Storz and Bickel

Storz & Bickel is one of the oldest vape manufacturers in the market. Unlike other brands that are much younger but have come up with multiple products, S&B takes time to craft and perfect its products. The result is some of the best quality and best-performing vaporisers in the market that is highly acclaimed and attracts admiration from both old-school and young vapers.

S&B is often referred to as the most successful in the vaping industry, and rightfully so. The brand has come up with some show-stopping devices that have constantly been delivered and have stood the test of time. For vapers that want nothing but the best, Storz&Bickel has constantly delivered.

Storz & Bickel History

Storz & Bickel was created by Markus Storz and Jürgen Bickel. The two partners have been working together since 2002 when they became Storz and Bickel. Together, they have become a juggernaut that has taken over the vape industry with amazing, high-performance products.

Although the company only started in 2002, Markus Storz had begun developing the technology as early as 1996 when he had just started working with herbal vaporisers.

The company's first product was designed in 1999 and released in the market in 2000. Despite the advancements in technology, the product still holds quite well against its more recent competitors beating them in most categories.

Over the year, the company has continued to raise the bar through forward-thinking designs and uncompromised product quality. Each product released by S&B has been better than the previous allowing the company to retain its stranglehold on the vaping industry.

Storz & Bickel Product Range

Storz & Bickel might not have the widest variety, but there's no doubt their products are the most interesting and exciting.

The Volcano Classic Vaporiser

The Volcano was the first vaporiser that Storz & Bickel produced. It is the pioneer product of the desktop vaporiser market and is considered the "OG" of its class. It was released back in 2000 and still remains a force to reckon with among high-performance desktop vaping devices. 

The Classic was the first fan-operated air vaporiser and gained quite a high level of popularity and commercial exposure. It also became the first vaporiser to use the patented balloon technology, making it a unique and innovative device.

Although the Classic is quite gigantic for a desktop vaporiser, for vapers, who don't consider space a concern, this vaporiser checks on all the right boxes. It delivers astounding vape quality and is incredibly easy to use. You only need to give the device a few minutes of heating time before you can jump into vaping.

The Classic offers nine adjustable temperature settings using an adjustable wheel. The temperature range is between 130 – 230⁰C. If you purchase the Classic as a kit, it comes with multiple additional parts that ensure smooth performance, use and maintenance of the device.

The Volcano Digit

In 2007, S&B released their next big product – the Volcano Digit. The Digit featured a conventional heating system that minimises the risk of combustion to zero. The device allowed vapers to set their preferred temperatures to pinpoint accuracy, ensuring you get the proper density and thickness of vapour.

Like its predecessor, the Digit featured high quality and heat resistant materials making this one of the sturdiest units in the line. The Digit still retains the crown of having one of the biggest footprints of any vaporiser and often requires two hands to carry it around.

Although the device was sophisticated in its construction, it remained simple in operation. It has a unique easy valve system that is easy to use and has an LED dual temp display with large buttons that make setting the temperature a breeze. The maintenance of the device is equally easy, and the kit comes with everything you need to maintain and clean the device.

The Mighty Vaporizer

Before the release of the Mighty Vaporizer, S&B had done exceptionally well in its vaporisers and the reception was impressive. However, the users could only use their products at a desk because they needed a constant power supply.

To cater to customers looking for a portable option, S&B responded with the Mighty Vaporizer. Like its predecessors, the Mighty was designed to break barriers and set trends. It is one of the most powerful handheld portable vaporisers, which also uses patented convection and conduction heating to deliver flavourful vapour with every draw.

On the surface, S&B went with the functional, sophisticated appearance once more. But the device has simplicity in mind. The temperature control is easy to access and sits on the front of the device. Like the other Storz&Bickel products, the Mighty also comes with all the tools and replacement parts you need to care for and maintain the device.

The Crafty Vaporizer

Although the Mighty Vaporizer was released as a portable device, its portability was arguable because the device was too big to even fit in your pocket. S&B looked to right the ship by releasing the Crafty Vaporizer- a more compact but just as power vaporiser.

