Bongs Vs. Bubblers: What Are They?

Bongs and Bubblers are popular devices used for smoking flowers and other dry herbs. They may seem similar, but they do have their differences and similarities.

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Bongs and Bubblers, in this article, we will discuss the ins and outs of these two smoking devices! What are they, how are they different, and how do they work? Stay tuned and keep reading for all the latest information!

What Is A Bubbler?

A bubbler is between a dry pipe and a bong as far as size and strength of the hit. What differentiates a bubbler from a bong is that a bubbler typically more closely resembles a pipe in appearance and function.

Bubbler

Bubblers usually have a mouthpiece, a bowl, and sometimes a carb, just like a dry pipe does. One key differences of bubblers is that, for the most part, bubblers only have fixed downstems, meaning you can’t remove them and clean them. Bubblers typically come in either “Sherlock” style, where the piece is shaped more like the classic type of pipe smoked by Sherlock Holmes, or, as the style is developing, a small glass water-pipe that may look similar to a bong, but is actually a complex bubbler.

Benefits of Bubblers

+Smoother Hit: Bubblers and other water pieces offer a smoother hit that is less likely to cause you to cough the way a dry piece might.

+Better Tasting Hit: Water pieces filter the smoke in a way that a dry piece does not, which gives the user a better tasting hit.

Bubbler

+Bubblers Are A Good Medium-Level Piece: Bubblers are great for those times when you want to smoke out of something stronger and smoother than a pipe, but don’t want to go as far as a bong.

+Easier To Handle: The way that bubblers are shaped makes you less likely to drop them than a bong.

+More Durable: Bubblers are more durable than a bong. If you drop a bubbler it is far less likely to break than a bong, simply because bubblers tend to be made of thicker glass and they cover less surface area than a bong.

+No Need For Extra Pieces: Bubblers have everything that you need built into the piece, so there is no need to buy extra pieces, such as bowls.

+More Stealthy: Bubblers hit quieter than bongs do, which makes it easier to cover up the sound when you need to.

Liabilities of Bubblers

-Difficult To Clean: Bubblers are more difficult to clean than a bong, because you cannot take them apart, the way you can a bong.

-Not Customizable: Bubblers are not as customizable as bongs are. You can buy separate bowls and accessories to personalize almost almost any bong, for some bubblers that’s not the case.

-They Get Dirty Faster: Bubblers need to be cleaned more often than bongs and the water needs to be changed more often.

-Bowls Don’t Smoke As Long: Bubbler bowls smoke faster than bong bowls, which makes it not as ideal as a bong for large group

Pros And Cons of Using A Bubbler

There are both pros and cons of using a Bubbler. Here are the most important things we need to know:

Benefits
  • Usually small and compact
  • Easily concealable and carriable
  • Easy to clean
Drawbacks
  • Usually, a smaller bowl that holds less than one bong.
  • Filtration can be different due to not having a downstem

How To Choose The Right Bubbler?

Bubbler Design: Explore our wide selection of bubblers at HippyHut, where form meets function in our versatile pieces. Perfect for both dry herbs and concentrates, these bubblers ensure smooth hits with their built-in water filtration. Choose from a variety of sizes, styles, and colors to match your personal taste and smoking preferences. Upgrade your smoking experience with our top-quality bubblers, designed for portability and exceptional performance.

Bubbler

Bubbler Size: The primary advantage of using a bubbler is its ability to filter and cool smoke using a small amount of water, significantly smoothing out the smoking experience. This water filtration system is especially beneficial for those who find direct smoke too harsh on the throat. Bubblers are also highly portable, offering the benefits of water filtration without the bulk of a full-sized bong, making them a great choice for smoking away from home.

Bubbler

Bubbler Price: The price range for bubblers start at about $10 and those are the cheapest bubblers you will find. A lot of standard, generic bubblers start at $10 and go up to about $40 or $50. Beyond that are a lot of name brand bubblers such as GRAV, Marley Natural, and others that have beautifully crafted bubblers running in the $100 to $200 range.

What Is A Bong?

A bong tends to be step up from a bubbler as far as complexity and prestige. Bongs are quite different from bubblers and pipes.

Bongs

Bongs are vertical pieces on both appearance and functionality.

Bongs

Bongs are built with a long mouthpiece, a chamber for water and require a separate bowl with a downstem. Bongs come in many different varieties, but the construction of a bong is typically the same all around.

Benefits of Bongs

+Stronger High: Bongs offer the user a stronger high than a bubbler does. Most bongs are much larger than a bubbler with more space between the bowl and the mouthpiece, which allows the user to take larger hits than with a bubbler.

+They Smoke Longer: Bong bowls are larger, which means they last longer than a bubbler or pipe bowl. This makes them better for smoking in large groups.

+Bongs Are Better For Stoners With A High Tolerance: There are times when a dry piece or a bubbler will not meet your needs. Sometimes you need something stronger.

+Bongs Are Easier To Clean: Bongs are easier to clean than bubblers because you can clean the bong, bowl, and downstem separately.

+Bongs Have More Variety: Bongs are more customizable than pipes or bubblers. You can have many different bowls for the same bong. You can have one with a percolator or not. Bongs come in many different variations, and you can always find one that matches your particular preference

Bongs

Liabilities of Bongs

-Bongs Are More Breakable: Bongs break easier than bubblers do. If you drop a bong it is way more likely to break than a bubbler.

