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Bubbler Vs. Bong - What's the Difference

by LOOKAH

bubbler-vs-bong–what's-the-difference

Choosing the perfect smoking device can be a tricky process. 

When you walk into a head shop, it's easy to be overwhelmed by the number of hand pipes, pipes, and smoking gad gets you have to choose from.

It seems impossible to find out which would suit you best without taking each one of these devices to try. 

Fortunately, we can help you realize which devices are right for you.

In this article, we will discuss bubblers and bongs, which is the most suitable choice for you.

What is a Bubbler?

bubbler

A bubbler is a compact, one-piece glass pipe that combines the functionality of a hand pipe and a bong.

It usually has a monotonous design that consists of five parts, which are a bowl, stem, water chamber, downstem, and mouthpiece.

Typically, bubblers have fixed downstems, meaning they cannot be removed.

It works by drawing smoke through water, which cools the smoke and filters out some unwanted particles.

Most bubblers also feature a carb hole, allowing for better airflow control to keep the ember lit with minimal relighting.

What is a Bong?

recycler-decorative-bong-pink

The long history of the name bong actually comes from the Thai word “baung.”

A bong is a type of smoking apparatus that creates an inhalable vapor from heated dry herbs.

The typical structure is to have a bowl attached that holds your weed and a drop pipe that connects the bowl to the bong.

The user fills the bong's bowl with cannabis flowers or leaves and then lights it up to release the active chemicals in the plant material into vapors.

It usually has a variety of designs for different functional uses.

Bubbler vs. Bong—What's the Difference?

Design and Size

Bongs are typically larger than bubblers.

They usually consist of a straight or beaker-shaped tube with a separate bowl, stem, and base.

Bubblers, on the other hand, are smaller and feature an all-in-one design where the bowl is built into the water chamber.

Ease of Cleaning

A bubbler is similar to a bowl but includes a downstem and a water reservoir, essentially functioning like a mini bong.

It typically features a choke (carb hole) for airflow control and lacks a removable bowl, making cleaning more challenging.

A bong, on the other hand, is larger and generally equipped with a slide instead of a fixed bowl.

This allows for easy removal when clearing ash or reloading, making it more convenient for maintenance and use.

Customization

Bongs offer more opportunities for customization.

Many have detachable parts like bowls, downstems, and percolators, allowing users to modify or upgrade their bong.

Bubblers are usually not customizable due to their one-piece design.

Portability

Bubblers are more portable due to their compact size.

They are easier to carry around and use on the go.

Bongs, because of their size and often more intricate designs, are better suited for home use.

Smoking Experience

A bong typically has a larger chamber and longer tube, which allows for a larger hit and smoother smoke.

Bubblers, while also providing smooth hits, might not be as intense due to their smaller size and limited filtration.

Water Filtration

Both bongs and bubblers use water to filter and cool the smoke.

However, due to their larger size, bongs often provide more effective filtration and cooling, as the smoke has more space to interact with the water.

Bubbler vs. Bong: Which Is the Most Suitable Choice for You?

Choosing between a bubbler and a bong depends on your lifestyle and smoking preferences.

Here are a few suggestions:

If you value portability and convenience, a bubbler is the better option. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry and use anywhere.

Additionally, bubblers are ideal for beginners due to their simple design—just fill it with water, pack the bowl, and smoke it like a regular hand pipe while enjoying water filtration

On the other hand, if you prioritize smoother hits and better filtration, a bong is the superior choice.

Its larger size and longer smoke pathway allow for more thorough water filtration, resulting in a cooler and cleaner smoking experience.

For those who appreciate rich flavor, a bong offers more flavor options.

Different designs have different flavor profiles, such as honeycomb-shaped percolators, which enhance diffusion and maximize filtration for a smoother, more enjoyable hit.

Conclusion

The above are the differences between a bubbler and a bong.

Take some time to assess your lifestyle, smoking preferences, and what you value most in a device—whether it's portability, ease of use, or enhanced filtration.

With this guide, you’ll be able to find the perfect smoking companion that suits your needs. Happy smoking!