Price (USD)
Tempest 2 edgeTempest 2
$179
Volcano Classic
$450
Tempest 2 is typically around $271 lower.
Vaporizer Comparison
Tempest 2 vs Volcano Classic
Side-by-side specs, pricing context, and clear decision guidance.
Tempest 2
Mad Heaters $179
VS
Volcano Classic
Storz & Bickel $450
Editorial Summary
Tempest 2 and Volcano Classic are both convection vaporizers, but they target different priorities. Tempest 2 is usually the lower-cost pick at $179, around $271 below Volcano Classic. Tempest 2 has the quicker listed heat-up profile, which can matter for shorter sessions.
Specs Compared
23
Different Specs
22
Shared Specs
1
Overall Overlap
4%
Shared Traits
Convection
Head-to-Head Highlights
A quick snapshot of the specs people usually care about first.
Heat-Up Time
Tempest 2 edgeTempest 2
~30-45 seconds with torch
Volcano Classic
3.5 - 6 minutes
Tempest 2 has the quicker listed heat-up profile.
Weight
Tempest 2 edgeTempest 2
46g
Volcano Classic
~1.6 kg
Tempest 2 is the lighter listed unit.
Heating Style
Close callTempest 2
Convection-heavy with thermal ball matrix
Volcano Classic
Convection
Heating style differs, which can impact flavor and extraction behavior.
Key Differences at a Glance
Top specs where these two devices diverge.
Price (USD)
Tempest 2
$179
Volcano Classic
$450
Device Type
Tempest 2
Portable
Volcano Classic
Desktop
Heating Type
Tempest 2
Convection-heavy with thermal ball matrix
Volcano Classic
Convection
Heat Up Time
Tempest 2
~30-45 seconds with torch
Volcano Classic
3.5 - 6 minutes
Temperature Range
Tempest 2
N/A
Volcano Classic
350°F - 446°F
Chamber Capacity
Tempest 2
0.1g - 0.2g (adjustable)
Volcano Classic
~0.6g
Battery Type
Tempest 2
None
Volcano Classic
N/A
Dimensions
Tempest 2
122mm x 18.5mm
Volcano Classic
18cm x 20cm
Weight
Tempest 2
46g
Volcano Classic
~1.6 kg
Power Adjustment
Tempest 2
Visual gauge with click indicators
Volcano Classic
Modular - 9 stages
Choose Tempest 2 if...
- You want the lower listed entry price ($179 vs $450).
- You care about faster heat-up time for quicker sessions.
- You want the lighter unit for carrying and travel.
- You prefer a convection-heavy with thermal ball matrix heating profile.
Choose Volcano Classic if...
- You prefer a convection heating profile.
- Your usage leans toward desktop and electronic sessions.
- You prefer Volcano Classic's overall feature mix and form factor.
Spec Comparison Table
Direct comparison of every spec from each device profile.
22 differ 1 shared
| Specification | Tempest 2 | Volcano Classic |
|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | $179 | $450 |
| Device Type | Portable | Desktop |
| Heating Type | Convection-heavy with thermal ball matrix | Convection |
| Heat Up Time | ~30-45 seconds with torch | 3.5 - 6 minutes |
| Temperature Range | N/A | 350°F - 446°F |
| Chamber Capacity | 0.1g - 0.2g (adjustable) | ~0.6g |
| Battery Type | None | N/A |
| Battery Capacity | N/A | — |
| Battery Life | N/A | — |
| Charging | N/A | N/A |
| Charge Time | N/A | — |
| Dimensions | 122mm x 18.5mm | 18cm x 20cm |
| Weight | 46g | ~1.6 kg |
| Power Adjustment | Visual gauge with click indicators | Modular - 9 stages |
| Chamber Material | Titanium | Ceramic-Coated |
| Brand | Mad Heaters | Storz & Bickel |
| Adjustable Airflow | Yes | — |
| Body Material | Grade 5 titanium, aluminum heat shield, stainless steel | — |
| Country of Manufacture | Made in China, Assembled in the UK | Germany |
| Power | — | 110V/220V AC |
| Release Date | — | 2000 |
| Session Style | — | Session |
| Warranty | 1 year | 2 years |
Comparison FAQs
What is the biggest difference between the Tempest 2 and the Volcano Classic?
The biggest practical difference is price tier: the Tempest 2 sits at $179 while the Volcano Classic is $450, a gap of about $271 that puts them in different buying brackets.
Which is cheaper, the Tempest 2 or the Volcano Classic?
Tempest 2 is the cheaper option at $179 compared with $450 for the Volcano Classic, about $271 less. Live retailer pricing can shift, so confirm before buying.
Which heats up faster, the Tempest 2 or the Volcano Classic?
Tempest 2 reaches session-ready temperature in ~30-45 seconds with torch, while the Volcano Classic takes 3.5 - 6 minutes. That's roughly 248 seconds quicker on the Tempest 2, which is useful if you want shorter, on-demand sessions.
What's the difference in heating between the Tempest 2 and the Volcano Classic?
Tempest 2 uses convection-heavy with thermal ball matrix heating, while the Volcano Classic uses convection. Heating style influences flavor profile, vapor density, and how forgiving the device is to draw technique.
Does the Tempest 2 or the Volcano Classic hold more flower?
Volcano Classic has the larger chamber at ~0.6g, versus 0.1g - 0.2g (adjustable) on the Tempest 2. A bigger bowl means fewer reloads on long sessions; a smaller one suits microdosing and quicker bowls.
Which is lighter, the Tempest 2 or the Volcano Classic?
Tempest 2 is the lighter unit at 46g, around 1554g less than the Volcano Classic at ~1.6 kg. The lighter device is easier to carry and pocket day-to-day.
Is the Tempest 2 or the Volcano Classic better for home versus on-the-go use?
Tempest 2 is the take-anywhere choice. It's a portable, battery-powered unit, while the Volcano Classic is built for home use, where bigger heaters, AC power, and larger chambers make sense.
Need a different matchup?
Jump into the comparison hub to pick any two devices and open a canonical side-by-side page.