If you buy flower, sooner or later you will want something to use it with. A hand pipe, a bong, a dab rig, a vaporizer, rolling papers: they all do the same basic job in different ways, and the right one depends on how you use cannabis, where you live and how much you want to carry around. This guide compares the common options in plain English. It makes no health claims, and it is for adults 21+.
The Quick Answer
- Hand pipe: simple, portable and cheap.
- Bong: larger, with water, and a different feel. Less portable.
- Dab rig: made for concentrates, not flower.
- Dry herb vaporizer: heats flower without burning it, and needs a battery.
- Papers: the minimal option, if you roll. See our guide to how to roll a joint.
Hand Pipes
A hand pipe is a small bowl with a mouthpiece, usually made of glass, silicone, metal or ceramic. You pack the bowl, light it and inhale.
- Pros: inexpensive, portable, easy to learn and easy to clean.
- Cons: hot, dry smoke, and the bowl burns through quickly.
- Good for: beginners, travel within the state, and small amounts.
Bongs
A bong, or water pipe, has a chamber of water that the smoke passes through before you inhale. They are usually glass, though silicone and acrylic versions exist.
- Pros: the smoke is cooler, and many people find it feels smoother. A bong is also good for sharing.
- Cons: larger, more fragile and less portable. They need regular cleaning and fresh water.
- Good for: home use and people who prefer a cooler draw.
Water cools the smoke, but we don’t make claims about any health benefit. Smoke is smoke, and if you have concerns, talk to a healthcare provider.
Dab Rigs
A dab rig looks like a small bong, but it is built for concentrates. It has a heated surface, called a nail or banger, that you heat and then touch the concentrate to. Rigs are not used for flower. See our guide to dabbing for beginners.
- Pros: efficient with concentrates, and flavorful when done at a low temperature.
- Cons: more equipment, a learning curve, and a heat source. Concentrates are potent.
- Good for: people already using concentrates.
Dry Herb Vaporizers
A dry herb vaporizer heats flower to a temperature that releases vapor without burning it. Some are portable, and some are desktop units.
- Pros: less smoke and odor than burning, and you control the temperature. Good flavor.
- Cons: costs more, needs charging and cleaning, and has more parts to break.
- Good for: people who want less smell, or who care about flavor.
Vape Pens
Pens for oil cartridges are a separate category from dry herb vaporizers. See our guides on using a vape cartridge or disposable and the vapes guide.
Rolling Papers and Grinders
The minimal setup is papers and a grinder. It is the cheapest and most portable option, though it takes practice. See our comparison of pre-rolls vs rolling your own.
Materials
- Glass: doesn’t affect flavor, easy to clean, and breakable.
- Silicone: nearly unbreakable, good for travel, and can hold odors.
- Metal: durable, but can affect flavor and get very hot.
- Ceramic: good flavor and heat retention, and can chip.
How to Choose
- Think about where you will use it. Home, or out and about?
- Think about what you use. Flower, concentrates or both.
- Set a budget. Prices vary widely, and the most expensive is not always best.
- Consider cleaning. The easier it is to clean, the more likely you are to keep it clean.
- Consider your living situation. If your building bans smoking, see our guide to cannabis and apartments.
Cleaning Basics
Clean glass pieces with isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt, shaken together, then rinsed thoroughly with warm water until no smell of alcohol remains. Replace bong water often. Clean pipes regularly, since residue affects flavor. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for vaporizers.
Safety
- Handle glass carefully, and don’t use cracked pieces.
- Keep flames and heat sources away from flammable materials.
- Never leave a lit pipe or heat source unattended.
- Keep all equipment and cannabis away from children and pets.
Where to Use It
Use only where it is allowed, such as private property with the owner’s permission. See our guide to New Jersey cannabis laws. Never drive after using cannabis.
A Starter Setup
If you are just beginning, a simple kit goes a long way: a grinder, a hand pipe or papers, and a small sealed container for storage. You can add a bong or a vaporizer later, once you know how you like to use cannabis. Ask the team what is in stock, and what they recommend for the way you use it.
Travel and the Law
Don’t carry cannabis or paraphernalia across state lines. Keep everything sealed and out of sight in a vehicle, and never drive after using cannabis. See our guide to New Jersey cannabis laws.
FAQ
What’s the difference between a bong and a pipe?
A bong uses water to cool the smoke, and is larger. A pipe is smaller and portable.
Can I use a dab rig for flower?
No. Dab rigs are made for concentrates.
What is best for a beginner?
A simple hand pipe, or rolling papers, are the easiest places to start.
How often should I clean my bong?
Change the water often, and clean the glass regularly so residue doesn’t build up.
Shop CREAM
Browse the flower menu and ask the team what accessories are in stock, or call (848) 500-9333. Adult-use only — 21+ with valid ID. Please consume responsibly.