About Volcano Vaporizer Tips and Tricks

I started this site to spread the word about the benefits of vaporization instead of smoking, and to share what I’ve learned along the way as the proud owner of a Storz & Bickel Volcano vaporizer.

If you just got a new Volcano vaporizer and need more information about how to use it you’ll find it here, with tips and tricks for using your vaporizer, cleaning your vaporizer – and where to get the best price on a new Volcano vaporizer.

I’ll also share reviews from others of Volcano alternatives, because there’s more than one way to vape a nugget of diesel.

Happy vaping!

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What temperature to set your Volcano at?

What to do with your Volcano leftovers (Volcano-poo)?

How to clean your Volcano?

Should I buy a Volcano?

40 Comments

  1. T on January 4, 2019 at 10:11 am

    Hey, there’s a clear rubber stopper on the bottom of the Volcano Classic where i guess air flows. Should that be taken off? I did at first but it barely fills the bag and is much louder. But i lost the rubber stopper and don’t know where to get a new one. Right now I’m using tape just to cover the hole. Tips? Suggestions? What’s this stopper for anyway? Thanks. -T



    • Vapormaster on February 26, 2019 at 8:05 am

      I’m really not sure what part you’re referring to – can you post a pic?



  2. Zao on July 29, 2018 at 1:44 pm

    Hi guys, I have a few tips for you:

    1) Best way to vape concentrates: use the easy valve reduced chamber, fill with one aluminium pod, inside the aluminum pod put a little bit of wire mesh to prevent dripping if your concentrate is very loose (you can also use one of S&B aluminum pods designed for concentrates, same concept). Instead of using the custom aluminum pod lid, use a 15 mm screen (the ones you use when you pack a bowl) slightly bended to a dome. This will keep your concentrate in place when the hot air hits from below. Using the reduced chamber and the highest temp (230c) forces all the air through your homemade capsule, giving you some tasty and powerful vapor, which is about 30-50% less dense than leaf vapor, but very effective and satisfying. Let the air flow for at least 20 seconds, it takes almost a full baloon to reach optimal temperature inside the capsule, and thus get the best vapor. You can easily fill 5-6 baloons with as little as 0.05-0.1 g. it’s ridiculously efficient.

    2) How to properly use the reduced chamber (easy valve): when I got my reduced chamber I was frustrated because I was not getting the result I wanted. The vapor was too thin, and loose leaf were flying around in the chamber. Solution: pack the reduced chamber and then put on top of the material a spacer made popping a steel screen onto a pipe filter. The resulting spacer will be about 2-3 mm high, and sit perfectly on top of the mini chamber. The upper larger screen will gently push on top of it, and it won’t move. Set the temp about 5 degrees celsius above of the desired temperature, and prepare to fill 3-4 dense and delicious baloons. You can make sure the setup is right looking at your ABV, it should be the same color of the one you get with a full chamber; if it’s greener, increase the temp a little bit more. In my experience, the reduced chamber calls for an increase between 5 and 8 degrees celsius.

    3) How to use even less material: you can fit about 0.1 g in the aforementioned semi-spheric pipe filters. You can then use the flat screens as a lid, and have your little single serve 0.1 capsule(s) ready to be used when you just want one or two baloons (which is most of the times…this thing RIPS). You can reduce even more (0.05 g, single baloon) using smaller filters (the smallest I could find are 1.2 mm in diameter). Use the reduced chamber, and sit the capsule in it, then place another empty one (spacer) on top. Just as it does when you pack loose leafs, the spacer will keep everything in place, and the air will flow right through the capsule. Very important: increase the temperature by 22-25 degrees celsius: the metallic surface in touch with the material is almost none, so it will be heated by convection only. Once again, you can be sure the setup is right comparing the color of ABV with the one you get at different temps, with the standard setup.

    4) No cough: reduce the temperature of your vapor using a ICE-only bong. You can easily fit an 8mm silicon tube into the volcano mouthpiece: insert from the part your lips touch, and then extract from the other side about one cm of tube (water helps to avoid the grip and let it slip in place); connect the other end of the tube to a male adapter that fits your favorite ice bong. Fill the bong with ice, and enjoy the cool, butter-like vapor. Flowing vapor through ice you roughly lose about 15-20 % of it, but taste is so much better it is worth. If you are particularly sensitive to hot vapor, you can add water, to hydrate and cool further, but you will loose a little bit more vapor, around 25-30%. On the other hand, cooling and hydrating the hot harsh vapor allows you to rip longer hits and puff denser clouds, in the end.

