Volcano Hybrid — Onyx

The Volcano Hybrid covers a temperature range of 40 to 230 degrees Celsius (104 to 446 degrees Fahrenheit). The heater operates at 270 watts and uses a hybrid system of convection and conduction.

Heating process:

After switching on the heater, it takes up to two minutes to reach the target temperature, depending on the setting. Around 40 seconds is typical at standard temperatures. A brief activation of the pump provides an audible signal that the target temperature has been reached – this signal can be disabled via the app.

Temperature during vaporisation:

The temperature is measured at the heat exchanger, not directly in the filling chamber. The display shows reference values for the attached filling chamber while the pump is running. Raising the temperature should always be a last resort, as higher temperatures can impair flavour.

Auto shut-off: Factory setting after 30 minutes. Can be individually adjusted via the Storz & Bickel app. The display dims to 30 percent in standby (adjustable down to 10 percent via the app).

The Volcano Hybrid comes with three EASY VALVE balloons with mouthpiece as well as one EASY VALVE balloon with adapter. The balloon method is the hallmark of the Volcano series.

Step by step:

1. Grind the plant material in the included herb grinder
2. Unscrew the filling chamber cap and fill the material up to the lower edge of the funnel
3. Screw the cap back on, place the filling chamber onto the hot air generator and tighten clockwise
4. Switch on the heater (HEAT) and set the desired temperature
5. When target and actual temperature match: pull the valve balloon taut and place it vertically onto the filling chamber
6. Switch on the pump (AIR) – the balloon fills with vapour
7. Switch off the pump, remove the balloon with the filling chamber, and set the filling chamber aside
8. Insert the mouthpiece into the valve, press lightly against it with your lips and inhale slowly

Tip: Only fill the balloon with as much vapour as will be used within the next 10 minutes. Vapour condenses on the balloon shell after a few hours. Do not blow into the balloon.

In addition to the valve balloon, the Volcano Hybrid includes a tube unit (1 metre tube with tube elbow and mouthpiece). This allows direct inhalation without the detour via the balloon.

Use:

1. Switch the pump off (the tube is used without the pump)
2. Place the tube with tube elbow onto the preheated, filled chamber
3. Inhale slowly from the tube with mouthpiece for a few seconds

For hygiene reasons, the tube unit should be replaced every two weeks. It should only be used by one person at a time. The tube elbow and mouthpiece can be cleaned together with the filling chamber parts.

Airflow: Up to 30 litres per minute can be inhaled through the tube – purely by lung power, without a pump. With the valve balloon, draw resistance is practically zero because the pump actively moves the vapour into the balloon.

Breathing technique: Only inhale about half as much as you actually could. Hold the air in your lungs for a few seconds and exhale slowly.

The filling chamber, filling chamber cap and tube unit can be disassembled and cleaned in just a few seconds. The screens should be cleaned after each use with the included cleaning brush.

Disassembling the filling chamber cap:

1. Remove the cap ring
2. Push out the upper screen downwards using the handle of the cleaning brush
3. Push out the cap cylinder downwards

Disassembling the filling chamber:

Push the filling chamber cylinder upwards out of the filling chamber housing.

Cleaning methods:

• Washing-up water: Clean screens and cap ring with warm washing-up water. All other parts are dishwasher safe.
• Isopropyl alcohol: Soak all parts for a maximum of 30 minutes, then rinse under running water for at least one minute. Do not soak plastic parts for longer than 30 minutes – otherwise discolouration or embrittlement may occur.

Hot air generator: Clean only dry or with a damp cloth. Never immerse it in water. The air filter on the underside should be checked for dirt every four weeks and replaced if necessary.

Wear parts & replacement costs

With the Volcano Hybrid, three wear categories are particularly relevant:

• Easy Valve balloons (set of 3, approx. 20 €) — replace every 50 to 100 sessions depending on use. Visible discolouration or a noticeable loss of flavour is the signal.
• Normal screens (set of 6, approx. 6 €) — every 3 to 6 months or when draw resistance increases.
• Tube set (approx. 15 €) — replace every two weeks or when discoloured.

Seals and filling chamber wear parts are also available individually. The air filter (underside) should be checked every 4 weeks and replaced if required (set of 2 included). Original parts are available via the Storz & Bickel shop or specialist retailers.

Wear parts & replacement costs

The Volcano Hybrid regularly requires the following replacement parts: The EASY VALVE balloon set (3 balloons + mouthpiece) costs around 25 € and should be replaced every 2 weeks with heavy use. A replacement tube set (1 m tube + mouthpiece) is around 12 €, likewise to be replaced every 2 weeks. Normal screens (set of 6) cost around 6 € and last 3–6 months. The air filter set (2 pieces) for around 5 € should be checked every 4–8 weeks. The filling chamber sealing ring costs around 5 € and is replaced as needed. A complete Wear & Tear Set with all wear parts is available for around 35 €. Original parts can be found in the Storz & Bickel online shop or from specialist retailers.

The Volcano Hybrid is compatible with Storz & Bickel dosing capsules. These small aluminium capsules make it possible to prepare and store portioned plant material in the capsule magazine.

Advantages of dosing capsules:

• Faster change of vaporising material
• Cleaner operation – the filling chamber remains almost residue-free
• Portioning for travel (in the magazine)

The dosing capsules are filled with the included filling set and the magazine funnel. They are designed as disposable items and should be discarded after use.

