Storz & Bickel

Background

Storz & Bickel’s Volcano is iconic for having started it all. Despite having been released more than 20 years ago, it remains popular and is still frequently updated by the brand. The Volcano Hybrid (buy) is the third iteration of Storz & Bickel’s series of desktop vaporizers and it is easily the best one yet.

The release of this powerful desktop device paved the way for vaporizers’ reputation as a healthier alternative to smoking cannabis in the traditional way. The Volcano was the first vape proven to produce no combustion contaminants – further raising the bar on health standards and is preferred vaporizer for lab studies.

During a keynote on September 2021, S&B announced updates and upgrades for both its portables and the Volcano. With Mighty being re-released as the awaited Mighty+ (plus) and several performance updates for the Crafty+ (review). As for the Volcano, a new ONYX color was released for both the Volcano Classic and Volcano Hybrid. This new onyx color is on top of the silver color (available for both units) and the very flashy Classic in gold.

The Volcano Hybrid allows users to program heating profiles so that you can select exactly how you want to vape. It also comes with both a whip as well as balloons. It’s worth noting that the Volcano Hybrid or the Volcano Classic isn’t cheap. They retail for $699 and $479, respectively – regardless of what finish or color you get it in. It’s up there as one of the most expensive vaporizers ever made.

Kit and Accessories

Just like all S&B products, the Volcano’s kit is stocked with everything you need to start vaping. Compared to a portable dry herb vaporizer’s kit though, the Volcano Hybrid kit obviously comes with more pieces since it is more customizable and is a much more complex device.

Here’s what comes with the Volcano Hybrid:  

• Volcano Hybrid vaporizer
• Three Easy Valve balloons with mouthpieces
• One Easy Valve balloon with an adapter 
• One tube system
• One filling chamber
• Power cord
• Air filter set
• Spares and Cleaning tools
• Herb mill 

There’s also a full suite of optional accessories and more spares available on the Storz & Bickel website. At the top of my recommendations list for the Volcano Hybrid are the:

• Dosing Capsules (visit store): Smaller capsules that may be pre-filled with herb and easily popped in and out of the oven while you’re on the go.
• Dosing Capsule Adapter: This makes it possible to insert the capsules into the chamber. This is great for when you don’t want to fill the Volcano’s significantly sized oven.

Another recommended accessory is an herb spoon (buy on Amazon)  to help you place the herbs into the oven without leaving any particles behind, whether you use the Volcano, Mighty+, or any other dry herb vape.

Design and Features

Familiar form factor: The Volcano Hybrid retains the iconic design of the previous volcano models- which is of course, essentially the shape of a volcano. It’s a sturdy, solid unit with a tough stainless steel exterior. 

Interface: The Hybrid is definitely a device for this day and age – with a new touch interface and a large LED display. The entire interface is flat, and though the buttons aren’t tactile they do make a pretty audible “click” as you press them. The LED display is bright and very clearly shows the current status of your device

Other improvements: There are some very smart and functional design choices made on the Volcano. Such as; the electrical cord can be removed from the body of the Hybrid, which makes both the cord and the device easier to carry around and store. The attachment for the whip allows it to spin around 360° so that you can access it from any angle. Clearly, Storz & Bickel thought of everything in their desire to make this a user-friendly device.

Volcano Hybrid in Onyx

The Volcano is an eye-catching centerpiece, though the new Onyx color of both the Hybrid and the Classic make it look more stylish. In Onyx, the Volcano is sleek, minimalist, and looks a lot more high-tech. The silver color is great too, but it did somewhat make the Volcano look a lot like a kitchen appliance. If you’re choosing between colors- onyx is the one to get in my opinion. 

Medical Certification

Storz & Bickel is currently the only company worldwide to produce certified medical herbal vaporizers – and the Volcano was the first-ever vaporizer to be certified. It’s also used in research labs around the world. Vaporizing with the Volcano guarantees a perfectly clean experience with zero contaminants due to combustion.

Smartphone App

The Hybrid also has Bluetooth connectivity, so it is compatible with the smartphone app that is used with the Crafty. The app makes the Hybrid customizable and allows you to program the vape in a variety of iterations and workflows.

The app works just fine if you have an android device. Apple has banned all vaping-related apps on their app store. If you have an iPhone, you may opt to use the web app. although, the app doesn’t work with Chrome or Safari. Meaning you’ll have to download a separate browser.

