Having a small smoking bubbler is one of the best investments a health-conscious smoker can make.
The difference between having a smart session and one that’s just harsh really does boil down to one decision — your device. With more smokers becoming mindful of what they put into their lungs, that decision is more important than ever.
Here’s the thing…
Smokers generally pick up whatever smoking device is closest to them and never think about it again. Health-conscious smokers know better. They spend some time finding the right one.
Here are five important factors to consider when choosing a quality smoking device. Plus, an explanation of why the right bubbler can take care of all of them.
Why Your Device Matters
A lot of smokers will take whatever pipe they can find and call it good. If you’re worried about what you put into your body, that just isn’t an option.
Your smoking device drastically impacts the temperature of smoke when it reaches your throat. How much particulate matter gets filtered out before you take a hit. Not to mention the smoothness and flavour of every hit you take.
Research agrees. Epidemiological evidence links water pipe use to lower levels of carcinoma in tobacco smokers compared to cigarette or pipe smokers. When it comes to your lungs, choosing the right device really does matter.
Think of your bubbler pipe as a mini-bong. It offers the water filtration and cooling you’re looking for in a way that’s portable and easy to use.
5 Factors When Choosing a Quality Smoking Device
When it comes to choosing your next smoking device, not all are created equal. Here are the factors that actually matter.
Water Filtration Quality
How much filtration your device provides is number one.
When using a bubbler, smoke is pulled through water before you inhale it. Not only does this allow the smoke to cool down, but it also filters out the heavier particles before they reach your lungs. Water filtration removes known smoke toxicants, with effectiveness directly tied to how much surface area the smoke contacts inside the water.
Look for:
- A deep enough water chamber to fully submerge your downstem
- A percolator to diffuse the smoke into smaller bubbles
- Consistent bubbles when you draw
The smaller the bubbles, the more surface area your smoke touches while inside your bubbler. More surface area equals a cleaner, cooler hit.
Build Material
This one is commonly overlooked.
The material your device is made from can greatly affect what you’re inhaling. Ideally, your bubbler is made from medical or food-grade borosilicate glass. Heat-resistant and chemically inert, borosilicate glass is used for laboratory apparatus all over the world. You won’t get any strange flavors or reactions from your bubbler because it won’t react to heat or residue.
Cheap glass is prone to crack under higher heat. Plastic bubblers may off-gas when exposed to high temperatures. Neither of these materials are something you want to find yourself smoking out of.
If glass is too fragile for your lifestyle, high-quality silicone is a good option. Just triple-check the product description to verify it’s either medical- or food-grade silicone before purchasing.
Bowl Size and Depth
Contrary to what you think, bowl size matters.
Big wide bowls hold more fuel but burn through it quickly. A smaller bowl gives you smaller hits, which is perfect if you only smoke occasionally. Most users find a medium bowl that allows for a good pack without waste.
Pro tip: Small bowls let you try more products without having to buy an ounce at a time.
Carb Hole Placement
This one might not occur to beginner bubbler users…
Your carb hole allows you to control airflow through the device. By covering the carb hole when you draw, you increase pressure in the chamber. Once you take your hit, uncovering the carb hole releases the built-up pressure and clears the smoke. When your bubbler is the right size, using the carb should feel natural.
Badly placed carbs force you to adjust your grip. This causes spillage and broken glass. Check where the carb is located next to your mouth before making a purchase.
Ease of Cleaning
Your bubbler should never be dirty.
Accumulation of residue and resin will happen the moment you stop cleaning your bubbler. A poorly designed bubbler that can’t be cleaned thoroughly will never stay clean. Water filters do you no good if the water you’re filtering is mixed with last week’s leftovers.
When considering a device purchase, keep these things in mind:
- Can you easily fit your cleaning tool into the chamber?
- Are all components easily removable?
- Does the interior chamber have smooth surfaces?
Thank resin build up for all those difficult to reach spots. If you can’t reach it, you can’t clean it.
It’s easy to clean a bubbler. A solution of isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt will break down nearly any residue. But you need to be able to reach it.
Device Materials: What to Look For (and Avoid)
Here’s a quick reference:
Materials You Should Look For:
- Borosilicate glass
- Food-grade silicone
- High-fired ceramic
Materials You Should Avoid:
- Thin or low-grade plastic
- Soda lime glass
- Devices with no description of what they’re made from
At first glance, high-quality materials can seem expensive. But they’re one of the best investments you’ll make as a health-conscious smoker.
Cleanliness Is the Most Important Factor
Yes, even above which smoking device you use.
Change your water after every use. Water left to sit accumulates particles from the smoke that passed through it. Smoking out of dirty water defeats the purpose of water filtration.
Give your bubbler a good cleaning once a week. A solution of isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt removes any built up residue effectively. Then rinse your bubbler thoroughly with warm water.
The takeaway: don’t smoke out of a dirty bubbler. Nothing about it is beneficial for you.
Compact vs Bulky Devices
Arguably the biggest benefit to using a bubbler over a traditional glass pipe.
Bongs provide great filtration, but they aren’t portable. Joint rings let you travel with your cannabis but skip out on filtration. The bubbler is middle ground. It gives you the water filtration you need in a smaller, more discreet package.
If you’re looking to take cleaner hits while on the go, nothing beats a bubbler.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right smoking device comes down to these five things.
- Water filtration quality
- What your device is made from
- Bowl size
- Carb hole placement
- Maintenance
A bubbler can check all of these boxes for you. Water filtration for smooth hits. Available in portable sizes that fit comfortably in your palm. As long as you clean it regularly.
Start with material and work your way down to filtration. They’ll guide you towards the right device.
