[Practical Guide] How Does a Bong Work and How to Use It?

A bong, also known as bubbler, binger and more, is a marijuana pipe that cools and filters the smoke by producing a smooth & clean-tasting experience. There's a simple science behind how a bong works. While smoke is pulled through a water-filled chamber, the smoke bubbles up with the liquid which cools down the temperature of the smoke. Through this process, fine particulate matter is pulled out, also including tar and ash. If you have been looking for 'How to use a water bong', stay hooked on this article to learn more!

What is a Bong?

The word bong has been derived from the Thai word 'Baung' which means a bamboo tube used for smoking weed. It is a smoking tool that is designed in a way to filter and cool down the smoke that comes from the ignited cannabis. This device has been around for centuries now. Although today's bong looks a lot more advanced than the simple bamboo tube, all of them work in the same way.

There are varieties of bong available in the market ranging from basics to aesthetic masterpiece. This smoking tool is the most common way to consume dried marijuana. The reason is its ease of use. All you need to do is add water, pack it with your dried marijuana flower, light it and inhale the smoke through the mouthpiece.

How Does a Bong Work?

A lot of beginners might be mystified about 'how does a bong work?' All of us know how it gets us high, but are you fully aware of its parts and what do they really do that gives you a great experience?

Let's just stop staring at it and learn the anatomy of a bong!

Parts of a Bong

No matter how advanced or fancy a bong is, it usually consists of 5 major parts:

Mouthpiece: It is from where you inhale the smoke, and allow the green effects to hit you.

Bowl: This is where the ignition happens. You pack your bowl with dried cannabis and combust it. In most bongs, you can remove the bowl which also works as a slide carb.

Base: It is where you fill the water and the smoke passes through it to cool down and reach the mouthpiece.

Downstem: Do you know how smoke makes the journey from the bowl to the base? It is this small tube through which the smoke percolates through the water and gets you high.

How does it work?

Now that you are clear about the parts of an advanced bong, let's move on to 'How does a bong work?'

The process of smoking starts from the bowl of the bong, but the mechanics start from the opposite end: The mouthpiece.

When you gently start inhaling smoke from the mouthpiece, it creates a vacuum between water and your mouth in the bong. This is exactly how you suck water through a straw.

As you ignite your dried herb in the bowl, the smoke starts flowing through the downstem and into the base of the bong.

And, this is where the magic begins!

Smoke being relatively lighter than water makes it flow through the tube. All you need to do is suck the content of the base and the smoke will rise through the water. This process happens in the percolator which is responsible for cooling down the temperature of the smoke.

As the smoking process begins, water in the base of the bong acts like a filter and traps all the impurities giving you clean smoke. The marvellous thing about the cannabinoids and terpenes is that they are insoluble in water, so the majority of them percolate into the mouthpiece which gives you a good high.

| Also Read: Old-School Bong: How to Make A Water Bottle Bong? |

Different Types of Bongs in the Market

As we have already discussed the anatomy of a bong as well as the functions, let’s take a look at the different types of bongs.

Chambered Bongs:

One of the best and the most popular bongs are chambered bongs which ensures a smooth and clean hit. They come in various styles, be they basic or quirky. In these types of bong, the chambers are equipped inside the bong and are stacked on top of each other. Each chamber serves a purpose,i.e, filter the impurities while smoking. This filtration process does not happen only through one water chamber but depends on the number of chambers present.

Percolator Bongs:

You will find numerous types of percolator bongs in the market. Just like chambered bongs, these percolator bongs too help in filtering the smoke. These bongs have numerous slits and holes that help in extra airflow and circulation, giving you a supreme toking experience. 

Recycler Bongs:

Different from percolator and chambered bongs, recycler bongs have a two-chamber system that recycles water causing a loop like motion. This process allows vapour to come in contact with air for less time. It also acts as a splash guard, making it difficult for the water to travel to the mouthpiece. You will experience the tastiest hit out of this bong!

Straight Tube Bongs:

As the name says, this is a classic old fashioned bong that has a simple design. All it has is a water chamber at the base which filters the smoke. The straight tube lets smoke hit your lungs directly from the bong. Although they are not recommended for longer times, they can still do a great job at getting you stoned.

| Also Read: How to Use a Percolator Bong - The Complete Guide |

Advantages of Using a Bong

Do you know what makes Bong a loveable smoking device? It is the ability to cool and filter the smoke through water. This process gives a smooth draw even if you inhale a large amount of smoke.

Those who typically roll a joint feel the heat of the smoke while inhaling, but not with a bong. This device offers cooling while maintaining the aroma and flavour of cannabis. If compared with a joint, bong offers a smoother toke which is less harsh and easier on our throat and lungs. It also adds water percolation, offering less trouble than a dry joint.

It is easy to maintain and clean your bong. You can either wash it with water or just wipe off any speck of dirt on the glass body with a damp cloth. There are various shapes and sizes that you can select as per your taste and aesthetic.

Let's Discuss Some FAQs:

It is normal to have multiple questions if you are a beginner or a newbie to smoking a bong. Let's answer some FAQs!

Why is there water in a bong?

As we discussed earlier, water helps the smoke float. They cool down the heat in the smoke to have a smooth experience on your throat and lungs. Since marijuana and terpenes are non-water soluble, it also filters any impurity from entering your system.

How do you smoke out of a water pipe?

Put your mouth on the mouthpiece and light the cannabis pack. Inhale slowly while igniting it. The water will bubble, making the smoke float.

What all things can I smoke in a bong?

A bong is perfect for smoking and getting high. You can use cannabis, tobacco or any other herbal substance as per your taste to get a good hit.

Can I smoke bong without water?

No, smoking bong without water can be harsh to your lungs. If you don't want to smoke with water, there are a lot of alternative solutions like iced tea, hot tea and many more. Avoid smoking a bong without water.

How do you smoke in a small bong?

A small bong works exactly like a big bong. Place your mouth in the mouthpiece creating a seal. Ignite the herbs packed in the bowl and suck the smoke simultaneously. After this, clear the bong to avoid smoking the burnt product.

The Bottom Line

If compared with a rolled joint, a bong cools and filters the smoke for you making it less harsh for you to inhale and get stoned. For those looking for 'how to use a small water bong', we hope you got your answer. Surf the internet to understand what kind of bong will work perfectly for you. Expensive bongs are made up of thick material (that means easy maintenance), and good design. 

However, cheap bongs work efficiently. Before buying one, it is recommended to understand your need and take the help of an expert. Made up of simple glass pieces, bongs are one of the most popular pot-smoking styles.

Take a look at Olivastu’s Bong Collection to get a vast number of options to choose from!