VOLCANO HYBRID or CLASSIC? Differences, Balloon and Tube

According to Storz & Bickel, the VOLCANO HYBRID heats up to 180 °C in approx. 40 seconds, can be set from 40 to 230 °C via touch display or Web App, and works with a balloon or a tube. The VOLCANO CLASSIC uses pure convection and a rotary dial with nine levels (130–230 °C), needs approx. 5 minutes and is designed for balloon use.

What is the difference between the VOLCANO HYBRID and CLASSIC?

Both desktop vaporizers have the same cone shape, the same filling chamber size and a built-in pump. They differ mainly in heating method, operation, heat-up time and whether a tube is provided in addition to the balloon.

The table summarizes the manufacturer specifications:

About the heat-up time: for the HYBRID, the 40 seconds refer to 180 °C. The instruction manual states up to two minutes depending on the set temperature. For the CLASSIC, according to the manual, heating up the heating block can take up to 5 minutes; in addition, the temperature fluctuates by ± 5 °C because the heating block is continuously readjusted.

You can find both devices in our Storz & Bickel collection: the VOLCANO HYBRID in black, the VOLCANO HYBRID in silver and the VOLCANO CLASSIC in black.

In short: the HYBRID offers temperature selection to the exact degree, a tube option and app features; according to Storz & Bickel, the CLASSIC is purely electromechanical and works without a display or app. You can compare other device types in our vaporizer buying guide or in the guide Convection, conduction and hybrid.

What is the difference between EASY VALVE and SOLID VALVE?

EASY VALVE is the current balloon system with ready-made valve balloons that are attached to the filling chamber. SOLID VALVE is the older system with its own filling chamber and valve, where you make the balloon yourself from balloon tubing; according to the manufacturer, it only fits the VOLCANO CLASSIC and DIGIT.

EASY VALVE

• The valve balloon with mouthpiece comes ready to use. The EASY VALVE Replacement Set contains 6 balloons with mouthpiece (length approx. 60 cm).
• When placed on the filling chamber, the valve clicks into place and opens; when removed, it closes automatically so the vapor stays in the balloon.
• According to Storz & Bickel, EASY VALVE fits the VOLCANO HYBRID, CLASSIC and DIGIT. The filling chamber itself, however, is model-specific: there is one filling chamber for the HYBRID and one for the CLASSIC/DIGIT.
• With the EASY VALVE balloon with adapter, you can fit new balloon material yourself, just like with the SOLID VALVE in the past.

SOLID VALVE

• According to the manufacturer, the SOLID VALVE Set consists of a valve with balloon, balloon tubing (3 m), mouthpiece, filling chamber, normal screen set and cleaning brush.
• The valve is placed onto the filling chamber from above until both grippers click into place. To separate them, squeeze the grippers together.
• In the SOLID VALVE filling chamber, a filling chamber insert lowers the screen far enough that the material is loosely held between the screens.
• Suitable according to Storz & Bickel: VOLCANO CLASSIC and VOLCANO DIGIT, not the HYBRID.

How do you fill a Volcano balloon step by step?

You fill the filling chamber, place it on the heated device, attach the stretched valve balloon and let the pump run until the balloon is as full as you want. This is how the VOLCANO HYBRID instruction manual describes it with EASY VALVE:

1. Unscrew the filling chamber cover from the filling chamber counterclockwise.
2. Fill the filling chamber with ground plant material, at most up to the lower edge of the funnel. Then screw the cover back on.
3. Place the filling chamber with cover on the device and turn it clockwise as far as it will go.
4. Switch on the heating with the HEAT button and set the target temperature. Heating up is complete when the target and actual values match.
5. Remove the mouthpiece from the valve balloon, pull the balloon taut, place it on the filling chamber and let it click into place. The balloon stands upright and the valve opens.
6. Switch on the pump with the AIR button. The balloon now fills with vapor; the filling chamber and material first need a few seconds to heat up.
7. Do not fill the balloon completely (overpressure) and only fill as much as will be used in the next 10 minutes.
8. Switch off the pump by tapping AIR again. Remove the balloon together with the filling chamber; only touch the filling chamber cover by the knobs around its edge and turn it counterclockwise.
9. Separate the balloon from the filling chamber. The valve closes automatically. Then insert the mouthpiece into the valve and let it click into place.

