The percolator bong is a water pipe that diffuses and cools smoke through water, breaking it into several tiny bubbles before it is inhaled. There are different types of percolators, such as inline, showerhead, honeycomb, matrix, and so on. Percolator bongs serve multiple purposes and provide an extra level of filtration compared to regular bongs. In this article, we’ll explain all the key functions of percolator bongs, the 10 best types of percolators, how you use them, how a percolator works, and many more.
What is a Percolator Bong?
A percolator bong is a type of filtration system that is added to a bong to cool and filter smoke. As a water pipe, its ultimate purpose is to break down the smoke into smaller bubbles and provide a smooth and cooling sensation at every hit. The key difference between a normal bong and a percolator bong is that the perc bong has one or more chambers to contain water. Different filters separate each chamber, which means the smoke is filtered multiple times before you take a hit.
Bong users prefer to use a percolator because it filters out impurities in the smoke, eliminating the risk of water splashing into your mouth, and so on. Different types of bongs are available in the market, such as double percolator bongs, showerhead percolators, honeycomb percolators, tree perc, turbine perc, etc.
What are the Characteristics of a Bong Percolator?
The characteristics of a bong percolator are as follows:
Perc Design
Percolators come in different designs, like trees, honeycombs, and matrices. Each perc design offers a unique shape and structure that affects how the smoke is filtered and diffused. For example, tree percolators have multiple arms, while honeycomb offers a grid-like pattern.
Size and Form
Percolators come in different sizes and shapes. Small ones are easy to handle and fit into smaller bongs, while larger ones provide more filtration but may require bigger bongs. Some have modern, sleek designs, and others are minimalistic with detailed, artistic forms. The Size and look impact the overall efficiency of the smoke filtration process.
Glass Density and Transparency
Percolators' glass density and transparency affect their look and durability, especially in glass bongs with percs. For example, a transparent percolator bong lets you see the smoke as it passes through, while colored or frosted glass enhances its aesthetic appeal. Thick glass provides better durability than thinner glass, ensuring the percolator can withstand regular use.
Connection Style
How a percolator bong connects also affects its design and function. Some percolators are built into the bong, like inline percolators. But some percs are used as detachable downstems, like ash catcher or ice pinch. However, decorative joint designs add a touch of style, making the bong more unique.
Extra Features
Some percolators offer bong enthusiasts additional features, such as improved performance and style. For example, diffusion chambers provide extra layers of smoke filtration, while splash protectors prevent bowl water from reaching the mouthpiece.
What are the 10 Best Types of Percolator Bongs?
The 10 best types of percolator bongs are:
1. Tree Percolator: Multiple arms and openings of a tree percolator create numerous tiny bubbles.
2. Honeycomb percolator: Multiple layers with small holes diffuse smoke a lot & make the hit smoother.
3. Turbine percolator: Shaped like a disc with angled slits creates a spinning effect in the water.
4. Showerhead percolator: Vertical tube connected to a base with slits creates a shower-like effect in the water.
5. Inline percolator: A horizontal percolator allows for thorough and even diffusion, resulting in smoother hits.
6. Matrix percolator: A 360-degree mesh percolator diffuses smoke into a stack of tiny bubbles.
7. Donut percolator: The Donut bong serves as a secondary cooling stage, providing a smoother bong rip.
8. Barrel percolator: This device forces the smoke to exit through opposite sides, enhancing smoke diffusion and the production of water bubbles.
9. Circ percolator: One or numerous rings with gaps between them and slits in the side.
10. Jellyfish percolator: Individual arms have multiple slits at the base, which decrease bubble size and increase bubble count.
Full details of the 10 best different types of percolators and the reasons for the best pick are given in the rest of this post below.
Tree Percolator
Tree percolators have a tree-like design with multiple arms, each containing small slits or holes to filter harsh smoke and remove impurities. When you inhale through the bong mouthpiece, smoke passes through these arms, breaks smoke into smaller bubbles, and makes it smoother and cooler. Do you search for better filtration and enjoy a unique design? You can buy a two-tone tree percolator or a single one to experience refreshing hits every time.
Key Features
- Multiple thin, vertical arms (usually 4 to 12).
- Each arm has small slits or holes at the bottom.
- Enhanced filtration breaks smoke into smaller bubbles.
