Different Types of Percolators: How to Choose the Perfect One?

There are different types of percolators used in modern bongs, such as tree perc, inline, honeycomb, jellyfish, and so on.

The variety of percolators allows bong enthusiasts like you to choose based on their preferred style, smoothness, flavor, cost, or cooling effects. But the question is: how do you find the best one that suits your needs? To get the answer, go through our guide highlighting 24 types of percolators' functions, structures, pros, cons, factors to consider before buying one, and more.

What are the Different Types of Percolators Bong?

Are you a bong lover searching for the best types of percolator bongs? Or looking for a triple percolator bong or a mini percolator bong to enhance your aesthetics? If so, check out our amazing listings and buy one that suits you. Each percolator bong we’ll be comparing by considering these factors:

• Filtration level,
• Diffusion efficiency,
• Cooling ability,
• Airflow resistance,
• Design complexity,
• Ease of cleaning,
• Durability, Size & portability,
• User experience level,
• Visual aesthetics, and
• Cost.

Here’s the key information (smoothness & user level) presented in a simple table format:

For more in-depth details of each percolator bong, check out the next the now!

1. Honeycomb Percolator 

Bong This percolator bong type is the same as its name. Its mesmerizing hexagonal patterns provide supreme filtration and symmetry in a disc-shaped structure. It features flat, disc-shaped percs with many small holes resembling a honeycomb, bringing elegance and effectiveness. As a multi-chamber percolator bong, you experience endless bubbles through a meticulous filtration process. It is easy to clean, which makes this perc a trendy yet favorite among bong lovers.

• Structure: A horizontal disc with multiple small holes.
• Function: Provides excellent diffusion by breaking smoke into tiny bubbles.
• Pros: High filtration, smooth hits, minimal drag.
• Cons: Hard to clean due to multiple holes or can clog if not maintained.

2. Tree Percolator Bong

Tree perc glass bongs are one of the most common types and are known for tree arms among smoking enthusiasts. It has one major trunk in the center and different branches (between 4 and 10) coming off the trunk. Each arm is inlay slits or small holes at the bottom, beneath the water line inside the chamber. Whenever smoke passes through the trunk and down into the arms, it diffuses into tiny bubbles. It might be difficult to clean but offers good diffusing smoke.

• Structure: Multiple brancking arms (like tree branches) with slits.
• Function: Filters smoke through each slit/arm, creating multiple diffusion points.
• Pros: Excellent diffusion and cooling.
• Cons: Fragile, hard to clean.

Inline Percolator

Inline bong percs consist of a horizontal tube with multiple evenly spaced slits or holes. It is mainly positioned at the bong’s base and maximizes the surface area for interaction with the water. Bong percolator users prefer inline for its simplicity, ease of cleaning, and reliability. You don’t need to look for a reliable and efficient filtration option when you’ve got inline percs.

• Structure: Straight tube with slits facing downward.
• Function: Smoke passes through slits for diffusion.
• Pros: Compact, efficient diffusion. 
• Cons: Can be restrictive to airflow.

Diffused Downstem Percolator

A diffused downstem is a simple percolator that’s often found in many bongs. It’s a tube connects the bowl to the main water chamber, featuring small slits or holes along the length of the downstate. These slits or holes diffuse the smoke when it travels from the bowl into the water, creating bubbles for better filtration.

• Structure: Angled or straight tube with slits.
• Function: Diffuses smoke as it enters the water.
• Pros: Simple, effective, easy to replace.
• Cons: Limited diffusion compared to others.

Showerhead Percolator Bong

This perc is a unique type of smoking device that uses a showerhead percolator to filter and cool the smoke. Here, you notice a cylindrical chamber with small hits or holes at the bottom. Whenever the smoke passes through the chamber, it breaks into small bubbles and produces smoother, less harsh smoke. However, it looks like a simple version of a circ perc which has one circle with slits or holes in it. This can also be found in the base of the bong or attached to a bong downstream. Every type of showerhead bong percolator combines impressive power with a minimal drag that offers a refreshing smoking experience.

