A hand-held water pipe. Similar to bongs, a bubbler pipe has a mouthpiece, bowl, stem, and water chamber. Most bubblers have fixed bowls that can not be removed. As the name implies, the bubbler may also contain a percolator that aerates your smoke. Bubblers with fixed bowls feature a carb, or hole, that is used to clear out the smoke.

That bubbler gave me the smoothest hit ever. 

The percolator on the bubbler changed the air flow and provided a smoother hit than the dry pipe.

glass blue bubbler Photo by: Gina Coleman/Weedmaps

What is a bubbler?

A weed bubbler is an innovative smoking device that combines the benefits of full-sized bongs and regular spoon pipes.

If you compare bubbler vs bong, the key difference is size. Like regular bongs, a bubbler pipe uses water filtration to produce especially smooth and cool smoke. But unlike a full-sized bong, a bubbler pipe is handheld and therefore much more discreet, easy to use, and portable. Similarly, if you compare bubbler vs pipe, the key difference is the use of water filtration. Like a regular spoon pipe, a bubbler pipe is small and easy to carry, but a bubbler adds water filtration to enhance the smoking experience.

How to use a bubbler

Step 1: Add water to water chamber

Before anything else, add a small amount of water to the water chamber of your bubbler pipe. Give the piece a quick drag to test if you have the right amount. You need enough water to produce bubbles but not so much that it splashes into the bowl or mouthpiece.

Step 2: Pack the bowl

When you're satisfied with the water level, grind up your favorite strain of cannabis and pack the bowl end of your bubbler pipe. As with a regular spoon pipe, don't pack it so tightly that you struggle getting good airflow.

Step 3: Spark the herb

If your bubbler has a carb hole, place a thumb or finger over it. Hold the bubbler pipe to your mouth and, as you begin pulling in with your lungs, ignite a portion of the herb. As you continue pulling in, the smoke will flow from the bowl and into the water, creating tons of tiny bubbles. This bubbling action is what cools and filters the smoke.

woman smoking with bubbler Photo by: Gina Coleman/Weedmaps

Step 4: Clear the chamber

When you're ready to take your hit, remove your thumb or finger from the carb hole and use your lungs to clear the chamber of your bubbler pipe.

What's the difference between bubblers and bongs?

Bubbler or bong—what's the difference?

  • Size - Bubblers are much smaller than traditional bongs, making them more mobile and convenient.
  • Bowl and Downstem - Most bongs use a cone-shaped bowl that slides in and out of the downstem. Most bubblers, on the other hand, have no downstem and include a fixed bowl that looks like the ones on the end of a spoon pipe.

How much water do you put in a bubbler?

The amount of water you put into your bubbler pipe depends on the size of the piece. Larger water chambers will more water than smaller water chambers. In general, though, you really don't need that much water to get the proper amount of water filtration. Before packing the bowl with weed, first pour a small amount of water into the water chamber. Now hold the piece and give it a good drag with your lungs. Do you have enough water to create good bubbling action? Is there much water that it splashes out of the water chamber and into either the bowl or mouthpiece? The goal is to strike a balance between the two. Shoot for just enough water to create adequate bubbling, but not so much that it splashes into the bowl or mouthpiece.

Was this article helpful? Give Feedback

{EMAIL}
has been subscribed!

The information contained in this site is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as medical or legal advice. This page was last updated on June 9, 2021.