Are There Any Advantages to Using a Smaller Bong?

Posted by ,26th Apr 2025

If you've been smoking weed for a while you probably have a favorite method for doing so, whether that entails rolling papers, a vaporizer or a favorite bong. If you're a fan of the bong you may think that your ability to enjoy cannabis via this consumption route is limited to when you're home, simply because your custom bong is too big to transport anywhere. If that's the case we'd like to suggest you consider picking up a smaller bong at our wholesale smoke shop and start enjoying the many benefits these compact buzz delivery vectors provide.

The Advantages and Benefits of Using a Smaller Bong

To some people, mostly those who have never used one, a smaller bong seems like a waste of money. After all, the great thing about a big bong is the speed and intensity of the buzz it produces. So why would you want to mess with that? Well, there are actually quite a few good reasons and, as we'll see, you don't even have to give up your quick, intense buzz. Let's take a look at the advantages and benefits of using a smaller bong.

  • They're easier to clean — While no bong is particularly easy to clean, some are definitely easier to clean than others. With a big customized bong, it can be difficult to reach every part of the interior. That's not the case with a small bong.
  • Portability — Some of today's mini bongs can fit comfortably into the side pocket of your cargo pants (just be sure to remove the water first). If you're driving they can easily be tucked into the glove compartment or under the seat. And if you're hiking they'll fit comfortably into your backpack.
  • Not as harsh — We've all taken monster hits off of bongs, coughed our guts up for a couple of minutes and were left with a sore throat. With a smaller bong, however, there is less chance of that ever happening, simply because you cannot take such a huge hit. You can even get a mini-bong with a percolator which will smooth out the hit even more.
  • It's not as susceptible to damage — The bigger the bong the more likely it is that someone will knock it over or smack something into the long glass neck. Once that happens you'll need to toss it and start over. Smaller bongs, however, are smaller targets, meaning someone's careless movement that could ruin a big bong may miss the small bong altogether. Small bongs are also less likely to be knocked over.
  • They're less expensive — The smaller the bong the less raw material it takes to make it. As a result, small bongs are often considerably less expensive than big bongs. If you just knocked over your big bong and busted it and you don't have enough to buy an exact replacement, a smaller bong is a smart alternative.
  • Myriad design options — Small bongs are available in nearly every imaginable design. In fact, the craftsmen and women who make them seem to delight in letting their imaginations run wild, and you'll often find small customized glass pipes with compelling designs that you'll never find in large bongs.
  • You'll still get that intense buzz — Some stoners are reluctant to give up the large bong because they feel they'll never be able to replicate the intense buzz it produces. But the fact is you can enjoy just as powerful a buzz with a small bong although you may have to light up 2 bowls instead of 1.
  • The Different Types of Mini Bongs

    As we mentioned mini bongs come in a dizzying assortment of styles. These are just some of the ones you'll find at the Puffr wholesale head shop.

    Beaker bongs

    This is a classic bong style that is common in large-size bongs. The beaker bong is prized for its stability and for its simplicity. Small beaker bongs will usually hold more water than some other small bongs, meaning a cooler, smoother hit. They also tend to be pretty stable.

    Pros Cons
    Stable, wide base helps prevent tipping Slightly bulkier than straight tube models
    Holds more water—better filtration and cooling Harder to clear quickly due to wider chamber
    Classic design, easy to find accessories for Can be less portable than other mini designs
    Typically offers smoother, cooler hits More water also means slightly more cleaning effort

    Recycler bongs

    No, recycler in this case does not mean it's made from recycled materials. It refers to the design that can feature several chambers, water cycles and a percolator. Some recycler bongs have an almost surreal appearance that you'll wind up zoning out on when you're buzzing.

    Pros Cons
    Continuous filtration for ultra-smooth hits More complex design can be harder to clean
    Aesthetic appeal—often visually impressive Typically more expensive than standard mini bongs
    Excellent for cooling and filtering small hits May not be as compact due to intricate tubing
    Great for preserving flavor and reducing harshness Breakable if dropped due to delicate glasswork

    Silicone bongs

    In this case, the name refers to the material the bong is made from and not its actual design. Silicone bongs are prized by many because they are much more durable than a glass bong while also being lighter. If you want to travel with your bong we'd recommend a silicone bong.

    Pros Cons
    Nearly indestructible and perfect for travel Can retain smells or slight aftertaste over time
    Affordable and widely available Lacks the high-end aesthetic appeal of glass
    Flexible and easy to store May not deliver as smooth a hit as glass bongs
    Dishwasher-safe and easy to clean Some parts (e.g., downstem) may still need replacing

    Straight tube bongs

    As the name implies a straight tube bong is a single long, straight glass or silicone tube with no bulbous water feature at the base. The smaller water chamber means you'll likely experience harsher hits. But on the upside, the straight tube design makes it easy to transport.

    Pros Cons
    Simple, efficient design—easy to use and clean Less stable than beaker bongs due to narrow base
    Clears quickly with strong, direct airflow May cause harsher hits without percolation
    Sleek, compact shape ideal for small spaces Smaller water chamber limits filtration
    Often more affordable than complex bong types Easier to knock over due to taller, thinner design

Is There a Downside to Smaller Bongs?

Considering there's an upside and a downside to everything then it's safe to say there is a downside to small bongs. The potential drawbacks include:

  • Limited water filtration – Due to their compact size small bongs are not able to offer as much water filtration as large bongs. That's especially true for straight tube bongs. The end result is that the hits are likely to be at least a little hotter.
  • Smaller bowls – Smaller bongs tend to have smaller bowls as well. The result is that you won't be able to get the same type of outrageously huge hit you'll get with a big bong. In addition, if you're sharing with some buddies you're going to have to reload the bowl more often.
  • No percolators – While this isn't true for all small bongs it is not uncommon for them to forego features like percolators, just because they take up space. You can find small bongs with percs out there, but you'll have a lot more percolator options with large bongs. If you're unfamiliar with percs check out this video.
  • They're prone to growing legs – Smaller bongs are so attractive and compact that some people can't resist slipping them into their pocket and making off with them. As such you'll want to be a little extra vigilant, especially when smoking with people you don't know at parties and such.

Browse Our Bong Selection

Explore our online smoke shop's selection of bongs - including miniature glass bongs, silicone bongs and other popular devices.

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Visit the Puffr Wholesale Head Shop

Small bongs have been growing in popularity in recent years for all of the above reasons and more. If you're interested in purchasing a small bong, or just want to see what all the fuss is about, check out the vast selection at the Puffr wholesale head shop.