How to Use

The Volcano looks intimidating – and it definitely can be during your first go at it. There simply just is a lot to consider, so I highly recommend running through the manual. Other than having to decide between using the balloon or the whip, there are also the many possible custom workflows and iterations that are suited for either inhalation method.

The Volcano Hybrid got its name from its hybrid heating system, and its dual-use option. Having the option to use either the balloon and the whip either makes it more complex, or easier depending on your vaping style. But after several sessions – using the Volcano Hybrid becomes pretty second nature.

With The Balloon

1. Remove the filling chamber cap from the filling chamber.
2. Place dry herb into the chamber and then replace the cap.
3. Place the filling chamber onto the hot air outlet and firmly turn it clockwise.
4. Select the desired temperature setting and wait for heating to be completed.
5. Once heating is complete, remove the mouthpiece from the balloon and attach the balloon to the filling chamber.
6. Switch on the air pump to start filling the balloon with vapor.
7. Turn off the pump once the balloon has been filled with the desired amount of vapor.
8. Hold the filling chamber cap and rotate it counterclockwise to remove the balloon from the vaporizer.
9. Reattach the mouthpiece to the balloon.
10. Place the mouthpiece against your lips and lightly press against it to inhale the vapor.

With The Whip 

1. Remove the filling chamber cap from the filling chamber.
2. Place dry herb into the chamber and then replace the cap.
3. Place the filling chamber onto the hot air outlet and firmly turn it clockwise.
4. Select the desired temperature setting and wait for heating to be completed.
5. Once heating is complete, attach the tube flexer to the filling chamber and inhale from the mouthpiece. 
6. (Optional) Turn on the pump to push the vapor through the tube and into the mouthpiece.

Forced Air: A fan is the largest difference between a portable and a desktop. The “Forced Air” function is a pretty useful feature for users with breathing issues since the fan pushes air for you. Making draws that much easier. This is a feature that the Volcano shares with the Arizer XQ2 (review), which may also be used with both a whip and balloon. 

Heating profiles (Aka “Iterations”): are a custom set of instructions that allow for the automatic increase of temperature by a certain number of degrees over a set period of time. So, for example, you can program an iteration that starts your session at 380°F and increases it by 10°F every minute over a period of 5 minutes. A lot of users like to bump up the temp towards the end of a session, and will find this very useful. 

Cleaning and Maintenance

The Hybrid is a pretty low maintenance device because the only parts that you need to clean on a regular basis are the screen and the filling chamber. You can easily and quickly clean both using the included cleaning brush to dust off any residue

The bags and tubes will eventually need to be replaced – especially when they start to become discolored, grimy, and brittle. When that happens, flavor quality goes downhill and they have a higher chance of rupturing, so don’t hang on to them for any longer than you need to. Spare balloons and tubes are available for sale on the Storz & Bickel website

Performance and Vapor Quality

Hybrid Heating: S&B is credited with the invention of hybrid heating and while many other vaporizers have begun following suit. S&B’s perfect blend of conduction and convection heating produces vapor that is simply unmatched. It’s better than the result that either method could achieve on its own.

Vapor Quality: In one word, vapor quality on the Hybrid is just – excellent. Obviously, it’s a much larger device, with more power available to it – making it fully capable of providing you with cooler, more flavorful results. Regardless of which workflow, iteration, or whether you use the balloon or the whip – expect to get great and consistent results.

Zero Draw Resistance: If you want to really understand what’s meant by “zero-draw resistance”, try a Volcano. Both inhalation methods allow for draws that feel as natural as taking a breath. On the balloon, the vapor is cooler since there’s more room for it to expand, and on the whip – the sheer length of the path cools down the vapor.

Inhalation Method: Although, between the balloon and the whip – I preferred the balloon. The balloon just added a sort of ease since even without the app, I was able to get richer vapor – which improved once I started messing around with the workflow programs. The balloons may be filled with as much and as little vapor as you like, but note that it’ll be best to consume it within 5 minutes of filling it.

The whip is better suited for when you’re looking to draw as you go. You have the option to inhale as you want – provided that you don’t use the pump. With the pump, draws are easier but are somewhat less controllable. Both the balloon and the whip are made with food-safe, neutral materials that ensure that your vapor is untainted.

