The bong is the most ancient version of hookahs, it has been used in the Far East for many centuries. Recently, they have gained enormous popularity, so rapid developments have begun in the field of different materials and forms. A bong is a relaxed, easy way to smoke. Nowadays, you can choose from an amazing selection, in terms of size and material, but you can choose something extra, for example, one with lighting or an ice pipe.

Types by material
- borosilicate glass bong
- acrylic bong
- silicone bong
- ceramic bong

How the bong works
A bong allows you to smoke dry herbs/tobacco efficiently and effectively. First, the bowl must be filled with tobacco. Then you have to inhale the air through the mouthpiece - and light a flame in the process. This heats up the combustible material and produces smoke. The bong diffuses the hot smoke into the water through its lower stem or percolator – which cools the smoke and gives the user a smoother, cooler experience.

What types of bongs are there?

Borosilicate glass bong
Borosilicate glass is the most popular bong material because it is clean – it does not contain or emit any unpleasant or harmful chemicals. A glass bong can withstand extreme temperatures, so you can heat it without fear of damage - this is why all-material bongs usually include a piece of glass (such as a glass bowl). The downside is that it is not always the safest material if you are aiming for a portable smoking solution.
Acrylic / silicone bong
Acrylic and silicone bongs are a more durable solution and can be used on the go, making them an ideal solution for more active and adventurous smokers. The silicone bong is environmentally friendly - made of BPA-free, medical-grade heat-resistant silicone, unbreakable, bendable and non-toxic. It can be washed in a dishwasher, so it is very easy to clean, and it is also available in an exciting range of colors and shapes, making it both unique and comfortable.

Ceramic bong
If a more unique look is your goal, you may want to choose a ceramic bong. Dating back thousands of years, these classic bong styles are durable and reliable. Ceramic bongs are often simple but highly effective, providing excellent performance and longevity with regular care and cleaning.

Bong size
You should consider the size of the bong you want and how it will fit your lifestyle. Larger bongs are usually more expensive and take up more space, so they are more suitable for home use. It is recommended for more experienced smokers who are used to higher concentrations. A smaller bong / mini bong is more obvious if you're looking for a lightweight, portable device for versatile, on-the-go smoking. It can be a good choice for novice smokers.

Choosing the right bong
There are many factors to consider when choosing a bong, but it mostly comes down to preference. Each bong has a different percolator that disperses the smoke differently. Most people look for style and function and are influenced by the following factors:
- size/height
- material
- price
- style
- percolator

What does a percolator do in a bong?
The percolator is designed to pass the hot smoke through the water in the bong chamber for a smoother, cooler and less intense experience. There are dozens of different types of percolators, and each offers different advantages and disadvantages. On a bong, the percolator must effectively disperse the smoke by doing so over as large a surface area as possible – allowing the water to cool the smoke before it is inhaled.

Bong cleaning
Regular cleaning and maintenance is essential for a bong, as its care not only extends its life, but also ensures regular, even filtration.

Glass and acrylic bong
There are several ways to clean a bong, one of which is as follows.

You need the following:
- ziplock bag
- 92% isopropyl alcohol
- salt

1. Place the bowl and stem and lower stem in a ziplock bag.
2. Fill the bag with 92% isopropyl alcohol until it is completely submerged and add salt.
3. Soaking: the longer you soak, the more effective the cleaning. It is recommended to soak for at least 1-3 hours, but it can be up to a whole day.
4. Shake it - this is where the salt comes into play, as it functions as a scrubbing agent here.
5. Rinse it with running water, then you can start polishing.
6. Fill the bong with 92% isopropyl alcohol and salt.
7. Seal holes (stopper/foil/rubber band), then make sure the mouth opening and downward opening are sealed under the next point.
8. Shake the bong. It is worth shaking until most of the resin in it is dissolved by the alcohol and salt.

Silicone bong
The silicone bong can be cleaned by soaking in isopropyl alcohol or using a bong cleaning product. After soaking, it is enough to scrub with a toothbrush/pipe cleaner. The silicone bong can be washed in the dishwasher or boiled. Freezing method: shower the bong, then put it still wet in the freezer. After a few hours, take it out, scrunch it up and the resin will fall off the bong by itself. Overall, it is therefore much easier to clean than its glass bong counterparts.