Bongs vs. Bubbler: Differences, Types, and Popular Brands

• What is a bong?
• What is a bubbler?
• The main differences between a bong and a bubbler
• Types of bongs
• Types of bubblers
• Materials used in bongs and bubblers
• Popular brands and specific products at Canatura Wholesale
  • Groove
  • Euphoria
  • MJ Arsenal
• Conclusion
• FAQ

What is a bong?

A bong is a classic water pipe used for smoking dried herbs (tobacco or cannabis).

A typical bong consists of:

• a water chamber at the bottom
• a vertical body (neck)
• a mouthpiece
• a bowl (head) for herbs connected to the water by a tube called a downstem

When inhaled, the smoke from the burning mixture travels through the water, which cools and filters it, making inhalation much smoother than with a dry pipe or cigarette.

Bongs usually have a removable bowl or chillum; when smoking, after filling the chamber with smoke, the bowl is removed (or, in some bongs, a side opening is released with a finger) so that the user can inhale the contents of the chamber at once.

What is a bubbler?

A bubbler is a smaller handheld water pipe that combines the advantages of a bong and a classic pipe.

In terms of design, it is a miniaturised bong, consisting of:

• a bowl for herbs
• a short neck
• a small water chamber

When you take a drag, bubbles form in the small water chamber, which filter the smoke. As with a bong, the water makes the smoke smoother and cooler than with a regular dry pipe.

Compared to a bong, a bubbler is more compact and lighter, making it suitable for discreet use when travelling. Bubbler usually have smaller bowls, so sometimes you need to use several bowls in a row to achieve the same effect.

Smoking from a bubbler is more gradual and relaxed. Individual puffs are not as "powerful" as with a large bong, usually resembling longer smoking from a pipe, but with the advantage of water filtration.

The main differences between a bong and a bubbler

Although both bongs and bubblers use water to filter smoke, they differ in several ways. The key differences are described below:

Size and portability

• Bong: It is larger, more robust and does not fit in your pocket. It is ideal for home use and group gatherings.

• Bubbler: It is small, easily portable and can be easily taken with you on the go or used alone.

Smoke filtration and smoothness

• Bong: It is better at filtering out impurities and cooling the smoke thanks to the larger amount of water (or other elements such as percolators or ice chillers). The water in the bong traps some of the harmful substances and the smoke breaks into bubbles, which increases the surface area for cooling. The "hits" are very smooth and cool.

• Bubbler: Due to their smaller water chamber, they do not achieve as perfect filtration as large bongs. Although they also use water filtration and significantly soften the smoke compared to a regular pipe, the smoke from a bubbler can be slightly warmer or harsher than from a bong.

Smoke volume and strength of the "hit"

• Bong: Can accumulate more smoke, which the user then inhales at once, resulting in a stronger and more intense "hit". Ideal for experienced smokers and those who prefer more smoke at once.

• Bubbler: Produces a smaller volume of smoke per puff, offering milder, more controlled hits. Suitable for beginners, less experienced users, or those who want a gentler experience or to save material.

Draw resistance

• Bong: The smoke has to travel a longer distance and through more water, so there is more resistance when inhaling. A bong therefore requires a stronger inhale to draw the smoke through the water.

• Bubbler: It has a lighter draw, so there is less resistance –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ drawing is easier and the smoke goes into the lungs more "freely". The advantage of a bubbler is that it is easy to draw, but the smoke spends less time in the water, so it may be slightly less purified.

Customisability and construction

• Bong: It is usually modular. It has removable bowls and downstems of standard sizes, and accessories can be easily replaced, e.g. a different bowl shape can be attached, an ash catcher can be connected, or a bong with different percolators can be chosen. Most bongs can also be fitted with additional elements such as ice pins (ice catches in the neck) or a vaporiser adapter.

• Bubbler: It has a monolithic glass construction and is less flexible. It has a permanently built-in bowl and an integrated mouthpiece and downstem in one piece, and cannot be modified or expanded with accessories. Some bubblers may have a removable mouthpiece or a special attachment.

Maintenance and cleaning

• Bong: Overall, a bong requires a little more effort to maintain and clean. Large bongs with percolators are a bit more difficult to clean because they have more parts to clean and require a larger amount of cleaning solution and other supplies. The advantage is that bongs can be disassembled (the bowl and downstem can be removed, which makes it easier to access the interior for cleaning).

• Bubbler: Offers easier, faster cleaning and maintenance (parts and nooks and crannies often only need to be rinsed briefly with alcohol and water). The disadvantage is that they clog more quickly because they have a smaller water volume.

However, regular maintenance is necessary for both devices. If neglected, odours and impurities can accumulate in both types of devices, spoiling the taste of the smoke.

