With so many options on the table, it can be hard to know which bong is best for your budget or routine. Below, we break down the most popular bong types for cannabis enthusiasts.
If you’re catching science lab vibes, you’re not far off. The beaker bong includes a flared base and resembles a science flask and test tube. People like beaker bongs for their stability, as well as their ability to hold more smoke.
Straight tube bongs boast an extra tall neck and often come with added features such as ice catchers, extra chambers, and percolators. Straight tube bongs clear faster than beaker bongs, providing less drag and delivering direct hits.
Also known as round-base bongs, these pieces are anchored by a large “bubble” or sphere-shaped base. Though they’re less stable than other bongs, the chamber holds plenty of water for cool, smooth flavor.
Let’s face it: dirty bongs are dangerous. After repeated use, glass bongs can collect ash, tar, and debris — or worse become a haven for harmful bacteria. Learn how to properly clean your bong and get back to the good times.
- sopropyl alcohol
- Coarse salt
- Pipe cleaner
- Dish soap
- Large resealable plastic bag
While some bongs are made of one, solid piece, many options include moveable parts, including the bowl, joint and downstem. Before you clean your bong, remove these pieces and set them aside for separate cleaning.
Dirty bong water not only ruins the flavor of your smoky hits, it’s also super dangerous to inhale. When your bong water is rusty brown or resinous, it can produce harmful bacteria and mold and lead to lung infections, or even pneumonia. Pour it out!
Grab your large resealable bag, place the bong inside, and fill the chamber with roughly 16 ounces of isopropyl alcohol (or about halfway). Swish the solution around and let it soak — about five minutes or so. You can also start soaking the moveable parts off to the side.
Add a generous portion of coarse salt to the mix and swish the pipe around vigorously. The salt mixture helps scrub resin and debris off the sides of your bong for an easy clean. You may need to use a pipe cleaner to scrub off stubborn residue.
After your alcohol mixture has had a chance to soak in, thoroughly rinse out your bong with hot water and dish soap. Repeat this process until you are absolutely sure the alcohol mixture is gone. Remember: Alcohol is flammable, so you definitely don’t want to miss this step. Once you’re sure, place your rinsed bong on a stable surface to dry. That’s it!
Pro Tip: To avoid dangerous build-up, be sure to replace your bong water before every smoke session and clean your piece at least once a week.