- Available in different sizes. Ideal for regular users who value smoothness over simplicity.
Honeycomb Percolator
It is a flat, disc-shaped percolator with multiple small holes resembling a honeycomb pattern for diffusion, producing a lot of bubbles. When you inhale through the bong, smoke travels from the bowl, through the downstem, and into the water chamber. When the smoke reaches honeycomb percolators, it passes through several holes and breaks into tiny bubbles.
Key Features
- Efficient diffusion; break smoke into tiny bubbles for maximum cooling and filtration.
- Reduces the harshness of smoke. Ideal for beginner bong users.
- Visually appealing and adds a unique, modern look to the bong.
- Easy to maintain compared to tree percolator.
Turbine Percolator
A turbine percolator is a water filtration device that creates a vortex of water and smoke, offering both visual appeal and smooth hits. It is popular for its unique design and functionality. When the smoke enters the turbine percolator, which is a disc or cylinder with angled slits or fins, it filters smoke residues perfectly.
Key Features
- Its angled slits or fins make it unique.
- Provide superior filtration compared to simple percolators.
- Turbine percolators are designed to balance draw resistance.
- Made from high-quality borosilicate glass, ensures durability and resistance to heat.
Showerhead Percolator
A showerhead percolator consists of a vertical tube that widens at the base, resembling a showerhead. Its multiple slits or holes allow smoke to pass through, creating smaller bubbles for smoother hits.
Key Features
- Creates a balanced experience, cooling the smoke.
- Built into the bong’s structure.
- It works well in both single and multi-perc setups.
- Visually aesthetic and sturdy.
Inline Percolator
An inline percolator is a horizontal tube with slits or holes along with its length, designed to diffuse smoke as it passes through the water. These percolators are straight tubes with slits or holes that are placed at the bottom of the bong.
Key Features
- Multiple slits/holes offer excellent smoke diffusion.
- Less resistance than some other percolators.
- Often paired with other percolators like showerhead or honeycomb.
- Fewer delicate parts compared to tree percs.
- Easy to clean.
Matrix Percolator
A matrix percolator is a type of water filtration known for its intricate design and exceptional ability to diffuse smoke into tiny bubbles, providing a smooth and cool smoking experience. It functions as a stack of showerhead percolators that comes with cylindrical shapes with both vertical and horizontal slits.
Key Features
- Matrix percolators are often made from high-quality borosilicate glass.
- The intricate lattice or honeycomb design of a matrix percolator is visually striking.
- Despite their complex design, matrix percolators are engineered to minimize drag, ensuring a comfortable draw.
- Matrix design creates an enormous number of tiny bubble.
Donut Percolator
A donut percolator is a donut-like shape used in bongs to cool and smooth smoke. It is similar to Swiss percs, but has one hole. This single hole pushes water and smoke around it. The percolator is designed to diffuse smoke into smaller bubbles, increasing the surface area of the smoke that comes into contact with water.
Key Features
- The donut shape allows for an even distribution of smoke, creating consistent diffusion and smooth hits.
- It is a circular tube submerged in water.
- It provides excellent filtration, removing more impurities and delivering smoother, cleaner hits.
- Donut percolators have a visually appealing design.
Barrel Percolator
A barrel percolator is shaped like a barrel or an upside-down hammer, featuring 6-8 slits at both ends. Made with thick glass, its aesthetic and creative design force smoke to exit through opposite sides, enhancing smoke diffusion and water bubble production. It is popular for its durability and effectiveness in diffusing smoke. Also, it enables a larger amount of water to filter smoke properly.
Key Features
- Great cooling and is easy to clean.
- A horizontal or vertical barrel with multiple slits or holes around it.
- Offers less drag than other complex percs, and provides a balance between smooth hits and easy airflow.
- Barrel percs are easy to clean.
- You’ll buy barrel percs in single-multiple perc setups.
Circular Percolator
A circular percolator or “circ perc” is designed in a hockey puck shape with large, evenly distributed slits, offering powerful and balanced diffusion. This perc is also known as disc perc and the design ensures an even spread of bubbles throughout the bong water. It is generally attached to the bottom of the downstem and is common in smaller bongs and dab rigs.
