Best Smoking Devices: Matching Tools to Your Needs

Quick Take: Your choice of cannabis device shapes your entire experience. Hand pipes excel in portability and precise dosing. Water pipes deliver smoother, larger hits with filtration. Concentrate pipes offer intense, flavor-rich sessions. Vaporizers provide a health-conscious option with efficient extraction. 

There are dozens of smoking devices that each have their unique pros and cons. In this article, we go over every type of smoking device so you can find the best match for your needs.

What is the best weed smoking device?

The best weed smoking device depends on your needs. Hand pipes are best for micro-dosing; bongs are best for larger filtered hits; vaporizers for stealth and health, and dab rigs deliver the most potent hits. Each has pros and cons: hand pipes can be harsh, bongs less portable, and dab rigs need more setup.

Here's a quick cheat sheet:

• Convenience: go for hand pipes
• Smooth hits: opt for water pipes
• Health-conscious: choose vaporizers
• Potency: select dab rigs
• Portability: stick with one-hitters or vape pens
• Social smoking: bongs are your best bet
• Flavor preservation: dry herb vaporizers excel

Hand Pipes: Portable precision smoking

Weed pipes feature a small carb hole near the bowl, giving you full control over your hits. By covering and uncovering this hole with your finger, you control airflow and smoke production. Hold the carb hole closed while lighting to build smoke in the chamber, then release for a rush of fresh air that pushes the hit into your lungs. 

Tapping your finger over the carb hole allows you to fine-tune every aspect of your session. Tap it back and forth repeatedly for frequent puffs or hold for bigger hits. The carb also helps you corner the bowl, lighting only portions at a time preserving your cannabis burn rate (which saves you money). Best of all, pipes are affordable, durable, and much easier to smoke than many water filtration devices.

Pros:

• Hold carb for dense hits, release for rush of fresh air
• Tap carb to control burn rate and smoke coolness
• Efficient use of herb - less waste, more hits per bowl
• Fits in pocket for quick, discreet smoking anywhere

Cons:

• Harsher hits than water pipes due to less filtration
• Needs regular cleaning to prevent resin buildup

1. Spoon Pipes

Spoon pipes, named for their iconic shape, are easy to use and pack a punch. The open bowl cradles your herb, while the side carb lets you control hits. Cover the carb to build smoke and release it to clear it for a powerful hit. The wide bowl allows you to "corner" cannabis, stretching your stash. 

• Control: Side carb allows for easy airflow management.
• Flavor: A short path delivered faster, stronger, and flavorful hits.

2. Chillums

Chillums are simple cylinder pipes ideal for medium hits, perfect for micro-dosing or managing tolerance. Without a carb hole, chillums offer consistent airflow for productive hits. Lightweight and compact, they produce less smoke than traditional pipes, making them great for discreet sessions.

• Control: Cover the bowl end to build smoke, uncover for a full, powerful draw.
• On-the-Go: Fits in your pocket and easy to travel with.
• Learn: How to smoke a chillum

3. Steamrollers

Steamroller pipes feature a large carb hole at one end, allowing maximum airflow for intense hits. When you uncover the carb, the unrestricted air rushes in, pushing the smoke rapidly into your lungs, preserving full flavor and potency. Ideal for experienced smokers seeking powerful hits.

• Intensity:Large carb delivers stronger, more powerful hits.
• Flavor:Unrestricted airflow retains full, potent flavor.

4. One-hitters

One-hitters, or taster bats, have the smallest bowls among hand pipes, holding about 25 mg of cannabis. Ideal for quick, single hits, they are perfect for microdosing and conserving cannabis. Airflow is controlled by covering the bowl end with a finger. Compact and discreet, they’re great for sampling strains on the go.

• Tolerance Control: Perfect for microdosing and conserving cannabis.
• Discreet: Compact design for easy, private use.
• Learn: How to smoke a one hitter pipe

5. Glass blunts

Glass blunts offer a healthier alternative to traditional blunts by eliminating the need for tobacco wraps. They provide a pure cannabis experience, holding more than a gram for longer sessions. The design, especially twisty varieties, cools the smoke, enhancing flavor and making the experience smoother.

• Healthier: No tobacco wraps for a pure cannabis experience.
• Flavor: Twisty design cools smoke for enhanced flavor.
• Learn: Benefits of a glass blunt

6. Sherlock pipes

Sherlock pipes feature a long, curved stem, cooling the smoke as it travels through the narrow pathway, resulting in smoother hits and less throat irritation. Without a carb hole, the extended smoke path enhances flavor by gradually releasing terpenes, the compounds responsible for cannabis's aroma and taste.

