WHY CHOOSE GLASS BONGS
Glass bongs made from borosilicate glass at My Bong Shop are popular for good reason. Compared to plastic or silicone, they offer a smoother, cleaner and more reliable way to smoke. They’re easy to maintain, built to last and give you the kind of performance most smokers look for.
If you’re deciding what type of water bong to go with, glass is a solid place to start.
Here’s why more smokers stick with glass:
- Clean flavour: Glass is naturally non-porous meaning that it does not absorb any flavour, dirt or grime and it does not leach anything into your smoke the way that plastic or silicone can as it degrades over time. As glass is transparent, it is easier to see where it needs to be cleaned to preserve the taste quality in future sessions. Cheaper soda-lime glass can develop micro wear over time which could impact the flavour of your smoke where this does not occur with borosilicate glass.
- Cooler hits: Water and features like percs or ice catchers help cool the smoke fast.
- Borosilicate durability: Compared to soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass can better withstand the heat from a flame and when cleaning with hot water. Properly annealed glass joints create a tight air seal, minimising the risk of air leaks or cracking at the joints over time.Borosilicate glass joints simply last longer.
- Easy cleaning: Glass doesn't absorb resin the way plastic or silicone does. Isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt or a glass cleaning solution cleans the glass more effectively than other materials. The clear glass also shows you exactly where dirt is building up, so you know where to focus when cleaning. Glass does not absorb any smell so with regular cleaning, your next session will be crisp.
- Flexible setups: Glass bongs are compatible with a wide range of bong cone pieces, downstems and ash catchers.
Browse by style – from beaker bongs and straight tube bongs to percolator bongs - or explore the full range above.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF GLASS BONGS TO TRY
Glass bongs come in different types, and each one suits a different way of smoking. If you prefer shorter sessions, a mini bong is light, compact and simple to clean. This small bong is ideal if you need a compact option that fits seamlessly into your routine. Try the straight tube bong - the classic cylinder shape bong for a more direct airflow and a stronger draw. There is less water in a straight tube bong compared to a beaker so there is less filtration but faster hits. These bongs are suited to more experienced smokers who prefer a stronger direct pull.
For a bong with a bit more edge, Gatorade bongs are shaped like the classic drink bottle but made from glass, giving you a solid grip and a standout look. A glass beaker bong traditionally features a wide base to accommodate more water volume, offering more stability and making them harder to tip over. Beaker
bongs are ideal for home use, beginners or anyone who prioritises filtration over portability. Percolator bongs offer a built-in secondary filtration chamber such as honeycomb, tree and showerhead designs. Percolators provide maximum smoothness and cooling but more cleaning is usually required. Percolator bongs are best suited to home smokers who prioritise smooth draws above anything else. You’ll also find glass bongs across our range, featuring bold styles that include cartoon characters, skulls, rainbow colours and glow-in-the-dark finishes. Whichever style you choose, all our glass bongs are made from borosilicate for the same pure and durable experience.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR BEFORE BUYING A GLASS BONG
Choosing a glass bong depends on how you plan to use it. The size, shape and build all affect how it works and how practical it is to clean and store. A well-made bong should be easy to handle and suit your setup without being a hassle.
Here’s what matters most when you’re deciding what to buy:
- Size and weight: Match the bong to your setup. Smaller bongs are easier to carry and clean, while larger ones often hold more water and can cool the smoke more effectively.
- Base shape: A wider base offers better stability. Glass beaker bongs are a reliable pick if you want something that stays steady on a table or counter.
- Glass thickness: Thicker glass is more resistant to heat and everyday use. It adds weight, which helps with balance and handling.
- Cooling features: Percolators and ice catchers help reduce heat and filter smoke. These features add to the overall functionality without making the bong harder to use.
- Cleaning access: Choose a shape that’s easy to rinse and scrub. Straight designs with fewer parts take less time to clean and maintain.
GLASS VS. PLASTIC BONGS
Glass and plastic bongs each have different strengths, and choosing between them comes down to personal preference. Glass bongs are made from durable borosilicate and often include features like percolators or ice catchers that help with filtration. They’re easy to clean and offer a consistent draw, which can give you smoother hits.
Plastic bongs hold their own when it comes to convenience. They’re light, budget-friendly and hard to break, which makes them a solid option for travel or everyday use. While they don’t include as many cooling features, plastic is a good match if you’re after a durable bong.
GLASS VS. SILICONE BONGS
Glass and silicone bongs serve different needs - the correct choice depends on how and where you smoke.
Where glass wins:
- Pure taste: The non-porous material does not degrade or affect the flavour over time, keeping every session tasting clean and fresh.
- Transparency: Glass is transparent, making it easy to spot resin build-up and know exactly when it's time to clean.
- Aesthetics: Borosilicate naturally has a pure clarity, a good weight and a quality feel.
- Longevity: Properly annealed borosilicate lasts a long time with the correct care.
