The Types of Bongs Available And How to Find Which Is Best For You

Borosilicate glass bongs are popular in the industry because they are durable and long-lasting. The taste of the smoke also remains unaffected, unlike plastic or metallic types.

Additionally, they have a higher resistance to extreme temperatures and thermal shock. This prevents breakage when exposed to heat sources such as lighters or bunsen torches. Cheaper glass bongs will break so make sure it's borosilicate glass.

Borosilicate glass resists corrosion better than other materials, so your bong stays clear and new.

Cleaning these bongs is also simpler as the smooth surface clears up better and is less likely to chip during washing, making it a popular choice.

However, keep in mind that most classic beaker bongs are made from 3mm thick glass. If you want the best and most durable Borosilicate glass, make sure it's 5mm thick glass or above.

Acrylic bongs offer affordability above all else because they're cheaper to make compared to other materials on this list. This can be ideal if you're on a tight budget or new to smoking using water pipes. The downside is they have a plastic-y aftertaste when smoked.

A recent addition to the world of water pipe materials has been silicone largely thanks to its durability and ease of cleaning [1].

Being breakage-resistant is a big plus if you know you might frequently drop your bong making it the perfect choice for the clumsy among us.

The downside? Some smokers argue that there are subtle differences in taste when compared with high-quality glass bongs. So personal preference will play a big part here.

If you're unsure, this is a good reason to go with glass. 

Then there are metal bongs, often made from aluminum. They're robust and can withstand frequent drops but they can alter the flavor of your smoke.

Metal bongs are more common in Europe than they are in North America. 

Bongs made from ceramic mostly appeal to those who care more about aesthetics. Although fragile compared to other materials, ceramic bongs do offer some advantages. The ceramic helps to cool the smoke and make it smoother before inhaling [2].

Some bong brands use a hybrid of stainless steel or aluminum shell with a ceramic interior. This type of bong combines the durability of metal with the insulation properties of ceramic.

It's important to keep in mind all these factors when choosing a bong made from a certain material: durability, ease of cleaning, taste alteration, and price point.

All materials have their pros and cons; ultimately what matters most is personal preference. 

There are approximately six types of bongs. Beaker bongs, round base bongs, straight tube bongs, multi-chamber bongs, modular bongs, and percolator bongs.

When it comes to the different types of bongs, the style you choose can significantly impact your smoking experience, how you use it, and ultimately the enjoyment you get. Each type has unique features that cater to different user preferences.

These are the best types of bongs to look into buying. 

If you're looking for even more types of bongs then the following might interest you. However these types or not as common and can be more difficult to use.

A bubbler combines the portability of a hand pipe with the water filtration benefits of a bong. It's small enough to fit in your pocket but still provides smooth hits thanks to its built-in percolator [3].

Zongs, named for their 'Z' shaped zig zag design, are not just visually striking - they also give extra cooling time before the smoke reaches you, making each hit smoother.

The beauty of ceramic sculpture bongs lies in their artistic designs and aesthetic appeal. From intricate dragons to sleek modern shapes, these pieces double as works of art while still delivering satisfying hits.

Gravity bongs, while unconventional, offer a powerful hit that takes many cannabis smokers by surprise.

A gravity bong uses water falling to create negative pressure, pulling air through the herb and filling the space with smoke. Then, when the bong is flipped back over, the water falling back into the smoke-filled chamber pushes the smoke out of the mouthpiece [4].

A different kind of gravity bong is called a "waterfall." In this type, the water falls out of a bottle and creates negative pressure to pull air through the herb. The difference between this and other versions is that the water exits through a hole in the bottom of the bottle, instead of into another container.

Mini bongs, which are generally less than eight inches tall, are usually designed with fewer features and often have a single chamber or basic percolators for smoke filtration.

Made up of a bowl, downstem, and mouthpiece, they operate in the same way as larger bongs; the difference is that they are more portable and easier to handle. They are also generally more affordable and less conspicuous than 16 inch bongs, 18 inch bongs, and tall bongs.

Mini bongs are also great for those who may find it tricky to use a bigger bong, as it is less of a hassle to handle and fire up a lighter with one hand. 

