Bubble Bong
Water pipes & bongs
by Hemper
Hemper Bubble Bong — Cute Glass Water Pipe with Iridescent Finish
The Bubble Bong is a borosilicate glass water pipe from Hemper shaped like an adorable bubble character, complete with a lovable face and an iridescent finish that catches the light from every angle. Available in a pocket-friendly 4.5-inch version and a full-size 8.25-inch version, it filters your smoke through water for cooler, smoother draws — without sacrificing an ounce of charm. If you've ever wanted your glassware to make you smile before you even pack the bowl, this is the one.
Which Size Should You Pick?
| Variant | Height | SKU | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 4.5 inches (approx. 11.4 cm) | HS2390 | On-the-go sessions, discreet storage, travel-friendly |
| Large | 8.25 inches (approx. 21 cm) | HS2391 | Home use, bigger water chamber, cooler hits |
The 4.5-inch version fits in the palm of your hand and tucks into a drawer without a second thought. The 8.25-inch version holds more water, which means more cooling before the smoke reaches your lips. If you mainly smoke at home, go large. If portability matters, the small one is a proper little companion.
Specifications of the Hemper Bubble Bong
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Hemper |
| Material | Borosilicate glass |
| Finish | Iridescent |
| Design | Bubble character with face |
| Height (small) | 4.5 inches / 11.4 cm |
| Height (large) | 8.25 inches / 21 cm |
| Use | Dried herbs |
| Filtration | Water diffusion |
Complete your setup with pipe screens to keep ash out of the water, and a set of cleaning brushes to reach inside the curved chamber. A quality grinder also makes a real difference — evenly ground herb burns more consistently and clogs the bowl less often.
Why the Bubble Bong Deserves a Spot on Your Shelf
Most small bongs feel like afterthoughts — thin glass, wobbly bases, bowls that pop out if you look at them sideways. The Hemper Bubble Bong is a different story. Borosilicate glass (the same stuff lab beakers are made from) handles thermal shock far better than soda-lime glass. You can run hot water through it for cleaning without worrying about cracks. Pick it up and you'll notice the weight immediately: it's solid for its size, with a low centre of gravity that keeps it planted on a table.
The iridescent coating isn't just decorative, either — it gives the surface a slightly textured grip compared to bare glass. And yes, the little face is genuinely endearing. We've seen plenty of novelty bongs that sacrifice function for looks, but this one gets both right. The downstem sits at a good angle, the bowl is a comfortable size for a personal session, and the mouthpiece is wide enough for an easy draw.
One honest limitation: the 4.5-inch version holds a small volume of water, so you'll want to change it frequently. Stale bong water gets unpleasant fast in a compact chamber — you can smell it turning after just a couple of sessions. The 8.25-inch version gives you more breathing room on that front. If you're comparing this to a standard straight-tube bong of similar height, the Bubble Bong trades raw airflow for character and portability. For quick personal hits, that's a fair trade. For long group sessions, you'd want something with a larger chamber.
How to Use the Hemper Bubble Bong
- Fill the Bubble Bong with clean, cold water through the mouthpiece. The water level should sit roughly 1–2 cm above the bottom of the downstem. Too much water and you'll get splashback on your lips; too little and the smoke won't filter properly.
- Grind your dried herbs to a medium consistency — not powder-fine, or it'll pull through the bowl hole. A coarse grind blocks airflow; medium is the sweet spot.
- Pack the bowl loosely. Resist the urge to press it down tight. Air needs to pass through the herb for even combustion. About 0.15–0.25g is plenty for the small version; the large bowl holds up to about 0.3–0.4g comfortably.
- Hold the Bubble Bong with one hand around the base (the round body gives a natural grip) and bring the mouthpiece to your lips.
- Light the edge of the bowl — not the centre — and inhale slowly. You should see bubbles forming in the water chamber. That's your smoke being cooled and filtered.
- Once the chamber fills with milky smoke, lift the bowl piece to clear the chamber in one breath.
- Exhale and enjoy. Dump the spent herb, and if you're done for the day, pour out the water and give the inside a quick rinse. Fresh water every session keeps the taste clean.
