Frequently Asked Questions
Still not sure if a glass bong is right for you? We’ve answered some of the most common questions people have about glass bongs.
Are glass bongs healthier to smoke?
Although all smoking comes with health risks, a thick glass bong is one of the healthier ways to ingest. While other smoking methods deliver hot smoke directly to your lungs, bongs pass the smoke through water first. The water filtration system takes out particulate matter that can irritate or become trapped in the lungs.
Glass pipes also don’t break down when heated like plastic or acrylic can, and they aren’t burned and inhaled with the smoke like the rolling papers used for blunts or joints. The only thing you inhale through a glass water pipe should be pure, cool smoke.
Be careful, though. The feeling of a healthier, smoother hit can lead to other unhealthy smoking habits. The smoother smoke may be easier to hold in your lungs for longer, and you may be tempted to smoke more frequently because it isn’t as harsh.
Is it safe to smoke out of a glass water pipe?
Glass is generally the safest material to smoke from compared to other materials such as plastic, acrylic, or metal. Glass bongs stand up to heat well and don’t break down or leach chemicals into your smoke.
Plastic or acrylic pipes break down easily when heated and may even melt. As they break down, plastics and other chemicals may be inhaled with your hit, allowing those chemicals to be absorbed into your body along with the smoke. They can also be more porous than glass, leaving room for stale build-up, nasty odors, or even mold growth.
Metal equipment may also not be ideal for smoking. Although it’s less likely to break down when heated, it can still melt at high enough temperatures. Metal also transfers heat very quickly and effectively, so you risk burning your hands or mouth simply from trying to light your flower.
Glass bongs are highly durable and non-porous, so they don’t collect odors or buildup as easily. They also provide easy cleaning and are heat-resistant, resulting in a safer, cleaner smoke.
Does a bong really filter smoke?
Bongs are great at filtering out particulate matter from smoke for a cleaner hit, but not all bongs are created equal. Different types of bongs produce different levels of filtration.
When you think of a classic bong, you probably envision a beaker bong. The most common type, beaker bongs, feature a wide conical base and a thinner neck and mouthpiece, like a laboratory beaker. The wider base allows smoke to build up and filter through the water, removing particulate matter such as ash and tar on the way.
A straight tube bong is simpler, with a single straight tube carrying the smoke from the bowl to the mouthpiece. These bongs offer less filtration because the smoke isn’t diffused anywhere, but they produce a potent hit. They’re also very easy to clean due to their simplicity.
A percolator bong offers maximum filtration. These bongs include a percolator within the structure that breaks smoke down into smaller bubbles. This increases the surface area that comes in contact with the water, meaning more particles are captured on the way through the bong.
The size of the bong can also influence the filtration. A small bong or mini bong has less space to diffuse smoke, so it won’t filter as effectively as a standard or extra-large glass bong.
It’s important to note that while bongs filter particles, ash, and tar effectively, they don’t filter harmful gases such as carbon monoxide that are also associated with smoking. Filtered smoke is better than unfiltered smoke, but all smoking comes with some amount of risk.
Should you change the bong water every day?
Not only should you change your bong water every day, but ideally, you should change it after every use. As the smoke passes through, the water captures odors, particles, and other compounds. While this is better for your lungs, it results in a stinky, unpleasant drink at the bottom of your bong. The more of that matter is collected, the nastier the water gets, and the less effective it will be at filtering out more.
Cleaning out and replacing the bong water refreshes it and gets rid of all of those particles. Fresh bong water is better at filtering and improves the flavor and quality of your hits.
Over time, your bong may also build up resin or debris. To reduce this buildup, you should also deep clean your bong at least once a week with a bong cleaner or a DIY combination of coarse salt and isopropyl alcohol, which can break down those sticky residues.
You should also empty your bong water and store the pipe empty between uses. A dry pipe is less likely to stain or mold due to the moisture, and you’ll want to add fresh water the next time you break it out anyway.
What’s the point of a water bong?
Many people prefer to smoke from a water pipe because of the way it affects the smoke. As smoke passes through the water, it rapidly cools and condenses, producing a smoother, denser, and cooler smoke that’s less harsh on the lungs.
The water also helps to filter out some of the heavier particles, such as ash or plant matter, as well as water-soluble compounds. The result is a cleaner smoke that’s easier to breathe for a more pleasant overall experience.
Some water pipes also come with ice catchers, an indentation partway up the neck where ice cubes can rest and drip into the water. This cools the smoke even further for a thick, smooth hit that won’t burn your throat or lungs.
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