• Structure: Round head with multiple slits.
• Function: Splits smoke into many streams.
• Pros: Great diffusion, durable.
• Cons: Can restrict airflow.

Turbine Percs Bong

Another popular bong percs is turbine or vortex bong percolators. Its innovative type of percolator elevates your smoking experience to new heights. Like a honeycomb, it features a disc-shaped design that takes up minimal space. However, the percolator is found above or beneath the water in a bong, offering a unique visual effect. Both water and smoke make a cool swirling motion and act as a splash since water comes through it at an angle.

• Structure: Blades or fins that spin when air passes through. 
• Function: Spins smoke for better diffusion.
• Pros: Unique function, smooth hits.
• Cons: Hard to clean, can break easily.

Donut Percolator

The Donut percolator is like a scaled-down version of a Swiss perc. It’s a vertical donut of glass placed in the middle of the bong. Both water and smoke filtered around the donut and produced a smooth hit. The chamber is filled with water, and as the smoke passes, it breaks into smaller bubbles. However, some donut percs have additional percolators underneath them, such as inline or showerhead.

• Structure: Circular tube with holes.
• Function: Smoke passes through holes for diffusion.
• Pros: Even diffusion, compact.
• Cons: Can clog over time.

Swiss Percolator Bong

This percolator is also known as a Swiss cheese percolator or Faberge egg bong. Its unique types of percs are found in different sizes and consist of stacked circular discs with multiple-spaced holes. All those discs are arranged vertically. Whenever you inhale from this Swiss percolator bong, the smoke passes through the thin glass walls and around the holes of the disc, creating a whirlwind of bubbles. Overall, it provides excellent filtration and diffusion with smooth and satisfying hits.

• Structure: Flat or curved surface with tiny holes.
• Function: Creates fine bubbles for smooth hits.
• Pros: Excellent diffusion, smooth hits.
• Cons: Hard to clean, prone to clogging.

Disc Percolator

Horizontal and circular percolators are built with a series of small holes or slits to diffuse the smoke. Disc bong parks are known for their simple yet classy design that provides excellent cooling and filtration. However, it features a flat, perforated disc of glass welded into the water pipe. These are typically flat and allow air to travel through the water in a bubble-like style. You’ll experience soothing hits without any harshness.

• Structure: Flat or slightly curved disc. 
• Function: Splits smoke into small bubbles.
• Pros: Simple, effective.
• Cons: Limited diffusion compared to others.

Matrix Percolator Bongs

The last but most popular bong percs is Matrix. It is designed to have multiple slits and holes to produce a matric and effective. It enhanced the diffusion and filtration of smoke. However, its complex design produces an aesthetically pleasing smoke flow in every puff.

• Structure: Grid or honeycomb-like structure.
• Function: Creates fine bubbles for smooth hits.
• Pros: Great diffusion, durable.
• Cons: Hard to clean.

Faberge Egg

The name Faberge Egg perc’s is originated from the swiss chess-looking holes. Airflow around the holes helps reduce the resistance and diffusion of the smoke. It’s both functional and cool in design. It has spherical chambers with hollow centers. These pipes have multiple holes, which can make for great dabber holders.

• Structure: Oval shape with slits around the surface.
• Function: Splits smoke into fine streams.
• Pros: Unique design, smooth hits.
• Cons: Fragile.

Barrel Percolator Bong

This one is a specific type of percolator with a barrel shape. It provides a sleek and effective filtration system, keeping water from shooting too far up the stem, resulting in smoother hits. You can buy this perc bong due to its durability and effectiveness in diffusing smoke. Here, a larger amount of water is used for the filtration process. Similar to inline percs, it is an excellent choice for enjoying a high-quality experience.

• Structure: Barrel-shaped tube with slits.
• Function: Smoke passes through slits for diffusion.
• Pros: Excellent diffusion, smooth hits.
• Cons: Can restrict airflow.