At first glance, the Crafty looks like the Mighty. The two devices have a few similarities—however, the Crafty packs more technology, features and functions in its more petite frame.

Among the features that shine the most is the remote-control app that allows you to adjust and manipulate the settings using your smartphone. For vapers that like having total control of their vaping devices, the Crafty is the perfect device for you.

Unlike the Mighty, the Crafty is more portable, even pocketable. It is suitable for those who prefer to vape discretely and is easier to carry around. Don't be fooled by the more diminutive stature of the Crafty. It delivers intense flavour and vapour, just like the Mighty.

The Plenty Vaporizer

After taking a break to make portable vaporizers, S&B made a come back into the desktop vaporizer scene with the Plenty Vaporizer. The Plenty is one of the most unique-looking and exciting vaporisers in the market.

There’s a good chance you’ve never seen a desktop vaporiser like the Plenty. It looks insane and performs just as well. It is packed with power and amazing vapour production that brings it as close to smoking as the real thing.

Despite its bizarre appearance, the Plenty is quite functional, delivering Plenty of vapour, perfect flavour retention and a super smooth taste. It is also surprisingly easy to clean and maintain.

One of the features that stand out on the Plenty Vaporizer is the huge chamber that allows you to pack more herbs for a more immersive experience, especially when you're sharing with friends.

The device also has a cooling coil that ensures the cooling is efficient so you can vape for longer. With the Plenty Vaporizer, S&B took the criticism they received from the previous products, improved and incorporated everything on the Plenty. Therefore, don’t expect to find many faults with the Plenty. Even better, it is reasonably priced.

Over the years, Storz & Bickel has proved it is capable of learning and improving. It is one of the reasons why the brand has remained top of the list of the most respected and heralded vaping brands. Their ability to produce quality vaporisers consistently is unmatched and something to be admired.  

Some vapers dread cleaning their devices, especially the small ones with little complex pieces.

Fortunately, Storz & Bickel are aware of this predicament. The Plenty is easy-to-clean thanks to its isolated air path and easy-fix upper unit.

Note: Make sure the device is off before taking it apart. If you’ve used it recently, you might want to let it sit for a while so the coil can cool down.

Plenty's solid base that doesn't require much cleaning. Storz & Bickel made it air-tight so no dirt can infiltrate the unit. We recommend wiping it with a soft clean cloth. You can also turn it upside down and shake it to remove any old herbs inside.

Instead, most of your cleaning should focus on the mouthpiece, filling chamber, and coil.

Taking apart the upper unit

Start from the top-most part, the mouthpiece. Gently wiggle it out of position from the silicon tube on top of the coil.

Next, twist the coil of the silicon tube at the point where it meets the black plastic base.

Using the brush handle, push out the upper screen from the filling chamber cap. Slowly work your way around the edges until it pops from the plastic base.

Finally, remove the filling chamber cylinder from its orange housing by pushing the edges from underneath. You can then use your thumb to push the screen out of position from the cylinder.

Soaking

To clean the metallic parts (coil, filling chamber cylinder, and screens), soak them for around 10 minutes in isopropyl alcohol.

You can do the same for the plastic parts, like the tubing sections. However, you can also use warm soapy water for light cleaning.

Once everything is nice and clean, rinse with warm running water to remove soap and isopropyl alcohol traces.

Allow them to dry before reassembling.

Reassembly

This time, we start from the bottom.

Pop the screen back in place into the filling chamber.

Next, align the three notches on the cylinder with the housing's gaps. Press until it clicks into place.

Using your thumb, work around the outside until the screen fits into the filling chamber’s upper part. It should pop into place.

Finally, connect the coil to the chamber's top using the tube's short section. Use the long bit to attach the mouthpiece to the coil's other end.

Storz & Bickel Classic Volcano: Cleaning and Maintenance

Despite its scary volcanic appearance, the Classic Volcano is easy to clean. You only need some patience, a brush, isopropyl alcohol (91% or higher), cotton swabs, two glass jars, and warm soapy water.