Bottom Line

The Volcano Hybrid provides nothing but the cleanest and best vaporizer experience on the market – but it does come at the cost of $699 and portability. It’s an at-home device – and its capabilities make it more suited for larger amounts of vapor and longer sessions.

The Volcano’s medical certification makes it the most highly recommended device for medical marijuana users. But other than that, I’d highly recommend the Mighty+ (plus). (See the full comparison) The Mighty+ is the first portable on the market medically certified. It might not deliver the exact same experience, but it comes close enough – which by S&B standards, is still pretty exceptional.

If you’re on the hunt for a desktop vaporizer but don’t have a $600 budget, I recommend checking out the Arizer XQ2 (review). It’s also functional with both a balloon and a whip and is at half the price. For portables, there are several more devices you can check out on our list of best dry herb vaporizers of 2022.

Background

The Storz and Bickel story started 21 years ago with the release of the Volcano (review). 14 years later – S&B changed the game when they released the Mighty – and its smaller brother: the Crafty+ (review). These two devices remain to be one of the best vaporizers you can get. Setting the standard in vapor quality and performance for portables. 

In September 2021, 7 years after they were first released – S&B finally gave their portables a much-awaited update. The Crafty+ was outfitted with a new ceramic filling chamber and USB-C charging that reduces charging time by 25 minutes. But it was the release of the Mighty+ that had every vaporizer enthusiast excited. 

The Mighty+ now features a new ceramic-lined filling chamber, faster USB-C charging, 60-second heat-up time, and a new preset: the superbooster.  Design-wise, the Mighty+ (plus) has a new medical-grade plastic shell, a new fin design, and pops of color in S&B’s signature orange. Just like its predecessor, the Mighty+ retains its large LED screen, precise temperature control, swiveling mouthpiece, and of course – S&B Hybrid Heating. 

Kit and Accessories

S&B product kits usually have all your needs covered straight out of the box – and the Mighty+ (Plus) is no different. Other than the unit and charging cable, it comes with the necessary cleaning tools and spares.

Here’s what the Mighty+ kit comes with:

• The Mighty+ unit
• Charging cable
• Screens and seal rings
• Dosing capsule
• Cleaning brush
• Instruction manual

Accessories 

One of the perks of purchasing an S&B product is that the brand has ensured that all accessories that are available to purchase are compatible with all their portables. One thing that was silently released along with the new products and updates is the new Side Kit. 

The Side Kit (visit store) is a set of accessories and spares that are compatible with the classic Mighty, Crafty, Crafty+ (Plus), and the Mighty+ (Plus). It retails for $20 and contains spares, cleaning tools, and the following notable accessories:

• Filling Aid – For convenient and straightforward packing. It clips to the top of the vaporizer and is essentially a funnel into the oven. It also doubles as a container so you can store a small amount of herb inside. The filling aid securely clips onto the oven and ensures that no debris falls around the heating element- keeping your vape clean at all times. The Filling Aid (visit store) is also available to purchase separately and is an essential accessory to have with any S&B device. 
• Capsule Caddy – Holds a maximum of four dosing capsules and that can be attached to your keychain. It’s also odor and water-proof. This may also be purchased separately and is priced at $6. (visit store)
• Herb Mill – To grind your chosen herb into the perfect, fluffy consistency.

Available exclusively for the Mighty and Mighty+ is the “Wear and Tear kit” (visit store)  which are all the spare pieces to refresh the cooling unit. It retails for $35 and it includes a spare cooling unit, mouthpieces, filling chamber, and other spares and cleaning tools. 

If you’re not keen on purchasing a full kit – there are several accessories that are available for individual sale. At the top of my recommendations list are the Filling Aid, Capsule Caddy, and Dosing Capsules. The Dosing Capsules (visit store) are capsules that may be pre-filled with herb and easily popped in and out of the oven while you’re on the go. The capsules also fit a keychain, so you can simply pre-fill and go. S&B also sells filling trays and filling aids that can fill nearly 40 capsules at a time. 

If you’ve owned the previous Mighty (or Crafty+), you might notice that this Mighty+kit no longer comes with the “Drip pad” that is used to use the device with wax and other concentrates. The Mighty+ is still compatible with both dry herb and concentrates but, as always, I still advise against using the Mighty+ with extracts- while the new ceramic coating might make it easier to clean from now on – it’s just best for the health of your device to keep your wax pen separate. I tested my Mighty+ with THC herb from my local dispensary and CBD herb from In-Hemp.

