Arizer Extreme Q vs Volcano Classic Showdown

Updated: October 6, 2023

Both being desktop vaporizers from excellent companies, the Volcano Classic and Arizer Extreme Q have seen great success over the years. With sturdy and reliable designs alongside good performance and now fairly cheap prices, both the Volcano and Arizer EQ can be found on sale and discounted quite nicely today. Are they still worth it, and which is better? Check out our Volcano Classic vs. Arizer Extreme Q comparison here for more info!

If you’re looking for your first dry herb vaporizer, make sure to check out our nifty Vaporizer Buyers Guide which was made to help getting started easier! For a longer review on each unit, check out our Arizer Extreme Q review and our Volcano Classic review.

Arizer Extreme Q vs. Volcano Classic
Volcano Classic Vaporizer vs Arizer Extreme Q Vaporizer


Temperature Flexibility – Is the EQ Digital Display superior to the Volcano dial?

Both units have great temperature flexibility, with the Volcano vape using a temperature dial marked 1-10, and the Arizer EQ having exact and precise temperature control. While the Volcano certainly does the trick and you have a wide range to choose from, the Arizer Extreme Q and its range of 50° C – 260° C (122° F – 500° F) is definitely preferable when it comes to finely tuning your experience.

A victory for the Arizer EQ in this category. Finely tuned temperature control is hard to beat!


Vapor Quality – Is the Volcano Classic still top of the class in vapor?

The Volcano Classic set the standard for the better part of a decade in terms of vapor quality. While is it outclassed by newer units like the Volcano Hybrid, the Classic still has great quality vapor with good flavor, smooth hits, and a potent extraction. The balloons fill up thick and the large herb chamber is great for group sessions although you could opt for the Volcano Chamber Reducer if you plan to vape solo. If you want to see a comparison between the Arizer Extreme Q vs Volcano Hybrid check out our showdown.

The Arizer EQ is definitely good too, but definitely beaten side-by-side with the Volcano Classic when using balloons. Direct draw is our preferred way of using the EQ and it performs quite well like that. Flavor is good, potency is solid, and the smoothness is nice. The Extreme Q is just good overall, but we wouldn’t say quite as good as the Volcano vape still. Point for the Volcano Classic in vapor quality!

Manufacturing Quality – Germany vs Canada

They’re both pretty streamlined and designed with ease of use in mind. The Volcano vape  just needs the filling chamber to be filled, the temperature dial tuned, and the switches flipped. The Arizer EQ is also pretty simple to setup and even has the bonus of a remote which can wirelessly control the functions of this device.

The Volcano Classic is about as legendary as you can get for herb vapes. Revolutionizing the scene a couple decades ago and proven to be incredibly reliable even if used and abused, there’s no doubt Storz & Bickel throws out a high quality product. Arizer is no slouch either and builds everything to a high standard too. It’s quite apparent though that the Volcano Classic is the more expensive and more solid unit though.

There’s no doubt you’re getting a reliable and well-made product with either, but if you’re looking for the best build quality and more premium feeling, the Volcano Classic is the better pick. Point for the Volcano.

Ease of Use – Is the Volcano easier to use than the EQ?

Both devices are quite simple to use, designed for newcomers and veterans in mind. The Volcano is very easy to use once you go through your first couple sessions. The EQ is also quite simple, but is more sensitive to grind consistency and packing type than the Volcano.

Sharing with friends or strangers is an easy task, as all they need to do is inhale from the balloon or tube. No special draw technique or buttons to fiddle with – just reliable performance.

Cleaning each unit isn’t too hard either, as the chambers for each unit can be cleaned with a brush then given a short bath in isopropyl alcohol to clean. Rinse and perform a heating cycle to leave them as good as new!

It’s hard to pick a winner here since they’re both very streamlined and provide a simple user experience but we have to  give a slight edge to the Volcano, which requires less coaching and knowledge to fill a balloon and is less finicky with grind consistency.

Reach – Balloon & Whip give the Extreme Q the edge

The Volcano has the ability to use only balloons which the Extreme Q has the versatility of either balloons or direct draw. This versatility of being able to use the Arizer Extreme Q whip really comes in handy and sometimes you just don’t feel like filling up some Volcano vaporizer bags.

The added remote really does come in handy too and for this section, the Arizer EQ takes a win for its versatility and better user interface. Order our Arizer balloon if you are running out.

Overall Experience

No matter which one you get, you’ll definitely be satisfied. The Extreme Q has that added versatility of direct draw or balloons, as well as a remote control which makes it even better. The Volcano on the other hand provides better vapor quality with a sturdier and more attractive (to us) design.

It’s really hard to pick a winner here and it all comes down to preference really. If you like the idea of balloons and think you’ll mostly use than, then the Volcano is an easy winner. Just keep in mind you’ll have to purchase Volcano replacement bags down the line. If you’ll be using both intermittently, then the EQ is the better choice. Both devices can be found at a good sale in 2019 and you’ll definitely have a good time with either.

The Volcano Classic has better vapor quality and a nicer build quality, but the Arizer EQ has more versatility and still performs well. Hard to choose for sure!

If we want to check out two portable heavy weights facing off, be sure to check out our Zeus Arc vs Pax 3 post.

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About Author
Avatar for Alex Karakatsanis

Alex is a cannabis enthusiast, long time vaporizer lover, writer and filmmaker. He is also a board and video game nerd with a penchant for hosting a weekly board game night. Partygoers have been heard saying things like “is anyone else going to show up?” and “I don’t think I can make it next week”. He strives to make people laugh at every opportunity and sees cannabis as a helpful tool in doing so.

The reviews and ratings are based on personal and decade-plus of industry experience. Such content is based on the opinion of the Editor/Author. They are solely provided as a basis for research and should be used only as guidance. We encourage thorough research by all visitors to attain the most objective viewpoint before purchasing.