Bongs, Bubblers, and Chillums: The Difference Between All 3

Bongs, Bubblers, and Chillums: The Difference Between All 3

With weed and hemp becoming so popular nowadays, it’s hard to know the best ways to consume your products. When it comes to smoking flower, there are several different ways to consume the product whether it’s by rolling a preroll or smoking out of a spoon pipe, chillum, bong, or bubbler. In this guide, we’ll break down what they are, how to use them, and how to choose the best accessory for your next sesh. 

What Is a Spoon Pipe? 

When you think of an easy to use smoking device, you’ll often think of a spoon pipe. It is a small classic, dry pipe that’s durable and easy to use. Spoon pipes are often made of glass, though silicone and ceramic versions exist too. To use one, you pack the bowl with small pieces of flower, cover the carb hole (the small hole on the side of the pipe), light the flower, and inhale. Spoon pipes are often preferred for their durability and size. 

What is a Bong?

A bong is a larger water pipe that is used for smoother and filtered smoking experience through water filtration. Most bongs are made of glass and have a bowl for your flower, a large stem that connects to a water chamber, and a mouthpiece. Bongs are larger and primarily used at home. While they’re less portable than a pipe or chillum, they’re preferred for more experienced smokers looking for a smoother and more intense smoking experience. 

What is a Bubbler?

If you combine a pipe and a bong, you get a bubbler. A bubbler is a compact, portable smoking accessory that includes a small water chamber for filtration. It’s typically made of glass and features a bowl, stem, and mouthpiece, similar to spoon pipe, but also includes a water chamber, like a bong.  To use one, add a small amount of water to the chamber (just enough to cover the stem), pack your flower, and inhale while lighting. The bubbling action filters the smoke just like a bong for a smoother hit. Bubblers are great for smokers who want portability and a smoother sesh. 

Spoon Pipe vs. Chillum vs. Bong vs. Bubbler

FeatureSpoon PipeChillumBongBubbler
TypeDry pipeDry pipe (one-hitter)Water pipeHybrid (water + dry pipe)
FiltrationNoneNoneWater filtrationWater filtration
SmoothnessModerateHarshSmoothSmoothest
PortabilityHighVery highLowMedium
Ease of UseVery easyEasiestModerateEasy
CleaningSimpleSimpleRequires more careModerate
MaterialGlass, silicone, ceramicGlass, metalGlass (sometimes silicone)Glass
Experience LevelBeginnerBeginnerAdvancedIntermediate
Hit SizeSmall–mediumSmallLargeMedium
Best Use SettingCasual useOn-the-goAt homeCasual use

When it comes to smoking flower, there’s no one-size-fits-all accessory. Each method has a slightly different experience and it’s all about what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for something quick and discreet, choose a chillum for an easy to use single hit. For a simple, classic option that’s easy to clean and use every day, the spoon pipe is a great option. If you’re looking for a more filtered, less harsh experience and a more advanced smoker, choose a bong. And if you want a mix of both worlds, choose a bubbler for a smooth smoking experience and smaller size. Whichever piece you choose, make sure to keep your accessory clean, use quality legal flower, and enjoy. For all of your flower needs, be sure to check out Doobie’s full collection of weed flower and weed flower accessories today.