Crafty Plus Vaporizer Review | S&B Craftwerk 2024

The new Crafty+ is one of two portables from German vape manufacturer Storz & Bickel, maker of the world renown Volcano line. The Crafty+ is the little brother of S&B’s other portable known as the Mighty, sharing the same DNA and vapor mechanics. In this Crafty Plus vaporizer review we dive deep into its features, benefits, and drawbacks. So, just how does the new Crafty v2 measure up against the field of contenders in the portable vape coliseum?

Crafty+ Vaporizer by Storz & Bickel

Ergonomics

Let’s start with the basics. Measuring in at 4.3 inches tall, 2.2 inches wide, and 1.3 inches thick (that’s 11 x 5.7 x 3.3 cm), and weighing 5 ounces (135g) this little vape fits comfortably in one hand and most pockets. And although the build quality is typical S&B-solid, it doesn’t feel heavy. The overall shape is ergonomic and the ribbed exterior provides a solid grip while acting as a heat sink to dissipate warmth and keep the exterior cool to the touch.

Build Quality

The Crafty+ is Storz & Bickel all the way. German designed, German engineered, and German manufactured. Need we say more? You just know when you pick it up and adjust a component or two that this was not built in a third world sweatshop. It’s small and light, and yet, when you handle it, you can tell it was built to last.

Operating Temperatures

Unlike its big brother, the Crafty’s size does not accommodate digital temperature control buttons on the device. It comes preset with a default vaping temp set at 356F when you push the button and turn it on. Double click the button for Boost at 383F, and triple click it for the new Super Boost at 410F. The two lower settings are standard vaping temps, while Super Boost is for squeezing out an extra final draw, or just to pull a super potent puff whenever the mood strikes. However, do not despair because the Crafty+ app provides total temperature control if you need it.

The App

It seems like there’s an app for just about everything these days. So Storz & Bickel is right in there with its own app that operates the Crafty+ and Volcano Hybrid. The app provides a level of precision and control that is second to none in the portable vape space. Operating and adjusting the Crafty+ via the app is easier and more useful than you might imagine. It includes the following features:

• Operates on Apple – download browser app from S&B
• Operates on Android – download regular app from Playstore
• Create Workflows and Iterations (for use with Volcano Hybrid)
• Customizable default, boost, and super boost between 104F and 410F
• View Serial Numbers of all connected devices
• View chamber temp in real-time
• Remotely turn on and heat up
• Communicates via Bluetooth
• Adjust auto-shutoff timing
• Locate lost or misplaced
• Personalize alarm tones
• Control LED brightness
• Get firmware updates

The Warm-Up

Crafty+ warm-up time is about 80 seconds. Fast enough, because good things are worth waiting for, and this little vape’s desktop-quality vapor is one of those good things.

Vibration signaling has always been a unique and useful feature of the Crafty line. You can slip her into your pocket while she’s warming up and receive a little jiggle when she’s ready to blow. You could say it’s one way to assure good vibes when clouds are on the horizon.

Vapor Quality

Now we’re getting down to brass tacks (we’re not sure why that aphorism makes sense but everyone uses it, so there’s that…). Anyway, as we were saying, the Crafty+ produces vapor worth waiting for. To emphasize just how well the Crafty+ vapes, let’s just say it’s on par with some desktops. We realize this is an incredible claim, but that’s our position and we’re sticking to it.

For those familiar with the vapor quality of Storz & Bickel’s Volcano vaporizers, the desktop-quality claim will be hard to swallow. The Volcano produces world-class vapor, unmatched by any other machine on the market. The Crafty+ is impressive in its own right but it’s not a Volcano, nor even a Mighty. However, for a handheld pocket vape this machine rests comfortably in a class of its own. Seriously, it’s that good.

Vapor Cooling Path

In this Crafty Plus vaporizer review we’re going to reveal the secret to its excellent vapor quality, which rests on some rather advanced thermal engineering. The concept is quite simple, really, but building it into such a small package was no mean feat. At the top of the device sits the removable housing which covers the heating chamber and incorporates the swing-out mouthpiece. Engineered cleverly within this cover is a maze of baffles through which the vapor must travel before reaching the mouthpiece. This well-designed cooling pathway provides just the right amount of time and travel space to mitigate harshness and cure the flavor.