Water Filtration and Your Lungs — What the Research Says
Water pipes cool smoke and trap some particulate matter before it reaches your airways. That said, water filtration is not a health guarantee. According to Healthline, bong use still carries respiratory risks — a 2017 case study documented a case of necrotising pneumonia linked to bong use, a serious condition causing permanent lung tissue damage. Keeping your bong water fresh and your glass clean reduces bacterial buildup, but it doesn't eliminate the risks of inhaling combustion byproducts.
According to a review published in PMC (Waterpipe smoking: not necessarily less hazardous, 2014), waterpipe smoke still delivers nicotine, carbon monoxide, and other substances even after passing through water. The cooling effect can actually encourage deeper inhalation, meaning you may draw smoke further into your lungs than you would with a dry pipe. According to a systematic review on waterpipe use and cardiovascular effects (PMC, 2023), waterpipe smokers showed greater total cholesterol levels compared to non-smokers, and a single session was observed to increase heart rate and blood pressure. None of this means you should bin your bong — just be aware that water filtration reduces harshness, not harm. Moderation and clean equipment are your best friends here.
Cleaning and Maintenance of the Bubble Bong
A clean bong tastes better and lasts longer — resin buildup makes every hit stale and can weaken glass joints over time. The Bubble Bong's rounded shape means you can't reach every corner with a brush alone, so a soaking method works best.
- Empty all water and remove the bowl piece and downstem.
- Pour coarse salt (sea salt or rock salt, roughly 2 tablespoons) into the main chamber through the mouthpiece.
- Add enough isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher) to cover the salt — about 50–80ml for the small version, 100–150ml for the large.
- Cover both openings with your hands or cling film and shake vigorously for 60–90 seconds. The salt acts as an abrasive against the resin.
- Let it soak for 10–15 minutes if the buildup is stubborn.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water — at least 3 full rinses to remove all alcohol and salt residue.
- Soak the bowl piece and downstem separately in a zip-lock bag with the same salt-and-alcohol mixture.
- Air-dry all pieces before reassembling. A clean Bubble Bong should look crystal clear through the iridescent coating.
We'd recommend cleaning after every 5–7 sessions at minimum. If you can see a brown waterline forming, you're overdue. The iridescent finish is on the exterior, so the alcohol soak won't damage it — just avoid abrasive scrubbing on the outside coating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bubble Bong made from thick glass?
Yes. Borosilicate glass is the same type used in laboratory equipment — it handles heat and temperature changes far better than standard glass. The Bubble Bong feels solid in hand, though the 4.5-inch version is naturally more delicate due to its compact size. Treat it with basic care and it'll last.
Can I use the Bubble Bong with concentrates?
It's designed for dried herbs. You could technically drop a small piece of hash on top of a herb bed, but there's no banger or nail attachment for dabs. For concentrates, you'd want a dedicated dab rig.
Does bong smoke damage your lungs more than other smoking methods?
According to Healthline, bongs filter some particulate matter through water, but they don't eliminate combustion byproducts. The cooler smoke may encourage deeper inhalation. A 2017 case study linked bong use to necrotising pneumonia. Water filtration reduces harshness, not overall risk.
How much water should I put in the Bubble Bong?
Enough to submerge the bottom of the downstem by 1–2 cm. For the 4.5-inch version, that's roughly 40–60ml. For the 8.25-inch version, around 80–120ml. You'll hear bubbling when you draw — if you don't, add more water. If water hits your lips, pour some out.
Will the iridescent finish wear off over time?
The coating is on the exterior surface. Normal handling and gentle cleaning won't strip it. Avoid abrasive sponges or scouring pads on the outside. Interior cleaning with salt and isopropyl alcohol won't affect the finish at all.
Why should I use a bubble bong instead of a dry pipe?
Water filtration cools the smoke before it hits your throat, making each draw noticeably smoother. You'll cough less and taste more of the herb's flavour profile. The trade-off is that a bong needs water changes and occasional cleaning, while a dry pipe is grab-and-go.
Is the 4.5-inch Bubble Bong too small to be practical?
Not at all — it's sized for personal use and quick sessions. The bowl holds 0.15–0.25g comfortably, which is enough for one or two solid hits. It won't replace a full-size piece for group sessions, but for solo use it's genuinely practical and surprisingly smooth for its size.
Last updated: April 2026
