Types of bubblers you will find here
- Hammer bubblers. A flat base and a bowl that sits up front, so the pipe stands on its own. The Wig Wag Hammer Bubbler is a good example.
- Hand bubblers. Rounded, palm-sized pieces like the Dicro Hand Bubbler and the Matrix Perc Torus. Easy to pass and easy to put away.
- Upright bubblers. Small stand-up pieces that look like a mini bong, such as the Phoenix Star Arcline in 5 and 8 inch sizes. Many shoppers search for these as a bubbler bong.
- Bubbler dab rigs. Some uprights take a quartz banger instead of a bowl. The Phoenix Star 8 Inch Controlled Airflow is built for concentrates, so check the listing before you buy if you want a bubbler for dabs.
- Percolator bubblers. Pieces like the Hittn 6-Arm Tree Perc add a perc for extra diffusion.
How to pick the right glass bubbler
Think about where you will use it. If it lives on a desk or shelf, an upright or a hammer is the easiest to set down. If it travels with you, a compact hand bubbler is less awkward to pack.
Next, look at the bowl or joint. Most bubblers have a fixed bowl, which keeps things simple but means you clean the whole piece at once. A bubbler with a joint lets you swap a bowl for a banger, which turns it into a small rig.
Glass weight matters too. Thicker walls handle bumps better and feel sturdier in the hand. Our glass thickness guide explains what the numbers mean. Still choosing between styles? Read bubbler vs bong vs hand pipe first.
Keeping a bubbler clean
Change the water after each session and rinse the piece often. Resin builds up fast in a small chamber, and a fixed bowl can be hard to reach. A soak in a glass cleaner and a few shakes with coarse salt does most of the work. See how to clean a pipe and browse cleaning supplies.
For adults 21 and over. Our glass and accessories are sold for legal use with tobacco and legal herbs. Local rules on smoking accessories vary, so check where you live. This page is general product information, not legal or safety advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is a bubbler?
A bubbler is a small water pipe that combines a hand pipe with a built-in water chamber. You add a little water, pack the bowl and draw through the mouthpiece. It is bigger than a dry pipe and much smaller than a bong.
Is a bubbler the same as a bubbler bong?
People use the terms loosely. Most of the time a bubbler bong means an upright bubbler that stands on its own and looks like a mini bong. Hand bubblers and hammer bubblers are the more pipe-shaped styles.
Can I use a bubbler for dabs?
Only if it is made for it. Bubbler dab rigs have a joint that takes a quartz banger. A standard bubbler with a fixed glass bowl is meant for dry herb, so check the product listing before you buy.
How much water goes in a bubbler?
Add enough to cover the bottom of the downstem or the slits in the chamber, and no more. Too much water can splash into the mouthpiece.
Bubbler or bong, which should I get?
A bubbler is easier to carry and store. A bong holds more water and usually has a removable bowl and downstem. Our comparison guide covers the trade-offs in more detail.