    Final suggestion: quit combusting, explore vaping, educate yourself and experiment with different compounds and temperatures, this is a brand new world, where less is more, and you can get higher than most, while still functional, productive and healthy.



  3. Shane on January 18, 2018 at 11:55 pm

    Should I use the air pump to cool the system down?



    • Vapormaster on January 19, 2018 at 8:45 am

      This isn’t necessary unless you’re trying to lower the temp for continued vaping. For example, some folks like to gradually increase the heat as they go through the chamber, say from 325-375. So when I finish the chamber and I want to start a new one at 325, I can use the air pump to cool it down faster. If I’m just shutting the unit off and not going to use it, I let it cool on it’s own. Hope that helps!



  4. sosa21fan on December 30, 2017 at 2:05 pm

    I lost the rubber band on the top of the bowl. Will is still function properly without it, or should I get a replacement piece?



    • Vapormaster on December 30, 2017 at 6:11 pm

      Can you be more specific? Do you have an easy valve? Most likely though – yes you should get a replacement piece. Neither Volcano filling chamber will work properly without all the parts.



  5. turbs on January 4, 2015 at 10:51 am

    I recently purchased a volcano vape in april 2014. This morning i went to use it and it heats up normal seems fine. But the bags density isn’t changing like normal? I dont understand why? I have tried turning off and back on i have cleaned my chamber thing. Every time i go to fill the bag it just fills with air but no density? Help me please!



    • Vapormaster on January 4, 2015 at 12:47 pm

      Are you sure the air coming out is up to temperature? Does the control light go off to indicate it’s hot enough? Classic or digital? Easy or solid valve?



      • turbs on January 4, 2015 at 12:55 pm

        Im not sure if up to temp… it feels as hot as normal but havent put a thermometer up to it. Yes the control light is still going off when heated up. Classic and easy valve i use



        • Vapormaster on January 4, 2015 at 12:59 pm

          I would put it next to a lamp and fill the bag to see if you can see any vapor escaping anywhere. And make sure you’ve got the screen of the chamber covered evenly with material. If all else fails, I might experiment with ramping up the temp dial to see if that changes things.



          • turbs on January 4, 2015 at 1:02 pm

            Ok ill try that now and let you know. Thanks so much.



            • turbs on January 4, 2015 at 1:12 pm

              So as with turning it up the control light went off pretty quick at 9… so i moved the dial again to 7 and the light came on when i moved it down and left it at 7 and tried still nothing in the bag… somethings gotta be wrong with the heat? It blows air i can feel it if i put my hand there without the bag on…



              • Vapormaster on January 5, 2015 at 8:37 am

                Sounds like a thermostat issue, which usually means sending it to Oakland for repairs. Call S&B @ 510-451-1553 California time.



  6. doug healy on December 23, 2014 at 10:07 am

    thanks for your quick reply. I will do that



  7. doug healy on December 22, 2014 at 6:11 pm

    my problem is my older volcano is not blowing air. the green light goes on and the blower noise sounds but no air filling the bag. can ya help me?



    • Vapormaster on December 23, 2014 at 6:53 am

      Hi Doug, as far as I know there’s no user serviceable parts in the air pump. I would drop Storz and Bickel a line and arrange to send it in for repair. There might be a rubber diaphragm inside that’s torn and won’t allow it to build pressure. Please let us know how you make out.



  8. James on May 9, 2014 at 7:45 am

    Hey just wanted to no how to smoke ice hash in my volcano. Wasn’t sure to use the liquid pad or screen.



    • Vapormaster on May 11, 2014 at 8:43 am

      Definitely use the liquid pad. Personally, I’ve never had much luck with concentrates or oils, and prefer fresh flowers.



      • Chris on February 19, 2015 at 12:22 am

        any concentrate or oil is super easy in the volcano…..I stopped using the liquid pad almost immediately since it is a gooey messy way to use concentrates in the Volcano…..

        All you have to do is line the easy valve filling chamber with plenty of herbs to use as a bed….probably at least .3 or maybe better .4 after you lay herbs you can use a small amount of oil or shatter etc…..and it should not run thru the bottom…….

        dont use too much or it could run thru the bottom of chamber…..works well for me if you dont use too much concentrate at one time……it is concentrated so you should not have to….



      • Chris on February 19, 2015 at 12:25 am

        I should have also added that after putting concentrate into easy valve chamber make sure you put some flowers on top of concentrate to keep it out of contact with screen or top of herb chamber…..