Difference with the CLASSIC: Here you select the temperature on the rotary dial and switch on the heating with the HEAT rocker switch. As soon as the orange indicator light goes out, the temperature has been reached. Then you place the filling chamber on the device, switch on the pump (AIR) and attach the stretched valve balloon after a few seconds.

Manufacturer's safety note: The filling chamber may only remain on the device while filling the balloon or while using the tube. If it stays on with the heating switched on, it can get so hot that there is a risk of burns. Before the filling chamber parts have cooled down, only touch them by the knobs. According to the manual, the balloon is not intended for storing vapor for longer periods, as it condenses on the balloon envelope over time (a few hours).

How do I attach new balloon material to the balloon with adapter?

You cut a 50–60 cm piece from the balloon tubing, tie one end closed and attach the open end to the valve with the balloon retaining ring and slip ring. The Storz & Bickel instructions list these steps:

1. Cut a piece of balloon material approx. 50–60 cm long.
2. Open the balloon tubing and tie one end closed with the enclosed closure tie.
3. Fold the open end into 16 even folds, as it has a larger diameter than the valve housing.
4. Pull the balloon retaining ring approx. 3 cm over the open end and then slide it together with the balloon over the valve neck until it sits in the groove provided.
5. Distribute the folds evenly and check that the valve hangs straight down when you lift the balloon by its rear end.
6. Fold the protruding end back and pull the slip ring over the valve and balloon retaining ring until the retaining ring is no longer visible.

According to the manufacturer, 3 m of balloon tubing is enough for 5 balloons of the standard 60 cm size.

How do you use the tube on the VOLCANO HYBRID?

With the HYBRID, instead of the balloon you place the tube unit with elbow directly on the preheated, filled filling chamber. According to the manual, the pump must be switched off.

1. Switch off the pump with the AIR button.
2. Place the tube with elbow on the preheated and filled filling chamber.
3. Turn the filling chamber clockwise as far as it will go.
4. Inhale the vapor slowly for a few seconds through the attached mouthpiece.

Storz & Bickel warns: do not use tubes shorter than 1 m, as they will not cool sufficiently (risk of burns). Do not touch the elbow and mouthpiece while hot, and do not blow into the tube.

Can you use a tube with the VOLCANO CLASSIC?

According to Storz & Bickel, the VOLCANO CLASSIC is designed for balloon use; the manufacturer does not provide a tube for it. The comparison page only lists “Balloon Inhalation” for the CLASSIC, and the tube kit is listed as compatible with the VOLCANO HYBRID only.

The CLASSIC instruction manual also only describes EASY VALVE and SOLID VALVE.

How often should you replace the Volcano balloon?

According to the instruction manual, the EASY VALVE valve balloon with mouthpiece is maintenance-free and should be replaced with a new one every two weeks for hygiene reasons. A balloon with mouthpiece may only be used by one person.

• Tube (HYBRID): also maintenance-free and to be replaced every two weeks. To do this, pull the tube off the elbow and mouthpiece, cut a new piece of approx. 1 m and reattach both parts.
• SOLID VALVE: the valve balloon with mouthpiece and the filling chamber must be cleaned at least every two weeks; the balloon is also replaced with every cleaning.
• Before a new balloon or tube: according to the manual, clean the filling chamber first.

How do you care for the filling chamber, elbow and device?

Clean the filling chamber, cover, elbow and mouthpiece regularly with isopropyl alcohol (70%) or warm water with dish soap, and ideally clean the screens with the cleaning brush after each session. The steps according to the manufacturer:

1. Switch off the device, unplug it and let the filling chamber, cover and tube unit cool down completely.
2. Disassemble the filling chamber cover: push out the upper screen with the handle of the cleaning brush, slide off the cover ring, push the cover cylinder out of the cover housing.
3. Disassemble the filling chamber: push the filling chamber cylinder out upwards and remove the lower screen.
4. Clean the parts by hand with isopropyl alcohol and paper or cotton cloths, or with warm soapy water. Do not soak plastic parts in isopropyl alcohol for longer than half an hour.
5. Check all parts for cracks, discoloration, softening or hardening and discard damaged parts.
6. Let everything dry thoroughly and reassemble in reverse order. The upper screen must sit securely in its groove, otherwise particles can get into the balloon or tube.

