STORZ & BICKEL – German vaporizers in world class
From basement to the world's leading vaporizer factory
The story began in 1996 when graphic designer Markus Storz read an article about how to inhale plant material with hot air instead of combustion. In his basement, he built the first prototypes with a heat gun and water pipes, driven by the idea of a healthier alternative without combustion.
After two years of development and testing, the first Volcano design was patented in 1998, with its balloon system that separates vaporization from inhalation. In 2000, Markus sold the first 100 Volcano units – handmade in the basement. Demand grew faster than expected.
In 2002, Markus’s old friend Jürgen Bickel joined as a partner, and STORZ & BICKEL GmbH & Co. KG was officially founded. Together they built a brand that would never compromise on quality, safety, or performance.
Medical technology as standard
STORZ & BICKEL are certified manufacturers of medical devices. In 2009, they became the first company in the world to receive ISO 13485 certification for vaporizers, which means their products meet the same strict requirements as surgical instruments and medical equipment.
In 2010, they launched the Volcano Medic – the world’s first medically certified herb vaporizer, approved for clinical use in Europe, Canada, and Israel. The device is used today in hospitals and clinics, especially in cancer treatment and pain therapy.
The medical background is visible in every detail:
- Safety focus – No plastic parts in the airway, no glue, no compromises.
- Convection heat – The air is heated first, then passes through the material for pure, even vapor production without combustion.
- Long-term durability – Products designed to function for 10, 15, 20 years.
Technology that others copy
STORZ & BICKEL invented several technologies that are industry standard today:
The balloon system
The Volcano series uses a patented balloon system that fills a bag with vapor. The user can then inhale at their own pace, without being connected to the device. Healthcare staff can prepare doses for patients, and the user has full control over inhalation.
Hybrid heating
The modern devices combine convection (hot air) and conduction (contact heat) for faster heating and more consistent vapor production.
Temperature precision
Dosing capsule system
A product line without weak links
STORZ & BICKEL doesn’t have hundreds of models. They have a few devices that are all legendary in their categories:
Volcano series – Desktop vaporizers with balloon system. Considered the best desktop vaporizer after over 20 years. Available in the versions Classic, Digit, Hybrid, and limited editions.
Mighty+ & Crafty+ – Portable powerhouses with long battery life, cooling mouthpiece, and simple handling. Launched in 2014 and still dominate the market for portable vaporizers.
Plenty – Handheld desktop device with spiral-shaped metal mouthpiece that cools the vapor. A middle ground between desktop and portable.
Venty – Their most powerful portable device. 20 seconds heating time and adjustable airflow up to 20 liters per minute.
Veazy – Their most compact device, available in four colors. Perfect for everyday use.
Handmade in Tuttlingen
In 2016, STORZ & BICKEL built the world’s first dedicated vaporizer factory – a facility of over 40,000 square meters in Tuttlingen. Each device is manufactured by hand by experienced technicians, undergoes rigorous testing, and receives a final inspection called “First Flow” before leaving the factory.
The reference point for the entire industry
STORZ & BICKEL has become the brand that all others are compared to. When researchers study vaporization, they use the Volcano. When reviewers test new portable devices, they are compared to the Mighty. When clinics need a medical solution, they choose STORZ & BICKEL.
The company doesn’t spend millions on marketing or influencers. The products have built their reputation through quality and long-term performance over 25 years.
Products from STORZ & BICKEL
Here you’ll find our carefully selected range of STORZ & BICKEL products – all genuine, all with full warranty.
Frequently asked questions about STORZ & BICKEL
What makes STORZ & BICKEL products so special?
The combination of medical certification, German manufacturing quality, and decades of proven durability. They are built to last 15-20 years with proper maintenance.
Are their vaporizers really medically approved?
Yes, the Volcano Medic is certified as a medical device according to the EU Directive on Medical Devices (93/42/EEC) and is used in hospitals and clinics.
Why are STORZ & BICKEL so expensive?
They are manufactured by hand in Germany to medical standards, use premium materials, and are designed to function for 15-20 years. Calculated per year of use, they are often cheaper than budget alternatives that need to be replaced.
Which STORZ & BICKEL product suits me?
The Volcano series is perfect for home use and sessions with friends. Mighty+ and Crafty+ for portability and daily use. Venty for maximum performance on the go. Plenty for a unique handheld home experience.
How long does a STORZ & BICKEL vaporizer last?
With proper maintenance, a Volcano or Mighty can be used for 10-20 years. There are devices from the early 2000s that still work perfectly today.
Do they use plastic in the airway?
Only medically approved, heat-resistant polymers where technically necessary. The airway is free from glue, fibers, and other materials that could affect the vapor.
Where are STORZ & BICKEL products manufactured?
All devices are manufactured by hand in their factory in Tuttlingen, Germany – the world center for medical technology.
Can I trust that these are genuine products?
Yes, all products come directly from STORZ & BICKEL with full warranty and certificate of authenticity.