If you’ve ever taken a hit from a bong and felt your throat catch fire, you already know why percolators exist. These little glass chambers are the difference between a harsh rip that leaves you coughing for five minutes and a smooth, cooled hit that lets you enjoy your smoke.
There are many percolator designs, each with unique benefits and drawbacks. Some add just the right amount of filtration, while others turn a simple inhale into a full-blown lung workout.
That’s where things get tricky.
Do you go for a honeycomb perc with dozens of tiny holes? A tree perc with multiple arms? A coil perc that looks like something out of a science lab? And what about the so-called “high-end” designs—are they actually worth it, or just gimmicks?
We’ll break down every percolator type, what it does, and whether it’s the right choice for you.
What Is a Percolator and Why Does It Matter?
A percolator is one of those things you don’t think about until you hit a bong that doesn’t have one. Then, suddenly, you get it.
That raw, scratchy pull? That’s because the smoke is too hot and unfiltered. A percolator fixes that by forcing the smoke through water in a way that breaks it up into smaller bubbles. More bubbles mean more surface area, which means better cooling and filtration before the smoke ever hits your lungs.
But does having a percolator really make a difference?
A well-designed percolator smooths out the experience without adding too much drag (the resistance you feel when pulling air through the bong).
And then there’s the balance between filtration and potency.
Some smokers worry that too much percolation "washes out" the effects of their herb. While a percolator cools the smoke, it doesn’t actually remove cannabinoids or terpenes in any significant way.
If anything, the smoother hit lets you take in more smoke comfortably, meaning you can actually get more out of each hit—not less.
Percolator Styles
Walk into any smoke shop or browse online, and you’ll see bongs boasting all kinds of percolators—some simple, some looking like they belong in a chemistry lab.
It’s easy to assume that the more complex a perc looks, the better it must be, but that’s not always the case.
Choosing the right one isn’t just about what looks the coolest—it’s about how much filtration you need, how much effort you're willing to put into maintenance, and whether you prefer effortless hits or don’t mind some extra resistance in exchange for a super-smooth pull.
Let’s take a look at each percolator type and what it brings to the table.
Classic and Simple Percolators
Not every percolator needs to look like a science experiment to get the job done.
Some of the most effective designs are also the simplest. These percolators prioritize function over flash, offering reliable diffusion without overcomplicating things. They’re great for beginners, easy to clean, and still deliver a noticeably smoother hit than a bare-bones bong.
Diffused Downstem Percolator
If a bong has any percolation at all, it likely starts with a diffused downstem.
This is the most straightforward way to introduce filtration: a slitted or hole-punched tube that sits in the bong’s base, pulling smoke through water before it reaches your lungs.
The result? A hit that’s cooler and smoother than a dry pipe but without the added complexity of multi-chamber percs.
What makes a diffused downstem so reliable is its low maintenance. Unlike more intricate designs, there’s no risk of delicate glass arms breaking, and it’s easy to clean—just remove it, rinse, and you’re good to go. However, its filtration power is limited.
Inline Percolator
The inline perc takes the same basic concept as a diffused downstem but refines it for better airflow and increased diffusion.
Instead of a vertical tube, an inline perc is a horizontal glass tube with slits or holes along its length, usually positioned at the base of the bong. This design allows smoke to spread more evenly through the water, producing a smoother, well-diffused hit with minimal drag.
One of the biggest advantages of an inline perc is how it directs smoke through multiple slits at once, creating more bubbles than a standard downstem.
It’s also built directly into the bong, eliminating the risk of breaking or losing a removable piece. However, it does require a little more effort to clean than a simple downstem, as the horizontal placement can cause residue to collect in hard-to-reach areas.
Multi-Slit Percolators for Enhanced Filtration
For smokers who want a smoother, more filtered hit without turning their bong into a high-maintenance science project, multi-slit percolators strike the perfect balance.
These percs are designed to increase diffusion by breaking smoke into finer bubbles, allowing more surface area for cooling. They take percolation a step further than a basic downstem or inline perc but remain relatively easy to clean and maintain.
Tree Percolator
The tree perc is one of the most recognizable percolators out there, and for good reason—it delivers exceptional filtration without creating excessive drag.
Designed with multiple thin "arms" extending from a central tube, each arm contains slits or small holes that break up the smoke as it passes through. The more arms a tree perc has, the more filtration it provides.
While this percolator is great for smoother, cooler hits, it does have a reputation for being fragile. The arms are often thin, and if you’re not careful when cleaning or handling your bong, they can snap.
Another common issue is clogging, especially if you’re smoking unfiltered herb. Still, for those who want an ultra-smooth rip without excessive pull resistance, a tree perc remains a solid and time-tested choice.
Showerhead Percolator
The showerhead perc is about efficiency and durability.
This percolator consists of a flared, bell-like main chamber with evenly spaced slits at the bottom, resembling—you guessed it—a showerhead. When smoke moves through it, it’s evenly dispersed into the water, creating a smooth, well-filtered pull with very little drag.
One of the best things about a showerhead perc is how sturdy and low-maintenance it is. Unlike delicate tree percs, this design is much harder to break and easier to clean since it doesn’t have thin, hard-to-reach arms.
That being said, while it does a great job of cooling and filtering, it doesn’t offer quite as much diffusion as more intricate designs like honeycomb or matrix percs.
Honeycomb Percolator
For those who love high-diffusion without high maintenance, the honeycomb perc is a game-changer.
This flat, disc-shaped percolator is covered in dozens of small holes, allowing smoke to be broken up into an extremely fine mist. The result? Exceptionally smooth hits with minimal drag, all while keeping airflow strong.
