Written by Brandon Topp

What is a bubbler, you ask? A bubbler pipe is a magical cross between a bong and a hand-held pipe.

This is not to be confused with a water fountain or drinking fountain, but instead the use of the term "bubbler" as it pertains to the world of cannabis.

For these consumers, bubbler pipes are a long-lived tradition that offers the best balance of water filtration and portability among weed-smoking devices.

Of course, that water helps smooth out the smoke for a smoother hit.

Bubblers tend to have smaller water chambers than most bongs, making them a great option for those who want an enhanced smoking experience without the bulk of a traditional bong.

In this guide, we’ll explore the key differences between bubblers and other smoking devices, how to use one, and what to consider when making a purchase in 2025.

For packing that bubbler, consider this Top-Shelf Flower from Mood, a favorite among modern cannabis consumers and an ideal quality for your portable bubbler pipe.

Table of Contents

• What Is a Bubbler?

• How Does a Bubbler Work?

  • Bubblers vs Bongs: Key Differences

  • Types of Bubblers

• How To Clean A Bubbler & Glass Bowls

• Mood Cannabis to Smoke With Your Bubbler

What Is a Bubbler?

A bubbler pipe is a small, handheld device that cools and filters smoke using water before it reaches your lungs.

The main difference between a bubbler and a dry pipe is the presence of a water chamber, which helps remove impurities and provides a smoother hit compared to a traditional pipe.

Comparing a bubbler pipe to a bong, there's usually less water needed for the latter but that ultimately depends on the size of the bong or bubbler pipe we're comparing.

It's also important to note that bongs, bubbler pipes, and dry pipes all have varying mouthpieces. Bubbler pipes and spoon pipes tend to have mouthpieces with smaller holes — i.e., a squirt-water bottle — while bongs end up having broader mouthpieces — i.e., a paper towel roll.

All designs support a continuous flow of smoke.

While the portable options are forced to funnel less smoke at once through their smaller chambers, bongs deliver bigger hits because of the size of their chambers and mouthpieces.

It's also worth noting that there are a wide variety of water bubblers out there, and some of them are fashioned with mouthpieces that are more typical for bongs than spoon pipes, though that is far from the norm.

How Does a Bubbler Work?

Using a bubbler is easy and requires only a small amount of water:

Fill the water chamber

Add just enough water to submerge the stem, but avoid overfilling because you might get splashback.

Pack the bowl

Grind your cannabis flower or herb and pack it into the bubbler bowl.

Cover the carb hole

If your bubbler has a carb, cover it while lighting to control airflow.

Inhale and enjoy

As you inhale, the smoke passes through the water chamber, creating bubbles that help cool it.

Exhale and repeat

The result is a smoother hit than a dry pipe but with the same convenience.

Bubblers vs. Bongs: Key Differences

While bongs offer excellent water filtration, bubblers are more compact and easier to carry.

When deciding whether to buy a bong or bubbler pipe, you might want to consider some of these comparisons.

Size

Bong

Bongs tend to be larger, bulkier, and less transportable than bubblers.

Bubbler

Smaller in size, bubblers are more well-designed for on-the-go enjoyment than bongs.

Water Filtration

Bong

Because most bongs come with a percolator and more advanced water filtration systems than bubblers.

Bubbler

Because of they can fit only a relatively small amount of water, bubblers are an example of a medium-tier water-filtration pipe.

Water Usage

Bong

Bongs require more water because they have larger reservoirs and often an added percolator. It's just more glass.

Bubbler

How much water do you need to smoke a bubbler? Not as much as you do when you smoke a bong, which is why this piece wins when it comes to usage.

Smoothness

Bong

A bong uses more water and often has options like ice catchers that can make for an even smoother rip.

When you take it from a bong, it will be smoother than from a pipe or bowl unless you take a hit too big, which is easier to do with a bong.

Bubbler

A bubbler is a happy medium between a spoon and a bong. The weed hits smooth and is easier on the thread and lungs but not quite as smooth as rips from bong bowls.

Ease of Cleaning

Bong

Bongs are bigger and have more glass to clean, so in a sense, they can be harder.

Bubbler

Bubblers are smaller and more intricate, which means that they can be tough to clean when you're trying to scrub those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.

If you have a high tolerance, a bong might be better for deeper inhales, while a bubbler is an excellent choice for those who want a balance between smoothness and portability.

Durability

Bong

Breaking a bong can be worse because they are more expensive.

Bubbler

Breaking a bubbler might be easier because it's portable, so you're taking bubblers around more often and putting them at risk for drops at a higher rate.

Types of Bubblers

There are different kinds of bubblers, each offering a unique smoking experience:

Hammer Bubblers

Sturdy design with a flat stand for stability.

Sherlock Bubblers

This bubbler features a curved stem for a comfortable grip, easy access to the carb hole, and smooth ripping.

Sidecar Bubblers

This bubbler pipe features an angled mouthpiece to prevent splashback.

Pro tip: When not using a sidecar bubbler, simply make sure not to put too much water or hit your bubbler too hard when trying to avoid splashback.

Double Chamber Bubblers

Double chamber bubblers feature water chambers for extra filtration.

This is about as close as smoking a bubbler pipe gets to ripping bong bowls.

Silicone Bubblers

This bubbler is durable and resistant to breaking, making it great for travel.

If you love smoking cannabis from a water pipe, pack yourself a nice silicone bubbler to take with you on your next weekend getaway.

How to Clean a Bubbler

Regular cleaning helps maintain the flavor profile and functionality of your bubbler. The best method involves isopropyl alcohol and salt:

1. Empty the water chamber and remove leftover herb or resin.

2. Fill with isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt.

3. Cover all openings and shake to break down buildup.

4. Rinse with warm water and let it dry.

Cleaning regularly ensures better airflow and a fresher smoking experience.

Mood Cannabis & Concentrates To Enjoy With Your Bubbler

Whether you prefer to smoke from a bubbler pipe, dry pipe, or bong, Mood is home to the cannabis herb you need to get lifted and have a great time.

Check out our extensive selection of high-quality Flower and Concentrates to discover some absolute fire that you can hit with your water-filtering bubbler next.

Learn more about cannabis products and weed on the Mood Blog today.