Your Guide to Types of Bong and Other Must-Know Bong Facts

By sean miller | May 17, 2020

Are you trying to figure out more about bongs? Read this article to learn about the different types of bongs and other key facts.

Are you looking to buy a bong, but aren’t quite sure which one to choose?

When it comes to smoking marijuana or CBD, a bong is one of the best devices to use. However, with so many different choices on the market, it can sometimes be difficult to decide which bong is right for you. 

To begin your bong-buying journey, it can be helpful to learn about the different types of bongs available. 

Check out this guide to learn about the different types of bongs as well as other must-know bong facts. 

What Is a Bong? 

Before we dive into the different types of bongs, we first need to discuss exactly what a bong is. As you probably already know, a bong is a device that’s used to smoke dry herbs, with one of the most popular herbs being marijuana. 

Bongs work by heating the herb by diffusing it through water. When the herb heats up, it produces smoke, which the bong filters before it reaches your lips. 

While bongs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, all bongs consist of the same basic components. Every bong is comprised of a:

• Stem: This is a tube that the smoke travels through after the herb has been heated 
• Bowl: This is where the herb that is being smoked is placed 
• Mouthpiece: This is where you inhale the smoke from 
• Water chamber: Connected to the mouthpiece, this is also where you inhale smoke from

Many bongs also come with percolators, which help to further filter and cool the smoke. 

Types of Bongs: Materials 

Now that you know about the basics of bongs, let’s talk about the different types of bongs on the market. When it comes to choosing a bong, there are two main things you need to look at: material and style. 

Let’s start by talking about the different bong materials:

Glass 

Glass is easily the most popular material used for bongs. 

People like glass bongs because they offer a clean, pure taste that doesn’t affect the flavor of the herb. Because glass is transparent, it’s easy to tell when there is a resin build-up. 

Additionally, cleaning a glass bong is very easy. 

However, glass bongs tend to be more expensive than other bong materials. 

Plastic 

After glass, plastic is the second most popular bong material. Plastic is extremely durable, and it’s also much cheaper compared to other materials. 

If you plan to travel a lot with your bong, plastic is usually the best choice, as you will never have to worry about it cracking or shattering. The only real downside to plastic bongs is that they can somewhat affect the taste of the herb. 

Ceramic

For those looking to buy an aesthetically-pleasing bong that is very unique in its shape and design, ceramic bongs are the answer. 

Ceramic clay is extremely malleable, which means it’s easy to find a ceramic bong that can double as a piece of beautiful artwork. However, it’s important to keep in mind that ceramic bongs are heavy and fragile, so they’re not the best for traveling. 

Bamboo

Bamboo bongs are particularly popular in Thailand and other Asian countries where the bamboo plant is cheap and plentiful. 

While bamboo bongs resemble wood, bamboo is actually a grass. However, when it’s completely dry, it has the look and feel of wood. 

While bamboo will affect the taste of the herb being smoked, many smokers like the additional flavor it adds. You can find bamboo bongs in many different styles, and it’s also a very durable material. 

Metal 

While metal isn’t as popular as some other materials, it’s still a great option. Metal is inexpensive, durable, and long-lasting. 

However, metal can affect the taste of your herbs, and it can sometimes be difficult to tell when a metal bong needs to be cleaned. 

Types of Bongs: Designs 

As we mentioned earlier, the design of the bong is another important factor to take into consideration. Here are some of the most popular designs to consider:

Carburetor 

Carburetor bongs contain a hole in the middle that produces a more intense hit. When you remove your finger from the carburetor, the hole brings fresh air into the pipe. 

This air then forces the smoke to hit your lungs more quickly, and it makes it easier for you to inhale all the pipe’s contents. 

Beaker-Shaped 

A beaker-shaped bong looks just like the beakers you use in science class, hence the name.

Due to their large base, these bongs are favored because of their stability. 

Straight-Tube 

The design of the straight-tube bong is very simple. This type of bong consists of a small tube that is sealed at one end with a stem and has the bowl poking out the side. 

To use this bong, all you need to do is place your herb in the bowl, put a little water in the tube, and you’re off to the races. 

Round-Base

These are similar to beaker bongs in that they also come with a wider base. However, the base is sphere-shaped with a flat bottom. 

This makes it slightly less stable than the beaker bong, but the mechanics are still the same and it’s still a great option. 

Percolator

Also known as a bubbler bong, this bong can take on many different shapes. What makes it unique is that it contains a percolator. 

As we mentioned earlier, the percolator acts as an added filter. 

Multi-Chamber

Also known as a recycler bong, this type of bong contains a straight tube that is separated into two chambers. 

These two chambers are connected by another tube or third chamber that allows the smoke to be filtered twice. 

Types of Bongs: Wrap Up 

Now that you know about the different types of bongs, it’s time to decide which one is right for you. Before you know it, you’ll be taking a hit from your brand new bong!

Be sure to check back in with our blog for more CBD and marijuana-related news and tips.