Ash Catchers: Enhance Filtration and Avoid Ash
As part of the basics of learning how to use a glass water pipe or bong, you quickly realize the importance of finding a way to get rid of ash build-up. But short of cleaning the glass after each use, it can be nearly impossible to keep your piece sparkling clean (and keep your smoking experience optimal)!
Enter the ash catcher. This revolutionary accessory attaches to the pipe or bong and acts as a first line of defense against ash and debris. All the resin that piled up and interfered with your fresh, smooth inhalation isn’t a problem anymore. The ash catcher keeps the pipe’s main chamber cleaner, significantly enhancing filtration.
So, how does this miracle for cannabis smoking work? We’ll explain the details of ash catchers and how to find the right one to ensure you get smoother, more flavorful hits with every use.
What is an Ash Catcher?
Think of an ash catcher as a mini water pipe. It has two ends — one that connects to the stem of the bong and another that holds the bowl full of smoking material. After you light up, smoke travels through the ash catcher, trapping ash and resin in the chamber. The cleaner, filtered smoke continues into the bong, where it meets the original filter and gets another cleansing.
The final result is a pure, smooth hit for you and a glass pipe or bong that hasn’t been touched by ash or resin. This process doesn’t prevent you from cleaning your pipe again, but it will reduce the frequency of cleaning. Rinse the ash catcher bong with warm water between uses. We also recommend regular cleaning with a glass cleaner.
But those are ash catcher basics. As you get familiar with this extra accessory, you’ll see that it can do so much more than filter your smoke. Let’s take a look at the various types of bong ash catchers next.
Types of Ash Catchers
Just as you’ll find multiple types of bongs and pipes on the market, there are different kinds of ash catchers, too. Although they come in a multitude of designs, you’ll find them broken down into two main categories: water and waterless.
True to their name, water ash catchers use water for filtration. They feature a chamber filled with water, allowing smoke to pass through before reaching the bong. The water cools down the smoke and removes impurities, resulting in smoother hits. Ash catchers offer better filtration, cooled smoke, and the ability to add different percolators for smoother hits.
On the other extreme, we have waterless ash catchers, also known as dry ash catchers, which operate without water. The primary benefit of waterless ash catchers lies in their simplicity. They are easier to clean and maintain than water-filled ones. They’re more compact, but without water and a percolator, there is no added diffusion or flavor enhancement.
What to Look For in an Ash Catcher
When your goal is to enhance your smoking experience by filtering the ash and debris before they reach your lungs, an ash catcher is a must. But there are a few key factors to consider before investing in this accessory that set the various options apart. As you shop, look for the following characteristics:
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Diffused vs. Non-Diffused: Diffused models break up the smoke with added percolators. This enhances filtration, “diffusing” the smoke smoothly through the percolator. Non-diffused ash catchers still catch the debris and ash, but there isn’t an additional level of filtration.
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Gender: When accessorizing your bong, you must know if it has a male or female connection. Then, find a compatible joint gender so the two parts connect securely.
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Size: Mismatched sizes are a recipe for disaster. Get the correct size for your device to achieve a snug, airtight seal and avoid problems. These joint sizes are typically 10 to 18mm, with 14mm being common.
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Angle: Choose a 45° or 90° angle to balance comfort and functionality. A 45° joint keeps the bowl level during lighting, while a 90° joint is suitable if the bowl points upward. To prevent leaks and spills, make sure the joint’s angle matches that of your bong or bubbler.
Considering these factors, it becomes easier to narrow down the ash catcher that will work with your glass pipe or bong.
Benefits of Having an Ash Catcher
You’ll see ash catchers on the pipes of “expert” smokers everywhere you go. But what’s the big deal? These smokers know that using an ash catcher dramatically lessens the buildup of residue in your bong. This one crucial fact results in benefits such as a reduced need for frequent cleaning and an extended bong lifespan due to decreased maintenance requirements.
Since the smoke travels through more water (in a water ash catcher), it’s cooler by the time it reaches you. You can even personalize your smoking gear with a wide range of styles and sizes to match your preferences. And, of course, those smoking sessions are leveled up with the extra layer of filtration on every draw.
Order a Reliable Ash Catcher for Your Water Pipe or Bong
At Purr Glass, we offer ash catchers for various water pipes and bongs, ensuring you find your perfect match. Whether you’re looking for a simple, straightforward design or something more elaborate, we craft our ash catchers to provide efficiency and durability. Crafted to integrate flawlessly with your current smoking apparatus, these ash catchers are a must-have for any smoker. Explore our collection and find the perfect ash catcher to keep your bong clean and well-maintained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does an ash catcher work?
A: An ash catcher attaches to the joint of your bong or water pipe and acts as a preliminary filter. When you inhale, the smoke first passes through the ash catcher, which contains a small amount of water. This water traps larger particles of smoking material and ash, preventing them from entering the main water chamber of your bong.
The result is a smoother, cooler, cleaner hit and a bong that stays cleaner for longer. Ash catchers are especially beneficial for those who use their bongs frequently, as they significantly reduce the need for more bong cleaning sessions.
Q: Why use an ash catcher on the bong?
A: It keeps the main water chamber of your bong cleaner by trapping ash and debris before they enter, making maintenance of your overall bong easier and refining the overall smoking experience.
The additional filtration provided by the ash catcher means smoother, cleaner hits. It also helps reduce the smoke's harshness by cooling it down further before inhalation. For those who value clean smoke and clean glass, an ash catcher is an essential accessory, enhancing your bong's performance and longevity.
Q: Are ash catchers good for dabs?
A: While bong and bubbler ash catchers expertly filter herb smoke and keep your bong clean, they are less necessary or beneficial for dabbing. Dab rigs don’t produce the same ash and residue as dry herbs due to the vaporization of the smoking material.
Nevertheless, ash catchers can help cool the vapor, making dabs smoother and easier to inhale. For those using the same dab rig for herbs and concentrates, using an ash catcher during herb-smoking sessions ensures that your rig remains cleaner and the smoke purer when dabbing.
Q: How do you clean a bong with an ash catcher?
A: First, remove the ash catcher and clean it separately, following the same process as cleaning a conventional bong - soaking it in Purr Glass Cleaner or isopropyl alcohol and then rinsing it with room temperature water. Double-check that the ash catcher’s joint is clean and residue-free for a proper seal. For the bong, clean it like normal, and rinse it thoroughly to remove any cleaning solution. Regularly cleaning the ash catcher and the bong ensures optimal performance and a consistent, clean smoking experience.
Q: What is the difference between an ash catcher and a reclaim catcher?
A: An ash catcher traps ash and debris from dry herbs, keeping your bong’s water chamber clean while adding extra filtration. On the other hand, a reclaim catcher is used with dab rigs for concentrates. It attaches to your dab rig to catch and collect the excess concentrate (reclaim) that doesn’t get vaporized, preventing it from entering the rig.
This extra filtration keeps the rig cleaner and allows you to reuse the reclaimed concentrate if desired. While both add functionality to your smoking smoking setup, they are for different types of smoking methods.
Q: What joint size do I need for my ash catcher?
A: The joint size you need for your ash catcher depends on the size of your bong and bowl. Bongs typically come in standard joint sizes: 10mm, 14mm, and 18mm.
For a proper fit, It’s crucial to match the ash catcher’s joint size with that of your bong for a proper fit. To determine the right matching size and configuration, measure the widest diameter of your bong and bowl’s joint or consult the specifications provided by the manufacturer.