Glassware 101: How to Pick the Right Piece for You
One of the first questions we get at the counter (right after “what’s on deal today?”) is “what kind of glass piece should I buy?” The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it really depends on how you like to enjoy your cannabis.
That’s why we put together this guide: to help you figure out whether a glass pipe, bong, bubbler, or dab rig is the right choice for you. Think of this as your budtender’s cheat sheet to cannabis glassware and smoking accessories.
Pipes: Simple, Classic, and Always Reliable
If you’re just getting into cannabis or want something easy to carry, a glass pipe is a must-have. They’re simple—just pack your flower, light it, and enjoy. Pipes fit right in your pocket, come in tons of designs, and are quick to clean.
Honestly, we see a lot of customers start with a pipe because it’s straightforward and budget-friendly. Most people tell us they love having one around, even after they move on to bongs or rigs, because it’s just so reliable.
Best for: Beginners, casual smokers, or anyone who likes to keep things low-maintenance.
Bongs: Smooth Hits, Big Flavor
If you’re looking for smoother, cooler hits, a glass bong is usually the first upgrade we recommend. The water filtration really takes the edge off, and with bigger pieces you can pull more smoke for that full-bodied hit. A lot of customers come back and say, “I should’ve switched to a bong sooner—the smoothness is next level.”
Some bongs even have percs (percolators), which break the smoke up and make each inhale silky smooth. Once you’ve tried one, it’s tough to go back.
Best for: Regular smokers, folks who love big clouds, or anyone who wants a piece that doubles as a centerpiece at their sesh spot.
Bubblers: A Little Bit of Both
We like to call a bubbler the “best of both worlds.” It’s basically a pipe with water filtration built in—small and portable like a hand pipe, but smoother on your throat like a bong.
A lot of people who aren’t quite ready to commit to a big bong end up loving bubblers because they’re easy to carry, but still give a noticeably cleaner pull. It’s one of those pieces you’ll end up reaching for way more than you think.
Best for: Smokers who want smoother hits on the go without lugging around a full-size bong.
Dab Rigs: Made for Concentrates
If you’re into dabs—wax, shatter, live resin—then a dab rig is the way to go. Dab rigs are designed for concentrates and deliver cleaner, more flavorful hits than trying to use a regular bong or pipe.
We see this a lot: people who love flower eventually want to try concentrates, and once they hit a proper rig with a banger, they’re hooked. The flavor and potency really are on another level. Just be ready—it’s a heavier hit than flower, so take it slow if you’re new.
Best for: experienced cannabis consumers, concentrate fans, or anyone chasing bold flavor and strong effects.
Budtender Tips for Picking the Right Piece
When someone asks us what glassware to buy, these are usually the first things we bring up:
Where do you smoke most? (at home vs. on the go)
Do you want something discreet, or a centerpiece?
How much cleaning are you cool with? (pipes = quick rinse, bongs/rigs = more maintenance)
What’s your vibe? Glass is art—pick something that feels like you.
At the end of the day, the best piece is the one you’ll actually use and enjoy. A lot of customers start small and add bigger pieces to their collection over time.
