The Difference Between Dry Pipes, Bubblers, and Bongs

Dry pipes, bubblers, and bongs all serve the same purpose but differ in airflow, filtration, portability, and ease of use. Dry pipes offer quick, simple, waterless use. Bubblers combine portability with light water filtration. Bongs deliver the smoothest experience through deeper water percolation. Your choice depends on convenience, smoothness, and maintenance preferences.

Introduction to Dry Pipes: Understanding Dry Pipes, Bubblers, and Bongs

When exploring the world of glass smoking accessories, three classic categories always rise to the top: dry pipes, bubblers, and bongs. Each serves the same foundational purpose, yet they deliver dramatically different experiences in terms of smoothness, filtration, airflow, portability, and maintenance.

Beginners often wonder:

• What is the difference between a dry pipe and a bubbler?
• Is a bong always smoother?
• Which one should I start with?
• What accessories do I need?
• How do I use each type properly?

This guide answers all of these questions and provides a complete technical and practical breakdown of each type of glass piece. Whether you’re researching your first dry pipe, upgrading to a bubbler, or considering a full-size bong, this article will give you a clear understanding of their differences, strengths, limitations, and ideal use cases.

We will also recommend a few standout products—such as the Pulsar 510-DL Pipe Thermo Series, the MJ Arsenal Vulkan Bubbler, and the Honeybee Herb Dichro Cycliner Galaxy Bowl—to help illustrate real-world examples of quality craftsmanship in each category.

Let’s begin where most people start: the classic dry pipe.

Browse Dry Pipes → 

What Are Dry Pipes? (Definition, Benefits, and Use Cases)

Dry pipes are handheld glass pieces that require no water. They are compact, easy to use, simple to clean, and ideal for fast, portable sessions.

Dry pipes—often referred to simply as “pipes”—are the most straightforward smoking devices. They consist of:

• A bowl
• A stem
• An airflow path
• A mouthpiece

Unlike bubblers or bongs, a dry pipe does not use water filtration. Instead, the smoke travels directly through the glass pathway, delivering a more robust flavor and a traditional experience.

Key Features of Dry Pipes

• Highly portable
• Fast and easy to use
• Zero water required
• Minimal maintenance
• Discreet and compact

Their simplicity has made them a favorite for decades, from spoon pipes to sherlocks to steamrollers.

Modern pipes – Barnabell

How to Use a Dry Pipe (Simple Step-by-Step Guide)

1. Grind your dry herb finely.
2. Pack the bowl lightly to maintain airflow.
3. Hold the pipe securely.
4. If the pipe has a carb hole, cover it with your finger.
5. Light the bowl while inhaling gently.
6. Release the carb to clear the chamber.

Dry pipes provide a fast, efficient method of consumption, making them ideal for on-the-go use, outdoor settings, and casual sessions.

A Real Product Example — Dry Pipe Technology Meets Modern Vaping

This device blends the classic pipe shape with modern vape-cartridge technology, offering:

• A familiar ergonomic hold
• Zero combustion
• Clean flavor
• Reliable 650mAh battery

It’s not a traditional dry pipe, but its design illustrates how pipe-style accessories have evolved into new formats.

One standout crossover product is the:

Pulsar 510-Dl Pipe Thermo Series Cartridge Vape – 650mAh | 6Count

What Are Bubblers? (Definition, Filtration Benefits, and When to Use Them)

Bubblers are hybrid devices that combine the portability of a dry pipe with the water filtration of a bong, offering smoother airflow in a smaller form factor.

A bubbler looks like a dry pipe but includes a small water chamber. This tiny detail makes a major difference: smoke is cooled and filtered before reaching your lungs, reducing harshness and improving smoothness.

Key Features of Bubblers

• Portable like a hand pipe
• Uses water like a bong
• Easier on the throat
• Great for beginners
• Balanced size and performance

Because they require less water and smaller percs than a full bong, bubblers strike an ideal middle ground.

How a Bubbler Works (Simple Explanation)

1. Add a small amount of water to the bottom chamber.
2. Load the bowl like a standard dry pipe.
3. Inhale; smoke is pulled through the downstem into the water.
4. Water bubbles and cools the smoke.
5. Smooth, filtered smoke exits through the mouthpiece.

Bubblers excel in situations where you want smoother hits without carrying a full bong.

Real Product Example: MJ Arsenal King Toke Blunt Bubbler

MJ Arsenal King Toke Blunt Bubbler

Highlights:

• Evolution of the original Martian® blunt bubbler concept
• Double slit design for smoother, more controlled airflow
• Works perfectly as a dedicated blunt bubbler
• One-size-fits-most compatibility with rolled products
• Compact, ergonomic, and ideal for on-the-go sessions

This piece showcases how modern bubblers bridge the gap between dry pipes and full-sized water pieces, delivering smoother hits while staying highly portable. It’s a perfect example of how bubbler design continues to evolve with better ergonomics and smarter airflow.