Wrapping things up, dab rigs have surged in popularity. They're specially crafted for using concentrates like wax or oil rather than plant material. These unique pieces often showcase intricate designs and mechanisms, including quartz buckets—also called 'bangers'.

Unlike smoking cannabis in a traditional bong, dabs provide a quicker high because they contain highly concentrated amounts of THC.

Using dab rigs may require more prep work than regular bowls, but many people find it worth it because the hits are stronger. 

The bowl is an essential piece of a bong, and without one, it will not work. Bowls come in a variety of sizes and can be either male or female, so it is important to know your bong's joint size and gender when purchasing a new one.

Most bong bowls are made from glass, but some are made of metal or even magnetic bowls.

What can differ between bowls are the shapes, sizes, and depths of the chamber where you light up. Bigger and deeper bowls are great for larger smoking sessions with friends as they fit more herb and prevent the need to repack frequently.

On the other hand, smaller bowls are suitable for just one person as repacking won't be necessary. 

A necessary part of a water pipe is the downstem. It carries smoke from the bowl to the water chamber for filtering and cooling.

A wide range of sizes and lengths can be found for downstems, so it is vital to have the exact measurements before buying one. When measuring the length, start from the very bottom and go to the end past the diffuser.

If not measured correctly, an inaccurate length will mean the wrong downstem might be purchased. 

A percolator is a device designed to be used with a bong or water pipe to provide extra cooling and filtering of the smoke. Essentially, it's a separate chamber for water in a bong that sits inside the tube. This results are considerably fewer coughing fits.

When percolators are used, they create more pressure, which breaks the bubbles into smaller pieces. This leads to a cooler and smoother draw from your bong. It also makes the smoke less intense, which can be helpful if you struggle to smoke from a bong.

If inhaling is a difficult task for you, it can be especially advantageous to look for a bong with a percolator. 

An ash catcher is an accessory for keeping your bong clean and smooth to use. It acts as a barrier between the bowl and the water chamber, catching ash before it enters the main body of the bong.

This makes cleaning easier while also improving smoke filtration. 

Grinders, although not directly part of a bong, play an important role in preparing your herb for smoking. They break down nuggets into small pieces which burn evenly in the bowl, ensuring optimal flavor and effect [6].

Most grinders are made from cheap plastic but more durable designs such as metal weed grinders and wooden weed grinders not only last longer but cut up your herb better.

Bowl screens are another useful addition to any smoker’s kit. A screen helps keep ashes from clogging up your downstem or entering the bong chamber.

Last on our list are cleaning tools - these include brushes designed specifically to reach all corners of a bong and cleaning solutions like isopropyl alcohol. This ensures your bong lasts a long time and optimal performance over time without compromising taste due to residue build-up.

Proper care and maintenance can extend the life of your bong and improve its functionality. But cleaning a bong isn't as simple as washing dishes. For keeping your glassware in peak condition, here are some suggestions.

Routine cleaning of a bong prevents residue buildup which can affect taste and make future cleanings more difficult. A good rule is to clean after every few uses or once you notice discoloration on the glass.

To clean bongs, use special cleaning solutions made for glass pipes. Regular household cleaners can be too strong or leave chemicals behind. Isopropyl alcohol mixed with coarse salt works well for tough stains but there are also specialized bong-cleaning solutions available.

Bongs should be stored in a safe place where they won’t tip over or get knocked around when not in use. They should also be out of the reach of children and pets. If you have one, use a padded case for extra protection and safe storage.

By now, you've got a decent handle on the multiple types of bongs that are available to buy. You know about materials, shapes, accessories, and special features for different preferences. And don't forget, there's a whole world of dab rigs too.

All of this can be a lot to take in.

To get the most out of this guide, narrow down on the bong you want to buy using this checklist:

1. Within your budget

   
   

2. Suits your aesthetic and smoking style

   
   

3. Made with quality materials from a reputable brand

   
   

4. Is easy to use, clean, and maintain

   
   
5. Will last you for many years

By focusing on these five items you can ignore all the noise and choose a water bong that is the perfect one for you.

And if you've decided a modular bong is the right bong design for you, here are our best sellers.

Ready to buy the types of bongs that are perfect for you?