-You Have To Replace Things More Often: Parts that you need for a bong, such as the downstem and bowl break and need to be replaced from time to time. This is more money out of your pocket and can be a hassle if you don’t live near a head shop.

-Bongs Are More Difficult To Hold: Bongs are more difficult to hold than bubblers, which means you are more likely to drop them.

-Bongs Rips Are Louder: Bong rips are much louder and more conspicuous than bubbler rips, which can be an issue when you are trying to smoke incognito.

-More Difficult To Store: Since bongs are bigger than bubblers and more breakable, this makes storing them much more difficult to store and hide than a bubbler.

-They Start To Stink: If you don’t clean your bong often enough it starts to smell really bad.

Pros And Cons of Using A Bong

There are both pros and cons of using a bong. Here are the most important things we need to know:

Benefits
  • Usually can hold more product
  • Easily concealable and carriable
  • Produces big clouds
  • Comes in different shapes and sizes
  • Easy to clean
Drawbacks
  • Not as easy to travel with
  • Filtration can be different due to not having a downstem
  • It may require more cleaning
  • Usually, a smaller bowl that holds less than one bong.

How To Choose The Right Bong?

Size: The size of the bong will determine how much smoke it can hold. If you are a beginner, you may want to start with a smaller bong. This will make it easier to control the amount of smoke you inhale.

Durability: Bongs can be fragile, so you need to choose one that is made from a durable material. Glass bongs are the most durable option, but they are also the most expensive. Acrylic bongs are less expensive, but they are also less durable.

Design: Many people consider their bong to be a piece of art, not just a smoking device. The aesthetic appeal, including colors, shapes, and intricate designs, can enhance the overall experience and add a personalized touch to your smoking sessions.

Portability: If you plan on taking your bong with you on the go, you need to choose a portable option. Silicone bongs are the most portable option, but they are not as durable as glass or acrylic bongs.

Cleaning: Bongs need to be cleaned regularly to prevent the buildup of resin and bacteria. This can be a hassle, so you may want to choose a bong that is easy to clean.

Material: Bongs can be made from a variety of materials, including glass, acrylic, and silicone. Glass is the most popular material, as it is durable and easy to clean. Acrylic bongs are less expensive than glass bongs, but they are also less durable. Silicone bongs are the most portable option, but they are not as durable as glass or acrylic bongs.

Budget: Bongs can range in price from around $20 to $200 or more. It is important to set a budget before you start shopping.

Bongs

Differences Between Bubblers & Bongs

A bong tends to be step up from a bubbler as far as complexity and prestige. Bongs are quite different from bubblers and pipes.

Features Bubblers Bongs
Size More Compact Larger
Cloud Capacity Produces small clouds Produces big clouds
Size More Compact Larger
Versatility Small for easy on-the-road hits Not convenient to travel with
Filtration Does not always have a downstem Uses percolators and downstems for filtration
Cleaning Easy to clean and maintain Harder to clean due to the size

Pros And Cons of Bubblers vs Bongs

There are both pros and cons of using a bong. Here are the most important things we need to know:

Benefits
  • Usually can hold more product
  • Produces big clouds
  • Comes in different shapes and sizes
Drawbacks
  • Not as easy to travel with
  • It may require more cleaning

Prices of Bubblers & Bongs

When it comes to price, joints are the cheapest option, followed by bongs and then vaporizers. However, it's important to keep in mind that the initial investment in a vaporizer may save you money in the long run by making your cannabis last longer.

Price Level Quality Brands
Over $300 Premium Quality Garv, Puffco
$100 to $299 Best Quality MAV Glass
Under $100 Good Quality Pulsar

Frequently Asked Questions

Is A Bubbler Or A Bong Better?

This is ultimately up to the individual smoking. There has been no proof that one smoking device is better than the other.

Do Bubblers Get You As High As Bongs?

This is ultimately up to the individual smoking. There has been no proof that one smoking device is better than the other.

Are Bongs Better Or Worse For Lungs Than Bubblers?

This is ultimately up to the individual smoking. There has been no proof that one smoking device is better than the other.

Do Bubblers Get You As High As Bongs?

This is ultimately up to the individual smoking. There has been no proof that one smoking device is better than the other.

Are Bongs Better Or Worse For Lungs Than Bubblers?

This is ultimately up to the individual smoking. There has been no proof that one smoking device is better than the other.

About The Author

Ramon van Wanrooij
Ramon van Wanrooij
Managing Director

123 Ramon is a well-known face in the cannabis accessories industry. As the managing director of Grasscity, Ramon is in charge of all the daily operations. He started working for Grasscity in 2014 as the Manager Supply Chain and is currently overseeing, besides his role at Grasscity, the global supply chain of High Tide Inc. Under his supervision, Grasscity, the best-rated online headshop, has shipped over a million bongs worldwide. Ramon is born and raised in Amsterdam, a.k.a. the “Grasscity”, and is educated in e-commerce, supply chain management, and cross cross-cultural management. He is an avid user and passionate expert on smoking accessories, who loves to educate the world about the latest innovations, product tips, guides, and other important information regarding using weed.