Crafty+ Vaporizer Review

The Crafty Plus is a dry herb portable vaporizer made by Storz and Bickel. The Crafty+ vaporizer, and big brother Mighty+, use a HYBRID-style heating element to create two of the best-tasting vaporizers on the market. They are easy to use, easy to maintain, and have become my favorite portable vaporizers.

I’ve rated the Crafty Plus vaporizer a 9.39/10, which is my highest-rated portable dry herb vaporizer, just slightly beating out its bigger sibling, the Mighty+. You can scroll down to the performance by category section to see where the Crafty+ scores the highest.

The Crafty+ Vaporizer retails for $279, and you can click here to pick it up directly from Storz and Bickel. Read on below for my full Crafty Plus Vaporizer Review.

Crafty+ Quick Synopsis

At this point, I’ve currently reviewed or tested over 200 vaporizers, and the Crafty+ vaporizer is the one I reach for the most. It heats up fast, offers excellent vapor quality, and has very little draw resistance. The one thing I’m not particularly fond of is the overall battery life per charge, but it does come with a USB-C charging system and can charge pretty much anywhere.

The Crafty Plus vape is an upgraded model from the Original Crafty vaporizer, which came out in 2014. The newer PLUS Crafty model introduces a bigger battery with quicker heat-up times and an extra boost mode to get the most out of your herbs without using the app.

The Crafty Plus vaporizer, along with the Mighty+ vaporizer, is hands down the two most used vaporizers of my entire collection. I use it almost every day, and it’s the first vaporizer I reach for when I’m heading out of the house. I take the Crafty Plus skiing, biking, hiking, a night on the town, festivals, concerts, etc.

The only downside for me so far has been a lack of a replaceable battery system. Because of this, the overall battery life tends to drop slightly with time, but this is the case with most portable vaporizers. This is where the Mighty+ shines if you can handle the overall size. Check out my Mighty+ vaporizer review for more info, pics, and comparisons.

The Crafty+ (Plus) is the perfect size to stash in your pocket, backpack, or purse, and it’s one of the easiest vaporizers to pass around in a group. There are no special buttons to press or tedious loading techniques. Load it, wait for it to heat up, and rip it. It’s that simple.

If I had to pick one vaporizer out of all I’ve tested, the Crafty Plus (or Mighty+) would be my choice. Check out my Crafty+ vs. Mighty+ comparison if you’re on the fence between the two.

Crafty Vaporizer History

The original Crafty vaporizer was released back in 2014, and while it was a great vaporizer for the times, it’s needed some upgrades over the years to keep up with current competition. The Crafty+ was released in 2020, featuring quicker heat-up times, more battery life via tweaked software, and a new heatsink design on the exterior.

While the Crafty+ was another great upgrade to the Storz and Bickel vaporizer lineup, it was still missing a few key features, specifically USB-C charging.

So here enters the 2021 Crafty+ Vaporizer featuring USB-C charging. The new Crafty+ vaporizer also features a ceramic-coated chamber rather than the previous aluminum version. The ceramic coating is more resistant to stains and easier to maintain.

The USB-C charging will help charge your Crafty+ 25 minutes faster than the original 2020 model. The 2021 USB-C version of the Crafty+ retails for the same price and nothing else is different. Only the USB-C charging and the Ceramic coating on the chamber.

Design and Build Quality

Design – The Crafty+ vaporizer was designed with simplicity in mind. The chamber is easy to load, and there are no special grind requirements or loading techniques. There’s very little draw resistance, meaning that the Crafty+ vaporizer is easy to pull air through the vapor path, and the heating system provides an even extraction of herbs without having to stir or mix the bowl. One button controls all of the functionality, and it’s easy to learn.

Build Quality – Storz and Bickel vaporizers are well known for their solid build quality and reliability. S&B sources 80% of its parts directly from Germany, with only the pumps in the volcano vaporizers and a few other small parts, like the chord coming from China. A lot of other vaporizers in this niche are 90% sourced from China.

The Crafty+ outer shell is made from a heat-resistant durable plastic, which helps dissipate heat and keeps the overall weight of the device at 135g. The chamber is made from aluminum, and the vapor path is stainless steel. The vapor path is isolated from all electronics, and all components are tested rigorously to achieve not only electrical safety certifications from Germany but also compliance with FDA regulations in the states.

Portability and Discreetness

A pocket-friendly vaporizer… As I mentioned above, the Crafty Plus is the perfect vaporizer to take on the go. Sure, there are smaller vaporizers that are a bit easier to conceal, but none produce the consistent results of the Crafty Plus.

It’s not going to fit in tight jeans (females) but will fit in your purse. Guys will have no problem throwing this in a pocket for use on the go.

Included and Accessories 

Crafty+ Accessories – The Crafty+ comes with everything you need to vape dry herbs (and concentrates via the drip pads), so you don’t have to buy anything extra for it to work. However, I do have a few recommendations to make your experience that much better. Check them out below.

