Storz & Bickel Vaporizers: Beginner’s Buying Guide

Are Storz & Bickel Vaporizers Worth It?

When it comes to vaporizers, few brands carry the weight of Storz & Bickel.

For most veterans of the market, like myself, Storz & Bickel is the benchmark by which ALL other products and brands are judged. 

Its products are most definitely on the more expensive side, but when you use them you’ll quickly understand where all that extra cash went. 

This German powerhouse has been setting the standard since the late ’90s, consistently delivering innovation, precision engineering, and vapor quality that’s hard to beat.

Whether you’re a vapor enthusiast, medical user, or just want the best of the best, Storz & Bickel has a device designed to elevate your experience.

Here’s everything you need to know about this legendary brand.

History of The Brand

Storz & Bickel’s story started in 1996 with Markus Storz, a graphic designer who envisioned a cleaner, healthier alternative to smoking.

Inspired by a hemp magazine article, he set out to develop his first vaporizer because – put simply – he could not find a decent one on the market at the time.

“When I started to design the Volcano, I wasn’t thinking about money; I just wanted to create a vaporizer with a design and quality as good as it was possible for me to produce. I feel very responsible for the health of my clients, thus spending a lot of time for research to find harmless materials and assess the general safety of the design” – Markus Storz

Fast forward to 2000, and the Volcano was born, changing the vaporizer game forever.

But work on the Volcano started in earnest around 1995. Storz had big ideas and he was placed closed to some of the best manufacturing and R&D facilities in the world.

Five years ago (circa 1995) I was looking for a good vaporizer and couldn’t find one to satisfy me, so I started to develop and design one myself. The Volcano is manufactured in Tuttlingen, a town in Southern Germany which is regarded internationally as a center of medical technology. The know-how in the area of medical technology which is available here has already been utilized in the development phase of the Volcano.

In 2002, Jürgen Bickel joined forces with Storz, and the two co-founded Storz & Bickel GmbH & Co. KG.

Since then, they’ve expanded globally, added in a range of newer desktop models and portable vaporizers.

The brand grew rapidly, as word spread about this novel (and healthier) way to use weed.

As business and revenues grew, a dedicated subsidiary was established in Oakland, California, in 2005.

Product Line-Up

Initially focussed on desktop vaporizers, as technology improved – notably lithium-ion batteries inside cell phones – demand grew for more portable-styles of vaporizer. 

Never one to back away from a challenge, Storz & Bickel took all of its engineering know-how and set about to create the ultimate, portable weed vaporizer. 

In 2008, we got the Plenty (this was still a desktop vaporizer; but it was cheaper and smaller than the Volcano).

Things shifted gears, however, with the release of the Mighty and Crafty vaporizers. 

Both were portable, compact weed vaporizers and like the Volcano before them, they produced some of the cleanest, purest vapor. 

Within 12 months of their release, both were considered THE STANDARD for the entire vaporizer industry. 

Notable Storz & Bickel Vaporizer Models

• Volcano Classic (2000): The OG desktop vaporizer. Known for its durability, vapor quality, and easy-to-use balloon system, the Volcano Classic is a legend among vaporizers.
• Volcano Digit (2007): Upping the ante, the Digit was the first vaporizer with digital temperature control, bringing precision to the desktop vapor experience.
• Plenty (2008): This handheld model combines air and radiation heating for thick, flavorful clouds. The Plenty is a great option for those looking to step up their vapor quality without going fully portable.
• Crafty & Mighty (2014): Storz & Bickel’s first portable models, these handhelds pack serious power. Known for their robust build and vapor quality, they’re ideal for users who want desktop-level performance on the go.
• Volcano Medic (2010): The first certified medical herbal vaporizer, bringing Storz & Bickel quality to the medical field.
• Crafty+ (2019) and Mighty+ (2021): Upgraded versions of the original Crafty and Mighty, featuring faster heat-up times, enhanced battery life, and improved portability.
• VENTY (2023): Their latest creation, packed with tech, including Bluetooth and app control for a next-level portable experience.

