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

December 01, 2024

If you prefer smooth, flavorful hits but want something a bit more portable than a traditional bong, a bubbler bong might be your new best friend. Bubblers combine the best of both worlds: the compactness of a pipe and the water filtration of a bong. Easy to use and perfect for on-the-go sessions, they’re a great choice for anyone who wants a convenient way to enjoy flower with a bit of extra smoothness. Here’s everything you need to know about these unique pieces, from what is a bubbler to how to use one. 


What is a Bubbler?

A bubbler is a hybrid device—a cross between a traditional bong and a glass pipe. Made from glass and equipped with a percolation system, bubblers allow the smoke to pass through water, cooling it for a smoother hit. 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 

Red bubbler on a white background


Bubbler vs Bong: What’s the Difference

While a bubbler vs bong might seem similar, they have a few 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.


How a Bubbler Works 

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!


How to Use a Bubbler

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

Three glass bubblers sitting on a table against a white background

Step 1: Fill with Water

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


Step 2: Place Flower in the Bowl

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. 


Step 3: Ignite the Flower

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


Step 4: Cover Carb Hole & Inhale

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


Step 5: Release the Carb Hole

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


How to Clean a Bubbler

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.
Pink and orange glass bubbler on white background


Bubbler FAQs

Using a bubbler can be a fantastic way to enjoy a smooth, flavorful hit, but it’s natural to have questions about how to get the best experience. From cleaning tips to the basics of how much water to use, here are answers to some frequently asked questions that can help you make the most of your bubbler and keep it in top condition. If you want to know more, remember that your favorite budtender at your local LivWell dispensary is there to give you personalized recommendations and advice.


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. It’s much easier on your lungs and throat than smoking cannabis with a pipe. 

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.


Buying & Using Bubblers

Whether you’re new to bubblers or just looking for a smoother, more portable option, a bubbler bong can elevate your smoking experience with its unique blend of convenience and filtration. For more tips on choosing or using a bubbler, stop by your nearest LivWell dispensary and chat with your favorite budtender—they’ll be happy to help you find the perfect fit. 


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Sources:

1. “What is a bubbler and how do you use one?” CannaConnection, March 18, 2022, https://www.cannaconnection.com/blog/14948-what-is-bubbler-how-use-one

2. “What Is A Bubbler Pipe & How To Use It?” Herb, October 26, 2023, https://herb.co/learn/how-to-use-a-bubbler

3. “What’s a Bubbler Pipe and Why Would You Use One?” Leafbuyer, January 23, 2019, https://www.leafbuyer.com/blog/bubbler-pipe/

4. “Bubbler,” Weedmaps, https://weedmaps.com/learn/dictionary/bubbler

5. “Bubbler,” Leafly, https://www.leafly.com/learn/cannabis-glossary/bubbler




Please consume responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and medical marijuana patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.

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