Glass Bubblers 101
What is a bubbler?
Glass bubblers are a hybrid between a water pipe and a hand pipe. The best aspects from both types of smoking apparatuses put into one convenient piece. Much like a hand pipe, they are more compact and easier to transport than a water pipe. And, like a water pipe, the water in a bubbler filters your smoke making for a much smoother hit.
How to choose a bubbler
Bubblers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Before purchasing a new bubbler, here’s a few things to keep in mind:
- Make sure it stands up on its own, nice and sturdy. You don’t want your bubbler to fall over and spill water while you're in the middle of packing a bowl of kush.
- Just like with hand pipes and water pipes, you want your glass to be thick. The thicker the glass, the less likely it is to break. No one is clumsy proof. It will fall eventually.
- Keep in mind the size and shape of the piece you are wanting to buy. Pieces may greatly range in size and weight, so be sure to ask yourself a few important questions: How easy will it be to clean? How much water will be in it? Does it fit in your hand nicely?
How to use a bubbler
Simply fill your bubbler up (about halfway) with water. If you don’t have any clean water, don’t worry, you can use your bubbler dry as well! Thankfully though, bubblers typically use much less water than a standard water pipe. Much like a water pipe or hand pipe, you will light your herbs in the piece’s bowl, and with your thumb over the carb hole, draw your hit. Then lift your thumb to inhale and clear the hit.
Pro tip: give the water level a test run before you pack your bowl. If water reaches your mouth, you may have overfilled the glass bubbler. Pour some of the water out and try it again.
And there’s the basics of bubblers! We hope this helps you choose your next bubbler with confidence. Check out our selection of bubblers in our online smoke shop here.