What Is a Bubbler Bong & How Do You Use It?

High Points

• A bubbler bong is a portable cannabis smoking device, offering water filtration like a bong but in a smaller, all-in-one glass piece. It cools smoke for smoother hits and usually includes a bowl, stem, water chamber, mouthpiece, and a carb hole for airflow control.
  
  
• Using a bubbler is simple: fill it with enough water to cover the downstem; pack the bowl with flower (not too tight); light it; inhale while covering the carb hole; then release the carb to clear the chamber.
  
  
• Clean your bubbler regularly to keep your cannabis flower tasting fresh. Soak it in isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt for about an hour, then rinse thoroughly.
  
  

Bubbler

Also: Bubbler Bong, Bubbler Pipe

A bubbler pipe is a cannabis smoking vessel that uses water to cool the smoke before inhalation, similar to a bong but much smaller. While they come in different shapes, colors, materials, and designs, bubblers all have one thing in common: they make a soft bubbling sound when you inhale.

A bubbler is a small cannabis flower smoking device that uses water to filter the smoke before inhalation. Made from glass and equipped with a percolation system, bubblers allow the smoke to pass through water, cooling it for a smoother hit--similar to a bong.

It’s typically crafted as one solid glass piece, so a bubbler includes all the essentials in one: the bowl, stem, water chamber, and mouthpiece. Most designs also feature a carb hole, giving you control over airflow so you can keep the ember going without constant relighting. Sometimes called bubbler pipes, they’re known for being highly portable and offering a unique smoking experience.¹

A glass bubbler has several main components: a bowl, stem, water chamber, and mouthpiece. It may also have a carb hole. The design allows the smoke to travel down through the water, which cools it before it reaches your throat and lungs. It may also have several water chambers (also called percolators), which cools and filtrates the smoke even more compared to having only a single percolator.³ Think of it like a mini bong in a single piece!

Using a bubbler is straightforward, but follow these few steps on how to use a bubbler to get the best experience.

Start by filling the bubbler with water until it covers the downstem. You want enough to create bubbles but not so much that it splashes up when you take a hit.⁴

Add your favorite cannabis flower to the bowl. With bubblers, you’ll use a bit less flower than in a regular bong but more than in a one-hitter. Remember to not pack the flower too tightly since you definitely want to leave some room for airflow. A smaller bowl also means you can try different strains or switch things up without needing a large amount.

Similar to using a bong or pipe, it’s now time to light up your flower.

Put your thumb over the carb hole to control airflow as you inhale.

Lift your thumb off the carb to clear the chamber, giving you a smooth and full hit.

While a bubbler is a type of bong, not all bongs are bubblers. Here are a few of the key differences:²

• Size: Bongs are generally larger and can have multiple detachable parts, while bubblers are more compact and usually made of a single piece of glass.
  
  

• Ease of Cleaning: Bubblers can be a bit trickier to clean because of their all-in-one design, whereas bongs often have removable parts that make cleaning simpler.
  
  

• Customization: Bongs offer more customization options with accessories, while bubblers tend to be more straightforward and less modifiable.
  
  

Ultimately, if you want an easy-to-maintain device, a bong might be better, but a bubbler’s simpler construction means fewer parts to worry about, which can be a win.

Regular cleaning is important to help maintain the flavor and functionality of your bubbler. Even though you can’t scrub the inside of the bubbler, you can keep it clean.⁵ Here is a simple method to follow:

• Fill the bubbler with 99% isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt. This mixture acts as a cleaning solution, breaking down any residue.
  
  

• Let it soak. Leave it for about an hour, and swish the salt around occasionally to dislodge buildup.
  
  

• Rinse the bubbler thoroughly. Once cleaned, rinse the bubbler with water and let it air dry before using it again.
  
  

When it comes to pipes, bubblers get some of the most questions from our customers. Here are a few answers to keep you informed:

How often should I clean my bubbler?

Ideally, you’d want to clean your bubbler after each session to keep it in top shape and ensure the best taste and smoking experience.

Can I put concentrates in my bubbler?

It’s best not to put cannabis concentrates in your bubbler pipe. Bubblers are designed for cannabis flower, and using concentrates could lead to a sticky buildup that’s hard to clean, especially since bubblers can’t be disassembled.

What does a bubbler do to smoke?

A bubbler cools the smoke by pulling it through water, just like a bong, giving you a smoother experience.

How much water do you put in a bubbler?

You should add just enough water to cover the downstem and create bubbles. Adding too much can cause water to splash back while you’re taking a hit.

Can you put a joint in a bubbler?

No, bubblers are designed to be packed with cannabis flower in the bowl, similar to a bong or pipe.

Is a bubbler the same as a water pipe?

A bubbler is a type of water pipe (bong), only much smaller.

How often should I change the water in my bubbler?

If you smoke regularly, you should change your water once a day. This will limit resin buildup in your bubbler. If you’re not a regular consumer, you should change the water in your bubbler every couple of days. Not only will this make your cannabis taste better, but it will also keep your bubbler from growing mold or bacteria that could make you sick.²

Using a Bubbler

If you enjoy smoking with a water pipe, and you’re looking for something more conveniently sized, a bubbler is a great option for you to try. Just visit your local dispensary and talk to your favorite budtender. They’ll show you the selection they have available in stock and help answer any questions you may have about bubblers.