• Smooth Hits: Long stem cools smoke for a less harsh experience.
• Rich Flavor: Gradual terpene release enhances the taste.
• Learn: What is a Sherlock pipe?

Water Pipes: Smoother, Cooler Hits

Water pipes (bongs) offer a superior smoking experience by filtering smoke through water, resulting in smoother, cooler hits. The water chamber, significantly larger than hand pipes, allows for greater smoke accumulation. This enables you to take larger, more potent hits - commonly known as "bong rips" - as you clear the entire chamber at once. 

Did you know? Water pipes use percolators to filter smoke of ash, tar, resin, and other smoke byproducts, making bongs one of the healthiest ways to smoke cannabis.

The cooled smoke is less harsh on your throat and lungs, making it easier to inhale deeply and hold hits longer. Water pipes also help preserve flavor by cooling the smoke rapidly. This temperature reduction protects delicate terpenes - the compounds responsible for cannabis's aroma and taste - from excessive heat degradation, allowing you to experience the rich flavors of your strain.

Pros:

• Water filtration for smoother, cooler hits
• Larger chamber for more potent, full-lung hits
• Catches ash and some harmful byproducts
• Enhanced flavor profile

Cons:

• Less portable than hand pipes
• More maintenance with dirty bong water

1. Beaker Bongs

Beaker bongs feature a broad, stable base that holds a larger volume of water, enhancing filtration and cooling with each hit. The increased water capacity allows for more bubbles to form, which further breaks down and cools the smoke. This design results in smoother, cooler hits that are easier on the throat and lungs.

• Stability: The broad base prevents tipping, making it perfect for shared sessions.
• Smooth Hits: Extra water volume enhances filtration and cooling for a gentler inhale.
• Learn: Which is better, Beaker vs. straight tube bong?

2. Straight Tube Bongs

Straight tube bongs feature a direct path from the bowl to the mouthpiece, delivering hits quickly with minimal diffusion. That means fewer bubbles and less filtration of the hot smoke, resulting in a quick and dense hit of partially filtered smoke. This makes straight tubes more potent and fast-hitting but also harsher and less filtered.

• Potency: Direct hits with minimal filtration result in a more intense, potent experience.
• Flavor: Less diffusion preserves the original flavor profile of your herbs for a fuller taste.

3. Bubblers

Bubblers combine the portability of a hand pipe with the water filtration benefits of a bong. Their compact size, typically under 10 inches, makes them easy to carry and use on the go. Bubblers provide smooth, cool hits without the bulkiness of a bong, making them ideal for solo sessions or small groups.

• Portability and Convenience:Easy to carry, perfect for on-the-go use.
• Smooth and Flavorful Hits:Water filtration cools smoke and enhances flavor.
• Learn: Bubblers vs bongs - which is better?

4. Recyclers

Recycler bongs feature a two-chamber system that continuously recycles water and smoke through multiple percolations. This process filters and cools the smoke multiple times, resulting in smoother, cooler hits that are less harsh on the throat and lungs compared to traditional water pipes or bongs.

• Less Coughing: Cooler, smoother smoke.
• Better Flavor: Enhances taste for dabs and flower
• Learn: How does a recycler bong work?

5. Ice Bongs

Ice bongs have notches in the neck that hold ice cubes above the water chamber. As hot smoke passes over the ice, the temperature drops by several degrees. This creates cooler, smoother smoke, reducing throat irritation and coughing for a more enjoyable bong rip.

• Cooler Smoke: Ice cools hot smoke, reducing throat irritation.
• Smoother Hits: Cooler hits prevent coughing and discomfort.

6. Glycerin Bongs

Glycerin bongs feature a removable coil filled with food-grade glycerin. As hot smoke travels through the winding coils surrounded by frozen glycerin, the temperature drops by over 300 degrees Fahrenheit. This extended cooling path provides the smoothest possible hits, perfect for those sensitive to bong rips and coughing.

• Smooth Hits: Winding coils and frozen glycerin cool hot smoke by over 300°F, reducing coughing.
• Long-Lasting Chill: Glycerin coils stay cold longer than ice for extended sessions.

Concentrate pipes: Precision Concentrate Consumption

Dab pipes give you powerful, flavorful hits from cannabis concentrates like wax, shatter, and live rosin. The classic method uses a dab torch to heat the banger until it's red-hot, then let it cool for 30-60 seconds. This creates the perfect temperature to turn concentrates into vapor without burning them. Apply a tiny dab and inhale slowly. Other popular models include e-rigs and portable dab straws.

