Balloon or whip?
Most desktop units give you two ways to inhale. With a balloon, the heater fills a bag with vapor; you detach it and breathe from a valve, with no drawing effort, and it passes easily between people. With a whip, a tube runs from the heater to your mouth and you draw directly, much like a portable.
The Volcano Classic is balloon-based. The Volcano Hybrid does both, and so does the Arizer Extreme Q. Solo users who session often tend to prefer the whip. Groups tend to prefer balloons.
Comparing the three models
The Arizer Extreme Q, around ฿6,900, is the most affordable way in. It has a remote, a digital temperature display and several fan speeds.
The Storz & Bickel Volcano Classic, around ฿24,900, keeps things analogue: a dial for temperature, no screen, no app. It is a long-running design that appeals to people who want a machine with nothing to configure.
The Volcano Hybrid, around ฿31,900, heats up faster, adds a touch display and app control, and supports both balloon and whip. Pick it if you want the most flexibility from one machine.
Keeping a desktop unit in good shape
Place it on a hard, flat surface with clear space around the vents, never on a rug or cloth. Empty the filling chamber after each session and switch the unit off when you are done.
Clean the chamber screens regularly. A clogged screen makes draws harder and balloons fill more slowly. Balloon bags and whip tubing are consumables; replace them when they hold odour, turn cloudy or yellow. Read your model's manual before cleaning plastic parts, since not every part takes the same cleaning method.