What Does a Percolator Do? Bong Percolators and Their Benefits

The goal of smoking out of a bong is to make the smoking process feel much smoother. In contrast, the goal of dabbing is to isolate and enjoy flavor. A percolator will cool down the smoke, providing premium filtration and cool smoke. There are several different types of percolators, and each has a slightly different effect.

Of course, there are numerous advantages of smoking from a bong. However, if you have used a water pipe without a perc, you are familiar with the burning throat feeling. That’s where the percolator comes in. As the smoke moves through the chambers, the added filtration and cooling will make your huge bong rip smoother and more enjoyable.

Just like a traditional bong with a standard downstem and bowl. A percolator bong works by forcing air and water through the paths of the different percolators when you inhale from the mouthpiece on your bong.

Using a percolator bong can greatly enhance your smoking experience. Here are some of the benefits of using a percolator bong:

• Cooler Smoke: One of the standout features of percolator bongs is their ability to cool down the smoke. As the smoke passes through the percolator, it gets broken up into tiny bubbles, increasing the surface area and allowing the water to cool it more effectively. This results in a smoother, cooler smoke that’s much more comfortable to inhale, especially for those who often experience throat irritation or coughing.
• Improved Filtration: Percolators act as an additional filtration system within your bong. As the smoke flows through the percolator, impurities and contaminants are filtered out, leaving you with a cleaner and healthier smoking experience. This extra layer of filtration can make a significant difference in the quality of your hits.
• Increased Flavor: By filtering out impurities that can affect taste, percolators can enhance the flavor of your smoke. This means you get to enjoy the full, rich flavors of your herbs or concentrates without any unwanted harshness or aftertaste.
• Reduced Harshness: The added filtration and cooling provided by percolators can significantly reduce the harshness of the smoke. This makes it easier to take larger hits and enjoy a more relaxing smoking experience without the discomfort of a burning throat or excessive coughing.

The easiest way to clean a bong with a lot of percolators is to ensure you are using the proper bong cleaner and cleaning caps. This will ensure you can shake the bong vigorously to allow the bong cleaning solution to reach in all the parts of the bongs percolators. The problem with using salt when trying to clean a bong with lots of percolators is the salt can clog up the small holes before it has a chance to dissolve.

Similar to ice catchers, percolators are an effective way to eliminate the excess heat and harshness while preserving and highlighting the flavor.

However, different percolators will accomplish this in a different manner. They will also contribute a different aesthetic touch to each piece. These are some of the most common styles of percolators.

 

1. Honeycomb Percolators

The shape of a honeycomb percolator gives it the functionality needed to filter smoke with such efficiency. The round discs fit perfectly in the tube of the bong, and the small holes excel in diffusing the smoke. However, the small holes can easily become blocked, requiring regular maintenance for optimal performance. Most of all, they accomplish this without slowing down the smoking process.

This piece has 3 honeycomb percolators, providing ample filtration and guaranteed cool hits.

View Our Honeycomb Percs >

4. Matrix Percolator

You can find a Matrix Percolator directly in the bong's center, with plenty of space around them. Ultimately, this gives it a lot more aesthetic value. Because the top holes don't have much resistance, the lower holes aren't likely to bring enough smoke in. A matrix percolator operates in a similar way to showerhead percs.

 

5. Turbine Percolators

Turbine percolators excel in function while also delivering a unique aesthetic. The shape of the percolator causes water to travel up the sides of the pipe, providing effective filtration in addition to incredible visuals.

View More Turbine Percs >

 

9. Faberge Egg Percs

While a faberge egg percolator will not efficiently filter smoke independently, it will work well when paired with another percolator. Instead, placing a faberge egg perc within close proximity to another percolator will allow the smoke to filter and spread out, giving the bubbles more surface area. Additionally, they bring an appealing aesthetic to the table.

 

 

With so many different types of percolator bongs available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a percolator bong:

• Type of Percolator: Different types of percolators, such as tree percs, honeycomb percolators, and showerhead percs, offer unique benefits and features. Tree percs provide excellent diffusion with their multiple arms, honeycomb percolators offer efficient filtration with minimal drag, and showerhead percs deliver smooth hits with their multiple slits. Consider what type of percolator will best suit your needs and preferences.
• Size and Portability: Think about where and how you plan to use your bong. If you need something compact and easy to take on the go, a smaller bong might be the best choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial piece for home use, a larger bong with multiple percolators could be ideal.
• Material and Durability: The material of the bong is another important factor. Glass bongs are popular for their durability and ease of cleaning, but they can be fragile. Silicone bongs, while more flexible and portable, may not offer the same level of filtration and cooling as glass. Choose a material that fits your lifestyle and smoking habits.
• Price: Percolator bongs can range in price from under $50 to over $200. Determine your budget and consider what features are most important to you. Investing in a quality bong can enhance your smoking experience and provide long-term satisfaction.

To keep your percolator bong in good condition and ensure optimal performance, regular maintenance and cleaning are essential. Here are some tips for cleaning and maintaining your percolator bong:

• Clean the Bong Regularly: Regular cleaning is crucial to prevent residue buildup. Use a bong cleaner or a mixture of water and baking soda to clean the bong thoroughly. This will help maintain the quality of your hits and extend the life of your bong.
• Soak the Percolator: Percolators can accumulate debris over time, affecting their performance. Soak the percolator in a mixture of water and bong cleaner to remove any buildup. This will ensure that your percolator continues to provide effective filtration and cooling.
• Use a Pipe Cleaner: For stubborn buildup or debris, use a pipe cleaner to reach into the small holes and crevices of the percolator and downstem. This will help keep your bong functioning at its best.
• Dry the Bong: After cleaning, make sure to dry the bong thoroughly to prevent water spots or mineral buildup. This will keep your bong looking clean and ensure that it performs optimally.

By following these tips and considering the benefits and features of different percolator bongs, you can find the perfect bong to enhance your smoking experience. Whether you prefer the efficient filtration of honeycomb percolators or the smooth hits from showerhead percs, there’s a percolator bong out there that will meet your needs and elevate your smoking sessions.