Renamed the Volcano Classic in 2007 by Storz & Bickel with the release of the Volcano Digit, this desktop vaporizer is still considered by many to be among the best options out there. When it comes to airflow, power, ease of use, and overall performance, there’s few better options out there for dried flower. But, with the release of the similar-looking new Volcano Hybrid in 2019, choosing the best version for you can be quite challenging.

Although the devices look so similar (and even share some compatibility) and even provide similar quality vapor, the devices are far more different than how they initially look.

Let’s take a closer look under the hood of both of these vaporizers, and find out which one is the best choice for your style.

The Volcano Classic

Released well over a decade ago, the Volcano Classic is consistently one of the best desktop vaporizers in the market. With ballon vaporizing, sharing vapor is easy and fun. Plus, it has been out there for so long that pieces are easy to find and replace, making this mighty device one of the easiest ones to repair.

With a simple and elegant design, the Volcano Classic is made for one thing only: to fully vaporize dry herbs into premium-quality, fully-flavored vapor. It can be called the “analog” version of the Volcano line.

Keep in mind that both Volcano vaporizers are best used with dried flower, not concentrates.

The Volcano Hybrid Vaporizer

Debuting in June 2019, the Volcano Hybrid is a familiar-looking device, with a design clearly modeled after the Volcano Classic. While it looks just like the classic Volcano with its stainless steel body and familiar shape, it’s easily differentiated with its digital display and touchscreen-like front buttons.

This device features a screen and buttons, instead of a simple knob, and is fully compatible with most Volcano Classic devices. With more advanced features and a powerful hybrid heating system, plus digital temperature control, the Volcano Hybrid is also significantly more expensive than the Classic.

Volcano Hybrid vs Volcano Classic

So, which one is better? Let’s compare their features and characteristics!

At a glance, both Volcano models feature:

• Packaged with a grinder, cleaning brush, air filter set, Easy Valve Balloon system with mouthpieces, and a drip pad

• Ability to use dosing capsules and several accessories to customizes your vaping experience

• Precise temperature control

• Superior vapor production

User Friendliness

The Volcano Classic is simplicity itself. Just set the temperature with the knob, and press the heat button, fill up your chamber while it heats up, and place the chamber on top of the machine. Then, simply attach the balloon, and press the green button to fill it up. When in use, the Classic’s chamber will blast your herb with hot air, instantly heating it. Not exactly tough to use!

However, the Hybrid makes the process even easier and with more customization options. You can use the screen to choose your temperature settings, and set it up just like you would with a Classic. However, the Bluetooth connectivity takes user friendliness to a different level. For easier storage, the Hybrid allows you to remove the power cord.

You can use your smartphone to control your Hybrid vaporizer through the Storz & Bickel app, which allows you to almost fully operate the machine remotely. Note that this phone app is not available on Apple devices, as vape smartphone apps were banned on the Apple store. The bluetooth app is compatible with Android, as well as PC (and even Mac, through their web app), as well as Crafty vaporizers. This makes it far more convenient and intuitive, with multiple useful features.

Temperature settings

The Volcano Classic uses a knob to help users choose a temperature between 130° C (266° F) to 266° C(439° F). The knob system allows the user to get temperatures accurate within about five degrees.

The Volcano Hybrid has a wider temperature range, allowing users to get both lower and slightly higher temperatures. Plus, it allows users to choose temperatures down to the right digit, giving them a wider and more accurate experience, albeit not by a large margin. The double helix heat exchanger in the Hybrid also gives it a leg up on heating time. To save on energy, the Hybrid has an auto shutoff time of 30 minutes.

Performance & Vapor Quality

The Volcano Classic vaporizes herbs through convection heating, famous for its efficiency and vapor quality. With it, once the chamber heats up, the Classic can provide excellent quality vapor.

The Hybrid, however, features both conduction heating and convection heat, providing the best of both world to the vaping experience in half the time. Instead of waiting a couple of minutes like with the Classic, the Hybrid can heat up in as little as 40 seconds. Its hybrid filling chamber is also known to produce better vapor density.

The Hybrid’s improved filling chamber which, paired with the hybrid heating, can vaporize herbs even more effectively than the Classic, although not by a huge margin. After all, the Classic is still considered one of the top performers of vapor quality.

The Volcano Hybrid also features two inhalation methods: the vapor bag and a vapor whip, which allows you to get hits on command. This is a completely new inhalation method that is just as convenient as the balloon method, if not more.

For different customizations, accessories can be added on to your Volcano. A chamber reducer can make it easier to vape solo, and dosing capsule adapters make it easy to prep your vaping experience beforehand for a quick start.

Price

Finally, the last aspect you need to consider is the price. The Classic, starting at $479*, is already priced as the luxury piece it’s designed to be. At that price tag, you get a sturdy, time-tested device that can last you for years on end. There’s also a beautiful gold-plated edition, available at $539.

The Volcano Hybrid, however, will cost you about $699, placing it at an even higher price range. Although this is an expensive device, it should be able to last you a long time too, providing you years of some of the highest-quality vapor out there through two inhalation methods. For some peace of mind, the Hybrid also comes with a manufacturer three year warranty.

It does exactly what you would expect out of a luxurious and robust machine, and it’s priced accordingly.

*Note: Prices provided were sourced at the time of writing this article, March 2022. Prices may differ.

Which one is the right for you?

As we can see, the Classic and the Hybrid are quite different devices. Although both can produce high-quality vapor, the Classic is a more affordable option, while the Hybrid is a more powerful and versatile option. With the Hybrid’s new tube system, it offers multiple ways to use it.

If you’re looking for a simple device that will last you for ages, the Classic will likely be a good fit for you. With good temperature ranges and a vapor quality that has remained among the best for 20 years, the Volcano Classic is a tried and trusted top choice.

If you’re looking for the best money can buy, the Hybrid is exactly that. A fully reinvented device, the Hybrid is faster and more powerful than most other devices out there. Made for experienced vape fans, the Hybrid can provide some of the best-quality vapor you can find, on demand.

Whether you end up going with the Volcano Classic or the Volcano Hybrid, you’ll be making the right choice when it comes to dry herb vaporizers.