On January 2024, the Global Glass Bong Market Research Report was released, valued at US$ 19 million in 2023 the glass bong market is expected to reach US$ 27 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period 2024-2030. With such impressive growth, the variety of glass percolator bongs available can be overwhelming. From Inline to tree percs to showerheads, at this point, there are so many types of percolator bongs in the market that it gets difficult to decide which one to take home. We have made it easy for you by breaking down the different types of percs, their unique features, pros and cons, and how to make the right choice when taking one home. 

What are Percolator Bongs?

Percolator bongs, often referred to as "percs," are water pipes designed to filter and cool smoke through water, providing a smoother hit compared to regular bongs. So, that way, yes they quite literally are the perks of smoking with a bong. Basically, the addition of percolators to the bong helps break down the smoke into smaller bubbles, increasing surface area contact with water for enhanced filtration.

The key difference between a normal bong and a percolator bong is that the latter has one or more chambers that contain water. Each chamber is separated by any type and number of filters and as a result, the smoke is filtered more than once before it reaches you.

The result is obviously a way smoother, denser, and more intense hit that is much more pleasant to use. This richer smoke experience is what defines a percolator bong and thus makes it more enjoyable to all users.

Another factor is that a water pipe with a percolator is also very stylish and attractive! So if you want to show off your bong a little, you should definitely choose from the different types of percolator bongs!

The Benefits of Using Percolator Bongs

Fewer Toxins

The percolator is a multi-chambered type and filters the smoke even more effectively, and gets rid of the tar, ash, and other toxins than the bong would. This makes the smoke less of a problem and perhaps less of a detriment to the lungs of the smokers as well.

Effective Diffusion

The smoke rises through little openings made in the chambers to ensure the smoke is well mixed so that it does not come out in one rush to your lungs. This diffusion also disperses and mixes the water with the smoke in equal proportions.

Preserves Terpenes

In addition to eliminating undesirable compounds that affect the taste of marijuana, percolators retain most of the essential terpenes and flavonoids inherent in the plant.

Easy Pull

The separated chambers assist in drawing smoke gently through the bong, thereby ensuring that you do not have to apply a lot of effort while drawing the smoke in on the first cycle. The use of the smaller rings and the gradual increase in the size of the rings result in a rather smooth and enjoyable smoking process in the overall sense.

Different Types of Percolator Bongs

Inline Percolator Bongs

Inline percolators are a type of bong percolator with a horizontal tube design that has several slits or holes along its length. Located alongside the bottom of the bong, the inline percolator makes smoke pass through these slits to offer a larger surface area for cooling and filtration.

Pros and Cons of Inline Perc

The horizontal tube design of the Inline perc with numerous slits helps to diffuse smoke into smaller bubbles that provide better cooling and filtration, which leads to smoother and cooler hits that are less harsh on the throat and lungs. Also, the process of watching the smoke pass through the slits also makes the smoking process more enjoyable. However, inline percolators also have some disadvantages.

Just in case you don't already know how to clean a glass pipe, then these can get even more difficult to clean because their design is very complex and the resin and tar can accumulate in the slits. This design also makes them more fragile and vulnerable to damage than the simpler percolators. Plus, the slits can get blocked easily, and to ensure that they work to the best they require regular cleaning.

Tree Percolator Bongs

Tree perc bongs, also known as tree arm percs are a popular choice among smoking enthusiasts. Unlike traditional bongs, which may only have a single percolator, tree percolator bongs feature multiple arms that resemble the branches of a tree. These arms are equipped with multiple slits or holes to help diffuse the smoke and provide additional filtration.

How Do Tree Percs Work?

A tree percolator bong consists of a chamber located at the base of the bong and filled with water. When you take a puff with the mouthpiece, the air you inhale goes down through the percolator which looks like a small tree made of tubes. When the air passes through these tubes it forms bubbles which help cool and filter the smoke. This in turn breaks the smoke into many small bubbles, thus more of the bubble surface area gets to react with the water to give a smooth hit. Due to the multiple arms of the percolator, the filtration effect having the bong type is very high.

In general, the tree shape contributes to filtering and cooling the smoke more than any normal bong and you get a smoother hit that may not be harsh on the throat or lungs.

Pros of Tree Percolators

The intricate design of the tree percolator bong helps to filter out impurities and cool down the smoke, resulting in a smoother hit. The multiple arms of the percolator provide enhanced filtration, reducing the chance of inhaling unwanted toxins. Also, the bubbling action of the smoke traveling through the percolator arms creates a mesmerizing visual effect that adds to the overall smoking experience. So, you get a smooth filtration process and an amazing visual appeal!

Cons of Using a Tree Percolator Bong

The intricate design of the tree percolator bong can make it more challenging to clean compared to traditional bongs. Not just that but the multiple arms of the percolator can be delicate and prone to breaking if not handled with care while cleaning or just using it. Plus, tree percolator bongs tend to be more expensive than standard bongs due to their intricate design and additional filtration features.

