A percolator is the part of a bong that turns a harsh rip into a smooth one, and the type of perc decides how smooth, how much drag you feel, and how easy it is to clean. This guide compares the four percolators you'll actually see on quality glass, tree, honeycomb, showerhead and matrix, so you can pick the right one for how you smoke. If you're still deciding whether you even need one, start with our primer on what a percolator is, then come back here to choose a style.
What does a percolator do?
A percolator is a submerged glass chamber with slits or holes that break your smoke into many small bubbles as it passes through water. More, smaller bubbles mean more surface area, which cools the smoke and filters out particulates faster, so the hit hits softer on your throat and lungs. Every perc does this job; the design just changes the balance between smoothness, drag (how hard you have to pull) and cleaning effort.
The 4 main types of bong percolators
1. Tree percolator
A tree perc has multiple vertical "arms" or rods descending into the water, each with slits that diffuse smoke. It's a classic look and gives a satisfying, bubbly chug.
- Filtration: Strong, aggressive diffusion.
- Drag: Low to moderate.
- Cleaning: Harder, thin arms are fragile and trap resin.
- Best for: Smokers who want a traditional, heavy diffusion and don't mind careful cleaning.
2. Honeycomb percolator
A honeycomb perc is a flat glass disc drilled with many small holes. Smoke is forced through every hole at once, stacking dense bubbles with very little effort from you.
- Filtration: Excellent, maximum diffusion for the size.
- Drag: Very low, easy, airy pulls.
- Cleaning: Easier than most (flat disc, no fragile arms).
- Best for: Most people. The best all-round choice for smooth, low-drag daily hits.
3. Showerhead percolator
A showerhead perc is a vertical tube with a flared bottom, ringed with slits or holes that spray smoke through the water like a showerhead. It's a reliable middle ground.
- Filtration: Very good, even bubble distribution.
- Drag: Low to moderate.
- Cleaning: Easy, one of the simplest percs to maintain.
- Best for: Buyers who want great smoothness with minimal upkeep.
4. Matrix percolator
A matrix perc is a cylindrical chamber covered in a dense grid of horizontal and vertical slits, filtering smoke in every direction at once for a full 360° diffusion.
- Filtration: Maximum, the smoothest hits available.
- Drag: Moderate (all that filtration adds resistance).
- Cleaning: Hardest, intricate slits collect residue.
- Best for: Experienced smokers and long or group sessions who want the smoothest possible rip.
Percolator comparison at a glance
| Perc type | Smoothness | Drag | Cleaning | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tree | High | Low–Med | Hard | Classic heavy diffusion |
| Honeycomb | High | Very low | Easy | Best all-round / daily use |
| Showerhead | High | Low–Med | Easy | Smoothness with low upkeep |
| Matrix | Highest | Moderate | Hard | Max smoothness / sessions |
Which percolator is best?
There's no single "best" perc, only the best perc for you:
- Want the easiest, smoothest daily driver? Choose a honeycomb, great filtration, low drag, easy to clean.
- Want smooth hits with the least maintenance? Go showerhead.
- Want the absolute smoothest rip and don't mind cleaning? Pick a matrix or tree.
- New to percs? A single honeycomb or showerhead gives you the benefit without turning cleaning into a chore. Beginners rarely need multiple percs.
Wondering if the upgrade is worth the extra cost at all? We break down the value in are percolators worth it. And if you'd rather keep it simple, a single-chamber vs multi-chamber breakdown explains how added chambers change the experience.
The trade-off: smoother smoke means more cleaning
Here's the honest catch. The same tiny slits and holes that make percolators so smooth also trap resin. As gunk builds up, it restricts airflow and kills the diffusion you paid for, so a perc bong needs cleaning more often than a plain tube. Multi-perc and matrix designs are the worst offenders. Regular rinses with a salt-and-alcohol shake keep them performing, and a single-perc design is the easiest to stay on top of.
Shop percolator bongs
Ready to upgrade to smoother hits? Browse our percolator bongs in scientific glass, or explore the full premium glass bong range to compare shapes and perc styles side by side. Prefer a classic silhouette with a built-in perc? Check our beaker bongs and straight tubes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the smoothest type of percolator?
A matrix percolator generally delivers the smoothest hit thanks to 360° diffusion, followed closely by honeycomb. The trade-off is more drag and harder cleaning than simpler percs.
Which percolator is best for beginners?
A single honeycomb or showerhead perc. Both give smooth, low-drag hits and are easy to clean, so you get the benefit without the maintenance headache of multi-perc glass.
Do percolators reduce drag or add it?
It depends on the design. Honeycomb percs add almost no drag, while matrix and stacked multi-perc setups add noticeable resistance in exchange for maximum filtration.
Are percolator bongs harder to clean?
Yes. The many small holes and slits that smooth your smoke also trap resin, so percolator bongs need cleaning more often. Honeycomb and showerhead percs are the easiest to maintain.
How many percolators do I need?
For most smokers, one solid perc is plenty. Extra percs increase smoothness but also add drag and cleaning. Only heavy or group sessions really benefit from multiple percs.
Want to go deeper on each design? Our full guide to the types of bong percolators lives here, and you can pair it with an ash catcher to keep your perc cleaner for longer.