Like the Plenty, the Classic Volcano has a base that doesn't require much cleaning. You'll only have to wipe it with a clean cloth, and you are good to go. Additionally, after disassembling the upper unit, you can turn it upside down and shake it to remove old herbs.

Note: Don't use any abrasive cleaners. Check the air filter at the bottom under the small grate. Get a new one if it looks dirty or causes any airflow issues.

Disassembly procedure

The filling chamber is the only part that requires deep cleaning.

1. Twist it apart so you are only left with the chamber and cap housing.
2. To remove the screen, push the brush handle into the cap housing until it pops.
3. Gently remove the silicone o-ring from the capped cylinder.
4. Next, push the metal cap cylinder down through the cap housing.
5. Push the screen up and out of the filling chamber's bottom half.
6. Finally, in a similar fashion as the screen, push the filling chamber up and out (At this point, the clips should fall out together with a screen and two other parts that make up the chamber's bottom).

Soaking

Take all the plastic parts and silicon rings and soak them in the glass jar containing warm soapy water.

Soak the remaining pieces in the glass jar containing isopropyl alcohol.

Let them soak for around 10 minutes, remove and rinse with warm running water.

Finally, let them dry before reassembly.

Note: Check the disposal valves. You must dispose of and replace Regular Easy Valves after two weeks of daily use. Meanwhile, Easy Valves with Adaptations can be cleaned and reused.

Reassembly

1. Start by returning the filling chamber into the unit housing.
2. Flip it over and insert the metal clips into the space near the plastic columns. The bent end must go into the plastic as the flat lip sits on the edges.
3. Insert the screen and press firmly around the edges.
4. Finally, insert the capped cylinder. The caps must be fully seated to avoid bits falling into your bag.

Storz and Bickel FAQs

Where are Storz and Bickel from?

Storz and Bickel is a German company with its headquarters in Tuttlingen.

Who are the founders of Storz and Bickel?

Storz and Bickel was founded by Markus and Jurgen. Initially, Jurgen supported Markus in expanding his small business, but eventually, the two decided to join forces and start the company.

When was Storz and Bickel Founded?

Storz and Bickel was founded in 2002 with their first product, the Volcano, released around the same time. The brand realised its potential in the US market and began manufacturing devices for North America in 2003. Every device they have manufactured since then has been an instant success.

what is Storz and Bickel best known for?

Storz and Bickel specialises in making desktop and portable vaporisers. The brand is well known for its quality manufacturing and high-performance dry herb vaporisers, both desktop and portable.

What is the best Storz and Bickel product?

Every Storz and Bickel product appeals to different types of vapers, and the success with each product has been overwhelming. It's hard to pick one specific product, but the Mighty would probably be the most popular out of the bunch if you had to. But in terms of performance, each product exceeds expectations for its target market.

How long do Storz and Bickel vapes last?

Durability is one of the strong points of Storz and Bickel vaporisers. The Volcano, which is the oldest in line, has been used by some vapers for more than 10 years without any challenges or breakdowns. The others are just as durable and require very little maintenance to function properly.

Does Storz and Bickel have a warranty for its vapes?

Storz and Bickel have a warranty for all its products regardless of where they are purchased. The warranty period varies depending on the vaporiser. The Volcano and the Plenty have a three-year warranty, while the Mighty and the Crafty have a two-year warranty.

Do I have to register my device to activate the warranty?

It is necessary to register your Storz and Bickel device after purchase. The registration process is easy. You create a customer account on Storz and Bickel, go to the "My Devices" section and fill in the required product information.

Are Storz and Bickel products worth it?

Storz and Bickel's products are considered premium products with a high price tag. But given the quality manufacturing, high performance and durability of the vaporisers, it is safe to say you get total value for your money and an exceptional dry herb vaping experience.

Can I contact Storz and Bickel customer support?

Storz and Bickle have responsive and customer support. The email address for the customer support is available on their official website. You can also contact them through their contact page.

Does Storz and Bickel replace faulty devices?

If your Storz and Bickel device cannot be repaired, it will be replaced with a new or reconditioned one.