Design and Features

The Mighty+ (Plus)’s design definitely places function over style and hasn’t strayed much from the design of its predecessor. It sports a rugged design that’s made from new medical-grade plastic. While plastic may sometimes be frowned upon in vaporizers – S&B has made it a point to use biomaterial that was specifically created to house medical devices – which makes complete sense for the device since it is the only portable vaporizer to be certified for medical use. 

Ridged Design: The entire device is outlined by its signature ridged design. The former Mighty had straight fins that ran through the device, while the Mighty+ has a new curved design that actually draws attention to the center- making a larger device seem more narrow. It’s an interesting design change and it isn’t just eye-catching, it’s also incredibly functional. Angled upwards and out for more effective heat dissipation.

LED display and Buttons: The Mighty+ has analog controls and a digital display so you have precise temperature control. It may not be compatible with an app, but it surely doesn’t need one. The well-sized display makes it easy to see everything that’s going on in the device, from the battery level to the current heating temperature. Below the LED display is the Mighty+ logo, in bright S&B signature orange

Flanking the screen are two large orange buttons – controlling the variable temperature. On one side of the device is a single rounded button for power and to activate the super-boost mode. No extras are required, everything you need to control is on the device itself- ready for you to start vaping right out of the box.

Base: The base of the device has been updated with something incredibly simple, yet has been something I had always thought the Mighty needed. The Mighty+ now has small feet so it can stand on its own. The formerly curved bottom of the Mighty made filling the top-mounted bowl quite a challenge without a stand, so this is pretty neat. 

UL and TÜV Certification: S&B thoroughly and continually tests all their products in houses and through third-party companies for quality and overall safety. As mentioned earlier, the Mighty is (TUV) certified for medical use and now the Mighty+ is the first-ever vaporizer to carry the UL logo. The Mighty+ conforms to UL8139, which guarantees the safety of the battery, charging, electrical, and heating components.

Battery

It’s only fitting that the Mighty+ comes with an equally mighty battery. At 4600mAH, the Mighty+ boasts of one of the best and biggest batteries in the industry. While it isn’t removable, it certainly is visible. The two columns on either side of the device are actually the two power cells that keep the Mighty+ going.

USB- C Charging: They’ve done away with the old proprietary charger on the older Mighty, and replaced it with USB-C. The proprietary charger was just one more thing you’d have to carry around when traveling, and if you happen to forget it in a hotel room, for example, your Mighty is practically worthless. This USB-C update also comes with a new supercharge feature that can deliver an 80% charge in 40 minutes. This new USB-C port is also accompanied by a resigned circuit board to accommodate the new 45W power output.

The Cooling Unit 

The cooling unit and its accompanying swivel mouthpiece are some of the most interesting pieces of the Mighty, Mighty+ (Plus), and Crafty+ (Plus). Definitely, a product of precision engineering, the cooling unit is essentially a lengthy vapor path within a small case. As hot air travels from the heating chamber, it travels through the maze-like path in the unit, before it goes through the mouthpiece – resulting in perfectly cooled, excellent tasting vapor. 

Replaceable Cooling Unit: The entire cooling unit and the mouthpiece are also replaceable, either by purchasing it separately or with the “Wear and Tear Kit” (visit store). There aren’t that many vaporizers with the option to replace the entire airpath- so this is definitely pretty cool. The cooling unit from the previous Mighty is also compatible with this one. 

How to Use

Using the Mighty+ is simple enough, especially since all you need to start vaping is already in the device itself. There’s no more need for any added devices or having to connect it with an app like on the Crafty+.

1. Twist off the cooling unit to expose the herb chamber.
2. Pour your ground herb into the filling aid.
3. Firmly attach the filling aid to the herb chamber, remove the stopper from the filling aid and use it to sweep the herb through the open hole of the filling aid into the herb chamber. You also have the option of filling dosing capsules in advance and just popping them into the oven. 
4. Remove the filling aid and then reattach the cooling unit. 
5. Turn on the device and select your temperature.
6. Once the vape finishes heating, swivel out the mouthpiece and inhale from it.

The Mighty+ features a new pre-set heat mode called “Superboost“. This is easily accessible by clicking the power button twice to increase the device temperature by 16F or three times to increase the temperature by 27F.

