its balloon system, and you’re effectively getting the best of both worlds, something Volcano vaporizers, up to now, have been missing.

Whip-style vaping is simpler and quicker; it’s also less fuss, especially if you’re vaping with a few buddies.

The airflow on the Volcano HYBRID’s whip system is brilliant too, it’s nice and open, making it great for casual vaping.

As noted above, you get plenty of vapor.

But should you require a bigger hit, all you have to do is ramp the fan speed up and, BOOM, you’re getting A LOT more vapor. Instantly.

For me, this is what separates the Volcano HYBRID from the rest of the pack – performance, and speed.

Heat-Up Times…

The older Volcano vaporizer models took around 2-3 minutes to heat-up properly. That’s not too bad, but it is kind of slow.

The Volcano HYBRID will do it in 70 seconds flat, or thereabouts, depending on the size of the bowl you’re using.

This is a huge improvement over the previous model. And it makes the Volcano even more compelling, even when compared to cheaper alternatives. 

For a vaporizer of this size and power, 70-80 seconds for heat-up times is mightily impressive.

But it’s not just the time that is impressive; the volume of vapor produced by the Volcano HYBRID’s 100W heating fan is utterly mind-blowing (in both a figurative and literal sense).

Nothing else I have ever used has come even remotely close to matching the Volcano in this context – this is why it is so expensive.

Like a top of the line German car, it delivers performance in spades, leaving everything else in the dust.

Volcano Hybrid Features

The Volcano iPhone/Android App

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Volcano has also released an iPhone and Android app, which can be downloaded via the App Store and Google Play for free.

Added bonus? If you’re using the Crafty vaporizer, a portable vaporizer from Storz & Bickel, you can use the app to control that too!

The application has four main settings:

  • Main Controls – This gives you quick access to the Volcano HYBRID’s main settings; things like power and temperature control. Here, you can adjust things on the Hybrid wirelessly, so you don’t even have to touch the device itself when using it.
  • Settings – Inside Settings, you can control the deeper settings of the Volcano HYBRID like fan speeds, shut-off times, and set-up programmable features like Workflows, which let you customize heating temperatures across, say, a 20-minute window of time.
  • Status – Status basically tells you what the Volcano HYBRID is doing at any given time; things like the fan speed, the temperature. Stuff like that.
  • Information – Inside the information tab, you can find user-guides and helpful tips for getting the most performance out of your Volcano HYBRID system. Here, you can learn more about setting up Workflows on the Volcano HYBRID.

Workflow and Iteration Capabilities

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  • Workflows: Custom heating cycles for varying session intensities.
  • Iterations: Gradually increase temperature over time for a tailored vaping experience.

One of the newest (and coolest) features of the Hybrid is Workflows and Iterations.

Put simply, this feature lets you create custom settings for your sessions. A workflow is based around the idea of programming in different heat, blow, and hold patterns.

Got buddies round, you can set up a custom heating cycle to gradually ramp up the intensity over, say, 10 to 15 minutes.

With iterations, you can setup timings for your sessions over, say, 15 minutes.

One example of this might be as follows: you start your session at 300ºF, but over the course of 15 minutes you tell the Volcano HYBRID to up the temperature 10ºF every 60 seconds until the bowl is finished.

Example: Say you’re with some friends, and you’re passing around the whip, you could set the heat, blow, hold, to every five seconds.

This new feature is great for both personal and group sessions.

Both of these new features add a completely new dynamic to the Volcano vaporizer.

It was always an impressive desktop vaporizer, but now it feels like a truly exceptional device that is built for the ultimate personal and group vaping sessions.

The accuracy and ease of use of Workflows and Iterations is a testament to just how good Storz & Bickel are at its craft.

Dry Herb & Concentrate Compatibility

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The Volcano Hybrid supports both dry herbs and concentrates, making it ideal for traditional users and also anyone that prefers to use concentrates, shatter or rosin.

For concentrates, simply add the stainless steel mesh pad to the chamber, load your concentrate, and enjoy thick, smooth vapor that rivals any dab rig.

Again, heat-up times here are RAPID.

The vapor is smooth and plentiful. If you’re coming from a portable vaporizer, the sheer volume of vapor produced by desktop vaporizers like the Volcano HYBRID will definitely blow your mind – it’s like the difference between light drizzle and a full-on hurricane.

Maintenance & Cleaning

The design of the Volcano HYBRID, like its predecessor, is all about simplicity. German-engineered, the Volcano Hybrid is built to last. Made from durable materials like stainless steel and ceramic, it’s designed for long-term reliability.

Maintenance is straightforward, with only minimal cleaning needed, and Storz & Bickel backs it up with a three-year warranty.

Maintenance Tip: Brush off the chamber screen regularly for smooth operation without needing a deep clean.

You can buy spare parts for it if it breaks, and cleaning the device is as simple as brushing off materials from the screen and the vaporizing platform.

The upshot of this is that, if you’re lazy, you could get away with not doing a deep-clean of the Volcano HYBRID for months at a time.

On top of this, you get a three-year warranty from Storz & Bickel for the device too, so if anything goes wrong – anything at all – it will fix and/or replace the unit for you in a timely fashion.

Volcano HYBRID Review: Verdict

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Well, it’s hella expensive at $699, so that means the Volcano HYBRID is designed for only the most serious of cannabis users.

You’ll also need to have fairly deep pockets too; $700 is A LOT of money for anything, let alone a desktop vaporizer.

However, if you’re serious about this kind of thing, the Volcano HYBRID is easily the #1 desktop vaporizer on the planet right now.

It packs a mighty punch, has masses of power, and is packed with loads of innovative features and control options.

Chuck in the fact that it now supports whip-style vaping, as well as balloons, and can be fully controlled wirelessly via a phone app for Android and iPhone and you’re looking at one of the most feature-rich, innovate tabletop vaporizers on the planet.

And because it’s German-built, it’ll probably last you for the rest of your life.

On top of this, you’ll likely never smoke pot ever again. Or use a portable vaporizer.

Why?

Because, for once, the hype around this product is 100% justified. This is the top-end of the high-end when it comes to desktop vaporizers. If you want – nay, DEMAND – the best, this is the ONLY vaporizer you should be looking at…

Volcano Hybrid Vaporizer Pricing, Warranty & Best Deals

The Hybrid ain’t cheap, but it does kick plenty of ass. And for my money, it is the best desktop vaporizer on the market right now by a considerable margin. Nothing else comes even remotely close.

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