Types of bongs

Bongs are sold in many different designs and with different functions. The main types include:

Straight tube bongs:

• A simple, straight cylinder without a bulbous expansion.
• They provide intense and direct hits, and the chamber can be quickly emptied by removing the bowl.
• They typically have less stability due to their narrower base, but offer an elegant, tall shape.
  

Beaker bongs:

• These feature a wide conical base shaped like a laboratory beaker (ensuring excellent stability and less risk of tipping over) while increasing the volume of water in the lower chamber (more water means better cooling and smoke filtration).
• They are popular universal pieces because they offer large draws, are easy to handle and are suitable for both beginners and advanced users.
  

Perkulator bongs:

• These contain one or more percolators (built-in diffusers that create additional bubbles as the smoke passes through, thereby increasing filtration).
• There are many types of percolators (e.g. honeycomb, tree, showerhead, etc.), but they all work similarly: the smoke must pass through the water several times through small holes, which significantly softens and cools
• These bongs offer exceptionally smooth smoke, but the disadvantage is that they are more difficult to clean and, due to the multiple chambers, offer slightly higher resistance when drawing.
  

Mini bongs:

• Smaller bongs, which are up to 15–20 cm tall and often have only one basic chamber and a simple design.
• They work the same as larger bongs, but their size makes them easy to carry and store.
• They combine the advantages of a bong and a bubbler, as they allow for a larger supply of smoke and a stronger "hit", while also being lightweight and practical for travelling.
  

Special bongs: This category includes various innovative or less common designs.

Gravity bong:

• Instead of direct suction, it uses negative pressure created by gravity and water – typically two containers, one of which draws smoke from the other when handled.
• Gravity bongs are known for delivering an extremely strong dose of smoke in a short period of time, but they can be less comfortable to use and require caution.

Ice bong:

• This is essentially a classic bong equipped with spikes or notches in the neck into which ice can be inserted (this significantly cools the passing smoke, making the draws very cool and smooth).

Multi-chamber bongs:

• These have two or more water chambers in series for gradual filtration.

Electronic bongs:

• These offer various improvements (e.g. built-in cooling, LED lighting, etc.).

Types of bubblers

Bubbler also come in various shapes and specialisations. The most common types include:

Hammer bubbler:

• It is medium-sized, often slightly larger than other bubblers, and many include a simple percolator for better filtration and cooling of the smoke.
• Its design resembles a hammer, with a water chamber as the "hammer head" and a long mouthpiece sticking out at an angle like a handle.
• It does not tip over because it has a flat bottom and can lie stably on a table.
• It is relatively easy to carry (e.g. in a padded case).
  

Sidecar bubbler:

• It features a side mouthpiece, which is a tube with a mouthpiece attached to the side of the chamber (similar to a sidecar on a motorbike).
• The design was developed to reduce the so-called splashback effect (the risk of water splashing into the mouth when inhaling).
• The sidecar bubbler thus allows for comfortable inhaling without fear of drops, while otherwise functioning as a classic bubbler.
• It is usually smaller than a hammer bubbler and fits easily in your hand.
  

Sherlock bubbler:

• It has a curved S-shaped neck, so the mouthpiece points upwards from the chamber and curves back towards the user.
• The shape is inspired by Sherlock Holmes' iconic pipe. It offers an elegant, old-school design and a comfortable grip.
• Functionally, this bubbler has no extra filtration chambers; it provides basic filtration through water in a small flask.
• It is a stylish variation on the standard bubbler that looks great on a shelf.
  

Double bubbler:

• It has two water chambers connected in series. The smoke is filtered and cooled first in the first chamber and then again in the second.
• The result is extra clean, smooth and cool smoke (double percolation captures more impurities and reduces the smoke temperature more effectively).
• Double bubblers are usually larger and more complicated to manufacture and clean, but they offer the smoothest smoke of all bubbler types.
  

Concentrate bubbler (dab bubbler):

• A specific type of bubbler that is modified for smoking cannabis extracts, oils or waxes instead of dried herbs.
• Essentially, it is a miniature dab rig – instead of a classic bowl, it is equipped with a so-called banger (a quartz bowl for heating the concentrate) or a glass nail.
• The device can handle higher temperatures and intense smoke. It also uses water for cooling and is smaller than standard tabletop dab rigs.
  

Bong and bubbler materials

The choice of material greatly affects the properties of a bong or bubbler. Each material has its pros and cons:

Glass:

• The most common material for bongs and bubblers.
• High-quality borosilicate glass withstands high temperatures and does not release any unwanted substances into the smoke, ensuring a clean taste without any aftertaste.
• Glass bongs or bubblers provide the best taste experience and smooth smoke.
• As a general rule, the thicker the glass, the higher the quality and durability; very cheap glass bongs tend to have thin walls that are prone to cracking.
• The disadvantage of glass is generally its fragility (it can break if dropped).
• Maintenance is relatively easy; glass can be cleaned with alcohol and a brush and will last for years if handled properly.
  

