A bong bowl, also known as a slide or bowl piece, is a removable part of a bong that holds and ignites the herb. It typically has a small hole at the bottom, known as the bowl, where the herb is placed. The bowl is then lit, and the smoke is pulled through the rest of the bong, creating a smooth and clean hit.
Bong bowls can be made from a variety of materials, such as glass, ceramic, metal, or even silicone. Glass bowls are the most popular due to their durability and heat resistance. They also come in various designs and colors, allowing for customization of your bong setup.
The right bong bowl can significantly enhance your smoking experience. A well-designed bowl will ensure that your herb burns evenly and efficiently, providing maximum flavor and potency. It also needs to fit snugly into your bong's downstream to prevent any smoke from escaping and to maintain proper airflow.
When choosing a bong bowl, consider the material it's made from. Glass bowls are heat-resistant and offer a clean taste, while silicone bowls are nearly indestructible and perfect for travel. Ceramic and metal bowls are less common but can offer unique designs and durability.
Not all bong bowls fit all bongs. It's essential to know the joint size and gender of your bong to ensure that the bowl you purchase will fit. Most bongs have either a male or female joint and bowls are designed to be compatible with one or the other.
Bong bowls come in two main sizes: 14mm and 18mm. These measurements refer to the diameter of the hole where the bowl is inserted into the bong. 14mm bowls are the smaller of the two and are typically used for smaller bongs, while 18mm bowls are larger and are used for larger bongs.
14mm bong bowls are the most popular size for smaller bongs, such as bubblers or mini bongs. They have a diameter of 14mm, making them easier to handle and more portable. These bowls are also a great option for those who prefer smaller hits or have a lower tolerance.
14mm bowls are ideal for personal use or for those who like to enjoy their herb alone. Their smaller size means they heat up quickly and can provide a more controlled smoking experience. They're also easier to clean due to their compact size.
When searching for the perfect 14mm bowl, consider the depth and shape of the bowl. Some users prefer a shallow bowl for smaller doses, while others might want a deeper bowl for longer sessions. The shape can affect how the herb is ignited and can contribute to the overall aesthetic of the bong.
Many glass artists create intricate and unique designs for 14mm bowls, ranging from simple, clear glass to elaborate, colorful patterns. Some even feature characters or themes and can become collector's items for enthusiasts.
18mm bong bowls are the larger of the two sizes and are typically used for larger bongs, such as beaker bongs or straight tubes. They have a diameter of 18mm, making them ideal for those who prefer larger hits or have a higher tolerance. These bowls are also great for sharing among a group of friends.
The larger capacity of 18mm bowls makes them suitable for group sessions or for smokers who prefer a more substantial hit. They can hold more herbs, which means less frequent repacking and more time enjoying the experience.
When choosing an 18mm bowl, consider the build quality and the thickness of the glass. A thicker glass bowl will retain heat better and be more durable. Some bowls also come with handles or grips to make removal and handling easier, especially when hot.
Like their 14mm counterparts, 18mm bowls come in a variety of designs. From simple and functional to ornate and decorative, there's a design to suit every taste. Some even have built-in screens or other features to enhance the smoking experience.
Bong bowls come in various types, each with its unique features and benefits. Some of the most common types of bong bowls include:
Standard bong bowls are the most common type of bong bowl. They are typically made of glass and have a round shape with a small hole at the bottom for the herb. These bowls come in various sizes and designs, making them a versatile option for any bong setup.
Standard bowls often have a straightforward design with a focus on functionality. They usually feature a single hole at the bottom and can come with or without a handle. The simplicity of their design makes them easy to use and clean.
Many standard bowls can be customized with different colors or patterns. Some may also have logo branding or frosted glass for a unique touch. Customization allows smokers to express their personalities through their bong setup.
Glass standard bowls are relatively durable, but they can still break if dropped or mishandled. Regular cleaning with isopropyl alcohol and salt can keep them looking new and prevent residue build-up.
Glass screen bowls are designed with a built-in glass screen at the bottom of the bowl. This screen acts as a filter, preventing ash and debris from being pulled through the bong and into your mouth. These bowls are a great option for those who want a cleaner smoking experience.
The primary advantage of glass screen bowls is that they eliminate the need for metal screens, which can affect the taste of the smoke. They also reduce the amount of ash that enters the water, keeping the bong cleaner for longer periods.
Cleaning a glass screen bowl requires a bit more attention due to the delicate nature of the built-in screen. It's essential to soak the bowl in a cleaning solution and use a soft brush to remove any residue gently.
