When it comes to innovation, reliability, and sheer quality in the vaporizer industry, Storz and Bickel stands as a brand that is virtually synonymous with excellence. For over two decades, this German company has left an indelible mark on the realm of vaporization, providing users around the globe with devices that have redefined the standards for vapor quality, safety, and engineering. But how did Storz and Bickel become such an iconic name in both the medicinal and recreational vaporizer worlds?
Let’s delve deep into the fascinating and inspiring history of Storz and Bickel—tracing the roots of their innovation, examining their contributions to the industry, and celebrating the legacy they continue to build.
The Humble Beginnings: Visionaries Meet Innovation
The story of Storz and Bickel begins in Tuttlingen, Germany—a town renowned for its medical device manufacturing—in the mid-1990s. The founders, Markus Storz and Jürgen Bickel, saw an opportunity to improve upon the ways people consume herbal products, especially those requiring precise temperature control for therapeutic purposes.
Markus Storz, a graphic designer by trade, first encountered vaporization technology through a legal background in Germany. Observing an absence of safe, effective, and reliable vaporization devices on the market, he began experimenting with ways to decarboxylate herbs without the harmful byproducts of combustion. Storz was particularly interested in medical applications, recognizing how a precise control over vaporization temperature could play a pivotal role in extracting desirable compounds without producing tar or carcinogens.
Jürgen Bickel, who would later become the business mind behind the operation, shared Storz’s vision for providing a superior alternative to traditional smoking. The duo combined their talents—technical innovation and business savvy—to create something truly groundbreaking.
The VOLCANO Vaporizer: A Revolution in Vaporization (1998–2000)
In 1998, after years of research, design, and prototyping, Markus Storz filed a patent for a hot air generator, which used convection heating to release active compounds from botanicals in their purest form. From this invention, the world’s first VOLCANO Vaporizer was born.
The VOLCANO introduced a revolutionary approach—using a detachable balloon system to capture vapor. This method allowed users to inhale the vapor at their leisure while keeping inhalation free of toxins, ash, or harmful gasses produced by direct combustion. Best Boons is the only company to improve upon the balloon experience. In 2022, Best Boons began selling premium material volcano bags, pre-cut and sealed with multiple size options to choose from.
Besides the balloon, the VOLCANO delivered:
- Precise temperature control: Users could select temperatures between 130°C–230°C, allowing targeted vaporization of various compounds.
- Medical-grade construction: The device was built with high-quality, durable materials, ensuring not just performance but also utmost safety and hygiene.
- Unmatched vapor purity: With convection heating, the VOLCANO produced exceptionally clean and flavorful vapor, with a consistency never-before-seen in the industry.
Initially, the VOLCANO gained traction among enthusiasts in Europe, especially those using herbal medicines. Word-of-mouth spread quickly, and by the early 2000s, it had crossed the Atlantic to North America, where it soon became the gold standard for desktop vaporizers.
The Formation of Storz & Bickel GmbH & Co. KG (2002)
With the VOLCANO’s worldwide success, Markus Storz and Jürgen Bickel formalized their partnership in 2002—officially introducing Storz & Bickel GmbH & Co. KG. This marked the beginning of a new era in vaporizer innovation, with the company committing to the highest standards of engineering, medical safety, and product reliability.
The VOLCANO’s reputation for excellence quickly garnered respect not only among recreational users but also within medical communities, municipalities, and clinical researchers worldwide. Research labs, hospitals, and universities began adopting the VOLCANO for administering vaporized medications, particularly cannabinoids.
Pioneering Medical Certification (2009–2011)
A major milestone in the history of Storz and Bickel was their pursuit and acquisition of medical certification for their devices. In 2009, the company released the VOLCANO MEDIC, which became the world’s first vaporizer to be certified as a medical device, compliant with the European Medical Device Directive (93/42/EEC).
This certification allowed the VOLCANO MEDIC to be prescribed by physicians in countries where medical cannabis or herbal therapies were legal. It was not just a business triumph, but a victory for patient safety and public health, as it provided patients with a safe, controlled, and research-backed device for medicinal vaporization.
The VOLCANO MEDIC also paved the way for further research into the therapeutic benefits of vaporized botanicals, establishing Storz & Bickel as a cornerstone in the clinical and pharmaceutical landscapes.
The Launch of the PLENTY and The MIGHTY (2011–2014)
The company’s menu of products expanded significantly in the 2010s.