Ratchet Percolator 

A Rachet percolator is a type of percolator used in bongs to increase smoke diffusion and cooling like other percs. It comes with a series of vertical slits or holes inside a chamber. The slits are arranged in a “ratchet-like” pattern, making that they function in a way that forces the smoke to travel through the water multiple times. It’s ideal for percolators as it can withstand high temperatures.

• Structure: Multiple discs with holes.
• Function: Smoke passes through layers for diffusion.
• Pros: Excellent diffusion, smooth hits. 
• Cons: Hard to clean.

Cross Percolator 

The cross percolator is a unique type of perc uses multiple cross-shaped slits or openings to diffuse smoke. This perc creates a cross or “X” pattern in the smoke, breaking smoke into smaller bubbles and increasing the surface area of smoke exposed to the water for more filtration. It is made from high-quality, heat-resistant borosilicate glass, ensuring durability and safety during use.

• Structure: Cross-shaped tubes with slits.
• Function: Splits smoke into multiple streams.
• Pros: Unique design, good diffusion.
• Cons: Fragile, hard to clean.

Fritted Disc Percolator

A Fritted Disc perc is made from a porous disc with countless tiny holes. The disc forces smoke to pass through micro-holes, creating a fine diffusion of bubbles. Whenever you start smoking, smoke is pulled into the water chamber and pushed through the fritted disc, creating thousands of tiny bubbles that allow the water to filter out more ash, impurities, and tar.

• Structure: Flat disc with tiny pores.
• Function: Creates extremely fine bubbles.
• Pros: Ultra-smooth hits, excellent diffusion.
• Cons: Hard to clean, clogs easily.

Circle Percolator

Just like a name, it is shaped like a circle. A circ perc is either one or different rings with space in between the slits and rings on the outside. These percs are similar to showerheads but have a few differences. Some glassblowers prefer to put them at the end of a downstream. 

• Structure: Circular tube with slits.
• Function: Splits smoke into fine streams.
• Pros: Good diffusion, compact.
• Cons: Can restrict airflow.

Coil Percolator

A coil percolator comes with a coiled tube or spiral structure to extend the path that smoke travels, enhancing cooling and filtration. You can use it with other percolators as multichamber bongs to maximize smoothness. Generally, it is made from borosilicate glass due to its heat resistance and durability. However, the coil lengthens the smoke’s journey, forcing it to travel in a spiral.

• Structure: Coiled or helical tube.
• Function: Smoke travels through a coil for diffusion.
• Pros: Great diffusion, stylish.
• Cons: Hard to clean, restrictive airflow.

Sprinkler Percolator

The sprinkler percolator is a type of bong perc designed to diffuse and cool smoke by pushing it through multiple upward-facing slits or holes, creating a “sprinkler” effect. It’s known for filtered hits with minimal drag. It is heat-resistant and durable. The perc is used for structural parts. When you inhale, the smoke is pulled down into the water chamber then pushed through a central stem that branches out into multiple arms or slits.

• Structure: Multiple arms with slits.
• Function: Splits smoke into fine streams.
• Pros: Great diffusion, unique design.
• Cons: Fragile, harder to clean.

Jellyfish Percolator

A jellyfish percolator features a central tube with multiple thin arms extending downwards, like a real-life jellyfish. Each arms has small slits or holes at the end, creating numerous tiny bubbles, enhancing filtration and cooling. These arms diffuse smoke into smaller bubbles as it passes through water, enhancing filtration and cooling.

• Structure: Tentacle-like arms with slits. 
• Function: Splits smoke into fine streams.
• Pros: Unique design, smooth hits.
• Cons: Fragile, hard to clean.

UFO Percolator

A UFO percolator is a disc-shaped percolator that resembles a flying saucer. It has multiple slits or holes around its edges, designed to diffuse smoke through water. When you take a hit, smoke travels through the downstem into the UFO perc. After that, the the UFO’s slits break the smoke into smaller bubbles, increasing surface area for better cooling and filtration.

