Types of Bubblers: Which Shape Fits How You Smoke
Every bubbler does the same job. The shape decides whether it stands on a table, fits a pocket, splashes, or takes ten minutes to clean.
Bubbler types at a glance
The names are informal and makers use them loosely, so judge by shape, not label. Our bubblers collection covers most of the shapes below; this table is the short version.
| Type | Stands on its own? | Carb or slide | Splash risk | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hammer | Yes, flat base | Carb | Moderate | A first bubbler; table use |
| Sherlock | Usually not | Carb | Moderate | Holding in hand; classic look |
| Sidecar | Often yes | Carb | Lower | People who hate splashback |
| Upright | Yes | Usually slide | Low to moderate | A mini bong feel at home |
| Hand or inline | Varies | Carb | Higher | Small, simple, low cost |
| Double chamber | Varies | Carb | Lower | Extra water, extra cleaning |
| Dab bubbler | Yes | Banger or nail | Low to moderate | Concentrates, not flower |
New to the category? Start with bubbler vs bong vs hand pipe to see whether a bubbler is right at all.
The seven common types of bubblers
1. Hammer bubbler
The water chamber is a horizontal barrel with the bowl on top and a flat underside, so the piece looks a bit like a hammer head and sits upright on a table. That flat base is the main reason it is the default recommendation for a first bubbler. GRAV lists hammer bubblers as its own category, including mini versions.
2. Sherlock bubbler
Named after the curved pipe in old Sherlock Holmes illustrations. The mouthpiece sweeps down and around to a bowl that hangs below. It looks great and fits the hand naturally. Most do not stand on their own, so you set them in a holder or on their side when empty.
3. Sidecar bubbler
The mouthpiece sits off to the side of the chamber, like a motorcycle sidecar, rather than straight above the water. Water has a longer path to your lips, which is why people choose sidecars to cut splashback. Expect the extra glass to be harder to reach with a brush.
4. Upright bubbler
A vertical, mini bong shape with a small chamber, a downstem or fixed perc, and often a removable slide instead of a carb. GRAV sells upright and globe styles. These live on a table more than in a pocket.
5. Hand or inline bubbler
A spoon pipe with a small water chamber built into the body. These are the smallest and usually the cheapest. The small chamber is easy to overfill, so start with very little water.
6. Double chamber bubbler
Two water chambers in a row. Some smokers like the extra diffusion; everyone agrees it means more glass to clean and more to break.
7. Dab bubbler
A compact bubbler built for a banger or nail instead of a bowl. Functionally it is a small dab rig. If concentrates are your focus, read our mini vs full-size dab rig guide and browse mini dab rigs as well.
How to choose a bubbler type
- Mostly at home on a table: hammer or upright.
- Mostly in hand, passed around: sherlock or hammer.
- Splashback drives you crazy: sidecar, or a torus-style body designed to limit it.
- Lowest cost and smallest size: a hand bubbler. Pack a padded, smell-proof bag if it travels.
- Easiest cleaning: simple chamber, no perc, wide openings.
Glass quality matters more than shape for durability. Our glass thickness guide explains what to look for, and the how to use a bubbler guide covers water level and cleaning once you have one.
Current bubblers by type
Prices and stock checked October 12, 2026. We do not carry every type at all times; sherlock and sidecar styles rotate in and out.
Wig Wag Hammer Bubbler
A 5.3 inch borosilicate hammer with a flat base and a wig wag color pattern.
$29.99
View Hammer Bubbler
Phoenix Star 5 Inch Arcline Upright
A small clear upright bubbler with a 10mm female joint. A compact way into the upright style.
$29.99
View Arcline Upright
GRAV Wobble Bubbler
A GRAV upright with a 14mm joint and a weighted bottom built for stability.
$59.99
View Wobble Bubbler
Dicro Hand Bubbler Pipe
A 5 inch hand bubbler in four striped colorways. Small chamber, so go light on the water.
$39.99
View Dicro Bubbler
Phoenix Star 7 Inch Bubbler Rig
A 14mm female bubbler rig with a double showerhead perc, built for a banger rather than a bowl.
$64.99
View Bubbler RigSee every size, joint and price in the full glass bubblers collection, or step up to bongs for a larger chamber.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most popular type of bubbler?
Hammer bubblers are the common starting point because the flat base lets them stand on a table.
What is the difference between a hammer and a sherlock bubbler?
A hammer has a flat base and stands up. A sherlock has a curved stem with the bowl hanging low and usually does not stand on its own.
Do sidecar bubblers really stop splashback?
They reduce it by moving the mouthpiece away from the water. Too much water or a hard pull can still cause splashing.
Is a mini bong the same as an upright bubbler?
Close. Shops use both names for small vertical pieces with a slide. Size is the main difference.
Can you use a dab bubbler for flower?
Only if you swap the banger for a compatible bowl of the same joint size and gender. Check the joint size guide first.
Which bubbler type is easiest to clean?
A simple hammer or upright without a perc. Sidecars and double chambers take longer.
Research and manufacturer sources
For adults 21 and older. Use only where legal. This guide is general product information, not legal or safety advice. No bubbler type makes smoking safe; the CDC notes smoked cannabis can harm the lungs however it is smoked. Glass can break.