Browse more bubblers

What Are Bongs? (Deep Filtration, Smoothness, and Power)

Bongs are water pipes designed for maximum filtration, using a larger chamber and percolation system to cool and diffuse smoke for smoother, more powerful hits.

Bongs represent the most advanced category of standard water pipes. They often include:

• Downstems
• Ice catchers
• Multi-chamber percs
• Large volume airflow
• Custom bowls or accessories

They provide the smoothest and coolest experience of all three categories.

Why People Choose Bongs

• Superior smoothness
• Cooler smoke
• Massive airflow
• Customization
• Compatible with ash catchers and specialty bowls

Because they filter through more water, bongs significantly reduce harshness.

Browse Products Bongs

Bong Accessories That Enhance Performance

One example accessory worth highlighting is:

Honeybee Herb – Dichro Fully Flooded Galaxy Bong Sldes

Features:

• Airflow Type: Single Hole
• High-quality glass construction
• Multicolored dichroic finish with cosmic shimmer
• 14mm male joint size
• Available in 4 vibrant colors
• Also known as Galaxy Bong Slides

This piece delivers a perfect blend of standout design and reliable function. Its fully flooded dichroic finish adds a cosmic glow to any setup, while the simple single-hole airflow keeps each hit smooth and consistent. It’s a great example of how bong accessories let users customize performance, airflow, and style without complicating their session.

Want to elevate your setup even more? Pair this slide with a high-quality downstem, and explore our blog for expert tips on cleaning, maintenance, and optimization.

Dry Pipes vs. Bubblers vs. Bongs — A Complete Comparison

Dry pipes are best for portability, bubblers are best for balanced smoothness, and bongs are best for maximum filtration and performance.

How to Use a Dry Pipe, Bubbler, and Bong Properly

All three devices share the same basic principles, but each has unique steps involving airflow, water levels, and technique.

How to Use a Dry Pipe

1. Load the bowl.
2. Cover the carb hole (if present).
3. Light while inhaling gently.
4. Release carb to clear airflow.

How to Use a Bubbler

1. Add enough water to just cover the downstem.
2. Load and light as usual.
3. Inhale slowly to avoid splashback.

Pro tip: Keep water low—bubblers are more sensitive to water levels.

How to Use a Bong

1. Fill the water chamber until the downstem slits are submerged.
2. Load bowl.
3. Light while inhaling steadily.
4. Remove the bowl to clear the chamber.

For beginners, start with small packs

Dry Pipe Accessories You Should Know About

Dry pipe accessories can improve airflow, flavor, and maintenance.

Examples

• Screens (glass or metal)
• Protective cases
• Specialty lighters
• Cleaning tools
• Smell-proof pouches

Explore dry pipe accessories here

How to Clean Dry Pipes, Bubblers, and Bongs

Cleaning frequency varies by device, but all benefit from a combination of isopropyl alcohol, salt, warm water, and proper drying.

Cleaning a Dry Pipe

1. Empty the bowl.
2. Shake with isopropyl alcohol + coarse salt.
3. Rinse thoroughly.
4. Dry fully before using.

Cleaning a Bubbler

Because bubblers have a fixed downstem, cleaning requires slightly more effort.

1. Add alcohol + salt.
2. Cover openings.
3. Shake for 1–2 minutes.
4. Rinse until residue is gone.

Cleaning a Bong

1. Remove bowl + downstem.
2. Soak both separately.
3. Clean the main chamber with alcohol + salt.
4. Rinse thoroughly.

For extremely dirty pieces, repeat the process.

Which One Should You Choose? Expert Recommendations

Choose based on filtration needs, lifestyle, and maintenance preferences.

Choose a Dry Pipe If…

• You want maximum portability
• You prefer strong flavor
• You want simplicity and low cost
• You’re frequently on the go

Dry pipes → 

Choose a Bubbler If…

• You want smoother hits than a pipe
• You like palm-sized glass
• You want water filtration without the size of a bong

Shop Bubblers → 

Choose a Bong If…

• You want the smoothest possible experience
• You prefer home sessions
• You enjoy customization and accessories
• You don’t mind deeper cleaning

Shop Bongs → 

FAQ

Key Takeaways

• Dry pipes: simple, portable, no water.
• Bubblers: hybrid devices offering smoother airflow.
• Bongs: maximum filtration and the smoothest experience.
• Your lifestyle and maintenance preferences determine the best option.
• Accessories like bowls, screens, and upgrade parts improve performance.
• Barnabell offers curated pipes, bubblers, and bongs for all experience levels.

Dry pipes, bubblers, and bongs each offer their own strengths, making them valuable in different contexts. Whether you want a small, discreet pipe; a smooth and compact bubbler; or a full-performance bong with advanced filtration, understanding their differences ensures you choose the right piece for your needs.