What Exactly Is a Percolator?
A percolator (or “perc”) is a built-in filtration feature inside many glass bongs. As smoke passes through a perc, it’s forced through small holes or slits, creating more bubbles and more surface-area contact with water.
➡️ More bubbles = smoother, cooler, cleaner hits 💨
That’s why percolators are so popular — they take a basic water pipe and give you a premium-feeling session.
Do Percolators Really Make a Difference?
Absolutely. Percolators are designed to:
✔ Cool down hot smoke
✔ Filter unwanted particles
✔ Reduce coughing & throat irritation
✔ Enhance flavor (especially with fresh water)
✔ Improve airflow & smoothness
If you’ve ever hit a plain bong and thought “ouch” — a perc solves that instantly.
Types of Percolators (And What They’re Best For)
| Percolator Type | Best For | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Tree Perc | Smooth daily hits | Multiple arms = tons of bubbles |
| Honeycomb Perc | Big diffusion | Fast, low-drag pulls |
| Matrix Perc | Maximum cooling | 360° filtration, ultra smooth |
| UFO Perc | Balanced airflow | Even diffusion + easy clearing |
| Diffused Downstem | Beginners | Basic cooling + fast snaps |
Stacked percs look crazy cool but can sometimes add drag. One or two is usually the sweet spot.
The Pros & Cons of Perc-Equipped Bongs
| The Good | The Not-So-Good |
|---|---|
| Cooler, cleaner hits | Slightly harder to clean |
| Less coughing | Can add a little drag |
| Better flavor | Cheap percs break easier |
| Premium experience | Higher cost |
If you crave smoothness over brute force, percolators are 100% worth it.
Who Should Choose a Percolator?
- People with sensitive lungs
- Anyone who wants smoother, gentler hits
- Daily smokers upgrading their setup
- Anyone stepping up from a basic beaker
If you love super-direct, fast rips — a classic straight tube bong might fit your style better (but even those can include a diffused downstem for cooling).
FAQ — Percolators in Glass Bongs
Do percolators get you higher?
No — they don’t change THC levels. They just make the smoke smoother and easier to inhale.
Which perc hits the smoothest?
Matrix and honeycomb percolators offer the best balance of cooling + airflow.
Are percolators harder to clean?
A bit — but regular hot water rinses + isopropyl alcohol keep them fresh. Using an ash catcher helps too.
Is one perc better than stacked percs?
Yep — too many percs can slow airflow. One or two is the sweet spot.
Upgrade Your Bong — Without Buying a New One
Want smoother hits without replacing your whole piece?
Add an ash catcher with a perc
You get better filtration AND a cleaner bong.
Double win. 🙌
Are Percolators Worth It? Final Verdict
If you want hits that are:
- smoother
- cooler
- easier on your lungs
Then yes — percolators are absolutely worth it.
Even a single perc can transform your smoking experience.
Explore Percolator-Equipped Bongs
Upgrade your sessions with smoother, cleaner hits — shop our collection of percolator-ready glass bongs at The Encore Collection.
