What Is a Glass Pipe Called?

Glass pipes have many different trade names; you may find one for sale under any number of names. Traditional hand pipes may go under names along the line of glass tube pipe, glass one hitter, glass portable pipe, or glass hand pipe. Additionally, glass water pipes may come as glass bubblers, glass bongs, glass gravity bongs, and more. While glass pipes have many possible names, each kind may have unique functionalities. For example, while a glass bong and a glass hand pipe are both glass pipes, they function very differently. Let’s take a look at what kind of glass pipes there are and what they do!

What Kinds of Glass Pipes Are There?

Ultimately, there are two main kinds of glass pipes; most smokers enjoy glass hand pipes and glass water pipes. A hand pipe is the closest thing possible to a traditional smoking appliance; whether glass, wood, or ceramic, hand pipes have been a popular way to smoke for hundreds of years. On the other hand, glass water pipes such as bongs and bubblers have grown in popularity since the 20th century. With their water filtering system and high capacity, water pipes are an excellent way for any smoker to take massive and smooth hits. Other varieties do exist; for example, glass hand pipes may also fall into the category of cigarette-like one hitters. There is a certain level of crossover between the two main kinds of glass pipes as well. While glass water pipes tend to be larger than their handheld cousins, some manufacturers have created handheld water pipes that combine the best of both worlds.

Is It Better to Smoke from a Glass Pipe?

There are plenty of materials available that manufacturers will use in their smoking appliances. Chief among them are glass, silicone, and ceramic. If you know anything about these materials, you may immediately jump to silicone due to its durability. However, each of these materials has individual upsides and downsides. For example, a silicone bong may be more durable and nearly unbreakable, but glass pipes have plenty of appeal for certain kinds of smokers. Let’s dive into why some people may get more enjoyment out of glass smoking pipes than any other material.

What Kind of Glass Is Used for Glass Pipes?

When you think of glass, you think of a clear, boring material that shatters easily. However, in this case, you couldn’t be more wrong! While a glass water pipe isn’t as hardy as other types of water pipe material, such as silicone many have a borosilicate glass composition. Borosilicate glass is a type of durable glass that is popular in kitchen-grade cookware for its ability to withstand minor damage and take falls that would shatter drinking glasses. You may be familiar with borosilicate glass if you have ever used glass kitchenware such as a Pyrex container. This glass is not shatter-proof, but it is far more resilient than a thin type of glass you might find in a champagne flute or wine glass. With the durability of borosilicate glass, you may not have to worry as much about damaging your glass pipe.

How Do You Use a Glass Pipe?

Using a glass pipe is just like using your favorite traditional glass tobacco pipes. If you’ve used a hand pipe before, or a different kind of glass pipe, such as a water pipe, it will feel the same! For simple glass hand pipes, simply put your flower in the bowl and light up! It’s just as easy as you would think. If you’re new to the world of smoking, you may not be familiar with the process of packing and smoking anything, much less a glass pipe. If you’re part of this new population, congratulations! You’re in for a whole new world of smoking. The experience of smoking from glass pipes is unmatched. Let’s learn more about the steps involved in using glass pipes. Read on for all of the information you need on smoking out of a glass pipe!

Where Can I Buy a Bowl for Smoking?

In theory, you can buy glass pipes at any local smoke shop- after all, they are some of the most common smoking appliances available on the market. However, if you buy glass pipes from your local smoke shop, you don’t have any guarantee of a good product. No longer will you have to wander your local smoke shops to look for affordable glass bowls and glass smokeware. With the Glass Pipes collection from SMOKEA®, you may choose from a hand-selected assembly of the best bowls and pipes for sale with the convenience of the internet! With a wide variety of these affordable glass pipes for smoking, you can find one that works best for you; whether it is a cool hand pipe or something with a cuter style. For the best pieces for smoking, SMOKEA® is your one-stop shop for quality products and stylish smoking implements!

How Much Does a Glass Bowl Cost?

With so many options available for glass pipes, it only makes sense that their price varies just as much as their features, type, and shape. Unfortunately, the price of glass pipes can get confusing due to this level of variation. Thankfully, we have an answer for you. If you are sick of googling phrases such as “how much is a pipe” or “how much are pipes,” then look no further. Glass hand pipes have a broad range of price points. With our Glass Pipes collection, your next pipe piece could have a price on the more affordable end such as our signature SMOKEA® Glass Hand Pipe, or at the higher end from a variety of reputable brands. With such a wide variety of prices and so many large pipes for sale, you are sure to find one that you like. Our selection has only the best glass pipes! Our Glass Pipes collection has affordable glass smoking pieces to suit your style and your budget. We have something for you, no matter what your tastes are!

