A percolator is an additional filter chamber in a bong that passes the smoke through water a second time. The result is even finer filtration and an extremely smooth draw. Percolator bongs are popular with anyone who likes it particularly gentle and cool.
How does a percolator work?
After the first filtration, the smoke is pressed through the percolator and broken down into many fine bubbles again. More bubbles, more water contact, more cooling. Each additional chamber makes the draw smoother – but slightly affects the airflow because the smoke has to overcome more resistance. It's a matter of balance.
The most important percolator types
- Tree percolator – several tubes like branches, many fine bubbles, elegant look.
- Honeycomb – a disc with many holes, very even diffusion.
- Turbine – creates a vortex, looks spectacular.
- Inline – horizontal tube with slots, robust and effective.
Advantages and disadvantages
The clear advantage: buttery smooth, cool smoke. The price: more cleaning effort and slightly more draw resistance. If you value maximum comfort, you can't get past a percolator. If you like it simple and easy to clean, stick with a diffuser.
Frequently asked questions
How many percolators make sense?
One to two have the greatest effect. More chambers cool even more, but make the draw harder and cleaning more complex.
How do I clean a percolator?
Flood with cleaning solution, shake well, rinse several times. Regularity is key here.
More on the topic
We go into more detail in the blog: what other types of percolators there are, how they differ in terms of draw, and what you should look out for when cleaning and making a purchase decision.
→ Percolator in the bong: How it works and whether the upgrade is worth it
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