Key Features
- Simple to clean, resistant to clogging. Flat, circular glass piece with slits or holes around its perimeter.
- Compared to complex percs like honeycomb offer less resistance while inhaling.
- Come in single or multi-perc setups for added filtration.
- A modern, sleek look, adding visual appeal.
Jellyfish Percolator
Jellyfish percolators are similar to tree percolators but a little simpler. They have a cluster of rods, like tentacles descending from a central chamber. The perc has a single hole at the end of each rod, creating numerous tiny bubbles. Some percolator manufacturers craft clear or colored glass to highlight the diffusion process. However, this percolator adds a visually captivating element as smoke travels through the arms.
Key Features
- Multiple thin arms or tubes extend downward, like jellyfish tentacles.
- Diffuse smoke through water, creating a mesmerizing bubbling effect.
- Adds a visually captivating element as smoke travels through the arms.
- Many include ice catchers for colling hits. Ideal for bong enthusiasts.
Why Use a Bong with a Percolator?
A glass percolator bong is used to provide a smooth, cool, toxin-free, and more filtered smoking experience. Here is how it works and is used:
- Filtration: The percolator, a chamber with water, breaks down the smoke into smaller particles as it passes through. This process filters out impurities and contaminants, resulting in a clean inhale.
- Cooling: When the smoke passes through the water, it cools down and is less harsh on the throat and lungs.
- Improved flavor: The filtration process helps preserve the natural flavor of the toxin-free substances.
What are the Advantages of a Percolator Bong?
The percolator bong is becoming trendy in the smoking community. Its aesthetic appeal and benefits make it more popular among users. Here are the key benefits:
- Enhanced filtration: The percolator offers an extra layer of filtration to remove impurities like ash and other particles that cool harsh smoke with water. It also reduces the cough tendency during a smoking session.
- Smoother hits: When the smoke passes through the water and the percolator, it breaks into smaller bubbles, creating a flavorful explosion.
- Few toxins: Percolator bong strips away harmful substances and irritates your throat and lungs, which often leads to coughing.
- Customizability: The percolator bongs come in different types and configurations, such as double percolators, triple percolators, and other controls over their smoking experience. You can tailor your setup to suit your preferences if you want a customized one.
- Improved aesthetics: High-quality materials, like thick glass, make it more durable and capable of withstanding daily use. The percolator bongs also come in different trendy styles (i.e., tree, honeycomb, matrix, etc.).
How Does a Percolator Work?
A percolator is a device used in a bong to filter, cool, and diffuse smoke. It works by breaking smoke into smaller bubbles, increasing its contact with water, and improving overall hit quality. Here’re a detailed working procedures of how a percolator works:
1. Smoke Enters the Percolator
When you lighten the dry herbs, the smoke travels through the downstem into the water chamber and comes into contact with the percolator.
2. Diffusion
The percolator has slits, holes, or other openings that force smoke to pass through. Whenever the smoke passes through these openings, it is broken into smaller bubbles. This process is called diffusion.
3. Filtration
As smoke passes through the water, it traps almost all impurities, ash, and particulates, resulting in cleaner smoke.
4. Cooling
The increased surface area of the smaller bubbles allows smoke to lose heat and create a smooth smoke, making it less harsh on the throat and lungs.
Whether you choose a tree, inline, or other type of percolator, the result is a cleaner, cooler, and more enjoyable smoking experience at every puff.
How to Fill Up a Bong with a Percolator?
In the marketplace, there are different types of bongs with percolators available. Depending on its design variations, the filling process of a percolator bong might be different. Whatever percolator bong you prefer, precision is key. Here, we’ve highlighted a step-by-step process that eases your way of filling:
- Before filling your percolator, ensure your bong is clean and free from dirt or residue from previous uses.
- Add water slowly to the main or base chamber of your percolator bong. Ensure the water level is just above the percolator and not so high that it comes into contact with your lips when inhaling.
- Fill the chamber about two-thirds.
- If you remove the downstream to fill water, insert it into the base chamber carefully.
- Test a few to ensure the water level is correct. If it’s too high, you might get a splashback, or if it’s too low, it won’t function properly.
How to Clean a Percolator Bong?
The most asked question among users is how to clean percolator bongs. Here are all the detailed procedures:
- First, remove all detachable parts from the bong, i.e., bowl, stem, and percolator. Also, don’t forget to remove used water.
