Percolator Bongs Explained: Types, Benefits, and How to Clean Them

So... What Is a Percolator Bong?

If you’ve ever hit a bong that felt smoother, cooler, and just... cleaner, you’ve probably experienced the magic of a percolator. These clever features take your bong rips to the next level by filtering and cooling smoke through water diffusion.

But not all percs are created equal, so let’s break it down. We’ll cover the most popular types of percs, why they matter, and how to keep your glass clean and sesh-ready.

What Does a Percolator Do?

Percolators (aka "percs") are built-in water filtration systems inside bongs that:

• Break up the smoke into smaller bubbles

• Cool it down before you inhale

• Filter out harshness and debris

Result? Smoother, tastier, less cough-worthy hits. The more bubbles and filtration, the smoother the hit will be. 

Different Types of Percolator Bongs

There are a ton of percolator styles out there, but here are the most popular ones you’ll find at AFM Glass:

Honeycomb Perc

• A Flat disc with dozens of tiny holes

• Super smooth diffusion, minimal drag

• Great for stacking multiple percs

Tree Perc

• Vertical arms with slits at the bottom

• Visually cool, solid filtration

• Classic look with a reliable feel

Showerhead Perc

• Dome-shaped design with slits all around

• Easy to clean, high-volume bubbles

• Balanced airflow for flavorful hits

Inline & Matrix Percs

• Inline: Horizontal slit design for heavy diffusion

• Matrix: Grid-style perc that creates tons of micro-bubbles

• Found in some of AFM’s most advanced bongs

👉 Shop All Percolator Bongs →

How to Clean a Percolator Bong

Cleaning a perc bong doesn’t have to be a headache. Here’s how to keep yours crystal clear:

1. Empty the water and rinse with warm water

2. Add isopropyl alcohol + coarse salt

3. Plug the holes and shake like it owes you money

4. Use pipe cleaners or Q-tips for intricate percs

5. Rinse well, refill, and you're ready to rip again

Pro Tip: Clean your bong once a week to keep the flavor fresh and the hits clean. Also check out Piece Water, an alternative to regular water which prevents build up inside glass.

Wrap-Up: Is a Perc Bong Worth It?

Short answer? Yes. If you’re all about smooth smoke, better flavor, and upgraded airflow, a percolator bong is 100% worth it.

At AFM Glass, we design our percs to perform—whether you're stacking honeycombs or keeping it simple with a showerhead.

👉 Find Your New Favorite Perc Bong →