How to Clean Your Glass Pipe

Unfortunately, you will need to clean your glass pipe, much like with any other frequently-used device in your life. Cleaning your glass pipe may be even more vital than cleaning other appliances, as a dirty glass pipe can ruin your smoking experience and even cause severe health issues. Smoking your favorite herb results in a buildup of resin and ash, both of which may cause unhealthy side effects. Thankfully, you can avoid this by regularly cleaning your glass pipe. Before you get to cleaning, there is one important thing to remember. Due to the heat tolerance of borosilicate glass and the association with chemicals that kitchenware may contain, it may not be wise to wash your glass pipe in the dishwasher. While silicone pipes may be dishwasher-friendly, glass pipes may not respond as well to heat and contact with plates and bowls. You may want to play it safe and avoid placing your smoking appliances of a glass composition in the dishwasher altogether. Luckily, cleaning your glass pipes is far easier than you might expect. SMOKEA® carries popular glass cleaning products from brands like Formula 420, Eyce, Crude Bud, and more so you are sure to find the best glass cleaner for your smoking needs.

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Are Glass Pipes Safe to Smoke From?

Although there are inherent risks associated with smoking anything, using glassware to smoke from may be a safer choice than others because it is a non-toxic material and no chemicals are released from it when heat is applied. Plus, there is little risk of accidentally burning yourself when smoking from a glass pipe, as these durable glass pieces can handle high temperatures and stay comfortable to the touch during even lengthy smoking sessions.

While glass and heat may not sound like the best combination, glass smoking pipes are typically made with borosilicate glass to mitigate the risks.

Borosilicate glass is often used in cookware because of its ability to withstand extreme temperatures without shattering or cracking under the heat of the oven.

Are Glass Smoking Pipes Good?

Absolutely!

Glassware pipes are notoriously easy to clean and non-porous, so you never have to worry about unwanted flavors slipping in and tainting your smoking experience. Although glass may seem fragile at first glance, glass pipes are expertly designed to ensure durability. When handled with care, your glass pipes can last you for years to come.

Is a Glass Pipe Better Than a Joint?

There are certainly some advantages to using a glass pipe over a joint. Using a pipe will be less harsh than a joint and it will produce significantly less ash, but it’s hard to say definitively that one is better than the other.

Your own personal preferences and environment will come into play when determining the best way for you to smoke. However, even if you prefer joints or another smoking method, it’s common for regular cannabis users to have a sherlock pipe or spoon pipe on hand in the event of running out of rolling papers or not wanting to purchase pre-rolled joints. Plus, sometimes it’s fun to switch it up and change your smoking method for the sake of novelty.

Are Silicone or Glass Pipes Better?

Again, this is an area where personal preference comes into play, however, there are a few things to consider when it comes to silicone.

Some find that silicone pipes may offer a strange aftertaste alongside your hit, and glass typically doesn’t have any taste associated with it. Because silicone is slightly porous it may retain the taste of previously smoked flower or in the case of water pipes, stale water. So you have to be extra careful to keep up with a regular cleaning schedule to protect the longevity of your silicone pipe. While glass will need to be regularly cleaned too, it generally can go a little bit longer when compared to silicone.

Also, if you appreciate the artistry and uniqueness of glass hand pipes, silicone may not be the best option because the aesthetic options you can purchase in silicone pipes are relatively limited. While you can certainly choose between different colors, the artistry associated with glass pieces is lacking in silicone pieces.

Third, silicone is much more sensitive to heat, so you will have to be extra careful with silicone pipes to avoid melting or otherwise damaging your pipe.

However, a lot must be said in the argument for purchasing a silicone piece. They’re virtually indestructible and won’t shatter when dropped the way glass will, making silicone a great option if you like to smoke on the go or throw your smoking pieces in bags or backpacks. Plus, they’re really easy to clean.

There isn’t a clear winner between these two, it comes down to your smoking preferences.

As they say, variety is the spice of life, and having multiple smoking pieces of various types can keep things interesting and prevent your smoking routine from becoming stagnant.

Types of Glass Pipes

There are many types of glass pipes on the market today, almost too many to cover, but we’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular styles out there.

One Hitters

As you would expect from the name, one hitters are designed to provide precisely one hit. One hitters are a good option for beginners still dabbling in the world of cannabis or those times when you only want a hit without the commitment of packing and smoking a whole bowl.

Sherlock Pipes

The Sherlock pipe is inspired by the curved pipes associated with the beloved character Sherlock Holmes. However this design choice is more than just an aesthetic one, it has a practical advantage. The long and curved stem helps filter dry herb before it reaches your mouth to provide you with a smoother smoking experience.

Spoon Pipes

When you think of a glass pipe, chances are, the first thing that comes to mind is a spoon pipe. These pipes have an indent known as the bowl and you light your herb directly. They’re relatively small and portable and easy to slip into your pocket or discreetly into your bag when you’re heading out for the day.

Water Pipes

They work by using a water chamber to allow the smoke to cool down a bit before it hits your mouth, producing a smoother inhale that some find more comfortable than other smoking methods. However, water pipes are not recommended for those who have a low tolerance, as they tend to produce a much more intense high than using a different type of pipe.

Check Out Our Collection

SMOKEA has a large collection of glass pipes for your convenience. Our products come in a myriad of styles, and a wide variety of price points so you can find the perfect piece to suit you and your budget.

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