What’s included with the Volcano Hybrid:

• 1 hot air generator
• 3 EASY VALVE balloons with mouthpiece
• 1 EASY VALVE balloon with adapter and mouthpiece
• 1 balloon clip
• 1 filling chamber with cap ring
• 1 tube unit (1 m tube, tube elbow, mouthpiece)
• 6 normal screens
• 2 air filters
• 1 cleaning brush
• 1 herb grinder
• 1 power cable
• 1 user instructions

Using concentrates

For waxes and oils, Storz & Bickel offers Liquid Pads (15 mm diameter). The stainless steel mesh disc is placed in the filling chamber on top of the plant material or used on its own, with the concentrate spread onto it. This prevents anything from running into the hot air generator.

The recommended temperature for concentrates in the Volcano Hybrid is 170–190 °C — lower than on portable devices, as the desktop heater delivers more power and the vapour path is shorter. A set of 8 Liquid Pads costs around 10 € and also fits into the dosing capsules together with a Concentrate Pad.

Concentrates & drip pads

For waxes and oils, the Volcano Hybrid uses so-called Drip Pads (also called Liquid Pads). The pad is placed on top of the plant material in the filling chamber or used on its own together with the filling chamber reducer. A set of 4 Drip Pads costs around 10 €. The recommended temperature for concentrates is 170–200 °C – desktop devices like the Volcano work more efficiently here than portables, so lower temperatures are sufficient. The pads also fit into the dosing capsules together with a Concentrate Pad. After use, the pad should be cleaned with isopropanol.

The Volcano Hybrid connects via Bluetooth to the Storz & Bickel web app on your smartphone. The app is not strictly required for operation, but it offers additional settings.

Functions of the app:

• Temperature control – Read and set the temperature directly on your smartphone
• Celsius/Fahrenheit switch
• Auto shut-off – Individual adjustment of the shut-off time (factory setting: 30 min.)
• LCD brightness – Standby dimming adjustable from 30 to 10 percent
• Audible signal – Switch the beep on/off when the target temperature is reached
• Booster temperature – Set a temperature increase above the target temperature
• Vibration alarm – Switch vibration notification on the device on/off
• Smartphone vibration – Notification on the phone when the temperature is reached
• Firmware updates – Update the device software via the app

To connect: activate Bluetooth on the Volcano Hybrid (indicator lights up), open the Storz & Bickel web app at storz-bickel.com/app/web, select the device.

Browser compatibility

The Storz & Bickel web app uses the Web Bluetooth API. It works most reliably in Chrome (desktop and Android). Safari and Firefox do not support Web Bluetooth or only support it to a limited extent — connection dropouts are possible there.

On iOS, Safari lacks native Web Bluetooth support. The app Bluefy (in the App Store) serves as a workaround by providing a Web Bluetooth-capable browser. If you have connection problems: deactivate Bluetooth on the Volcano and activate it again (hold Temperature Minus + AIR for 3 seconds).

Browser compatibility & error codes

The Storz & Bickel web app uses the Web Bluetooth API. It works most reliably in Chrome (desktop and Android). Safari and Firefox do not support Web Bluetooth or only support it to a limited extent – connection dropouts are possible. On iOS, Safari lacks native Web Bluetooth support. The app Bluefy (in the App Store) serves as a workaround by providing a Web Bluetooth-capable browser. Firmware updates can also be carried out via the web app.

The Volcano Hybrid recognises two error codes: ERR + r (resettable) can be fixed by holding the HEAT button for 10 seconds – the device is reset to factory settings. ERR + n (not resettable) means the device must be sent to a Storz & Bickel service centre. Typical causes are temperature sensor faults or communication problems in the electronics.

Technical data:

Common problems:

• No vapour: Compare target and actual temperature (at least 180 degrees Celsius). Filling chamber and balloon attached correctly? Fresh material?
• Balloon does not fill: Pump switched on? Filling chamber mounted correctly?
• Plant particles in the balloon: Clean the screen in the cap or check whether it is inserted correctly.
• ERR display with number + r: Perform a factory reset (press HEAT for 10 seconds).
• ERR display with number + n: Irreversible fault – send the device to the service centre.

Warranty:

Two-year limited warranty from the date of purchase. If registered at storz-bickel.com/registration within 4 weeks of purchase: one additional year of warranty (3 years in total). The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use, but not accessories such as balloons, tubes, screens or dosing capsules.

The right temperature on the Volcano Hybrid determines flavour, vapour density and active compound profile. Lower temperatures (170–185 °C) emphasise terpenes and deliver mild, aromatic vapour. Higher temperatures (195–210 °C) produce denser clouds and stronger effects.

Temperature zones at a glance

Practical tips

• Start at 180 °C and increase in 5-degree steps
• A finer grind often requires a temperature 5–10 °C lower
• In a cold environment, increase the starting temperature by 5 °C

The battery of the Volcano Hybrid lasts for several sessions with typical use. For maximum service life, keep the battery between 20% and 80% and avoid deep discharge. USB-C charging with a high-quality power supply speeds up charging.

Battery tips

• Do not leave it permanently on the charger — unplug after 100%
• If replaceable battery: use original or recommended cells
• Battery performance drops in the cold — let it warm up before the session
• Pass-through charging (if supported) allows use while charging

The Classic is the tried-and-tested balloon vaporizer with pure convection and simple rotary dial control from ~249 EUR. The Hybrid additionally offers a tube option, app control, faster heating (40s vs 5 min) and hybrid heating.

• Storz & Bickel Official Website
• Volcano Hybrid Instructions for Use (PDF)
• Volcano Hybrid Quick Start Guide (PDF)
• Storz & Bickel Web App
• Product Registration & Warranty
• Storz & Bickel Service Center