Where silicone wins:
- Durability: Perfectly suited for travel, outdoors or if you are clumsy
- Flexibility: Can be folded and stored in ways that glass cannot be
- Price: Lower price point
- Cleaning: Generally dishwasher safe where glass is usually not
Glass is the better choice for home use where pure taste matters. Silicone is ideal for travel, outdoor sessions or as a budget-friendly backup. Neither is better, it all depends on how you smoke and what experience you are wanting. Read our full Silicone Vs Glass Bongs blog to decide which suits you
HOW TO USE A GLASS BONG
Glass bongs are straightforward and easy to use. Whether you're new to the process or experienced, you'll find it simple. For a smooth smoking session, follow this guide from our experts:
- Set up your bong: Insert the downstem into the joint and make sure it sits firmly in place. Check that the bowl fits securely on top.
- Add water: Pour water through the mouthpiece until the bottom of the downstem is fully covered. Leave a bit of space to avoid splashback.
- Grind your herbs: Break down your herbs using a weed grinder so they burn evenly and allow proper airflow through the bowl.
- Pack the bowl: Fill the bowl loosely, then press down lightly. It should stay in place without blocking airflow.
- Light and inhale: Use a jet lighter to heat the bowl as you draw slowly through the mouthpiece. Keep your pull steady and clear the chamber once it’s full.
HOW TO KEEP YOUR BONG CLEAN
Cleaning your bong regularly helps it perform properly and last longer. For best results, use our bong cleaning supplies, designed to break down residue and remove build-up without damaging your bong. They’re easy to use and made for the job.
Here’s how to clean your bong properly from start to finish:
- Take it apart: Separate each piece, including the bowl and downstem. This gives you full access to every part of the bong.
- Rinse with hot water: Flush out loose residue with hot water, especially from the downstem and bowl.
- Scrub the build-up: Use pipe cleaners or cotton swabs to reach narrow areas and remove stuck-on resin.
- Soak the small parts: Place the bowl and downstem in resealable bags with bong cleaner and coarse salt. Shake gently, or let them soak if there’s heavy build-up.
- Final rinse and dry: Rinse all pieces thoroughly with clean water. Let everything dry fully before putting your bong back together.
Other useful cleaning information:
- How often: It is important to empty the bong water and rinse after each use as stagnant water can affect the taste of your next smoke and will also breed bacteria. If you are a regular smoker then give your bong a light clean with isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt or a glass cleaning solution every week or two.
- What to use: Keep it simple with either isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt or a cost-effective glass cleaning solution for a fast result. Try using a pipe cleaner and cleaning brush to get to those tight spaces such as percolator slits, diffused stem holes and inside glass joints.
- Glass tip: Avoid sudden temperature changes when cleaning your bong. Do not pour boiling water onto cold glass as this risks cracking or shattering. This applies to borosilicate as well, use warm water first and then gradually increase the temperature of the water if necessary.
- Why glass cleans better than other materials: Glass is non-porous, so isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt cleans resin more effectively than cleaning plastic or silicone - and being transparent, you can see exactly where it needs to be cleaned.
BOROSILICATE THICKNESS
What thickness means: The standard way that borosilicate glass is measured is the mm of the wall thickness – usually 3mm, 5mm or 9mm. The thicker the glass wall, the more resistant it is to bumps or knocks. Thicker glass bongs are heavier when held which is perceived as better quality.
- 3mm: Entry level glass bongs which are lightweight and more affordable but are more vulnerable to knocks and bumps than thicker alternatives.
- 5mm: These bongs strike the difference between 3mm entry level bongs and premium 9mm pieces and are ideal for regular smokers. They are noticeably more resistant to knocks than 3mm. Most mid-range bongs sit in this range.
- 9mm: This is regarded as premium thickness, is heavier and significantly more resistant to impact. These bongs are usually more expensive as there is more raw material used and takes longer to anneal the glass when being produced. A poorly annealed thick glass bong can be more prone to stress fractures than a well-annealed thinner one - this is why the quality of manufacture matters as much as thickness alone.
For most smokers, 5mm thick borosilicate is the right balance between durability, weight and price - 9mm is worth the extra cost if you want a bong built to last.
WHERE TO BUY GLASS BONGS IN AUSTRALIA
You can buy glass bongs in Australia online at My Bong Shop. Our range includes mini glass bongs, percolator bongs, silicone bongs and other styles made for all kinds of setups. Everything we stock is chosen for build quality, performance and ease of use to support a better smoking experience.
We offer fast shipping Australia-wide, with discreet packaging and a seamless checkout process. You'll also find rolling papers, bong parts and smoking accessories to keep your setup running smoothly. As a trusted Australian smoke shop, we make it easy to find what works best for you.
Browse the full collection at My Bong Shop and choose the best bong for your needs.
FAQ
Q: Are glass bongs better?
A: Glass gives the cleanest taste and shows the smoke clearly. Borosilicate is also heat resistant and easy to clean, which is why it is the most popular material.
Q: Is borosilicate glass strong?
A: Borosilicate is the same heat-resistant glass used in lab ware. It resists thermal shock far better than ordinary glass, though it can still break if dropped.
Q: How thick should a glass bong be?
A: Thicker glass of 5mm and up is more durable and stable. Thinner glass is lighter and cheaper. Choose by how much you move the piece around.
Q: How do you clean a glass bong?
A: Use isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt, shake, then rinse with warm water.
DISCLAIMER
All products are legitimately sold from Trade Marketing P/L, ACT.
The onus is on the buyer to make the necessary enquiries in relation to the legality of the products we sell in the state where the buyer resides.