Turbine Percs

Unique Features of a Turbine Perc

Turbine percolators create a swirling motion of water and smoke, which not only looks visually appealing but also helps with effective filtration. The swirling action acts as a splash guard, preventing water from reaching your mouth while enhancing the cooling effect of the smoke.

Smoothness of Smoke Produced by Turbine Perc Bongs

The swirling motion generated by turbine percolators ensures that the smoke is well-filtered and cooled, providing a smooth and enjoyable hit. The visual effect adds an extra layer of enjoyment to your smoking session, making turbine percs a popular choice among enthusiasts.

Pros and Cons of Turbine Percs

The main advantage of turbine percolators is their ability to provide smooth and cool smoke while acting as an effective splash guard. However, similar to tree percolators, turbine percs can be more challenging to clean due to their intricate design.

Disc Percolators

Disc percolators use a series of small holes or slits to diffuse smoke effectively. These are different from other types of percolator bongs because they specifically feature a flat disc with tiny holes or slits that the smoke must pass through. This design breaks the smoke into smaller particles, increasing the surface area in contact with water and providing better filtration.

Pros of Disc Percolators

Disc percolators are known for their simple yet effective design. They provide excellent filtration and cooling, resulting in smooth hits. They are also relatively easy to clean compared to more complex percolators.

Cons of Using a Disc Percolator Bong

While disc percolators offer effective filtration, they may not provide the same level of visual appeal as other types of percolators. Additionally, the simplicity of their design may not be as interesting for collectors looking for more intricate pieces.

Circ Perc

In particular, the circ perc bong has a circular percolation system, which enhances the filtration process. This system acts like a filter that pushes the smoke through a number of small holes in order to produce a vortex that cools and purifies the smoke before it gets into your lungs. This intricate mechanism leads to a smoother, cooler, and cleaner hit, which is ideal for enthusiasts.

Benefits of Using a Circ Perc Bong

The major advantage of a circ perc bong is that it provides better filtration than other types of percolator bongs. The circular percolation system divides the smoke into fine particles and thus increases the surface area for filtration and cooling. This means that your throat and lungs will not be as irritated as they were before, making each session more comfortable. Also, the process of observing the smoke move through the percolation chamber is quite enjoyable to the eyes.

Barrel percolators

There is a specific type within the circ perc family known as the barrel bong percolator. This percolator is named for its barrel shape and provides a sleek and effective filtration system. In comparison, the inline perc features a horizontal tube that extends the downstem joint into the water chamber, with evenly spaced slits or holes at the base of the bong. This design helps keep water from shooting too far up the stem and allows for efficient filtration, resulting in smoother and cooler hits.

Why Choose a Barrel Perc Bong

The barrel perc bong is popular due to its durability and effectiveness in diffusing smoke. This shape enables a larger amount of water to be used in the filtration process, hence cleaner hits. Similarly, inline percs are known for their efficient filtration and smooth hits, making them another excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality smoking experience.

Pros and Cons of a Barrel Percolator Bong

The barrel percolator bong is excellent in smoke dispersal and is characterized by a very strong and rigid construction, which also makes it look great. But it is somewhat challenging to clean because of its unique design and is slightly more expensive than other types of percolator bongs..

Honeycomb Percolator Bongs

Another interesting type is the honeycomb percolator bong which is known for its peculiar structure and high performance. The honeycomb perc has numerous small holes that look like the structure of a beehive through which the smoke is dispersed.

Pros and Cons of Honeycomb Percolator Bongs

Honeycomb percolator bongs offer great filtration because of the many points of contact and are aesthetically pleasing with the honeycomb design. These provide a smooth draw and less irritation but are difficult to clean due to the numerous small holes and are prone to getting blocked if not cleaned frequently.

Showerhead Percolator Bongs

Showerhead percolators, resembling the head of a shower, offer another fantastic option for enthusiasts seeking smooth and filtered hits.

Functionality of Showerhead Percolators

Showerhead percolators function by forcing the smoke through a showerhead-like disc, which evenly disperses the smoke through the water. This design maximizes the interaction between smoke and water, resulting in excellent filtration and cooling.

Reasons to Choose Showerhead Percolator Bongs

The uniformly distributed smoke from the showerhead perc guarantees that every puff is smooth and cool, thus, enhancing the smoking experience. Furthermore, showerhead percs are not very complicated to clean and maintain since they are less likely to get clogged and the process of cleaning them is quite simple.

Pros and Cons of Showerhead percs

Showerhead percolator bongs have their benefits including even smoke dispersion, smooth and cool hits, and easier cleaning than more complex percolators. Due to the simplicity of the design, they are also more robust and cannot be easily damaged. Nonetheless, showerhead percs may not be as effective as other percolators with multiple compartments since they have only one outlet, which may allow some particles to remain in the smoke. However, they may not be as stylish and well-crafted as other types of percs.