- Fill the main chamber of the bong with Isopropyl alcohol and two to three tablespoons of salt or rice. Salt or rice is a scrubbing agent that helps remove stubborn resin from the glass surfaces.
- Before shaking, seal the bong openings with your fingers or hands. Now, shake it properly so that the solution reaches all corners. Soak for 10 minutes for proper cleaning.
- Use pipe cleaners or Q-tips to clean the bong’s hard-to-reach areas, like the percolator. For cleaning, you must use isopropyl alcohol.
- Soak all loose pieces in a Ziploc or zip-top bag with alcohol and salt for around 10 minutes. If any dirt remains, use a cotton swab.
- After cleaning, rinse all parts thoroughly and ensure all residue is washed away and water bubbles clearly. Now, dry properly before reassembling your bong.
Do Percolators Make Bongs Better?
Yes, percolators make bongs better through their effective water filtration process. Here’s a detailed explanation of how percolators improve bongs, along with some considerations:
- Smoother hits: Percolators diffuse smoke into smaller bubbles, reducing the harshness of the hit and providing more enjoyable hits.
- Better cooling: Smoke passes through water and percolators, losing heat as it travels.
- Improved filtration: Percolators increase the surface area of smoke that comes into contact with water,
- Aesthetic design: Percolators, with their intricate design, help to reduce smoke into smaller bubbles and provide smooth and cough-free draws.
- Smoke purification: They purify smoke by removing impurities and particles and provide a cleaner inhalation.
- Cooling: Its diffusion process and inherent resistance are responsible for cooling down the smoke and making inhalation more comfortable.
However, the effectiveness of the percolator depends on its design and quality. Some may offer more significant benefits than others. For more details, let’s take a look at the best percolator bongs.
How to Choose the Right Percolator Bong?
Choosing the right percolator bong depends on your smoking preferences, experience level, and budget. Here's a detailed guide to help you pick the perfect percolator.
Determine Your Priorities
Do you want budget-friendly, smoother hits, portable, easy to clean, or an aesthetic outlook? If you decide to buy a perc with more filtration, a tree or honeycomb perc is the best fit for you. But for stronger hits, buy showerhead or barrel percolators. On the other hand, you can buy inline or matrix percs, if you want to avoid complex multi-perc setups.
Check Out Percolator Types
Different percolators offer varying levels of diffusion, cooling, and maintenance requirements. For example, a tree percolator airflow is moderate, has high smoothness, moderate cleaning, and is best for beginners or casual users. However, the matrix percolator airflow is high, has very high smoothness, and is best for advanced users.
Size & Portability
If you want to buy a portable bong that is easy to handle but may have less diffusion, small bongs are best for them. When you want to balance between portability and performance, buy medium bongs. However, the large bongs are better for diffusion and cooling.
Select the Materials
Glass bongs are best for offering you flavor and durability. For example, borosilicate glass is heat-resistant. On the other hand, silicone is durable and portable but may affect flavor. In the meantime, the acrylic percolators are affordable and durable but less visually appealing. Number of perc chambers Before buying one, choose between single-chamber or multi-chamber percolators. Single ones are easy to clean and maintain. Multi-chamber percs provide better diffusion and smoother hits but are hard to clean.
Additional Features
Some percolator comes with additional features or you can install them to give your percs an aesthetic look. For example, an ice catcher adds an extra cooling sensation at every hit. Ash catchers keep the bong cleaner by trapping ash and debris. On the other hand, carb holes are popular for their better airflow control.
Budget Considerations
The percolator bong's price range varies depending on materials, multiple layers, and additional features within it. So, set a budget before purchasing one. For example, honeycomb, inline, or diffused downstem percolators are budget-friendly compared to fritted discs, stereo matrix, and others.
Ease of Cleaning
Complex percolators, like honeycombs and showerheads, can be tricky to clean. So, try to start with simple percolators like inline. Advanced users prefer showerheads, trees, stereo, and other complex percolators to enhance their smoking experience.
Conclusion
At the end of this article, what a percolator bong is, we hope you get all the necessary details that help you to choose the best one that suits your personality and smoking level. So, what are you waiting for? Purchase your next percolator bong and share your experience with us!
