How to Use a Small Bong: A Simple Guide for Beginners

So, what makes small bongs so special?

They pack a lot of power into a compact design, offering smoother, more flavorful hits every time. Whether you're new to bongs or just want a more portable option, small bongs can give you an efficient way to enjoy your herbs without compromising on quality.

Components and Function

At first glance, a bong might seem simple, but each part plays an important role in delivering a smooth and cool hit. Here’s what you need to know about the key components :

• The  Bowl  : This is where you pack your cannabis. When you light it, the smoke rises through the downstem and into the water chamber.

• The  Downstem  : This part connects the bowl to the water chamber. As smoke travels down the downstem, it enters the water, where it’s filtered and cooled, making each inhale easier on your lungs.

• The Water Chamber : This is the heart of the bong. The smoke passes through the water, which filters out unwanted particles and cools it down, giving you a smooth, cleaner hit.

• The  Mouthpiece  : This is where the smoke exits and enters your lungs. It’s your final step before you inhale the cooled smoke.

Some bongs come with an added bonus: percolators . These extra pieces take filtration to the next level, giving you even smoother hits. Percolators create tiny bubbles that allow the smoke to interact with more water, cooling it down further.

Types of Small Bongs

Now, there are different styles of small bongs, and each one has its own advantages. Let’s look at some popular types:

•  Beaker Bongs  : These have a wider base, making them more stable. If you're worried about tipping over, a beaker bong is a great choice.

• Straight Tubes : Simple and efficient. Straight tubes are easy to use and clean, offering a no-fuss experience for those who just want smooth hits.

• Mini Rigs : These are ultra-compact and perfect for on-the-go use. If you're traveling or need something discrete, mini rigs are a great option.

Small bongs are all about portability and discretion, but that doesn’t mean they sacrifice quality. If you want a more personalized experience, modular bongs allow you to swap out components like percolators for a cooler, smoother hit .

Plus, this customization helps you create the perfect setup for your personal preference.

Before you light up and take that first hit, making sure your bong is clean and properly prepared is key to enjoying a smooth session.

You wouldn’t want to spoil your smoking experience with a dirty or improperly set-up piece, right?

So, let’s go step by step to ensure you’re ready for that perfect session.

Cleaning Before Use

Before using your bong, give it a  thorough cleaning . This ensures the removal of any residues, dust, or particles that could affect your experience. Rinse each part with warm water and mild dish soap.

For deeper cleaning, use isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt to scrub the inside surfaces.

Shake vigorously to remove buildup. Modular bongs can be disassembled for  easy cleaning . Their interchangeable parts make reaching all areas simple. Rinse thoroughly before reassembling.

Adding Water

To prepare your bong for use, add the right amount of water to the chamber.

The water cools the smoke and filters out unwanted particles. You generally want just enough water to cover the bottom of the downstem.

Avoid overfilling as it can splash and affect your hit. Use clean, cold water for a refreshing experience. Some users recommend adding ice cubes to the neck for extra cooling, though this is optional.

With a well-prepared water level, you can enjoy a smoother and cooler session.

Packing the Bowl

Packing the bowl correctly impacts the quality of your session.

Start by grinding your cannabis to ensure an even burn. Place a small nugget or piece at the bottom of the bowl to prevent smaller particles from falling through the hole.

Fill the bowl with ground cannabis, but do not pack it too tightly. Good airflow is crucial for even burning and smooth hits. Press down gently to ensure your materials stay in place. With your bowl ready and your bong prepared, you're set for an enjoyable smoking experience.

Now that you’ve prepped everything—cleaned the bong, packed the bowl, and added the right amount of water—it’s time to light it up and take a hit.

But wait!

There are a few things to keep in mind to really get the most out of your session .

Proper Inhalation Technique

You might think it’s just about lighting up and sucking in, but getting the right inhale technique is key to a smooth experience. So, how do you get the perfect hit?

Here’s the trick:

• Seal your lips around the mouthpiece, ensuring a tight fit. You don’t want any air leaks; they can mess with your hit.

• Now, take a slow and steady inhale . Don’t rush it! Allow the smoke to travel through the water, where it will cool and filter, making it smoother.