• Structure: Disc-shaped perc with slits around the edges.
• Function: Splits smoke into fine streams. 
• Pros: Good diffusion, compact. 
• Cons: Can restrict airflow.

Glycerin Coil Percolator

Glycerin coils or condenser glass coils are removable glass chambers filled with glycerin and coiled around the smoke path. The glycerin coil is designed to be frozen before use, and cool smoke passes through the coils. This provides an extra cooling sensation without needing ice cubes. The main body of the bong is made from durable, heat-resistant borosilicate glass. Some designs use silicone gaskets for airtight connections and added durability.

• Structure: Coiled tube filled with glycerin.
• Function: Cools smoke before inhalation.
• Pros: Smooth hits, cool smoke.
• Cons: Bulky, requires freezing.

Stereo Matrix Percolator

The Stereo Matrix percolator bong has two matrix percolators attached on top of each other to provide double filtration for ultra-smooth hits. The matrix percs have grid-like slits on all sides that produce thousands of tiny bubbles to maximize diffusion and cooling. When you inhale, smoke is pulled down into the water chamber, then travels through the first matrix perc that creates tiny bubbles. After that, the filtered smoke passes through the second matrix perc, repeating the diffusion process and ensuring a smooth hit.

• Structure: Two matrix percolators side by side.
• Function: Doubles diffusion for smoother hits.
• Pros: Excellent diffusion and smoother hits.
• Cons: Hard to clean, bulky.

Ash Catcher Percolator

An ash catcher made of glass or metal is used in bongs and water pipes. It is a supplemental filtration device designed to store ash and tar. The ash catcher consists of two joints: one for the bong stem and one for the bowl. The bowl is inserted through the upward joint, while the downward joint connects to the bong’s stem. It works as an extra layer of percolation and filtration in a separate water chamber that restricts ash from mixing with the bong water. As a bong diffuser, it allows you to enjoy a refreshing and smoother smoking experience without any ash in your mouth.

• Structure: Small chamber attached to the downstem.
• Function: Keeps bong clean from ash and resin.
• Pros: Cleaner bong and smoother hits.
• Cons: Adds extra weight.

Ice Pinch Percolator Bong

Ice pinch or ice catchers, known as ice bongs, allow you to fill the neck of the piece with ice cubes for colling the smoke. The ice catcher is composed of three pieces of glass featured inside the piece’s body to keep ice cubes from falling into the water chamber but make hits gentle on the throat and more comfortable to inhale larger volumes of smoke on each hit. This is the last point of filtration the smoke encounters before it enters the mouthpiece. However, ensure you’re not overfilling the water chamber.

• Structure: Consists of small pinches or indents in the glass, located in the neck of the bong, just above the percolator or water chamber.
• Function: When smoke travels through the ice cubes, it cools down before reaching your mouth.
• Pros: Less throat irritation, reduces smoke heat, no complex mechanisms, and acts as a barrier.
• Cons: Ice melts quickly, needing frequent refills.

Multi-chamber Percolator Combinations

Multi-chamber percolator bongs combine two or more percolators to enhance smoke filtration, cooling, and visual appeal. These combinations are ideal for users who want the ultimate smoking experience. For more details, let’s check out below:

Double Tree

A double tree percolator consists of two isolated water reservoirs, each featuring a tree perc. When you light the herbs, the smoke first travels to the first Tree perc and goes into the second water chamber for a second round of diffusion. Each water chamber cools the smoke heat.

Inline Perc to Tree Perc

An Inline percolator is connected to a Tree Percolator, which balances airflow and filtration. Here, the smoke gets filtered in Inline perc then moves up and attempts to exit through the neck of the bong, it’s shot back down in the neck through the arms of the Tree per.

Inverted Showerhead to Glycerin Perc

An inverted showerhead percolator, which works like a UFO percolator, is located in the first chamber. Showerhead-shaped perc with slits installed upside down, splits smoke into multiple streams for initial diffusion. After that, the smoke passes through the secondary frozen glycerin coils. If you want to experience a cough-free smoking experience with the biggest of bong rips, buy this percolator bong now!

