Beaker Bongs 101: What You Need to Know To Get Started

If you’re looking for a smooth, easy-to-use bong, a beaker bong is a classic pick. Think back to high school chemistry and the glass beaker you used for “experiments”. Same basic shape—but let’s be real, way more fun.

Let’s break down why they’re a fan favorite and how to pick the right one.

What is a Beaker Bong?

A beaker bong is a type of water pipe with a wide, conical base that provides extra stability and a larger water chamber for better filtration and cooling.

Beaker Bong Benefits:

• Smoother hits - More water means better filtration.
• More stability - The wide base won’t tip over easily.
• Easier to clean - Fewer narrow chambers = less buildup.
• Available with percolators & ice catchers - Upgrade your filtration for even cleaner, cooler hits.

How to Choose the Right Beaker Bong

Not all beaker bongs are the same, so here’s how to find your perfect match:

#1 - Pick Your Size:

• Small (8-12 inches) - Great for portability, but needs more frequent cleaning.
• Medium (12-16 inches) - The perfect balance between size & function.
• Large (16-18+ inches) - Bigger water chamber, smoother hits, and less maintenance.

#2 - Pick Your Material:

• Glass - Our top pick because it’s tough enough for daily use and provides the smoothest hits.
• Silicone - A solid alternative if you’re afraid of dropping your first piece.

#3 - Pick What Features Matter Most To You:

• Percolators - Add more filtration for smoother smoke.
• Ice Catchers - Hold ice cubes for an extra cool pull.
• Ash Catchers - Keep resin & ash out of your bong, making cleaning easier.

Shop the best beaker bongs here.

What is a Percolator? Do You Need One?

A percolator is an extra filtration chamber inside a bong that breaks smoke into smaller bubbles, increasing contact with water and making each hit smoother and cleaner.

Types of Percolators in Beaker Bongs:

• Tree Percolator - Multiple arms diffuse smoke efficiently.
• Showerhead Percolator - A slitted tube spreads smoke evenly.
• Honeycomb Percolator - A disc with multiple holes for maximum filtration.

Do you need a percolator? No. But does it make hits smoother and less harsh? Absolutely.

What is an Ice Catcher in a Bong?

An ice catcher is a set of small notches inside the bong’s neck designed to hold ice cubes. As smoke passes over the ice, it cools down, making each hit smoother and less harsh on your throat.

Pro tip: Don’t overfill it with ice. Otherwise, as it melts, you’ll have a mini flood situation in your bong (which, trust me, you do not want).

Best Beaker Bongs at MatchBoxBros

If you’re ready to upgrade your smoking setup, check out these top-rated beaker bongs:

Cookies 2 Da Dome Glass Beaker Bong | 17”

• Thick borosilicate glass - extra durability
• Large water chamber - ultra-smooth hits
• High-flow dome percolator - superior smoke filtration
  

GRAV Deco Glass + Silicone Beaker | 9.5”

• Glass + silicone combo - tough but smooth-hitting
• Silicone base - drop-resistant
• Removable down-stem - easy to clean
  

GRAV Mini Glass Beaker | 6”

• Compact, portable, and powerful
• Fixed down-stem for smooth diffusion
• Perfect for quick solo sessions
  

EYCE Silicone Beaker | 12.5”

• 100% silicone - nearly indestructible
• Hidden stash compartment in the base
• Bright colors for a fun, unique look

Explore the full collection of beaker bongs here.

How to Clean a Beaker Bong (Without the Hassle)

A dirty bong = bad hits.

Here’s how to keep yours clean and fresh:

What You’ll Need:

• Isopropyl alcohol (91% or higher)
• Coarse salt (for scrubbing)
• Pipe cleaners or bottle brushes
• Hot water
• Paper towels or microfiber cloths

How to Clean Your Bong:

• Take it apart - Remove the bowl and down-stem.
• Rinse with hot water - Loosen up the residue.
• Add alcohol & salt - Shake it up to scrub away resin.
• Let it soak (15-30 mins) - For extra stubborn grime, soak longer.
• Scrub & rinse - Use a brush for hard-to-reach areas.

For an easier cleanup, check out Blazy Susan Resin Blaster Cleaning Caps—just add your cleaning solution, seal, and shake for a mess-free clean.

Final Take: Why Beaker Bongs Are a Must-Have

If you want a smooth, reliable, easy-to-clean bong, a beaker bong is the way to go. The wide base keeps it sturdy, the big water chamber cools your smoke, and with ice catchers and percolators, you can customize your hits to perfection.

Looking for your perfect match? Shop our full collection now.