What’s the Difference Between a Vaporizer and a Bong or Water Pipe?

One of the loveliest things about smokables is the variety of ways in which they can be enjoyed. The most traditional means of smoking—rolling the herb into a cigarette—has long shared the stage with several other means of inhalation. You’re undoubtedly aware that traditional wooden and ivory pipes now come in metal or glass alternatives, as well. But the fun doesn’t stop there. Smokers can also invest some of their hard-earned money into slightly more expensive products, such as a vaporizer or a bong.

Of course, for the uninitiated, the distinctions between these two smoking apparatuses may not be clear. So, what’s the difference between a vaporizer and a bong or water pipe in Scottsdale, AZ? We’ve got your answers.

How a bong works

Though technically called a water pipe, you’ll rarely hear users refer to this smoking device as anything other than a bong. Fun fact: the word “bong” is a modern update on the Thai word, “buang,” which referred to (you guessed it) a tube-shaped smoking pipe carved from bamboo.

Today’s bongs are most commonly made from blown glass. The premise behind a bong is relatively similar to a traditional pipe. Tobacco or herb is packed into a bowl and lit with either a match or a lighter. The user then inhales from the end of a tube, drawing smoke from the bowl. A traditional pipe sees the smoke travel from the bowl, through a short tube and into the smoker’s lungs. The result can be somewhat tough on the throat. A bong, meanwhile, forces the smoke through a pool of standing water. The water cools the smoke and eases the impact on the smoker.

How a vaporizer works

Using a vaporizer, or vape, is a different animal entirely. A measure of tobacco or herb is placed inside a receptacle. The herb is then heated uniformly. The active ingredients in the herb are then released through an aromatic vapor that the user can inhale at their leisure.

If you’re wondering about the difference between a vaporizer and a bong or water pipe in Scottsdale, AZ, it is the means by which the herb is heated. In a bong, the marijuana is burned, while in a vaporizer, it is baked. Though larger-scale studies still need to be conducted, there is some scientific evidence to suggest that using a vaporizer is more beneficial from a health standpoint.

We’ve got you covered

If you want to know more about the difference between a vaporizer and a bong or water pipe in Scottsdale, AZ, come to Coughing Canary, where one of our friendly team members will happily answer your questions. Once we’ve helped you determine the best smoking device for your needs, we can introduce you to our massive array of products.

We’re proud to be the largest smoke shop in the area, and we’ve got the selection of glass, bongs, vaporizers and e-cigs to prove it. Of course, it’s not just our unparalleled selection that keeps Coughing Canary in business. It’s the personal touch we deliver to everyone who walks through our door. Give us a call or stop by today to learn more!

Categorised in: Bongs, Pipes, Vaporizers

This post was written by Writer