Triple Turbine Perc

A triple turbine percolator is three tornado turbines back to back, causing a heavy amount of smoke dispersion and an incredible amount of cooling. Each turbine perc consists of blades or fins that spin when air passes through. The first turbine perc creates the initial vortex and breaks the smoke into smaller bubbles. The second turbine diffuses the smoke, enhancing smoothness, and the third provides the final stage of diffusion and cooling.

How Do Percolators Impact the Smoking Experience?

Percolators impact the smoking experience by improving smoke filtration, smoothness, flavor, and cooling. Here’s a detailed breakdown: Improve smoke filtration: It removes dry herb impurities, ash, and particulates from the smoke, resulting in a cleaner hit.

• Enhanced cooling: Percolators diffuse smoke into smaller bubbles, cooling down before reaching the user's throat and lungs.
• Customized experience: Different percolators (i.e., tree, fritted disc, etc.) offer different diffusion and cooling levels.
• Airflow control: Some percolators, like turbine and fritted disc, can restrict airflow, while others like tree, inline allow for free flaws.
• Better flavor: Some percolators (i.e., disc, inline) provide minimal diffusion, preserving the flavor of the smoke.

Are Percolator Bongs Healthier?

Some studies claim that glass percolator bongs are healthier. As you know, a bong with a percolator offers smoother and cleaner hits. According to Dr. Nicholas V. Cozzi, bong water is effective in reducing harmful substances in smoke. On the other hand, a study found that smoke that was filtrated through water eliminated both acetaldehyde and acrolein, both are toxic to the lungs. Also, when the smoke runs through the water, all the negative stuff, like ash and tar, is filtered out. Some individuals claim that water filtration reduces the concentration of toxic substances in smoke passed through it.

What to Look for When Selecting a Percolator Bong?

When you select a percolator bong, consider your smoking preferences, design, function, size, cost, and many other factors, including:

Size

Percolator bong size matters most to your smoking experience. For example, smaller bongs are more portable, easy to clean, and store. But it might produce harsh hits. On the contrary, larger ones may offer smoother hits due to increased water filtration but are less portable.

Material

There are different types of bong materials available, like silicone, plastic, and ceramic. Glass is the most popular material among bong users for its excellent heat resistance and smooth taste. As you know, it is also fragile but offers a quality smoking experience compared to other materials.

Cleaning Process 

Percolator bongs require regular cleaning to get smooth hits, high performance, and secure health conditions. The more intricate the design, the harder it is to clean, i.e., tree percolators might be difficult to scrub thoroughly. Some may come with removable percolators or have simple structures. So, choose one without sacrificing filtration quality.

Portability

Do you plan to travel with a percolator bong? If so, you need to choose a portable option. You can choose the most portable silicone bong option, but it might not be as durable as glass or acrylic bongs.

Smoother Hits 

The unique feature of a glass percolator bong is a water filtration system that cools the smoke before it reaches your lungs. That means you experience smooth hits and an easy inhale experience. It also helps you to explore more flavorful hits.

Toxin Filtration 

Water filtration is an effective method to remove toxins and harmful chemicals present in smoke. Though it might not be 100% effective, it provides a cleaner experience than a traditional vapor, i.e., hand pipes or rolling papers.

Aesthetic Appeal

Functionality is vital, but you can’t overlook its aesthetic and design. Bongs come in several colors, patterns, and shapes that allow you to express your personality, artistic vision, and style. Do you prefer a minimalist or a bold one? Choose a bong that suits your smoking experience.

Convenience and Efficiency

Bongs are easy to use and highly efficient in delivering cannabinoids to the user. That means you can achieve your desired results quicker with fewer toxins, thereby saving money over time.

Price

Percolator glass bongs can range from affordable to expensive. So, set your budget before purchasing. Don’t blindly go with low-price ones; give priority to a higher-quality bong to get smooth hits and avoid frequent replacements.