Herb Grinder – The first accessory I recommend with any vaporizer is a grinder. A weed/herb grinder will help you break down your herbs, allowing more surface area to be heated. This maximizes efficiency and makes sure you’re getting everything out of your vaporizer. It also provides a space for storage and makes loading the chamber a lot easier.

I recommend checking out my Brilliant Cut Grinder Review. You can also check out my best herb grinders page for more options.

Anker Battery Packs – The Crafty Plus vaporizer uses a USB-C charging cable, which means it can be charged pretty much anywhere. With that said, one of the best accessories I have purchased for this vaporizer is an external charger.

I recommend something like a 20000mAh Anker battery pack from Amazon, which can charge the Crafty 3-5 times over before it’s dead. This has allowed me to charge my Crafty+ overnight while camping away from power or just get topped off anytime I need it.

Crafty+ With Glass Pieces – You could also pick up a small glass piece for use at home if you don’t already have one. I’ve found the Crafty+ vaporizer to be extremely enjoyable through water pieces. It does filter out some of the taste but allows you to take much bigger rips because the vapor isn’t quite as dry or hot. I highly recommend this if you are sensitive to higher temps.

Crafty+ Dosing Capsules – The Crafty+ comes with one dosing capsule, and if you’re the type of person that likes to stay organized or precise with dosages, you will definitely want to pick up the 8-pack of these. I’ll first say that I’m not a huge fan of them because I feel like they decrease overall vapor quality and increase draw resistance slightly. Still, a lot of people absolutely love them.

You can pre-pack multiple cans before heading out for a hike, concert, or just your normal daily routine. It helps the Crafty+ stay cleaner for longer because the herbs are contained within the dosing canisters.

Each dosing capsule will hold about .2 grams of finely ground herb, and you can store up to 8 of them in the magazine. They are also super easy to clean. Just toss them into a ziplock or jar of ISO and let them sit. Easy peezy.

Check out my vaporizer dosing capsule guide for more info about dosing capsules for vaporizers and how to use them.

Heating and Temp Control

Heating and Temp Options – The new Crafty Plus used a hybrid heating system utilizing both conduction and convection to give consistent vapor production, even and thorough extraction, and good flavor.

The Crafty+ comes with three different heat settings out of the box. One more than the original Crafty vaporizer. You also get a full temp spectrum via the android app or the Crafty plus web app, which I talk about below.

• The default temperature is 356F.
• The next boost temp is 383F.
• The last boost temp is 410F.

Another significant improvement with the Crafty Plus is the heat up time. The OG Crafty took roughly two minutes and thirty seconds to heat fully, while the new Crafty hits temp in about 75 seconds.

Vapor Path (Cooling Unit) – The Crafty Plus uses medical-grade materials, and the airpath is completely isolated from all electronics. Both the Crafty+ and Mighty vaporizers use cooling units on top of the chamber, which helps cool the vapor by increasing the distance the vapor travels. This is extremely important when it comes to portable vaporizers because the vapor path is already pretty short.

Mobile App Info

As of November 2019, the Apple store no longer allows vaporizer apps in the app store. Android users will still have normal access to the app.

Fortunately, Storz and Bickel have released a new Web APP that gives you full access via your PC to change temps and do everything you normally could.

If you already have the Storz and Bickel app from a previous device, you can still use it with the new Crafty Plus. The Web APP allows you to change temps, check hours of operation, turn off vibrations, adjust LED brightness, and, lastly, set the auto-shutoff timer.

I personally don’t use the Crafty Plus APP because the default temps are perfect for my sessions, and I think 99% of the users will find the same.

Chamber Info and Draw Resistance

Chamber Info – The Crafty Plus chamber (also called the bowl or oven) holds about .25 grams of dry herb when fully loaded. You can get about .3 with a super fine grind, but I’ve found that it doesn’t work the best with this method. Some of the materials can slip through the screen, causing more frequent cleanings, and this method also increases the draw resistance.

A regular grind with a little less material produces the best results and makes the device easier to maintain and keep clean.

Draw Resistance – One of the main reasons I like the Crafty+ and Mighty portable vaporizers is the lack of draw resistance. These vaporizers are two of the freest-flowing portable vaporizers on the market. The heaters are strong enough to keep up with aggressive draws, perfect for heavier users or use at home with glass water pieces. You can check out my Mighty+ vs. Crafty+ vaporizer comparison for a more detailed breakdown between the two.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery Specs – The battery is not replaceable, which was one feature I was hoping for with the new Storz and Bickel Crafty+ Plus. However, the plus vaporizer did get a higher capacity battery than the latest model OG Crafty AND includes software updates to squeeze out even more battery life. I will update when I get the exact specs on the lithium-ion battery (Until then, I *think* it’s 3200-3500mAh).

Crafty+ Battery Life – During initial living room testing, I got anywhere from 50-60 minutes on a fully charged battery, which equals roughly 5-6 bowls.