Ice Pinch Percolator Bongs

Ice pinch percolator bongs have some notches or pinches at the neck of the bong where you can place ice cubes above the percolator. This feature increases the cooling effect of the smoke, making the inhale smoother and more enjoyable. The ice pinches keep the ice cubes from falling into the water chamber while at the same time allowing the smoke to pass through the chilled ice.

Related Read: What is an Ice Bong?

How Ice Pinches Enhance Smoking Experience

Ice notches improve the smoking experience by cooling the smoke in the neck of the bong before it reaches the lips. This extra cooling feature can help minimize the roughness and inflammation commonly linked with smoking, thus making every puff as smooth as possible. The cooler smoke is easier on the throat and lungs, enabling one to take deeper and more enjoyable drags without experiencing the burning sensation associated with smoking.

Tips for Using Ice Pinch Percolator Bongs

To get the most out of an ice pinch percolator bong, it is recommended to use small ice cubes to avoid blocking the neck. Clean the ice pinch area frequently to avoid accumulation of resin which hinders air circulation and reduces the cooling effect. One should be careful with the temperature differential between the ice and the glass to prevent thermal stress which may lead to cracks. Also, try using different quantities of ice to achieve the right level of coolness for your drink.

Matrix Percolator Bongs

Matrix perc bongs are designed to have multiple slits and holes that form a matrix and are known to be very efficient. This design enhances the diffusion and filtration of smoke, making it one of the best for smoking.

Benefits of Matrix Percolators

Matrix percolators are designed to provide excellent filtration and cooling because of the structure of the percolator. The increased number of diffusion points guarantees that the smoke is filtered out properly and leads to smoother and cleaner hits. The complex design also produces an aesthetically pleasing smoke flow, thus enhancing the aesthetics of the structure.

Recommended Practices for Cleaning Matrix Percolator Bongs

As complex pieces of glassware, matrix percolator bongs must be cleaned carefully to ensure continued proper functioning. Clean the percolator with isopropyl alcohol and salt to make sure that all the slits and holes are properly cleaned. Cleaning eliminates accumulation and blockage that may decrease the effectiveness of the percolator. For the hard-to-clean areas, you can use pipe cleaners or small brushes to ensure the percolator is as clean as new.

Customization Options for Matrix Percolator Bongs

Matrix percolator bongs are available in various designs and can be customized by the user to suit their preferences. Options include using different colored glass, varying the size of the glass, and adding on features like ash catchers or more percolators. These upgrades can enhance the looks and the use of the bong depending on the user’s preference and choice.

Swiss Percolator Bongs

The Swiss perc bongs are easily identified by their design which looks like the holes of Swiss cheese. This unique design offers superior smoke cooling and filtration, giving the area a scenic appeal.

Why Swiss Percolators Stand Out

Swiss percolators are famous for their great look and quality. The multiple holes give it a more circular airflow which enhances the smoke cooling and filtration, delivering very smooth hits. The design of Swiss percolators is also quite complex which makes it not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, which is why enthusiasts of the smoking culture also love them.

Enhancing the Functionality of Swiss Percolators

For better performance of Swiss percolators, it is recommended that the water level should be correct and the percolator should be cleaned from time to time to ensure free flow of air. Other accessories like pre-coolers can also enhance the smoking experience by offering more cooling and filtration. Swiss percolators should be well cared for and used correctly so that they can continue to provide smooth and enjoyable hits.

Things to Consider when Choosing a Percolator Bong

When choosing a percolator bong, the type of percolator, the material and thickness of the glass, the size of the bong, as well as the presence of ice pinches or ash catchers should be taken into consideration. These factors will affect the bong’s efficiency, reliability, and ability to be cleaned.

There are various types of percolator bongs for various uses. For example, honeycomb percs are good for filtration, matrix percs for smooth hits, and ice pinch percs for added cooling. Knowing the advantages of each type will allow you to choose the most suitable one that will meet your needs.

Also, to buy a percolator bong it is advised to know the types of bongs that are available, to set a budget, to read reviews, and if possible to see the bong in person to make sure that it fits your preferences and requirements. This way, you will be able to make a better decision and get the right bong for yourself.

Budget-Friendly Options

You can choose inexpensive percs such as showerheads or honeycomb bongs that offer efficient filtration without the need for a lot of money. These types of percolator bongs are a good middle ground between quality and price, and therefore perfect for beginners when it comes to percolator bongs.

For those who are on a tight budget, DIY percolator bongs can be an option too. To come up with a rudimentary percolation system, one can use materials such as plastic bottles, straws, and rubber grommets. Check that everything is clean and safe when using it, and come up with a unique way of constructing a percolator bong that is both efficient and cheap. However, this can be an exhausting process.

Related Read: How to Make Homemade Gravity Bong

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of percolator for a bong?

As for the type of percolator, matrix, and honeycomb percolators are considered the best for providing smooth hits and proper filtration.

What is the easiest perc to clean?

Showerhead percolators are the easiest to clean due to their simple and straightforward design.

What is the difference between a recycler and a percolator?

A percolator cools smoke through water and a recycler reroutes water through the bong to make hits smoother and cooler and to eliminate splashback.