Glass screen bowls often come in attractive designs and can add a touch of elegance to any bong. The screen itself can be a focal point, with some featuring intricate patterns or colors.
One-hitter bowls come in various designs, from simple and utilitarian to elaborate and decorative. Some mimic the look of cigarettes for added discretion, while others feature vibrant colors and patterns.
Metal one-hitters are known for their durability and heat resistance, while glass one-hitters offer a cleaner taste. The choice between the two often comes down to personal preference and the type of experience the smoker is seeking.
Using a bong bowl offers many benefits, making it a popular choice among smokers. Some of these benefits include:
Bong bowls allow for the smoke to be filtered through water, resulting in a smoother and cleaner hit. This is because the water acts as a natural filter, removing any harsh particles from the smoke. This makes bong bowls a great option for those with sensitive lungs.
The water in the bong cools the smoke, making it less harsh on the throat and lungs. It also traps some of the heavier particles and carcinogens, potentially reducing the smoker's exposure to harmful substances.
Using a clean bong bowl can also improve the flavor of the smoke. Without the interference of ash and resin, the true taste of the herb can shine through, providing a more enjoyable experience.
Customizing your bong with different bowls can reflect your style or mood. It also allows you to change the look of your bong whenever you want, keeping your smoking experience fresh and exciting.
Many glass artists create bong bowls that are works of art in their own right. These bowls can feature intricate designs, vibrant colors, and even sculptural elements that make them stand out.
We would advise against loading concentrates into your bong bowl as it will leave unwanted residue inside the bowl and potentially cause long-term damage.
Concentrates and waxes need to melt into the bowl, meaning you need to heat the bowl instead of its contents. This extreme heat exposure can crack the glass, as it is not designed for this type of use.
We advise you to always use a dab banger or dab nail when you want to smoke concentrates.
We don’t recommend it unless it’s made for dabs. Waxes, shatter, and any other kinds of concentrates leave sticky residue inside the bong bowl and you’ll need to heat it to get it clean at all. Instead, always use a nail or banger to dab, vape, or smoke concentrates.
Smoking a bowl is usually done with a hand pipe, but can refer to any form of igniting and inhaling dry herbs (bongs, chillums, etc). The bowl itself is the round basin of the pipe.
Once you have ground your dry herb with a grinder, fill the bowl to your liking. Do not necessarily pack it as fully or tightly as possible, as this can restrict airflow.
Most pipes have a small hole on one side called a “carb.” Light the herb with a small lighter and inhale gently, plugging and releasing the carb. This controls the flow of air to the dry herb and controls the burn.
The smoke you inhale is called a “hit.” Many first-timers do not fully inhale properly and waste their hits as a result, so ensure that your breath is deep and full. Some people recommend you hold the hit for up to 30 seconds, but this is not necessary as long as you have fully inhaled.
You may cough. This is normal and just the way it is. Even the most experienced smokers cough frequently— this is how you know you have gotten a good and proper hit.
A bong bowl’s size is measured by the diameter of the stem protruding from the bottom of the bowl. You'll first need to identify if the bowl is male or female. You can determine the joint size of your bong using the coin test. If a dime, which is close in size to an 18mm joint, falls into the joint, you have an 18mm joint. If the dime doesn't fit, it's likely a 14mm joint. Remember, if the joint appears significantly smaller than a dime, you may be dealing with a 10mm joint.
A female bowl is typically able to slide over the male joint portion of a bong or dab rig. Female bowls are also known as converter bowls, as you can smoke legal dry herb from a dab rig. Male bong bowls fit snuggly into the female receptacle of a bong, and can easily slide out when clearing a bong rip.
Since most bong bowls need to be the correct size for your bong, you may have to purchase another bong bowl that fits. Remember when purchasing, a bong bowl needs to be able to fit into either the male or female portion of your bong. A male bong bowl fits into a female joint, and vice versa.
If you have a bong that doesn’t match your bowl you can use a bong adapter.
Bong adapters provide the option to use a wrong-diameter bong/bowl combination. However, you still need to make sure that the adapter you get fits both items. You can do this by measuring the pipes that connect both parts. The bong part of the adapter should be male in most cases, whereas the bowl often needs a female part to connect to the adapter or bong.
If you are unsure about which item to get you can send us more information about your bong and bowl so we can advise you on the right adapter to buy.
There’s nothing worse than settling in to enjoy a nice bowl only to lose your only bong bowl to an accident! Keep a handy backup for when your bong bowl breaks, and keep on smoking. And of course you may want specific bong bowls for specific days and uses—like a party bowl for when friends are over.