To use a dab rig, start with a rice-grain-sized dab in the heated banger. Cover with a carb cap and inhale slowly as it vaporizes. You'll feel intense effects almost instantly - dabs are powerful, so start small. With practice, you'll find your ideal temperature and dose for consistent, potent relief.

Pros:

• Delivers concentrated doses for fast-acting, potent relief
• Preserves delicate terpenes for maximum flavor and effects
• Efficient vaporization - less waste, more bang for your buck
• Customizable with different nails, percolators, and accessories

Cons:

• Requires precise timing and temperature management
• Higher upfront cost for quality rigs and tools

1. Dab Rigs

Dab rigs are water pipes modded for smoking concentrates. You get unmatched temperature control with torch and quartz, watching the banger change color to hit your preferred vaporization points. This visual feedback lets you get low-temp terpene preservation (300°F) to high-temp full-spectrum effects (600°F). 

• Targeted Heating: Evenly heat or focus on specific areas for precise vaporization.
• Smooth Hits: Water filtration with a percolator delivers cleaner, smoother dabs.
• Learn: What is a dab rig?

2. Nectar Collectors

Nectar collectors are portable, straw-like dab tools for direct, on-the-go dabbing. Heat the tip with a torch, then dip directly into your concentrate for instant vaporization. The direct contact between the heated tip and concentrate extracts maximum flavor and potency, eliminating the vapor loss common in larger rigs. 

• Microdosing: a great way to manage tolerance and microdose dabs
• Portable Precision: the only portable glass dab device
• Learn: What is a nectar collector?

3. E-Rigs

Electric dab rigs simplify concentrate use with precise temperature control at the push of a button. They heat to exact temperatures, preserving terpenes and maximizing flavor. Torch-free and portable, these rigs make high-quality dabbing easy, even for beginners.

• Efficient Use: Consistent heating minimizes waste and stretches your supply.
• User-Friendly: Intuitive controls and auto-cleaning features make dabbing effortless.
• Learn: What is an electric dab rig?

4. Electric Nectar Collectors

Electric nectar collectors are compact, battery-powered devices perfect for dabbing concentrates. You can dial in the exact temperature you need, then let the heated nail touch the dab to instantly vaporize it. The vapor is pulled up through the straw for a smooth, efficient hit every time.

• Stealthy Use: Compact design makes it easy to dab discreetly wherever you are.
• Easy Maintenance: Detachable parts and replaceable tips make cleaning a breeze.

Vaporizers: Efficient, healthy precision dosing

Vaporizers heat cannabis to release active compounds without combustion, typically between 1356°F to 410°F. This process creates vapor instead of smoke, significantly reducing exposure to harmful toxins like carbon monoxide and tar. By avoiding combustion, vaporizers offer a cleaner, more efficient method of cannabinoid delivery.

The precise temperature control of vaporizers allows users to target specific cannabinoids and terpenes, tailoring their experience. This means you need less cannabis to achieve desired effects, potentially saving money long-term. Vaporizers also produce less odor and cooler vapor, making for a smoother, more discreet experience.

Pros:

• Reduced exposure to harmful toxins compared to smoking
• Efficient cannabinoid delivery - less waste, more potent effects
• Customizable temperature settings for targeted compound release
• Smoother hits and improved flavor profile

Cons:

• Higher initial cost than traditional smoking methods
• Learning curve to find optimal temperature settings

1. Desktop Vaporizers

Desktop vaporizers connect to a wall outlet, providing a steady power supply that results in consistent heating and efficient extraction of cannabinoids and terpenes. Unlike portable units, desktop vaporizers offer reliable power, larger capacity, and advanced cooling systems for superior vapor quality.

• Steady Heating: Wall outlet power delivers reliable and efficient vaporization.
• Flexible Options: Use whip attachments for direct inhalation or fill balloon bags to share with others.

2. Portable Vaporizers

Portable vaporizers are compact and battery-operated, ideal for on-the-go use without needing a power outlet. They use advanced heating methods like conduction and convection, offering precise temperature control for efficient cannabinoid extraction. This provides potent, flavorful vapor wherever you are.

• Portability: Compact, lightweight, and battery-powered for easy use anywhere.
• Efficient Heating: Conduction and convection methods with adjustable temperatures for optimal vaporization.

