Getting a new glass bong is exciting—but a fresh setup can be fragile if you don’t care for it right. Whether you're upgrading to a heavy duty glass bong or grabbing a mini beaker, here are the top 3 mistakes first timers often make and how to avoid them so your new piece stays in top shape.
1. Overfilling Your Bong With Water
What people do wrong: They pour in too much water, thinking more means smoother hits.
Why it’s a problem: Overfilling causes splashback through the mouthpiece or floods the diffused downstem, blocking airflow. It also weakens the quality of your smoke and makes the bong messy fast.
Pro tip: Start with just enough water to cover the bottom slits of the downstem usually about ½ to ¾ inch above the holes. You want the smoke to bubble through—not water to bubble out.
Looking for a clean draw every time? Try a glass beaker bong with ice pinches to cool things down without overfilling.
2. Using It Before Cleaning
What people do wrong: They rip their bong straight out of the box without cleaning it first.
Why it’s a problem: Brand-new glass might still have dust, packing residue, or even leftover oils from manufacturing. First hits can taste harsh or muted.
Pro tip: Always rinse your new glass bong with warm water and do a quick clean with isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt before using. That first flower sesh deserves clean, flavorful hits—not chemical aftertastes.
Want to stay fresh long-term? Bookmark our guide:
👉 How Often Should You Clean Your Glass Piece
3. Setting It Down on an Unstable Surface
What people do wrong: They place their new glass bong on a couch, carpet, or soft surface thinking it’ll be fine.
Why it’s a problem: Even minor tilts or bumps can stress the glass. One accidental elbow and your bong becomes shelf art.
Pro tip: Always set your bong on a flat, solid surface like a table or countertop. Even better, grab a silicone pad or dab mat to prevent slipping and protect the base.
This is especially important with 9mm thick glass bongs—they’re durable, but not indestructible. Keep them grounded.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Thermo-Shock Your Glass
Switching too fast between cold and hot water can crack even thick glass.
Solution: Use warm—not boiling—water when rinsing or cleaning your bong. It keeps things stable and prevents surprise cracks.
Why It Pays to Smoke Smart
At The Encore Collection, we design affordable glass beaker bongs that hit hard and last long. From triple ice pinch beakers to thick heavy pounder beaker bongs, our pieces are made for smokers who care about function, form, and value.
Skip the rookie mistakes and keep your glass smoking like it should—smooth, clean, and built to last.
🛠 Explore More From Encore
- Shop Heavy Pounder Beaker Bongs – Built with 9mm thick glass for everyday use.
- Grab replacement Downstems and Bowl Slides – It’s always good to have extras ready.
- Browse our full line of Glass Beaker Bongs – Quality glass without breaking the bank.