Types of glass and devices

The most straightforward glass form: a bowl, a chamber, and a mouthpiece. Spoon pipes excel at portability and simplicity.

How they work

Pack the bowl, cover the carb hole (if present), light, and inhale. Release the carb to clear. No water, no complex percolation — just direct draw.

When spoon pipes make sense

Travel situations where carrying water-based pieces isn't practical. Solo sessions require minimal setup. Users who prefer dry hits and direct flavor. Situations where discretion matters (smaller pipes are easier to store and transport).

Considerations

Direct draw without water filtration means higher temperatures. Dry pipes require more frequent cleaning — residue accumulates faster. A smaller chamber means less cooling before the vapor reaches your lungs.

Material and construction notes

Quality spoon pipes feature solid borosilicate construction with even wall thickness. Check that the carb hole (if present) is smoothly finished — rough edges catch on fingers. The bowl should have adequate depth without being so deep that it's difficult to pack or light evenly.

Vertical chambers with water filtration. The quintessential form of glass for flower consumption.

Basic function

Water in the base cools and filters the draw. A larger chamber provides space for vapor to expand and cool before inhalation. Most designs incorporate some form of percolation to facilitate additional diffusion.

Beaker vs. straight tube

Beakers feature wide, stable bases with maximum water volume. Straight tubes offer a more direct vapor path with less volume to clear. Beakers are suitable for group sessions, while straight tubes favor solo use and are easier to clean.

Size considerations

Larger bongs (14 inches or more) provide maximum cooling and filtration, but require a significant lung capacity to clear effectively. Smaller bongs (8-12 inches) strike a balance between portability and function. Mini bongs (under 8 inches) prioritize discretion and ease of use over filtration.

Ice catchers and additional features

Pinched necks or built-in notches hold ice for additional cooling. Splash guards prevent water from reaching your mouth during draws. Ash catchers (separate accessories) provide pre-filtration before the draw enters the main chamber.

Designed specifically for concentrate consumption. Smaller chambers and specialized joint configurations optimize vapor quality.

Why rigs differ from bongs

Concentrate vapor is already smooth. Smaller chambers prevent vapor from expanding too much and losing potency. You want minimal drag for maximum flavor preservation.

Chamber size matters

Rigs typically range from 5 to 10 inches. Smaller chambers preserve flavor and prevent vapor from cooling so much that it condenses before reaching your lungs. Larger chambers provide smoother hits but may sacrifice some flavor intensity.

Banger considerations

Rigs pair with bangers (quartz, ceramic, or titanium surfaces for heating concentrate). Banger quality matters as much as the rig itself. Joint angle affects ease of use — 45-degree joints position bangers more ergonomically than 90-degree joints.

Percolation for concentrates

Less is often more. Single perc or even no perc can be ideal for preserving terpene flavor. Multiple percs cool vapor effectively, but may over-filter and dilute flavor.

Hybrid between spoon pipes and bongs. Portable form factor with water filtration.

The compromise device

Bubblers deliver water filtration in a handheld format. More portable than bongs, smoother than dry pipes. The middle ground between convenience and function.

Common designs

Hammer bubblers feature an angled neck with a chamber beneath for water. Sherlock bubblers follow classic pipe shape with an added water chamber. Sidecar bubblers position the mouthpiece off to the side to prevent splashback.

Practical limitations

Limited water capacity means less filtration than full-size bongs. Smaller chambers can be harder to clean thoroughly. Some designs are prone to splashback during vigorous use.

Ideal use cases

For personal use, where portability is a priority, but you still need water filtration. Situations where setting up a full rig isn't practical. Travel pieces that still deliver smoother hits than dry pipes.

Minimal glass in its most essential form.

Design simplicity

Straight tube with bowl at one end, mouthpiece at the other. No carb, no chamber — just a direct path from bowl to mouth.

When they make sense

Ultra-portable situations. Quick, discrete sessions. Users who want minimal setup and cleanup. Situations where carrying larger pieces isn't practical.

Limitations

No filtration whatsoever. A very small capacity means frequent repacking. Gets hot quickly due to direct flame proximity.

Open-ended pipes that deliver powerful, direct draws.

How they differ

Both ends are open — one end functions as a carb, the other as a mouthpiece. Typically, larger diameter than standard pipes. Creates a rush of air when the carb is released.

User experience

Delivers intense hits due to minimal restriction and large carb opening. Not beginner-friendly — easy to overdo it. Requires some technique to use effectively.

When to consider

Experienced users who want powerful hits. Sessions where maximum efficiency matters. Users who are comfortable with direct draws.

Self-contained devices featuring electronic heating elements. A glass chamber is attached to a battery-powered base.

How they function

Rechargeable battery powers heating element (ceramic or quartz). Temperature controls let you dial in exact heat. Glass attachment provides water filtration. No torch required.

Advantages

Precise temperature control preserves terpenes. Consistent experience — no variation from torch technique. Portable power means use anywhere. Safer than open flames.

Considerations

Higher upfront cost than traditional rigs. Battery life limits session length. Glass attachments can break (but are usually replaceable). Requires regular charging.

Popular models and features

Higher-end e-rigs offer app connectivity for precise temp control, longer battery life (2+ hours), and better build quality. Entry-level options sacrifice some features but deliver core functionality at a lower cost.

Daily solo use

Medium-sized bong or rig (8 -10 inches). Easy to clean, it doesn't require a huge lung capacity, and it's stable enough for regular handling.

Group sessions

Larger bongs (12+ inches) with substantial water volume. Multiple percs ensure smooth hits for everyone. A wide base prevents tipping during passing.

Travel and portability

Compact bubblers or spoon pipes. E-rigs, if you don't mind charging requirements. Pieces under 8 inches fit in bags without dominating space.

Flavor-focused sessions

Small rigs (under 8 inches) with minimal percolation. E-rigs with precise temperature control. Avoid excessive filtration that strips terpenes.

Convenience priority

E-rigs eliminate torch requirements. Simple bongs with removable parts simplify cleaning. Pieces with fewer breakable components.