Acrylic (plastic):

• A popular choice for cheaper and durable bongs.
• Acrylic bongs are affordable and virtually unbreakable under normal use (they can survive falls, impacts, etc.), which is appreciated by beginners or less careful users.
• The advantages are their low weight and bright colours. However, plastic bongs can slightly affect the taste of the smoke (when heated, they can have a "plastic" aftertaste) and are not usually as sophisticated in design as glass ones.
• Most acrylic bongs have a carburettor hole instead of a removable bowl.
• Overall, they are a practical and affordable choice for wholesale, appealing to undemanding customers who want a functional, inexpensive bong.
  

Silicone:

• Silicone bongs and bubblers are made of special medical-grade silicone that can withstand high temperatures (high-quality pieces are BPA-free and heat-proof).
• The device is almost indestructible: it can be bent, squeezed, and if you don't drop it with water on a completely hard surface, it will withstand a lot.
• Silicone is a newer trend in materials, does not significantly affect the smoke, and is great for travelling because it can be rolled up or squeezed into a backpack and is lightweight.
• Maintenance is easy; most silicone bongs can even be put in the dishwasher.
• However, care must be taken to clean them thoroughly (silicone can retain a slight odour if not washed thoroughly).
• This type is popular among younger and outdoor-oriented customers.
  

Ceramic:

• Ceramic bongs (or pipes) usually have original designs, as ceramics allow for a variety of shapes and colours, and are often used as decorations.
• Ceramic is a traditional material for smoking devices, used for centuries. It is hard and relatively heavy, which ensures the stability of the bong. It does not negatively affect the taste of the smoke and is easy to draw from.
• Most ceramic bongs have a simple design (they usually do not have a removable downstem, but only a carburettor (finger hole) for air control.
• The disadvantage is that ceramic can crack if dropped, and it is also more difficult to check the water level (opaque material).
• Ceramic pieces are especially appreciated by connoisseurs and are great for collectors and gifts.

Popular brands and specific products at CanaturaWholesale

We have selected brands and models that will appeal to both beginners and advanced users.

Groove

The Groove brand focuses on smaller glass bongs, known as micro rigs. Their Groove Micro range includes miniature water pipes (essentially a combination of a mini bong and a bubbler) made from high-quality thick-walled glass with a thickness of ~3–4 mm.

The range includes:

• Groove Micro Tube Water Pipe
• Groove Micro Hourglass Water Pipe
• Groove Micro Round Hookah

All bongs are designed for universal use with herbs and concentrates. Thanks to the cut glass joints, standard bowls or attachments can be connected. They can be an attractive item for your shop, as customers are drawn to the combination of cute size and full functionality.

Euphoria

The Euphoria brand offers silicone bongs that feature playful designs and colourful motifs.

The range includes:

• Euphoria silicone bong, Whimsical design
• Euphoria silicone bong, Mystical design
• Euphoria silicone bong, Groovy design
• Euphoria silicone bong, Psychedelic design

Silicone models are affordable and, thanks to their durability, are ideal for beginners or as an indestructible option for travelling. Customers will also appreciate their easy maintenance and attractive appearance.

MJ Arsenal

The American brand MJ Arsenal is a household name among fans of concentrates and technical gadgets. It became famous for its innovative mini dab rigs (used in a method called dabbing) and blunt bubblers. The devices are made of 100% borosilicate glass.

The range includes:

• MJ Arsenal Snowperson Blunt Bubbler
• MJ Arsenal Bulb Bubbler in colours:
  • Clear
  • Onyx
  • Azure
  • Cactus
  • Reef
  • Lavender
  • Blush
  • Slate
  • Amber
• MJ Arsenal Vulkan Bubbler in colours:
  • Clear
  • Onyx
  • Azure
  • Cactus
  • Reef
  • Lavender
  • Blush
  • Slate
  • Amber
• MJ Arsenal Turbine Mini Dab Rig - Iridescent

Including MJ Arsenal products in your range is a great way to offer your customers something from the latest American trends. What's more, this brand emphasises affordability, so their products tend to be relatively affordable considering the features they offer.

Conclusion

Bongs and bubblers have long been popular smoking accessories. They are enjoyed by a wide range of users, including collectors.

A bong offers a powerful experience with a massive, water-cooled "hit" and is ideal for group sessions and home comfort.

Bubblers, on the other hand, excel in practicality and portability, providing filtration on the go and are a great choice for quiet, relaxed smoking.

  

Author:  Patricie Mikolášová 

 

   

Photo: AI

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