After using it quite a bit more in everyday life, I’ve been averaging about 3-5 bowls with a run time around 30-50 minutes. So while this is not the longest-lasting portable vaporizer on the market, it’s still better than most and definitely an improvement over the OG Crafty.

Charging Times – I’ve found the Crafty Plus to take roughly two hours to charge from dead fully. This isn’t the fastest charging vaporizer on the market, but I’d say it’s about the middle of the road.

The new Crafty+ (2021 model) comes with USB-C charging and charges roughly 25 minutes faster than the 2020 Crafty+ vaporizer.

Charging Options – The other plus side is that the Crafty Plus uses a USB-C charging system, which means you can charge it pretty much anywhere.

I have a couple of Anker battery packs around the house and will always take one with me on the go. A typical 10000mah battery pack will fully charge the Crafty+ roughly three times.

Cleaning and Maintenance

How often do I clean my Crafty+? – Another plus side to both the Crafty and Mighty vaporizers is the lack of maintenance and cleaning required to keep them going.

I’ve gone months without cleaning my Crafty and Mighty vaporizers, and they still function well. Granted, you’ll get much better airflow and better taste when the device is clean, but you can’t say this about a lot of the vaporizers on the market.

The Pax vaporizers are a prime example of this. Once the Pax gets dirty, it becomes almost impossible to use.

How long does it take to clean the Crafty+? Overall the Crafty+ and Mighty need to be cleaned less often than any of my other portables, and when I do clean the Crafty+, it takes me about 10 or 15 minutes total with some isopropyl alcohol.

For the extra lazy, you can get extra cooling units and swap them out when dirty. Then you can go even longer between cleanings.

Crafty+ vs. Mighty+

Mighty+ Vaporizer – Honestly, if you’re thinking about the Crafty+ vaporizer, the only other option I would consider that offers the same quality is the Mighty+ vaporizer. (Mighty+ Vaporizer Review)

If you want something with more battery life and didn’t necessarily care about the size, the Mighty+ is the more durable, reliable option of the two. It’s also better for bigger group scenarios and if you are a heavier user.

The only downside to the Mighty+ is the overall size. The Mighty plus vaporizer’s upside is that it offers more battery life and better reliability.

The Mighty+ is the perfect vaporizer to take on longer adventures as long as you don’t mind the bigger size. It can still fit in your pocket but fits much better in a backpack or purse.

If you’re on the fence between the two, I recommend checking out my Mighty+ vs. Crafty+ Vaporizer Comparison for a complete breakdown of both units.

More Crafty+ Comparisons

Pax Plus Vaporizer – The Pax Plus vaporizer (Pax Plus Review), when compared to the Crafty+, features quicker heat-up times, better battery life, quicker charging times, and the more durable/portable unit of the two. However, the Crafty+ dominates the Pax 3 in overall vapor quality (taste, temp, and smoothness), draw resistance, ease of use, cleaning frequency, and overall maintenance.

The biggest advantage of the Pax Plus is its slim form factor and rugged outer shell. This makes the Pax Plus one of the best portable dry herb vaporizers for on-the-go outdoor activities. I use my Pax Plus most when I’m going biking or skateboarding because I know the durable outer shell of the Pax Plus vaporizer can withstand those “oops” moments.

Overall, my personal preference is the Crafty+, and I think most people would agree with me on this one. If you do need more battery life, I would honestly go for the Mighty+. Yes, it’s a bit more expensive than the Pax Plus, but you’ll be happier with one of the Storz and Bickel vaporizers.

Warranty Info

Crafty Plus Warranty Info – Last but not least, the new Crafty Plus comes with a three-year warranty if you register the device. It still comes with a two-year warranty, just like the original Crafty, but you have the option to extend the warranty a year when you register.

Crafty+ Review Wrap-Up

Should you buy the Crafty+? – Overall, the Crafty Plus is an excellent upgrade over the original Crafty, and arguably the best vaporizer money can buy.

The Crafty Plus is excellent for single-person sessions or small groups (2-3 people). If you think you are a heavier user or might be vaping in groups bigger than 2-3 people, I would consider checking out my Mighty+ vaporizer review.

The Crafty Plus is a very capable vaporizer. In my opinion, this will be the perfect vaporizer for the vast majority of people.

As always, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below with any questions or hit me up on my contact page if you would prefer to email me directly. Thank you for taking the time to read my Crafty+ vaporizer review. You can click here to pick one up directly from Storz and Bickel—more buying options and coupon codes below. Have a great day!

Crafty Plus Video Review

Performance by Category

Category	Rating
Vapor Quality	9.4
Ease of Use	9.6
Build Quality	9.5
Reliability	9.5
Portability	9.5
Efficiency	9.0
Battery Life	9.0
Cleaning	9.2
Value	9.8
Warranty	9.4
Crafty+ Rating:	93.9/100

Crafty+ Pros and Cons

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