Loading the oven has to be done by hand, which more often than not – gets quite messy and leaves unwanted debris around the oven. So, maybe make it all a little bit easier and use one of the following optional accessories:

• A small herb spoon (buy on Amazon)  to help you place the herbs into the oven without leaving any particles behind, whether you use the Mighty+ or any other dry herb vape. 
• Or even better, purchase the Filling Aid (visit store) sold by Storz&Bickel for around $5. The filling aid functions as a storage container that can connect to the top of the Mighty or the Crafty, and it funnels the herb directly into the oven. In my opinion, this is a must-have accessory that will keep things clean and neat, plus it will pack a perfect oven every single time and provide a consistent experience.

Mighty+ vs Crafty+ 

The Crafty+ and the Mighty naturally have a lot in common, but they also have some significant differences as follows:

• Size- the Mighty is about twice the size of Crafty and therefore is less portable. It still fits in a large pocket or purse but is less stealthy and discreet than the Crafty+. If size and portability are your top priorities, Crafty is the clear winner here.
• Screen & interface- the Crafty has a one-button interface with three preset temperatures. There is no onboard screen or temperature controls. Although the Crafty+ has Bluetooth connectivity, iPhone users may have an issue connecting to the unit. Due to the Apple app store ban of vape apps, S&B had to develop a web app that must be accessed through a browser. The problem is, Safari or even Chrome are not supported. You’d have to download a new browser and access the app through there. So, good luck with that. The Mighty+ doesn’t have Bluetooth, and all the controls are onboard. A significant advantage here to the Mighty as far as interface and control.
• Battery life- Mighty+ has about double the battery life of the Crafty+.
• Price difference- the Mighty+ currently retails for $400 while the Crafty+ is $280. 

Here is what is the same between both vapes:

• Ceramic Coating- together with the Mighty+ release, the Crafty+ was also released in an improved 2021 version. It now has Ceramic coating on the chamber, just like the Mighty+ and the Volcano.
• USB-C charging- one of the biggest drawbacks of the previous Mighty was that it was only compatible with a proprietary charger. Both vapes have finally been upgraded to USB-C, which means they charge faster, and USB-C cables are just more accessible. The Mighty+ charges from empty to 80% in about 40 minutes.
• Temperature and Oven Capacity- Both vapes have the same temperature range of 104°F to 410°F and have an oven capacity of around .25gr dry herb.
• Hybrid Heating-  While both vapes use the same hybrid heating system, which produces similar results, the Mighty performs slightly better as it has more energy available to power the heating element.

With all that said, if you don’t mind the size and extra cost, I’d definitely say to get the Mighty+. While the Crafty+ is just as reliable, the Mighty+ (Plus) packs more power has a bit more of an edge over its smaller counterpart. 

What could’ve been better about the Mighty+ 

While the Mighty+ is definitely exceptional in design, quality, and performance – I do think a couple of things could’ve been a bit better. While these two things don’t affect the device’s power in any way, I just can’t help but wonder why they weren’t considered in this upgrade. Especially since S&B is fairly known for their attention to detail. 

The original Mighty was rounded at the bottom and wasn’t exactly stable when standing upright (even on flat surfaces). This has sort of been augmented on the Mighy+ which now has two small feet to help it stand on its own, but you’ll still have to reverse the stirring tool that’s tucked at the bottom. While this “tripod” design does keep it up, it’s still not as stable as the Crafty+, which has a flat bottom. 

Lastly, I hoped S&B Included the filling aid in the kit. It’s a must-have accessory that will keep your vape clean and functioning well for years. It retails for $5 and is cheap to manufacture – I just don’t see why it has to be “optional” when it feels like it’s something that’s mandatory to use with their devices. 

Performance and Vapor Quality

There’s a reason why S&B’s vapor is the standard of the industry. For starters, they invented the hybrid heating system – heating herb thoroughly and efficiently every time through a combination of convection and conduction heating systems. Conduction heats the herb via direct contact – which in the case of the Mighty+ is the ceramic coated portion of the oven. Convection on the other hand is heating the herb with hot air created in the heating element and pulled into the chamber as you draw. The fully extracts all the terpenes and all other organic material from your herb.