        I have used this method for about a year and have never had any oil seem thru the bottom of my herb chamber…….but I am also careful not to use too much oil or concentrate at one time….



  9. biggbonger on April 13, 2013 at 6:22 am

    Still always wondering how everyone else is workin’ their Volcano. So just wanted to ask a few questions and get your opinions on some things…I guess starting at the beginning of the process..
    How fine is your product chopped up?
    How much are you putting in?
    How far down do you push your top screen? (are you leaving any space in between or right down on top of it?)
    How long are you letting it sit before you turn the fan on and attach bag?
    What length do you make your bags?
    And of course…your preferred temp?
    Also…Whenever I go to the vapor lounge in the city near me, my stuff always tastes different there than at home, Not bad, but sometimes better. Any thoughts on that?
    Thanks.



  10. Dustin on March 10, 2013 at 11:20 am

    i have a volcano classic and the easy flow bags but i have the wrong chamber..can i still make it work? how do i use the steel pads?? add water??? please reply i really wanna use it!!!



    • Vapormaster on March 24, 2013 at 9:38 am

      You need an easy valve chamber to use the easy valve bags, you can’t mix and match with the solid valve unfortunately. The steel pads are for vaporizing oils, you put the pad inside the chamber instead of herb, and put your oils on top of it to vaporize.



  11. Ken on December 29, 2012 at 7:20 am

    I would like to know how hard is it to set up I am disable and my hands are weak it’s hard for me to force things together. I use a mflb and want a table top that was easy to use. Thank you.



    • Vapormaster on January 6, 2013 at 6:15 am

      The easy valve is easier to setup than the solid in my opinion. You’ll just need to screw the herb chamber open and closed. The bags are much lighter weight and easily push onto the top of the chamber.



      • Ken on January 6, 2013 at 7:08 am

        Thank you for your answer that realy helps I will buy the easy vlave volcano. I have been wanting one so bad but afraid to buy it even though I know it will be amazing I’ll let you know when I get it thank.



      • jordan on June 23, 2014 at 8:59 pm

        I have a hand injury with nerve damage. My sister bought me a digital volcano with the solid valve kit. It was NOTHING to set up. Making the bags is the hardest thing. IMHO, the easy valve is the one for you if you can’t handle rubber bands and wadded up plastic. The reason is that the easy valve setup comes with premade balloons. BUT, ask yourself. You got a cat? I make a new balloon every 7 to 15 days whether I like it or not, and that would get very expensive if I had the easy valve setup. Like the guy says, they do not mix n match. The “bad” thing about the solid valve is making balloons, but that’s also the money saver. If you have a friend who can help with that once or twice a month task, then go solid. Only the cleaning takes any hand work, but I’ve cleaned mine one time since I got it in December, and it didn’t need it. It was just a little sticky, so I “evercleared” it. I wish I had both. I would like the pre-made balloons for when friends come over. I would prefer the solid elsewise. But having both is a great idea, if you can find them low enough. Try ebay… it’s where I buy most my vaping stuff to save money.



  12. Eddy on May 23, 2012 at 10:31 am

    Hello
    I have my volcano vaporazor now about 4 years and im verry happy with it and love to smoke from it. but what i dont understand is that it is not compleet solid the chamber where i put my product in and the chamber where is my bag on when i put them in eachoter and fill my bag alot of smoke is coming free around it what must go in bag. how can i fix this?

    friendly regards
    eddy



    • Vapormaster on May 23, 2012 at 11:26 am

      Do you have an easy valve or solid valve?

      You could be missing a rubber o-ring, or if solid valve, perhaps the spring is gummed up?

      You can email pictures to vapormaster@volcanotips.com and I will take a look.



    • puffpuffpasha on October 18, 2013 at 12:55 am

      Sorry for a 1.5 y.o. bump, but it seems to be happening to mine as well. Upon closer examination, the culprit was the blue rubber ring around the metal spike, part of your valve mechanism on the inside of the balloon. I guess it must’ve stretched from heat and the occasional scrub down over the last 3 years, so now it rolls around freely and prevents valve from snapping shut.

      I haven’t found a decent workaround yet, other than putting my finger over the hole between pulls. I might try putting a heat-safe rubber band around and seeing what’s up…



    • Dude Manbrosef on December 8, 2013 at 4:20 pm

      It could also just be some loose oil.

      The ‘X’ disc on top of the filling chamber has more surface than the mouthpiece, so there’s lots of space for oil to leak onto and vaporize out of the bag the next time.