The PLENTY Vaporizer
In 2011, Storz and Bickel launched the PLENTY, a unique handheld device featuring a distinctive coil cooling system and wide temperature range. The PLENTY offered abundant vapor for those who desired desktop-grade performance in a more portable form factor. Its unconventional design, reminiscent of a heat gun, set it apart in a competitive market.
The MIGHTY and the CRAFTY: Portable Powerhouses
But the real game-changer arrived in 2014, when Storz and Bickel released two legendary portable devices: the CRAFTY and the MIGHTY.
- MIGHTY: This robust, battery-powered vaporizer combined conduction and convection heating, providing the power and vapor quality of a desktop device in a handheld unit. Its dual lithium-ion batteries and precise temperature control made it an instant favorite among connoisseurs and medical users alike.
- CRAFTY: As the little brother to the MIGHTY, the CRAFTY offered the same hybrid heating in a slightly smaller, more discreet package. Its Bluetooth connectivity (a revolutionary feature at the time) allowed users to control settings from their smartphones.
Both devices redefined what was possible in portable vaporization, combining engineering prowess with user-centric design. To this day, the MIGHTY remains one of the most-awarded portable vaporizers globally.
Continued Innovation: Digital Advances and Medical Expansion
Storz & Bickel has consistently pushed the boundaries of vaporization technology. In later years, the company introduced the VOLCANO DIGIT, featuring an LED digital temperature display and electronic controls.
The next significant milestone was the launch of the VOLCANO HYBRID in 2019. This state-of-the-art device combined the classic balloon system with a whip (direct-draw) option, providing unmatched versatility. An improved heating element, Bluetooth app integration, and a lightning-fast heat-up time made HYBRID the new flagship desktop vaporizer.
Furthermore, the MEDIC line expanded with the MIGHTY MEDIC, offering patients a certified portable option. The combination of medical certification and cutting-edge technology solidified Storz and Bickel’s position at the intersection of healthcare and consumer electronics.
Quality, Compliance, and Manufacturing Standards
From the outset, Storz and Bickel have adhered to stringent quality assurance protocols. Their manufacturing facility in Tuttlingen, Germany, is ISO 13485 certified, ensuring all devices meet the highest standards for medical safety and precision.
Key aspects include:
- High-grade materials: Medical-grade plastics, stainless steel, and heat-resistant borosilicate glass.
- Rigorous testing: Every product is subjected to comprehensive quality checks.
- Compliance: Devices comply with European and international medical directives, making them trusted tools in medical and research settings globally.
Acquisition by Canopy Growth (2018): A New Chapter
In December 2018, Storz and Bickel was acquired by Canopy Growth Corporation, a major Canadian cannabis producer, for approximately €145 million (around $165 million USD at the time). This move reflected both the value and influence of Storz and Bickel in the global cannabis and vaporizer industries.
The acquisition brought fresh investment, access to global distribution networks, and opportunities for Storz and Bickel to innovate even further. Despite this transition, the company retained its manufacturing base, core leadership, and relentless commitment to quality.
Influence on the Vaporizer Industry
The legacy of Storz and Bickel cannot be overstated. Their innovations have:
- Set revolutionary performance and safety standards.
- Influenced countless other manufacturers, driving the market towards better quality and reliability.
- Promoted scientific and medical research into vaporization as a safer alternative to smoking.
- Fostered a global community of enthusiasts who value craftsmanship, precision, and purity of experience.
From casual users to medical patients and researchers, Storz and Bickel’s impact resonates throughout the world of vaporization.
The Future: Sustainability and Ongoing Innovation
As consumer demand for safer, greener, and more therapeutic-friendly devices grows, Storz and Bickel remains at the cutting edge. Recent years have seen a push toward more sustainable operations, improved device recyclability, and advanced features for both medical and adult-use markets.
The company continues to develop new models and accessories, support scientific research, and uphold the legacy of Markus Storz and Jürgen Bickel, who set out to create the world’s best vaporization devices—and, by all accounts, succeeded spectacularly.
The Unmatched Legacy of Storz and Bickel
From humble beginnings in a small German workshop, Storz and Bickel has grown into the most revered name in vaporization, blending German engineering with an unwavering commitment to safety, efficacy, and user experience.
Their journey reflects not only technological innovation but also a passion for improving lives. Whether you’re a medical patient, a recreational enthusiast, or an admirer of top-quality engineering, Storz and Bickel’s story resonates as a tale of vision, dedication, and unyielding pursuit of excellence.
As we look to the future, one thing is clear: Storz and Bickel will remain at the vanguard of vaporization technology, shaping the way we experience herbs for generations to come.
