Are Bongs and Bubblers the Same?

A bubbler is a smoking piece that uses water to make bubbles and filters the smoke. While similar to a bong, bubblers are generally much smaller (and often resemble mini bongs) yet are also larger than a hand pipe. These smoking pieces are convenient for on-the-go use - they can be effortlessly stashed in smaller areas, are much easier to grab and handle, and are more portable than carrying around a bong.

Types of Bubblers

Looking to find the right bubbler for you? 

If you’re new to smoking with a bubbler, then it’s best to pick one that is easy to use and handle. From classic to more technical bubblers, our 420 Science collection offers various bubbler pieces to choose from. Here are some of the most popular types of bubblers and what to know about each:

Hammer Bubbler

Taking after its namesake, these hammer bubblers are shaped just like a hammer rather than a glass bowl, and can be discerned by an angled base and how they sit. These little guys are a popular type of bubbler and are known for having thick glass and giving smooth hits.

Sherlock Bubbler

With a name based on the infamous Sherlock Holmes’s wooden tobacco pipe, the base of this type is large and descends into a narrow neck. The benefit of having a long, thin neck allows for increased cooling as you smoke. However, beginners should be warned that this makes the piece more fragile and you could break your next Sherlock if you aren’t careful. 

Percolator Bubbler

Percolator bubblers take filtration a step further and use a filter to cool your smoke, making hits more smoother.

Silicone Bubbler

Unlike the most common type of material used to make bubblers, silicone bubblers are made of silicone - they tend to be on the more affordable end, and are great for beginners because they aren’t as easy to break.

Mini Bubbler

As you can tell from the name, mini bubblers are much smaller than regular bubblers and are favorable if you’re looking for a piece that is easy to put away or conceal or need a new travel companion. While the size may deceive you, they tend to be more difficult to use.

How to Use a Bubbler

The first thing to know before using a bubbler is the three main components: bowl, water chamber, and mouthpiece. All of these pieces will be recognizable if you’ve ever used a bong as they work similarly.

1. Fill the chamber with water - you’ll only need enough water to submerge the downstem. Because bubblers are smaller pieces, remember to change the water frequently to reduce resin buildup in the chamber.
2. Next, pack your bowl with weed. If your bubbler has a carb, cover it on the inhale.
3. Lastly, light up your bubbler and inhale through the mouthpiece. As you do, you should start to hear a bubbling sound! Release the carb and clear the chamber!

Find Your Next Bubbler at 420 Science

There are endless features and variety when it comes to shopping for a new piece. When you choose 420 Science as your online headshop, you get our enormous selection of only the best and free shipping for orders over $89, and quick, discreet packaging. If you still aren’t sure what piece is right for you, reach out to us, and we will be happy to help!