      First step when a problem happens: Clean EVERYTHING!



    • Dude Manbrosef on December 8, 2013 at 4:25 pm

      If stinking up the room a bit isn’t a problem, then don’t put the bag on at first. Just watch for white vapor to start coming out (It’s OBVIOUS when it starts) then snap the bag on, don’t even turn it off.



  13. pdm on March 17, 2012 at 4:13 pm

    posted elsewhere, but no answer
    anything wrong with this procedure?
    fill volcano, heat to temp, fill balloon, do not remove, turn off heat, wait until bag deflates a bit, maybe 10 seconds, refill with vapor, remove. use a little, reheat, refill w/vapor. enjoy. volcano is 2 months old and i’m trying to see what works best.
    thnx



    • Vapormaster on March 17, 2012 at 5:07 pm

      I don’t think there’s anything ‘wrong’ with your procedure, but it does sound a bit off.

      Why do you fill, and let it deflate and refill?

      Most folks (I could be wrong) will fill a bag full, take the chamber off the heat – enjoy the whole bag until empty, and then refill and repeat. Vapor does get stale if you ask me and by continually topping off the bag, you’re not keeping it as fresh as you could.



    • biggbonger on March 18, 2012 at 8:15 am

      No, don’t leave the chamber (the ‘bowl’ that you put your product in) on the volcano for longer than necessary, it is not good for the rings. Also, as Vapormaster points out, keeping it fresh in the bag. As vapor sits in the bag over time, it will slowly turn to oils/resins that will collect inside the bag, This is the vapor you want before that happens.
      Try this method…Start with 1 gram of product, Volcano at 6.5/7. Use .25gm each time (4 bags/save leftovers each time.). Allow Volcano to reach temp. Put chamber on, wait for 30sec./min or so(this is preference…pre heats product a little.),turn on and wait about 5 sec or so…you should notice a light vapor coming out, quickly snap bag on and fill, enjoy. Now with the leftovers from round 1, grind up slightly with fingers(should be easy),turn up Volcano to 7.5/8 and split that in to 2 bags…You can try a 3rd round at a higher temp again but taste becomes an issue.:(, or you can try starting off at a little lower temp like 5.5 or 6.
      Try not to let it sit in the bag longer than 10-15 minutes, although they suggest it can sit up to 90 min.



      • biggbonger on March 18, 2012 at 8:18 am

        Oh ya, remember, that’s just one method. Just experiment with temps and you’ll find what you like. I just don’t recommend leaving it on the volcano for too long or in the bag too long.



      • jordan on June 23, 2014 at 9:08 pm

        I’m gonna have to try that method! Here’s mine: Fill bowl with finely ground (turn the grinder upside down so the goods are in the teeth longer) material to the .3 (1/3 t 1/2 level full). Do NOT forget to put top on before putting balloon on. Turn Volcano to 145C, turn on heat to temp, THEN place balloon and attached crucible/heating chamber onto machine. Remove when the crinkling sound stops, immediately remove the metal top, and tap the container in all four directions to “loosen” it up. THEN put the mouthpiece on and go to town until you want more. When you go back, your goods will be fluffy and dry, ready to go, put the top back on and repeat. I generally get 3-4 bags at 145c and another 4 or 5 at 160, sometimes a couple at 175 and maybe one or two at 190. I rarely go above 190, but I also rarely get less than 8 or 9 balloons AND I get hot abv… works for me… I thought I thought that method up until I found it in FuckCombustion.com dated waaaay back. But it works like a charm on pain and nerve damage. Dunno about recreational, but medicinal? Da bomb… And I totally agree with biggbonger. This is just another method. The “right” one is the one YOU like. But you DO have a bit of a rigamarole going on there with the refilling and such. I have to agree that it’s probably a lot more complicated than it needs to be… Just a suggestion. Simpler IS always better…



  14. Seth on February 3, 2011 at 2:38 pm

    My volcano vaporizer is not getting up to the temperature I would like it to, despite being on the highest level (9). I have the solid valve type and heard that a common problem with volcanoes is that the heating coil inside collapses and therefore cannot get up to temperature. I opened it up but the coils are fine. What could be wrong with it?



    • Vapormaster on February 3, 2011 at 2:59 pm

      I have not experienced that problem. But from what you are describing, I would suspect the thermostat may be failing. I’d recommend contacting S&B (oakland[at]storz-bickel.com) – they’re super helpful and can probably fix you. Please comment back with whatever you learn.