• Start by drawing the smoke into your mouth , and then take a breath to pull it into your lungs. This method gives you better control over how much smoke you inhale and helps you avoid coughing fits. It also keeps the smoke cool and filtered.

Igniting the Bowl

Properly lighting the bowl ensures an even burn for an efficient smoke.

Pack your bowl with the chosen herb, making sure it’s not too tight or loose. Hold your flame source, like a lighter, at the edge of the bowl.

Slowly circle the flame around to ignite the surface evenly.

As the herb begins to burn, continue to inhale gently to draw the flame into the bowl. This ensures the material combusts consistently, providing a steady stream of smoke.

Controlling the Smoke

Now that the bowl is lit, you need to manage the smoke flow for the best hit. It’s all about knowing how to adjust airflow so you get just the right amount of smoke without choking.

Here’s what you should do:

• Cover the carb hole (if your bong has one) with your finger as you inhale. This will help fill the chamber with smoke.

• Once the chamber is full, release the carb (or remove the bowl) to let fresh air rush in and clear the bong.

This technique ensures you get a smooth, flavorful hit without burning your throat or lungs. The best part?

With high-quality bongs like those from Vitae Glass , the smoothness of the smoke is almost guaranteed. The thick borosilicate glass ensures no weird taste from the material, and the filtration process is top-notch, leaving you with only the cleanest smoke.

 Our Best Selling Small Bongs (You MUST Checkout!) 

•  16" Classic Beaker Bong  : A simple yet timeless piece for those looking for their first bong or seasoned connoisseurs who enjoy the classic experience. Our detachability function makes this glass the easiest cleaning bong on the market and is one sturdy beast. The base is made with reinforced 20mm thick glass to overcome those minor accidents.

•  16" Classic Trio Bong  : With a solid foundation of the beloved beaker, this set gets an upgraded makeover with the Trio mouthpiece. Featuring the same great function from the beaker base and showerhead downstem that has received raving reviews in our Alpha set.

•  16" THC Bong (Triple Honey Comb)  : This piece is not your ordinary straight tube. It comes with 3 honeycomb disc percs filled with lots of tiny holes, which means there will be an insane amount of percolation and filtration. The Hourglass mouthpiece has a built-in ice catcher too, because who doesn't like a cold rip every now and then.

Now that you’ve enjoyed your smoke session, it’s time to give your bong the attention it deserves. Proper aftercare isn’t just about keeping things clean—it’s about preserving the taste, smoothness, and durability of your bong.

So, how do you keep your bong in top shape?

Emptying the Bong

First things first: empty your bong after each session. It might sound like a no-brainer, but many people forget this step. Used water can harbor bacteria and leave residual smells that’ll taint your next hit.

• Dispose of the water safely, and don’t just pour it anywhere. Leftover herb residue can stain surfaces or damage your furniture, so pour the water in a safe spot.

• Fresh water in your bong is crucial for a clean and smooth hit. It helps with filtration and ensures your future sessions don’t taste stale.

You don’t want your bong sitting around with dirty water in it.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Routine maintenance is a game-changer.

Regular cleaning prevents resin buildup and keeps your bong fresh for each use. Here’s the thing: the longer you wait to clean it, the harder it becomes to get rid of stubborn stains and residue.

• Start with a rinse : After you’ve emptied the water, give your bong a quick rinse with warm water. This helps loosen up any particles that might have stuck to the sides.

• Isopropyl alcohol & coarse salt : For the deep clean, pour some isopropyl alcohol into the bong, followed by a generous amount of coarse salt. Seal the openings and give it a good shake. The alcohol breaks down the resin, while the salt adds friction to scrub away the buildup.

• Use cleaning caps : If you have a modular bong, cleaning is way easier. These bongs come with unique cleaning caps , which help you seal the bong tightly during cleaning, preventing any mess while ensuring thorough cleaning.

• Brush it up : Use a soft brush, pipe cleaner, or cotton swabs to get into the smaller areas like the downstem and percolators. These areas are harder to reach, but with modular designs, it’s so much easier to clean all parts separately.

By maintaining a regular cleaning schedule, you’ll ensure your bong performs optimally, giving you clean, smooth hits every time.