Are you new to bubblers? Perhaps you’re curious about them but aren’t quite sure where to begin checking. Or maybe you have used one before but are not familiar with the best ways to use it or the types available.
You have reached the right place if you want to know how to use a bubbler and its various types.
Read on to know more about this smoking device.
Bubblers: Definition and Purpose
First, a bubbler is a water pipe that has several different names. It may also be called a “waterfall,” “hands-free,” or “bubbler.” The term varies from state to state and from person to person.
A bubbler usually consists of a bowl, a down stem, a water chamber, and a mouthpiece attachment. It is intended to cool the smoke from your dry herb, hybrid, or concentrate. A bubbler is smaller than a bong and more significant than a pipe. You can think of it as somewhere in between.
In many cases, this device will have one hole on the side instead of the more usual two for a bong.
Components of a Bubbler
By looking at their components, you can see how bubblers are different from bongs and pipes. Listed below is an explanation of each component’s function:
Down stem – This part of the bubbler acts as a connector between the bowl and the water chamber. It also allows smoke to pass from one part of the bubbler to another part.
Bowl – A bowl is where you put your dry herb, concentrate, or hybrid. The point of using a bowl rather than an attachment that already has your material in it is to prevent vapor lock.
Water Chamber – The water chamber is the place where you put your mouth. It also acts as a filter for smoke that passes through it into your mouth.
Mouthpiece – You use this to cover the top opening of the bubbler when you are not using it so that no other smoke escapes or other particles enter it.
Types of Bubblers
There are several kinds of bubblers, but they usually fall into one of the following categories.
Sidecar Bubbler
It is shaped like a cylinder, has one hole on the side for you to inhale from. Because it only has one hole, this type of bubbler is also often called a “hands-free” or “HFL.”
Fountain Bubbling Pipe
Another name for this bubbler is an “oblique” bubbler because of its diamond-shaped body slanted at an angle.
It has a mouthpiece on the top and a hole on the side for you to inhale from. As this is more common, it’s often easier to find than other types of bubblers.
One Hole Glass Bubbler
This kind of bubbler has a hole on the side and one on top. It is made of glass and can be found in different colors, shapes, and sizes.
The key to using a bubbler is to fill it with enough water that you get a fair amount of filtration when you smoke. You don’t want it too full or too empty either. You want to find that sweet spot where it’s not too filling and not too empty.
Steps to Use a Bubbler
According to reports, in terms of marijuana products preference, 43.6 percent prefer flowers, 16.6 percent vapor pens, 9.8 percent concentrates, 9.6 percent prerolls, and 9.6 percent edibles. This report showcases how consumers use various marijuana products. Bubblers are a popular way to smoke stuff.
The following are the steps to use a bubbler:
Fill the water chamber with enough water to be complete about one-fourth of the way. When you inhale, exhale into the mouthpiece side or directly into the mouthpiece if no mouthpiece is attached.
Ensure that the down stem is tightly attached to the water chamber, and attach the bowl to the down stem. Pack your dry herb into the bowl, being careful not to pack it too tightly because this can cause a clog.
When you’re done packing it, use a tamper or other tool to ensure it is tightly packed.
Put your mouth on the top of the bubbler and inhale while you press down on the mixture in your bowl. You do not want to pull up–only press down.
How to Choose the Right Bubbler?
Now that you know how to use a bubbler, you may be wondering how to choose the right one for you.
Here are a few things you should look at before buying a new bubbler.
Size
Consider what size bubbler will best fit your needs. Remember that it can be uncomfortable to hold and use if the bubbler is too large. Also, a large bubbler may not fit well in your pocket or purse.
Decorations
Bubblers can be decorated with acrylic paint or decals or left their natural color without any embellishments on them at all.
The choice is up to you, but consider what kind of design you want on your bubbler, or if you even want a decoration at all.
Color
As with any other glass product, you have a choice of different colors for your bubbler. Bubblers can be found in many different colors, so it may be easy to find one that matches your style.
Try going to a smoke shop or head shop to find the best bubbler for you.
Price
As with many other glass products, bubblers can vary in the price range. Keep in mind what you are looking to get out of your new bubbler before choosing one.
A more expensive bubbler usually means better quality, but there are good quality bubblers on the market that cost less.
Percolators
Some bubblers will have built-in percolators, while others may come with a diffuser down the stem to use instead. You can also buy a percolator attachment for your bubbler separately if you need one.
These items all do the same thing: help filter and cool smoke before inhaling through the mouthpiece.
Bowl
Some bubblers will come with a bowl already attached to the water chamber, but others may need you to purchase one before it is usable.
Bowls are usually made of ceramic, glass, or titanium. You can buy bowls for your bubbler much larger than what comes standard when you first purchase it.
Durability
Bubblers are made of glass, which is a very fragile material. Although the smoke chamber and mouthpiece may be sturdy, try not to drop your bubbler because this can cause it to break.
If you are carrying your bubbler around with you, make sure to find a case or sleeve that will protect it from damage.
You can use these tips to buy the best bubbler for a unique smoking experience.