Vapor Quality: On the Mighty+, the mass of the hybrid heating system has been reduced. This change in size has made it possible for the Mighty+ to have a much faster heat-up time of 60 seconds to anywhere in its 104°F and 410°F range. Safe to say that when it comes to vapor quality – the Mighty+ wins every time, in all the ways. Regardless of whichever point in your session you’re in – the vapor is rightfully dense, flavorful, and potent.

The first hit on the Mighty is very flavorful with lighter vapor and gets denser throughout the session. 

Low draw resistance: One of the qualities I appreciated the most in the Mighty+ is its low draw resistance- some vapes have a high draw resistance which basically means that you’d have to work harder to inhale through the mouthpiece. Kind of like drinking a thick smoothie through a thin straw. But the Mighty+ and the Crafty+ both have very low draw resistance, so inhaling is as easy as taking a breath.

Bottom Line

It’s been a long time coming for the Mighty+ (Plus), and it’s been well worth its wait! It delivers on its promise of top-notch S&B vapor, and you get a consistent, predictable, and controllable experience each time. I’ve been a long-time user of the Mighty – it’s been my daily device for 6 years, and the Mighty+ is a welcome upgrade.

The Mighty+ (Plus) retails for $399, which is quite a sum to splurge on a vaporizer, but it truly is well worth it with any S&B products since they’re bound to last you for many years to come. Right now, we have a 15% coupon posted, so that’s huge savings of $60 on the Mighty+. If you’re still on edge and are looking for something smaller, the Crafty+ (review) delivers a near same vapor quality in a smaller package. There are also more devices on our list of the best dry herb vaporizers of 2022, and see how the Mighty+ measures up to the Volcano Hybrid in our comparison post.

Background

Storz & Bickel’s products have always been at the top of our best dry herb vaporizers list – and for good reason. S&B is well known for being the standard-setter in the industry, especially after having started it all when they released the Volcano (review) 20 years ago. Their portables, the Mighty and the Crafty+ (Plus) have also long set the bar for peak performance, functional design, and long-term durability.

Since the Crafty+ was released in 2019 – S&B had kept quiet and hadn’t released any new or updated devices. Till September 2021, when S&B announced a new ONYX color for the Volcano and both portables were updated – with the Mighty being re-released as the awaited Mighty+ (plus), while the Crafty + (plus) got several updates of its own. The Crafty + now charges 25 minutes faster via USB-C and has a new ceramic coated filling chamber.

The Crafty+ may be the smaller portable, but what it lacks in power and performance- it makes up for in size and portability. The Crafty+ (plus) boasts a quick 1-minute heat-up time, 3 in-device pre-set temperatures, a granular temperature control via the accompanying app, an internal 2800mAH battery, and a device body made from medical grade plastic called PEEK. It also employs the same S&B signature hybrid conduction/convection oven that delivers consistent vapor quality at each use.

Compatibility: The Crafty+ is primarily a dry herb vaporizer but is compatible with solid wax concentrates. While the new ceramic coating in the oven might make using the Crafty with concentrates easier, I’d still highly recommend keeping your concentrate device separate from your main dry herb device. I tested my Crafty+ (plus) with THC herb from my local dispensary and CBD herb from In-Hemp.

Kit and Accessories

All Storz & Bickel product kits usually cover all the bases, coming with the necessary extras and cleaning tools you need to use your devices at their best. Here’s what comes in the Crafty+ Kit (View Store):

• Crafty+ device
• USB-C Cable
• Base seal rings
• Coarse & normal screens
• Dosing Capsule
• Cleaning Brush
• Concise use and safety instructions

Accessories  

Previous versions of the Crafty kit had different inclusions, like the filling aid (View Store) that came with the first kit in 2014, and the capsule caddy that came with the 2019 Crafty + kit. Now, both those accessories and more are available as part of what S&B calls the Side Kit which is compatible with all the brand’s portables. 

The Side Kit contains: 

• Capsule Caddy – Holds a maximum of four dosing capsules and that can be attached to your keychain. This may also be purchased separately and is priced at $6.
• Filling Aid – For convenient and straightforward packing. It stores herbs and funnels it into the oven when needed. The Filling Aid is also available to purchase separately and is an essential accessory to have with any S&B device. 
• Herb Mill – To grind your chosen herb into the perfect, fluffy consistency.

The Side Kit also comes with the following spares: mouthpiece, seal ring, coarse & normal screens, and a cleaning brush (View Store).