Why Are Storz & Bickel’s Vaporizers So Expensive?

When it comes to vaporizers, Storz & Bickel stands in a league of its own, and yes, their devices come with a premium price tag — usually between $300 and $750.

But here’s why that investment is absolutely worth it if you’re after a device that performs reliably, lasts a lifetime, and delivers consistently exceptional vapor quality.

First, let’s talk about reliability. Storz & Bickel vaporizers are engineered in Germany, where precision and quality control are taken very seriously.

These aren’t just devices slapped together on an assembly line; they’re meticulously crafted to perform day in and day out without a hitch.

Whether you’re using a desktop powerhouse like the Volcano or a portable like the Mighty, you’re getting a device that’s built to work flawlessly for years.

Next is vapor quality. If you’re serious about getting the best out of your herb or concentrate, Storz & Bickel delivers unmatched purity and density of vapor.

Their devices use a combination of convection and conduction heating to extract every bit of flavor and potency from your material, without the harshness or impurities you’d get from combustion.

The Volcano, for instance, is famous for its ability to deliver smooth, rich clouds that are as effective as they are enjoyable.

Ease of use is another hallmark of Storz & Bickel. They’ve designed their devices to be as user-friendly as possible, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro.

Take the valve balloon system in the Volcano, which lets you inhale at your own pace, or the Mighty’s intuitive controls and easy-to-read display.

These features make their vaporizers convenient and satisfying to use, even for those who aren’t tech-savvy.

Then there’s the build quality. Storz & Bickel doesn’t cut corners on materials; they use only top-quality components like heat-resistant plastic and food-safe silicone to ensure durability and safety.

These devices feel solid because they are solid.

You’re buying a piece of equipment that’s built to withstand regular use without wearing down or losing performance.

For anyone who values performance, durability, and reliability, these devices are worth every penny.

Who’s It For?

Are Storz & Bickel’s vaporizers right for you? If you like weed and you want to use it in a healthier way, and you don’t mind paying a little extra for a quality product, they’ll be right up your street. 

To give you an idea of the type of people that use Storz & Bickel vaporizers, here’s a breakdown of its most typical types of users: 

• Cannabis Connoisseurs: If quality and vapor density matter, S&B’s precision engineering delivers.
• Medical Users: With certified medical options like the Volcano Hybrid and Mighty+, patients can rely on consistent dosing and performance.
• Durability Seekers: These devices are built to withstand years of heavy use, making them ideal for those who want a long-lasting vaporizer.
• Tech Enthusiasts: Advanced features in models like the VENTY cater to those who love tech-enhanced experiences.

The Best Storz & Bickel Vaporizer For You?

For most people, myself included, the best overall option in the Storz & Bickel range right now would be the Mighty+ vaporizer. 

You can read my full review of the Mighty+ based on 24+ months of heavy usage for more details on why it is so bloody good.

It’s cheaper than the newer Venty vaporizer because it lacks all the fancy bells and whistles (app functionality and advanced airflow controls) but it still kicks ass where it counts: vapor quality, ease of use, portability, and battery life. 

And that – in my mind – makes it the best value for money in the range right now.

If you want to go the desktop route, my advice would be to get the Volcano Hybrid for the ultimate experience (it does both balloon and whip-style vaping) or, if you’re on a tighter budget, the Volcano Classic (AKA Digit) which only does balloon vaporization. 

• For Tech Lovers: The VENTY offers Bluetooth and app compatibility, ideal for those who love to customize their sessions. But it isn’t anywhere near as reliable as the Mighty+.
• For Home Use: The Volcano Classic or Volcano Hybrid is your go-to for desktop performance.
• For Portability: The Mighty+ or Crafty+ are compact yet powerful, ideal for on-the-go use.
• For Medical Needs: The Volcano or Mighty+ are certified medical devices designed with patient needs in mind.
• For Budget-Friendly Options: The Plenty is a quality entry point for desktop users without the higher price tag of the Volcano.