Storz & Bickel Crafty

The device itself has only one button. A single press starts heating to the temperature set in the app. A double press activates boost mode, raising the temperature by about 15 °C -- useful near the end of a session when most material is spent.

For precise temperature control, the Storz & Bickel app (iOS and Android) is required. Through the app, temperature can be set in single-degree steps between 40 and 210 °C. The app also displays battery level, current chamber temperature, and remaining operating time.

The lack of an on-device display was a deliberate design choice: it keeps the unit compact and saves battery. In practice, you set your temperature once and rarely change it. The app also offers serial number registration for warranty purposes.

Recommended temperature ranges:

The Crafty works with Storz & Bickel's dosing capsule system. The small stainless steel capsules are pre-filled and can be swapped in seconds while on the go. The ceramic chamber stays virtually clean because material never contacts the chamber walls directly.

A capsule magazine (8 capsules) fits easily in a pocket. The system is identical across the Mighty, Mighty+, Crafty+, and Venty -- all accessories are cross-compatible.

Dosing capsule advantages:

• Hygiene: Chamber stays clean, less maintenance needed
• Dosing: Each capsule holds about 0.15 g -- consistent fill amount
• Speed: Capsule swap takes under 10 seconds
• Portability: Carry several pre-loaded capsules in the caddy

Capsules can be cleaned in isopropyl alcohol and reused. A set of 40 capsules lasts several months with regular cleaning.

The built-in 2900 mAh lithium-ion battery delivers roughly 45-60 minutes of use depending on temperature and draw frequency. At mid-range temperatures (180 °C), expect about 4-5 sessions of 8-10 minutes each before the battery runs out.

Charging is via Micro-USB. A full charge takes approximately 2 hours. A key advantage over many competitors: the Crafty supports passthrough charging. This means you can use the device normally while it charges -- practical for longer sessions at home.

The battery is sealed and not user-replaceable. When battery performance degrades after 1-2 years, Storz & Bickel offers a replacement service. Alternatively, passthrough charging lets you run the device from a cable indefinitely.

Battery comparison across the S&B range:

Weighing about 135 grams and measuring roughly 11 x 5.7 x 3.3 cm, the Crafty is one of the most compact devices from Storz & Bickel. It fits comfortably in a jacket pocket and its rounded shape sits well in the hand.

The housing is made from heat-resistant plastics (PEEK and largely medical-grade materials). The cooling unit on top can be removed for cleaning -- a typical Storz & Bickel feature that simplifies maintenance. The vapor path runs through a spiral cooling unit that brings vapor down to a comfortable temperature before inhalation.

Build quality is high for a portable vaporizer. No rattling parts, tight tolerances, durable materials. The Crafty was designed and manufactured in Tuttlingen, Germany -- Made in Germany with medical-grade precision.

In the box: Crafty device, charging cable (Micro-USB), dosing capsule set, cleaning brush, spare screens, and user manual.

The Crafty+ is the direct successor to the original Crafty, bringing several improvements:

Core functionality remains identical: same heating system, same vapor quality, same dosing capsule system. The Crafty+ has the larger battery and the more modern USB-C port -- but for anyone seeking a budget Storz & Bickel experience, the original Crafty remains a solid choice.

The Crafty is still available from select retailers at reduced prices. With 6 shops in the price comparison on vapochecker.com, it pays to check current pricing. Remaining stock is often 20-30% cheaper than the Crafty+ retail price.

See the full Crafty+ price comparison

• Storz & Bickel -- Manufacturer Website
• Storz & Bickel Crafty -- Product Page

The PAX app (Bluetooth) gives you precise temperature control from 175 to 215 °C. Without the app, four presets are available: 182, 193, 204, and 215 °C. That covers the useful range well — from flavor-focused draws to thick clouds.

The app also offers three draw modes: Standard, Boost, and Efficiency. Boost reheats faster for stronger hits. Efficiency lowers the temp between draws to stretch each session. You can also see the exact battery percentage and change LED colors.

Not interested in the app? The four presets and single-button operation work perfectly fine on their own.

The PAX 3 uses pure conduction. The stainless steel chamber heats directly, and the herb releases vapor steadily through each draw. Flavor is clean and pleasant — not as aromatic as convection devices, but solid for a conduction vaporizer.

Fine grind and firm pack improve results noticeably. Low temps deliver light, tasty draws. Above 200 °C, vapor gets thicker and more noticeable. A full chamber lasts 8-10 draws on average.

Quick tip: clean the screen regularly. A clogged screen increases draw resistance and hurts flavor.

After each session, let the chamber cool and brush it out with the included tool. For a deeper clean, remove the mouthpiece and screen, soak them in isopropyl alcohol, and wipe the chamber with a damp cotton swab.

PAX recommends cleaning every 3-5 sessions. In practice, a weekly deep clean works if you keep the screen clear between sessions. Residue in the chamber affects taste and increases draw resistance.

Replacement screens and mouthpieces are cheap and widely available. Keep the PAX 3 clean and its aluminum body will outlast most other portables on the market.

The PAX app (now web-based at web.pax.com) gives you fine-grained temperature control and access to extra modes like Efficiency, Stealth, and Boost. Efficiency mode gradually raises the temperature throughout a session to extract every last bit. Stealth mode dims the LED lights and lowers the device temperature when not in use.

The PAX 3 also ships with a concentrate insert — a small metal chamber that sits inside the oven. Drop a rice-grain-sized piece of wax or rosin into it, set the temperature above 200°C, and the device handles concentrates without any extra accessories.

The PAX Plus is the direct successor to the PAX 3. What changed? The Plus has an improved heating system (faster, more even extraction), the same Bluetooth app, but a revised surface. Both have 22-second heat-up and 215 °C max.

Prices are close: PAX 3 from €99, PAX Plus from €93. Pick whichever is cheaper — differences are minor.

Remove the mouthpiece, push through the vapor path with the included tool, brush out the chamber. 99% isopropanol on a pipe cleaner dissolves residue in seconds. Replace screens regularly.

The PAX 3 has two mouthpieces: flat (discreet) and raised (cooler vapor). Both magnetically attached.

PAX offers a 10-year warranty on the PAX 3 — one of the longest in the industry. Defects within warranty are replaced free of charge. The aluminum housing is robust but sensitive to drops on hard floors.