Design and Features

The Crafty+ (plus) is without a doubt, an extremely portable device – at only 4.4 in tall and weighing only 120g, this is a device that can be taken anywhere. The exterior shell is constructed out of a plastic named PEEK, used in various applications in the medical, automotive, and aerospace industries. All of which should assure you that the Crafty+ is pretty durable and can take a bit of a beating. Not that you should toss it around, but since it’s designed to be brought out it’s not the end of its life if you do accidentally drop it.

The finned design that encompasses the entire device body isn’t just eye-catching, it’s also incredibly functional. Expertly angled upwards and out for effective heat dissipation. At the top of the device is the swiveling mouthpiece, which sits atop the cooling unit. There’s also a patterned leather accent with the S&B logo squarely under the mouthpiece.

Base/ body: On the base of the device – you’ll find the firing/power button and two LED light strips that indicate the device status. In comparison to the rest of the devices in the market, the Crafty is definitely subtly attractive. The entire device is primarily black, except for the Crafty+ logo, firing button, and the hidden stir tool which are all in the S&B signature orange.

Cooling Unit: At the top of the unit is the mouthpiece that tucks/swivels away when not in use. Essentially the cooling unit is a vapor path that’s within the small case at the top of the device. Hot air travels from the heating chamber, it travels through the maze-like path in the unit, and then through the mouthpiece – resulting in perfectly cooled, excellent tasting vapor.

Chamber: The Crafty+‘s oven holds about .25g of herb, which is exactly the same as the much larger Mighty+. With the filling aid, loading the Crafty is so easy and neat at every turn. Not even small particles of material end up out of the oven, everything is perfectly packed in the chamber – ready for you to vaporize. The new ceramic lining on the oven also makes it less sticky so it’s a breeze to clean after each session.

UL & TÜV certification: Just like its older brother, the Mighty+ (plus), under the hood, the Crafty+ is also constructed with medical-grade materials like stainless steel and aluminum. S&B is very meticulous when it comes to product safety, thoroughly testing their products in-house and having them certified by the TÜV SÜD in Munich, Germany. So you’re assured that you can vaporize worry-free

Battery

The 2800mAH battery on the Crafty+ lasts for 90 minutes or about six to seven bowls. One of the biggest changes to the Crafty+ is its upgrade from the outdated Micro – USB to the faster, more reliable USB-C. This update shaved off 25 minutes from its previous 90 minute charging time – bringing it down to 65 minutes. So you’ll never be without your Crafty+ for long.

Ease of use

All of S&B’s products are generally easy to use, and the Crafty+ (Plus) is no different. The Crafty+’s compact design means it doesn’t have a display – but instead has a single button to control all its operations. To use the Crafty+ (Plus):

1. Twist off the cooling unit to expose the herb chamber.
2. Pour your ground herb into the filling aid.
3. Firmly attach the filling aid to the herb chamber, remove the stopper from the filling aid and use it to sweep the herb through the open hole of the filling aid into the herb chamber. You also have the option of filling dosing capsules in advance and just popping them into the oven. 
4. Remove the filling aid and then reattach the cooling unit. 
5. Turn on the device and select your temperature.
6. Once the vape finishes heating, swivel out the mouthpiece and inhale from it.

Loading the Crafty+ (Plus) is done by hand, which might get a bit messy sometimes. So why not make it a bit easier for yourself and use these optional accessories (View Store): 

• A small herb spoon (buy on Amazon) to help you place your herbs into the oven- without spilling particles everywhere and keep your hands free of herb. This works with either the Crafty+ or any other dry herb vape. 
• Or even better, purchase the Filling Aid sold by S&B for $5 (View Store). The filling aid is essentially a storage container that funnels herb directly into the oven. Definitely, a must-have for the Crafty+ and Mighty+. It keeps things clean and neat and helps you pack a perfect oven each time. 

Super-Boost

The Crafty + comes with three pre-set temperature settings straight out of the box. This is one more than the original released in 2014. Pressing the power button twice (boost) or three times (super-boost) during a session activates one of the modes. Boost will increase the temperature by 10 to 15 °F and the super-boost will increase to the maximum temperature (410 °F). This is great for getting the most out of your herbs towards the end of a session. So while there is no way to control the exact temperature directly on the device, you can gradually increase the temperature and make the most out of your plants.