3. Pen Vaporizers

Pen vaporizers are compact and lightweight, resembling the size and shape of a pen. They produce minimal odor, making them discreet and suitable for use in various settings. Using conduction heating, they offer efficient vaporization of cannabis oil, often with pre-filled cartridges for added convenience.

• Portability and Discreetness: Slim, lightweight design with minimal odor for easy and discreet use anywhere.
• Ease of Use: Simple operation with single-button or auto-draw functionality and hassle-free pre-filled cartridges.

4. Dry Herb Vaporizers

Dry herb vaporizers heat cannabis flowers to release cannabinoids and terpenes without combustion (smoke), avoiding harmful byproducts like tar and carcinogens. This provides a healthier alternative to smoking and delivers a cleaner inhalation experience. No matter what type of dry herb vape you pick they all provide unsurpassed flavor and vapor production.

• Healthier Alternative: Avoids harmful by-products and reduces respiratory risks.
• Enhanced Flavor: Preserves terpenes and cannabinoids for a more enjoyable taste and stronger effects.

5. Concentrate Vaporizers

Concentrate vaporizers are designed to vaporize cannabis concentrates like wax, shatter, and live resin. These devices heat concentrates to optimal temperatures, releasing cannabinoids and terpenes without combustion. Unlike dab torches, vaporizers provide precise temperature control, preventing overburn and maximizing potency and flavor.

• High Potency: Vaporizes concentrates efficiently, delivering stronger effects with smaller amounts.
• Enhanced Flavor: Precise controls preserve terpenes, offering richer flavors and smoother hits compared to dab torches.
• Learn: Wax and concentrate vaporizer FAQ

6. Hybrid Vaporizers

Hybrid vaporizers are perfect for those who like to mix things up, as they can handle both dry herbs and concentrates. By using both convection and conduction heating, they heat your cannabis evenly and efficiently. This results in balanced, potent, and flavorful vapor.

• Dual Heating: Uses both convection and conduction to get the most out of your cannabis.
• Versatile Use: Works with both dry herbs and concentrates, with adjustable temperature settings for a personalized experience.

How do different devices affect the overall experience?

Your choice of smoking device significantly impacts the following:

• Onset Time: Hand pipes deliver almost instant effects from direct inhalation. Water pipes offer quick onset with smoother hits. Vaporizers might have a slight delay but provide cleaner inhalation.
• Duration of Effects: Water pipes and dab rigs often produce more intense, longer-lasting effects due to larger hits. This can be beneficial for patients needing extended relief.
• Flavor Profile: Vaporizers and low-temperature dab rigs excel at preserving terpenes, enhancing both flavor and potential therapeutic benefits. Water pipes offer a balance of flavor and smoothness, while hand pipes provide direct flavor but can be harsher.
• Ease of Use:Hand pipes and one-hitters are the easiest to use. Water pipes require some practice because of the longer inhale. Dab rigs and some vaporizers need more technique because of cannabinoid evaporation temperatures.
• Social Aspect: Bongs and desktop vaporizers work well for group and social settings. Vape pens and one-hitters are amazing for stealth and solo-use.
• Health Considerations: Vaporizers offer the healthiest option by avoiding combustion, crucial for patients with respiratory concerns. Water pipes filter some toxins but still produce smoke. Hand pipes provide the least filtration.
• Potency and Efficiency: Dab rigs and concentrate vaporizers deliver higher potency. Vaporizers are more efficient in cannabinoid extraction than combustion potentially reducing costs.

Understanding these factors helps you choose devices that match your medical needs, lifestyle, and treatment goals. Consult with your healthcare provider to find the best method for your specific condition and dosage requirements.

Final Thoughts

The cannabis smoking device you choose will drastically impact your experience. 

• Hand pipes offer portability and precise control via carb holes, but can be harsh. 
• Water pipes provide smoother hits through water filtration, with varieties like beakers, straight tubes, and bubblers offering different advantages. 
• Concentrate pipes like dab rigs and nectar collectors deliver potent hits from extracts. 
• Vaporizers offer a healthier alternative by heating without smoke, available in desktop, portable, and pen forms.

Each device type has unique benefits:

• Hand pipes: Portable, efficient, harsh hits
• Water pipes: Smoother hits, less portable 
• Concentrate pipes: Potent, flavor-preserving 
• Vaporizers: Health-conscious, efficient

Choose based on your priorities: convenience, smoothness, health, potency, or social factors. There's no one-size-fits-all solution; your ideal device depends on your specific needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Experiment to find what works best for you.