Bubbler vs Bong - What's the Difference?
When it’s time to start looking for a new piece to add to your arsenal of smoking accessories, you might find yourself having trouble deciding between purchasing a bubbler vs a bong. While they’re relatively similar in a few ways, there are also a number of important differences that set them apart, such as size, price, and ease of use.
Today, we're going to put bubblers and bongs head to head so that you can decide which is the right piece for you to enjoy to the fullest during your next sesh.
Let’s start with bubblers.
Bubblers
A bubbler is a small water pipe that is similar in size and shape to a traditional glass pipe. The main difference between bubblers and pipes is that bubblers have a built-in water chamber that helps to cool and filter the smoke (thus why they are often compared to bongs).
Bubblers typically have a bowl for packing the cannabis, a downstem that extends into the water chamber, and a mouthpiece for inhaling the smoke.
Pros:
- Smaller and more portable than bongs
- Easier to clean than bongs
- Generally less expensive than bongs
- Provide a smoother hit than traditional pipes due to the water
Cons:
- Less filtration than bongs
- Smaller water chamber means less cooling of the smoke
- Can be more difficult to fill and empty the water chamber
Bong
A bong is a larger water pipe that is designed to provide a smoother hit than other smoking methods. Like a bubbler, it has a bowl for packing the cannabis, a downstem that extends into the water chamber, and a mouthpiece for inhaling the smoke.
However, bongs often have additional customizable features, such as percolators, which help to further filter and cool the smoke.
Pros:
- Provides the smoothest hit of any smoking device
- Larger water chamber means more cooling of the smoke and easier hits
- Can be customized with additional features such as percolators
- Generally more durable than bubblers
Cons:
- Larger and less portable than bubblers
- More difficult to clean than bubblers
- More expensive than bubblers
Differences between Bubbler and Bong
So now that we’ve covered the pros and cons of each smoking device, which one is best for you? Let’s get deeper and put them head-to-head.
Size and portability: Bubblers are smaller and more portable than bongs, making them a great choice for on-the-go smoking or transporting to the sesh. Bongs, conversely, are larger and less portable but use their extra size to provide the smoothest hit of any smoking device.
Filtration and smoothness of hits: Bongs typically provide more filtration and a smoother hit than bubblers, due to their larger water chambers and additional features such as percolators.
Having said that, bubblers still provide a smoother hit than traditional pipes because they utilize water to cool and filter the smoke.
Ease of use: Bubblers are generally easier to use and clean than bongs, due to their smaller size and simpler design. Bongs may take a little more time to get used to if you’re new to using water pipes in general.
Cost: Bubblers are generally less expensive than bongs, making them a great choice for anyone that’s operating on a budget. They also serve as a cheap and easy replacement in lieu of a broken piece.
Effect on taste: Bubblers tend to preserve the flavor of the cannabis better than bongs, which can sometimes filter out some of the flavor.
Which One to Choose?
There’s no single clear-cut answer to whether you should go with a bubbler or bong. In fact, you can’t go wrong either way!
When deciding between the two pieces, there are several factors that you have to consider. However, when it comes down to it, personal preference is the most important factor for decisions like these.
Some people prioritize the smoother hit of a bong, while others are looking for the convenience of a bubbler. Other factors to consider include frequency of use, budget, and lifestyle.
On top of that, your experience with water pipes will play a part in your decision as well. If you’ve only owned handheld pipes, then a bubbler may be a good choice to transition into larger water pipes. On the other hand, if you’re a more experienced smoker, then a bong may be the natural next step.
Get Unique Bongs and Bubblers for Your Collection
Wherever you end up landing in the bubbler vs bong debate, Hemper has you covered. Whether you’re looking for your first bong or bubbler, or you’re adding something new to an existing collection, you’re bound to find something you love on our site.
