If you crave smoother hits than standard hand pipes can provide but want something more portable than a full-size bong, a bubbler checks all the right boxes. Bubbler pipes are the perfect balance between a water pipe and a hand pipe. Bubblers typically feature a bowl, a water chamber, and a mouthpiece, with smoke being drawn through the water to filter out impurities and cool down the smoke before it's inhaled. Our collection of bubblers feature a wide range of designs, from classic hammers to more modern and innovative styles, each hand-selected for quality and functionality.
What Makes a Bubbler Pipe Special
Bubbler pipes are unique in that they combine the convenience and portability of a hand pipe with the filtration and cooling power of a water pipe. These pieces include a bowl for your herb, a water chamber, and a mouthpiece, allowing you to experience cooler hits without the bulky size of a full bong. When you inhale, smoke travels through water, where particulates are filtered out and the temperature is lowered before reaching your lungs. This process offers a more comfortable hit that highlights the flavors of your herbs.
The portability of a bubbler pipe is what sets it apart from bongs. Most models easily fit in a backpack or purse, making them perfect for gatherings or a solo session in the backyard. Beyond the outstanding filtration, the versatility of these pipes help you enjoy cooler inhales without hauling around larger glassware.
Components of a Bubbler Pipe
Most bubbler pipes feature a fixed bowl like a hand pipe, meaning the bowl is built into the piece. Unlike a bong, there's no need to remove a bowl between hits to control airflow. Instead you'll find a small air carb hole on the side. Filtration is usually handled by a diffuser downstem that's also securely fixed in place. Together, these components make bubblers easy to use, low-maintenance, and perfect for on-the-go water-filtered sessions. While these features make bubbler pipes great for travel, its important to remember you can't replace parts like you would with a bong.
How to Use a Bubbler Pipe
Using a traditional bubbler pipe is pretty straightforward. Start by filling the base with just enough water to submerge the holes of the fixed downstem or percolator. Pack your herb into the built-in bowl, then place your thumb or index finger over the carb hole located on the side. As you light the bowl and inhale, keep the air carb hole covered with your finger to build up smoke in the chamber. When you're ready to clear your hit, release your finger from the carb and inhale. Since most bubblers have a fixed bowl and downstem, there’s no need to lift anything. Just draw from the mouthpiece, clear, and enjoy!
Popular Bubbler Styles
There are a few types of bubblers that dominate the market. Each style offers slight differences in shape, stability, and filtration.
Hammer Bubblers
Hammer bubblers resemble a hammer when viewed from the side, featuring a flat base so they can stand upright without tipping. They are quick to set down between hits and generally easy to clean.
Upright Bubblers
Upright bubblers, or standing bubblers, stand upright when tabled and often resemble a small single chamber bong. Most upright bubblers feature a sidecar mouthpiece that attaches at a right angle to the main chamber which prevents splashback and ensures smooth hits at a relaxed angle. Standing bubblers often hold a bit more water than other styles, which can result in extra filtration with stable setup. This design is popular for even weight distribution and overall comfort.
Sherlock Bubblers
Modeled after the iconic pipe shape, Sherlock bubblers sport a gently curved or protruding neck that looks classy and extends the smoke path for extra cooling. This style feels comfortable to hold and offers an enjoyable flavor experience. Sherlock bubblers combine the handheld feel and functionality of a hammer bubbler with the size and stability of an upright bubber.
Bubbler Bongs
At first glance, it's hard to tell the difference between an upright bubbler and a bubbler bong. A bubbler bong includes a removable bowl piece, making its operation more similar to a traditional bong. This sets it apart from most upright bubblers, which usually have a fixed bowl and rely on a carb hole to control airflow. This style of bubbler allows you to replace the bowl piece if needed or add a
quartz banger for use with concentrates.
Mini Bubblers
These tiny pieces emphasize portability. Mini bubbler pipes deliver the benefits of water filtration on an even smaller scale, although the reduced water volume means you might need to watch out for splashback if you take big pulls. Mini bubblers are perfect for travel and discreet use. They're oftentimes designed for adding water filtration to your favorite pre rolls like joints and blunts.
Mini Joint Bubblers
Taking it another step further (we promise this is the last one), Mini Joint Bubblers are designed for adding water filtration to your favorite pre rolls. These niche mini bubblers work with joints and blunts of all sizes, and the small footprint won't alter your on the go lifestyle. MJ Arsenal and Grav specialize in a handful of these Mini Joint Bubblers.
Choosing the Right Bubbler Pipe
Consider a few personal preferences before pulling the trigger on a bubbler pipe. If you are an on-the-go smoker, hammer bubblers can be ideal. If you want maximum cooling, look for designs with more complex percolators or larger chambers. Upright bubblers and bubbler bongs with removable bowls will fit the bill here. Keep your budget in mind, and factor in aesthetics if you want something that is as much a piece of art as it is a smoking device.
Bubbler vs. Bong:
Both bubblers and bongs rely on water filtration to create smoother hits from your dry herb, but they differ in key ways that can help you pick your ideal piece:
Size and Portability
Bubblers tend to stand between five and eight inches tall. This smaller footprint is perfect for discreet storage or on-the-go sessions. Bongs, which typically range from eight inches and up, take up more space. If portability or quick setup is a priority, a bubbler is often the better choice. Some bong enthusiasts love the extra filtration power but may struggle to stash their piece out of sight or transport it safely.
Water Capacity
With less water in the chamber, bubblers are quicker to fill and easier to handle. They can spill less if you tip them, although the smaller water volume filters slightly less than a bong. For most users, this difference is minimal and still offers ample cooling.
Filtration Complexity
High-end bongs often include multiple percolators or intricate filtration systems for maximum smoothness. Bubblers typically use a simpler approach. This makes them easier to maintain, and they still deliver a pleasant level of cooling.
Flavor Delivery
Many smokers report that bubblers deliver more concentrated tastes, due to their smaller size and straightforward smoke path. In a bong, smoke travels a greater distance, which can reduce harshness further but may soften some of the flavors. Bubblers strike a nice of balance of flavor delivery by preserving taste while still filtering out harshness.
Price Point
Bubblers usually fall into a more budget-friendly category. While top-tier bubblers can be pricier if they incorporate complex percolators or artisanal craftsmanship, they still tend to cost less than higher-end bongs of similar quality.
Storage Needs
Since bubblers are compact, they do not require as much dedicated storage. A small drawer, closet, or shelf will hold most of them comfortably, making them easy to hide if the situation calls for it.
Bubbler Cleaning & Maintenance
Good cleaning habits help ensure you always get smooth, tasty hits from your bubblers. After each use, rinse your pipe with warm water to clear out loose debris. For a deeper clean, use isopropyl alcohol (at least 91 percent) and coarse salt. Pour the solution into the bubbler, cover the openings, and shake to loosen resin. Rinse thoroughly with warm water until there is no alcohol smell. Allow your bubbler to dry completely before storage to avoid lingering moisture that could affect taste in the future. For stubborn buildup, let your bubbler pipe soak in the solution, or explore specialized cleaners available in our store.
Final Thoughts
We're committed to providing our customers with the best possible smoking experience, and our collection of bubblers is no exception. We offer a carefully curated collection of top-quality bubblers that blend style, functionality, and durability. Whether you prefer a pocket-sized travel buddy or a more substantial showpiece with intricate diffusion, we will have the perfect match.