What is the Difference Between a Recycler Bong and a Percolator?

In the realm of smoking accessories, there are different bong types available, like recyclers and percolators. A recycler bong is a type of water pipe with a unique looped structure. It maximizes smoke filtration and cooling through water chambers before inhalation. On the other hand, percolator bongs come with one or more percolators (additional water chambers) to diffuse smoke and further filter. However, the key difference between these smoking accessories lies in the filtration method and design. For more details, let’s check out the recycler bong vs percolator difference table below:

 

Which Percolator is Right for You Between Recycler Bong and Percolator?

Choosing the right percolator bong depends on the user’s preferences, experience level, and priorities (i.e., smoothness, ease of cleaning, airflow, etc.). Here’s a detailed guide that will ease your selection process:

1. Beginners Level

• Priority: User-friendly percolators require minimal maintenance and are affordable.

Recommendations

• Diffused Downstem percolator: Simple, effective, and easy to clean. 
• Honeycomb percolator: Smooth hits and low maintenance.
• Ice Pinch: Adds cooling without complexity.

2. Casual User's Priority

Balance between smoothness, ease of cleaning, and aesthetics.

Recommendations

• Tree percolator: Great diffusion and stylish design.
• Showerhead percolator: Durable and provides smooth hits.
• Inline percolator: Compact and efficient.

3. Hardcore Enthusiast's Priority

High performance, unique designs, and customization.

Recommendations

• Faberge Egg percolator: Unique design and smooth hits.
• Spiral percolator: Stylish and functional.
• Glycerin coil percolator: Ultimate cooling for smooth hits.

4. Aesthetic Lover's Priority

Unique and visually appealing designs.

Recommendations

• Jellyfish percolator: Eye-catching and functional.
• Faberge Egg percolator: Artistic and smooth.
• Spiral percolator: Unique and functional.

5. Flavor lovers Priority

Preserves flavor while providing smooth hits.

Recommendations

• Disc percolator: Minimal diffusion, preserves flavor.
• Inline percolator: Balanced diffusion and flavor retention.
• Circ percolator: Smooth without over-filtering.

FAQ's

What Does a Percolator Do in a Bong? 

A percolator filters and cools the smoke from dry herbs, breaking it into smaller bubbles that interact with the water and give a smooth, cleaner hits.

What are the Most Common Types of Percolators?

The most common types of percolators are tree percolators, honeycomb percolators, matrix percolators, showehead percolators, and inline percolators.

Can the Percolator Affect the Flavor of the Smoke?

Yes, some percolators like matrix, honeycomb, and others help to preserve the flavor by filtering out impurities, delivering a cleaner and more flavorful hit.

Are Percolator Bongs Better for Your Lungs?

Yes, percolator bongs are better for your lungs because of its filtration process that cools the smoke, making it less harsh on your lungs or throat.

Which Percolator Gives You the Smoothest Hit?

Tree Percolator gives you the smoothest hit because it is known for its exceptional filtration and cooling power, resulting in the smoothest hit. Also, Matrix percolators and honeycomb percolators are known for offering the smoothest hits, too, by diffusing smoke into smaller bubbles for effective filtration.

How Do Percolators Affect Smoke Diffusion? 

Percolators affect smoke diffusion by breaking smoke into numerous bubbles that interact with water more effectively.

What is the Best Type of Percolator for a Bong?

If you prefer harsher bong rips or you’re on a budget, opt for a Diffused Downstem or Circ percolator. But when you want medium filtration, aim for Showerhead percolators or Barrel percolators. However, if you’re trying to tone down extra large bong rips, opt for Tree, UFO, or Matrix percolators.

Conclusion

Now we’re at the end of this article: different types of percolators. We hope that after going through several percolator bongs' functions, structures, pros, and cons, you can choose your favorite ones that offer efficient filtration within your budget. But before purchasing one, pay attention to bong sellers and product quality that lasts over decades.

Enjoy!