Draw Resistance

One of the variables we consider when evaluating overall quality is draw resistance, i.e. how hard you have to pull when inhaling. With the Crafty+ there is very little resistance, i.e. you don’t feel like you’re sucking through a straw. Draws just seem to flow in a natural and relaxed manner. It’s not as free-flowing as its plug-in cousin, the Plenty vaporizer, but nothing other than inhaling from a Volcano compares to the Storz & Bickel Plenty. Having said that, draw resistance approaches that of a typical desktop, which is saying a lot for a small portable. Considering the outstanding taste, impressive cloud density, and lack of draw resistance, the Crafty+ is one of the most enjoyable portable vaporizers we’ve tested.

Dry Blends or Dabs

The Crafty+ vaporizer is designed to work with dry herb, dabs, or oils. So regardless of your blend or boil the Crafty+ is up to the task. The unit comes with a concentrates dosing capsule and an insertible mesh stainless steel Liquid Pad for use with oils. You can purchase a four-capsule caddy that’s about the size of a keychain for about $10 if you want to categorize your capsules by source material or simply want some spares on hand. If you’re caught out and about without your dosing capsule, but need to vape liquids, fear not. Simply sandwich a dab or drop between layers of dry herb to produce an exquisite result.

Battery Life

The Crafty+ vaporizer is powered by a 2800 mAh fixed (non-swappable) lithium-ion battery that takes about 90 minutes to charge when fully drained. It will not charge while the device is heating because this ‘flow through charging’ reduces battery life. The charging cord plug is standard USB-C and it will charge at both 1Amp and 2Amp speed. This combo allows you recharge from just about anywhere including most car chargers. Fresh out of the box, the battery can last up to 70 minutes, allowing 6 or 7 sessions. Over time this will gravitate toward 50 minutes and 5 sessions.

External Power Bank

The Crafty power bank addresses our only significant concern, which is battery life.

Enter the Crafty power bank, a tidy little accessory measuring 84 x 64 x 20mm and weighing 160g (3.31 x 2.52 x 0.78 inches, weighing 5.6 ounces) – about the size of a deck of cards. The Crafty power bank packs 6600 milliamp-hours (mAh) of juice, enough to recharge the Crafty two or three times.

The Crafty power bank comes with overcharge and short circuit protection, utilizes a 5Volt/1Amp micro USB input and two standard USB outputs of 5V/1A and 5V/2A. It comes with a charging cord that exits the power bank using one of the two standard USB ports and enters the Crafty, or any other portable device, via a micro USB port. With the right charging cord or adapter, the Crafty power bank can act as a portable power supply to most portable rechargeable devices.

If you have an extra $25 to spare, we recommend that you pick up one of these just in case. They are especially useful at concerts, festivals, hiking and camping trips, and other outdoor activities. You can check out the Crafty Powerbank at this recommended dealer.

Our Pick for Extended Vape Time

If built-in battery life is your hot button, you should consider the other Storz & Bickel portable, Crafty’s big brother, the Mighty+, which offers two full hours of battery life and identical vapor quality, but with slightly less portability due to its second battery. You can check out our review of the Storz & Bickel Mighty+ vaporizer here. Or check out the price and see if there are promotions running here.

What’s Included in the Kit

• CRAFTY+
• USB-C Cable
• 3 Base Seal Rings
• 3 Normal Screens
• 3 Coarse Screens
• 1 Dosing Capsule
• 1 Cleaning Brush
• Instruction Manual

Warranty Information

The Crafty+ comes with a three-year warranty after registration, which is a testament to its durability and quality. The warranty covers defects in materials and/or workmanship that may arise during the warranty. If your unit fails due to a defect within this period it will be repaired or replaced free of charge.

To get the full three years you’ll need to register your product on Storz & Bickel’s website within 30 days of purchase, after which you’ll receive a confirmation email. In case you encounter any issues with your Volcano Hybrid during the coverage period, contact customer support via phone or email for assistance.

Conclusion | Crafty Plus Vaporizer Review

All things considered, the Crafty+ is one of the best portable vaporizers on the market. It’s compact, produces outstanding vapor, handles virtually any feedstock, and comes with the S&B app that allows you to customize, program, and archive session settings on both the Crafty and the Volcano Hybrid.

Historically, our only downside has been the Crafty’s price point. But prices have dropped well below $300 so that’s really no longer a valid negative given this product’s superior performance.

The Crafty+ is probably the best pocket portable vaporizer money can buy. So if you’re interested in picking one up we suggest you buy from this dealer where you will get the best price, the latest firmware, and the manufacturer’s three-year warranty, free shipping, and 100% satisfaction guaranty.

They pay us a small commission if you buy through our site so it would be mighty kind if you could click our links when you plan on making a purchase. We love testing and writing about vapes, but it does take time and money to keep this site going. Many thanks and good vaping. See our separate review for a direct comparison of the Crafty vs the Mighty.