Ash Catcher vs. Percolator: Which Is Best for Your Bong Experience?

When it comes to improving your bong experience, two popular options come to mind: ash catchers and percolators.

Each serves a unique purpose and can significantly impact the quality of your hits.

In this blog we will break down the differences, pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision for your smoking setup.

What is an ash catcher and what function does it perform?

The ash catcher has a water chamber, a connector for connecting to the water pipe and a downpipe with a bowl for ground cannabis.

The ash is collected in the main water chamber while the smoke passes through.

It then passes through a pre-effervescence chamber, where it seeps away and is further filtered.

This process cools the smoke, purifies your water, and prevents ash from sticking to your glass.

The ash catcher is essential for a clean and pleasant smoking experience.

Benefits of Using an Ash Catcher

Cleaner hits:

By catching ash and particles, an ash catcher keeps your bong cleaner and your hits smoother.

Improved Taste:

With less residue in your bong, you can enjoy the full flavor profile of your cannabis without the risk of contamination from burnt material.

Reduced maintenance effort:

Keeping your bong clean will reduce the need for deep cleaning and maintenance, so you can spend more time enjoying your sessions.

Disadvantages of using an ash catcher

1. Extra Weight:

Adding an ash catcher can make your system heavier and less portable.

2. Limited Filtration:

Although they are great for collecting ash, ash catchers do not provide additional water filtration like percolators.

What is a percolator and what does it do?

A percolator, also called a “pipe,” is a type of filtration system that can be added to a water pipe (bong) to enhance the smoking experience.

Percolators create small bubbles full of smoke.

The more holes/slots you have in your percolators, the more consistent the hit will be because the more bubbles created, the larger the surface area the smoke comes into contact with and the colder it will be.

Benefits of Using a Percolator

1. Softer strokes:

Percolators disperse smoke effectively, resulting in cooler, smoother hits that are easier on the lungs.

2. Improved Filtration:

Because percolators can filter smoke through water multiple times, they remove more contaminants and particles than ash catchers.

3. Design variety:

There are numerous types of percolators (e.g. tree, showerhead, honeycomb percolators), each offering different types of filtering and aesthetic appeal.

4. Improved Experience:

The combination of cooling and filtration improves the overall smoking experience and makes it even more enjoyable.

Disadvantages of Using a Percolator

1. Complexity:

Some percolators can be more complex to clean and require more maintenance due to their design.

2. Costs:

High-quality percolators can increase the overall cost of your bong setup.

3. Size and Portability:

Depending on the design, percolators can cause bongs to become bulkier, which can affect portability.

Ash Catcher vs. Percolator: A Comparison

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Whether you choose an ash catcher, a percolator, or both, incorporating these accessories into your bong setup can enhance your cannabis experience.

Feel free to experiment with different combinations and find the perfect setup that suits your smoking style!

Happy shopping!

To know more about Ash Catcher: 6 Best Ash Catchers of 2024 for Smoother Hits