Mobile Application

As mentioned earlier, the Crafty+ doesn’t have a display, but everything may be controlled to a T with the Crafty+ app. On the app, you can select any temperature between 104°F and 410°F. Although, it currently only works with Android- ever since Apple banned all vaping-related apps on their app store. If you have an iPhone, you may opt to use the web app. although, in my experience, the app didn’t work with Chrome or Safari. Meaning you’ll have to download a separate browser – I ended up just sticking to the onboard controls.

Cleaning and maintenance

Thanks to its clever design, the Crafty+ (Plus) and Mighty+ (Plus) are both easy to clean. There are really only 2 parts that become dirty and eventually need cleaning.

• The Cooling Unit and Mouthpiece– The cooling unit can be disassembled for cleaning, or completely replaced for around $20 (View Store). Being able to replace the cooling unit is a feature you don’t find in many vaporizers like the Pax 3 (review) or the DaVinci IQC (review).
• The oven (aka Heating Chamber)– Since you can remove the entire Air cooling unit that sits on top, there is very convenient access to the oven (for cleaning and packing). The oven needs to be cleaned every 20-40 uses or so with some alcohol wipes. Using dosing capsules significantly reduces the amount of residue that accumulates in the oven.

Performance & Vapor Quality

S&B sets the standard in vapor quality, and to do this – all devices use a hybrid conduction/convection combination to heat the herb. This method is far more thorough than if it was either one of them alone. This results in vapor that is dense, flavorful, and more potent. It heats to temperature in about one minute, which isn’t exactly the fastest – but it’s a good enough time to wait for quality vapor.

For a top-loading device with a relatively short airpath, every draw on the Crafty+ (plus) is nothing short of smooth and easy. Thanks to the cooling unit, the vapor is neither harsh nor irritating on the lungs, even on the highest boost setting. I found that starting with quick, 3 to 5 second draws and then working my way up are best for the Crafty+ since the vapor is quite potent – it’s just best to pace yourself. 

Draw resistance: some smaller vaporizers usually have pretty high draw resistance, resulting in a draw that’s similar to drinking a thick milkshake through a straw. Thanks to S&B’s precision design on the cooling unit, draw resistance on the Crafty+ (Plus) is really low. Every draw is incredibly smooth and natural.  

Mighty+ vs. Crafty+ 

The Crafty+ and the Mighty+ have a lot in common, yet also have very notable differences.
Here is how they differ:

• Size & Portability: The Crafty+ is about half the size of the Mighty, which means it’s the more portable device. 
• Device Controls & Screen: The Crafty doesn’t have a screen and onboard device controls like the Mighty+. Instead, it has a single-button interface and an accompanying app. 
• Battery life: Mighty+ has about double the battery life of the Crafty+.
• Price difference: the Mighty+ currently retails for $400 while the Crafty+ is $280. 

Here is what’s the same between both vapes:

• New Ceramic Coating on the chamber: Just like with the Mighty+ and the Volcano, the 2021 version of the Crafty+ was released with a new ceramic coating. 
• USB-C charging: The previous Mighty used to be compatible with a proprietary charger. But now, both devices have been upgraded to the faster, more stable, and accessible USB-C. 
• Temperature and Oven Capacity: Both vapes have the same temperature range of 104°F to 410°F and have an oven capacity of around .25gr dry herb.
• Hybrid Heating:  While both vapes use the same hybrid heating system, which produces similar results, the Mighty performs slightly better as it has more energy available to power the heating element.

Between the two devices, If you don’t mind the size and the extra cost – I’d highly recommend the Mighty+. While, yes, the Crafty+ is a pretty good device. The Mighty+ packs more power and its onboard controls make it so much easier to use. 

Bottom Line

The Crafty+ is great – no doubt about it. It’s extremely portable, stays cool regardless of which temperature you’re on and even after successive sessions, and delivers the excellent vapor quality that S&B is well known for. 

If anything, the only downside is not being able to fully control the temperature on the device itself, and that’s where the Mighty + comes in – if you’re willing to spend $80 more. But if you don’t mind having to use the app and want a device that you can carry around with ease – I can’t recommend the Crafty+ (Plus) enough. If you’re still on edge and want to browse, other options you might be interested in, check out our list of the best dry herb vaporizers of 2022.