• Dishwasher: according to the manual, the filling chamber and cover parts as well as the elbow and mouthpiece are dishwasher-safe. Screens, cover ring and filling chamber clips are too small for this and could get lost.
• Isopropyl alcohol: is flammable; the fumes must have evaporated before you switch on the device.
• Housing: only clean dry or with a damp, soft cloth, never immerse in water.
• Air filter: on both models it is located on the underside. Check it for dirt every four weeks and replace if necessary.

What replacement parts are available for the HYBRID and CLASSIC?

Storz & Bickel offers balloons, balloon tubing, tube kits, filling chambers, wear and tear sets and air filters as original spare parts. The manual specifies that only original accessories may be used.

• EASY VALVE Replacement Set: 6 valve balloons with mouthpiece (approx. 60 cm), compatible with the HYBRID, CLASSIC and DIGIT.
• Balloon tubing 1 × 3 m: material for 5 balloons of 60 cm each, for the EASY VALVE balloon with adapter and SOLID VALVE.
• Balloon with adapter: reusable valve including balloon retaining ring for fitting new balloon material.
• Tube kit (HYBRID only): 1 m tube, elbow and mouthpiece; there is also a set with 3 × 1 m of tubing.
• Filling chamber: a separate version each for the HYBRID and for the CLASSIC/DIGIT.
• Wear and tear set HYBRID: 4 cover rings, normal screen set (approx. Ø 30 mm), cleaning brush.
• Wear and tear set CLASSIC: 6 filling chamber clips, 10 cover rings, normal screen set (approx. Ø 30 mm), cleaning brush.
• Air filter set: model-specific for the HYBRID and the CLASSIC.

Note on the warranty: according to the instruction manual, the manufacturer's warranty does not cover accessories and wear parts such as balloons, tubes, screens or the filling chamber. You can find suitable accessories in the Accessories & spare parts category. A grinder is suitable for grinding the material.

Frequently asked questions

How long can the vapor stay in the balloon?

According to Storz & Bickel, you should only fill as much as will be used within 10 minutes. The balloon is not suitable for longer storage because the vapor condenses on the balloon envelope over time (a few hours).

Does the SOLID VALVE fit the VOLCANO HYBRID?

No, according to the manufacturer the SOLID VALVE Set is only suitable for the VOLCANO CLASSIC and VOLCANO DIGIT. For the HYBRID, you use EASY VALVE balloons or the tube unit.

Do I need the app for the VOLCANO HYBRID?

No. According to the manual, the STORZ & BICKEL Web App is not required for operation. It runs in the browser at app.storz-bickel.com, connects via Bluetooth and allows individual settings such as the duration of the automatic shut-off.

Can I share a valve balloon with others?

According to the instruction manual, a valve balloon with mouthpiece should only be used by one person to avoid possible transmission of pathogens. If the device is to be used by other people, the filling chamber must also be cleaned beforehand.

Why is my balloon not filling?

The HYBRID troubleshooting table lists two causes: the pump is not switched on, or the filling chamber or valve balloon is not seated correctly. Check both and reattach the parts until they click into place.

Last updated: October 2026. Technical specifications according to the manufacturer; the manual of your device is authoritative.

Sources

• Storz & Bickel: VOLCANO HYBRID (product page, DE)
• Storz & Bickel: VOLCANO CLASSIC (product page, DE)
• Storz & Bickel: VOLCANO HYBRID (product page, EN)
• Storz & Bickel: VOLCANO CLASSIC (product page, EN)
• Storz & Bickel: Vaporizer comparison
• Storz & Bickel: VOLCANO HYBRID instruction manual (PDF)
• Storz & Bickel: VOLCANO CLASSIC instruction manual (PDF)
• Storz & Bickel: Balloon adapter set quick guide (PDF)
• Storz & Bickel: SOLID VALVE Set
• Storz & Bickel: EASY VALVE Replacement Set
• Storz & Bickel: Balloon with adapter
• Storz & Bickel: Balloon tubing 1x3 m
• Storz & Bickel: VOLCANO HYBRID tube kit
• Storz & Bickel: VOLCANO HYBRID filling chamber
• Storz & Bickel: VOLCANO CLASSIC filling chamber
• Storz & Bickel: VOLCANO HYBRID wear and tear set
• Storz & Bickel: VOLCANO CLASSIC wear and tear set