One of the biggest advantages of a honeycomb perc is how efficient it is at filtration without requiring a ton of effort to pull. Unlike percs with vertical arms or multiple chambers, honeycomb percs don’t slow down airflow much, meaning you get a silky-smooth hit without feeling like you’re sucking air through a clogged straw.
However, the small holes that make honeycomb percs so effective also mean that they can clog over time if not cleaned regularly. Residue buildup can reduce performance, making routine maintenance a must.
Unique and High-Tech Percolators
These percolators are designed to maximize diffusion, smooth out harshness, and add a little flair to your smoking experience. Some use vortex-like motion, while others break smoke down into incredibly fine bubbles. When designed well, they can dramatically improve cooling and filtration.
Turbine Percolator
A turbine perc is all about creating movement.
Instead of just bubbling through water like most percs, the angled slits in a turbine perc force the water and smoke to spin in a controlled vortex. This spinning action helps cool the smoke more effectively while reducing splashback, meaning you’re less likely to get water in your mouth when taking a big rip.
What’s great about turbine percs is that they offer strong diffusion without clogging easily. Unlike designs which rely on multiple tiny openings, turbine percs keep airflow unrestricted, making them a solid choice for those who want smooth hits without unnecessary drag.
The only downside? They don’t filter as much as percs with more slits or holes, so while they reduce harshness, they don’t remove as many impurities as some of the alternatives.
Matrix Percolator
The matrix perc takes diffusion to another level by combining vertical and horizontal slits in a cylindrical chamber. This means smoke is broken up from all directions, creating an ultra-fine mist that provides exceptionally smooth, filtered hits.
Unlike tree percs, which can be fragile, or honeycomb percs, which can clog, matrix percs are sturdy and efficient.
The combination of numerous slits and large chamber space allows for great filtration while maintaining solid airflow.
The only real drawback?
If not positioned well inside the bong, matrix percs can create unnecessary drag. A well-placed matrix perc will feel effortless to pull, while a poorly placed one can make inhaling more difficult than it should be.
For an example of how to get a matrix perc done right, check out the TAG - 13" Super Slit Matrix to Spinning Splashguard Dab Rig Bong.
Coil Percolator (Glass & Glycerin)
Bong enthusiasts who want the coldest possible hit should have the coil perc as a top pick.
This percolator comes in two main forms: a glass coil that smoke travels through for extended diffusion or a glycerin coil that can be frozen for extra cooling. The glycerin version is the real standout—it supercools the smoke before it ever reaches your mouth, making for an incredibly smooth and refreshing experience.
The biggest perk of a glycerin coil perc is how effectively it cools hits without needing excessive water filtration. This means you get a chilled, smooth rip without sacrificing potency.
However, there are a few things to consider: Glycerin percs need to be frozen ahead of time, and if the coil isn’t well-made, freezing and thawing cycles can weaken the glass over time.
Shopping for Percs like a Pro
With so many different percolator designs out there, choosing the right one comes down to how you like to smoke and how much effort you’re willing to put into maintenance. Some percs are built for maximum filtration, while others focus on maintaining strong airflow.
The trick is finding the right balance between smoothness, ease of use, and durability.
Ease of Cleaning
The more intricate the percolator, the harder it is to clean. Honeycomb and tree percs provide great filtration but can clog easily, requiring frequent maintenance. Showerhead and inline percs, on the other hand, have larger openings, making them easier to rinse out. If you don’t like scrubbing, avoid percs with multiple tiny holes.
Durability
Some percolators are more fragile than others. Tree percs are notorious for delicate arms that can snap, while fritted discs clog easily and can weaken over time. Swiss percs and inline percs are built into the bong itself, making them sturdier for daily use.
Drag & Airflow
Too much percolation can make it harder to inhale, requiring more lung power to clear the bong. Inline and honeycomb percs provide excellent filtration without significantly increasing drag, while stacked percs like turbine + tree percs can create ultra-smooth hits but require stronger pulls.
Price
Basic percs like diffused downstems start at $50-$100, while multi-perc setups with Swiss or matrix percs can easily go for $300 or more. High-end percs can be worth it, but only if you actually benefit from the extra filtration.
Best Percolator Designs for Different Users
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Best for Beginners → Diffused downstem or showerhead perc (easy to use, low maintenance).
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Best for Smoothest Hits → Honeycomb or matrix perc (high diffusion, minimal drag).
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Best for Aesthetic Appeal → Swiss or turbine perc (unique airflow and design).
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Best for Cooling → Glycerin coil or turbine perc (smooth, chilled hits).
Don’t Settle - Choose A Percolator That Matches Your Style
The best percolator is the one that fits your smoking style.
Maybe you love huge, ultra-smooth rips and need a honeycomb or matrix perc to handle the job. Or maybe you just want something low-maintenance and effective, like a showerhead or inline perc. There’s no one perfect answer—just the right balance of filtration, airflow, and ease of use for your setup.
The real game-changer? Quality.
A well-made percolator will last, function smoothly, and actually improve your smoking experience. A cheap, poorly designed perc? That’s just a clog waiting to happen. That’s why picking the right piece from a brand that focuses on durability and function matters just as much as choosing the perc type.
Get Your Perc from Thick Ass Glass
At Thick Ass Glass (TAG), we understand how much percs can improve the function of a bong. We’ve literally made 10s of thousands of them. Our precision-engineered percolators are built with thick, high-quality borosilicate glass, designed to maximize diffusion without sacrificing airflow.
Check out our percolator bong collection and find the piece that fits your perfect hit.