The Comprehensive Guide To Ice Bongs

You’re most likely used to a standard bong, which comes in many types, shapes, and sizes.  Or maybe you’ve heard of the term ice bong for the first time, or you recently tried one and want to find one that suits your needs.
→ This guide will dive deep into the details about all things related to ice bongs, including the best ways to smoke out of one, along with notable pieces available on the market.

Ice Bong Basics and How To Use Them

Ice Bongs produce a smoother smoking experience for you. They’re standard bongs with an added function. You can place ice in the tube and cool down the smoke as it travels up to your lungs.  Technically, ice bongs are bongs with a holder in the neck called an ice catcher. Other familiar terms for ice bongs:

• Ice Pinch / Ice Pincher
• Ice Chamber
• Ice Catch

You may find ice bongs with more than two “arms”, or pinches, that enclose the neck better and hold smaller cubes of ice. Sometimes, additional pinches comes with the sacrifice of airflow through the tube.

What You’ll Experience

As you inhale, the ice will cool down the smoke as it passes through the neck of your ice bong. The resulting pull will end up being less harsh on your lungs. You’ll find that using ice bongs will make smoking herbs, oils, and tinctures much easier.

How To Use An Ice Bong

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Step 1: Grab your Ice bong and some ice cubes

→ Do not use crushed ice unless the ice catch is small enough to accommodate it.

Step 2: Tilt your glass and put the ice inside

→ Tilting the glass prefents the ice from damaging the ice carbs

Step 3: Fill your bong with water

→ Make sure the downstem is completely covered with water

Step 4: Add the bowl with your herb

→ Make sure you prepare the bowl beforehand, as your hands tend to get wet while adding the ice

Step 5: Take a slow deep hit 

→ To feel the full effect, make sure you stand up while taking slow and deep hits

Pros and Cons

Ice bongs can provide a lot of benefits, but there is also a downside that needs to be looked at. Let's have a look at the pros and cons of ice bongs:

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How Much Do Ice Bongs Cost?

Generally, you’d be able to find ice bongs within ranges of $15 to $200. Though, there are some out there that cost more. The type and effectiveness of each bong will typically affect the price.

On The Cheaper Side: $15 - $55

Even the cheapest ice catcher bongs will do the job. If you decide to use this type of bong, be very careful handling the glass, and check the reviews to make sure the glassmaker produces reliable products. Don’t pack your bowl too much if it has a shorter stem, or you could be wasting your product. 

• Material Quality
  These Bongs are simply made, possibly with cheaply produced glass. However, glass bongs with ice catchers, in particular, are naturally more durable. You may also find bongs made with silicone material where you can fill ice up to the top without an ice catcher present. 
• Their Look
  These are almost always made straight-edged, with simple graphics and color designs. 
• Neck Heights
  Expect them to have shorter necks (Shorter neck = less smoke). 
• Additional Features
  Most bongs you find at this price range will only have an ice catcher installed. However, some of the $40 ones may have other features --if you’re lucky. 

On The Quality Side: $55 - $150

Bongs between this price range are the best to get on average. These ice bongs will enhance your smoking experience, are more durable, and are also better looking than the cheaper varieties. 

• Material Quality
  These bongs are typically well made, and the glass is usually science grade. Other materials (Like metal and silicone) are available. 
• Their Look
  These bongs will have many fun variations in shape. Many custom designs and attractive bongs are in this price range. 
• Neck Heights
  They come in short neck and tall neck varieties. 
• Additional Features
  You’ll see bongs with multiple ice catchers, percolators filters, mods, and other features preinstalled. This fact is made more valid the higher you increase your price range. 

On The Fancy Side $150 - And Up 

These well-made bongs will not only enhance your experience, but they can come with a multitude of features if you wish. If you’re thinking of buying a bong at this price range, be very careful to review cleaning requirements, so they’re not too hard to maintain. Also, don’t break it! 

• Material Quality
  These ice catcher bongs are made by a respected glass artist, or of an extremely reputable maker that takes pride in their glass. 
• Their Look
  Some can be custom made, or are limited editions. All Material options are available and made in many kinds of shapes. Some models are made simplistic but sturdy. 
• Neck Height
  Nearly all of them have tall necks designed to hold the most smoke.
• Additional Features: All ice bongs you find will have the bells and whistles that you need. You’ll find multiple percolators in the piece, down stem filters, and zany chamber designs to make your smoke session smooth and fun to watch.

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Ice Bong Materials - Glass vs. Metal vs. Silicone Models

Other than glass, there are so many different materials you could use to smoke your herb. There are many varieties, but the most popular types are glass, metal, and silicone. Here are the descriptions of all three:

Glass

Glass ice catcher bongs are the most common type of you’ll find available anywhere right now. There are many varieties, and manufacturers from around the world are making them. They are cheap to produce at mass scales, too. The only real weakness for glass is that it is fragile.

Metal

Metal ice bongs are rare to find and typically look uglier compared to glass. At the cost of beauty, you have an unbreakable bong.

Metal could be harder to clean than glass and tends to oxidize long term. Also, be careful of burning yourself. -- Metal doesn’t diffuse heat too well when lit directly.

Silicone

Bongs made of silicone materials are typically hard to break save for extremely high temperatures. Aside from low-quality silica-based materials, silicone can usually take direct heat just fine. This material is easy to mold for manufacturers, which helps bring down costs.

However, the designs and colors that are available tend to be drab. If you plan to use this kind of ice bong, make sure it’s from a reliable source. Otherwise, you’ll find a silicone bong that’s not suitable to be smoked. Well, unless you want cancer.

The Best Ice Bongs - A Comprehensive List

Getting the right bong for you is a personal thing. But it doesn’t mean we can’t recommend the best ice catchers for you anyway. Here are a few of the best ice bongs on the market based on cost:

The Best Cheap Ice Bongs:

1. The Rainbow Alice

This bong has 10” of height, and it’s made of durable glass to get the job done right. The best part is that you can choose up to five colors before purchase.

2. Rick and Morty Bong Collection 2

Part of a Rick & Morty collection, this bong is crafted with premium quality borosilicate glass. It also comes with a removable down stem for easy cleaning. You can choose three separate graphic designs before purchase.

The Best Quality Ice Bongs:

1. The Illadelph Priest

No need to load ice, simply freeze the entire piece and use it whenever you’re ready! It’s great if you want to be lazy, and you are guaranteed to have a smooth smoking experience with the additional percs installed.

2. The Thorny Rose

This tall bong features many ice percs and looks absolutely boss. Its description is killer: “FEW WHO GOT PRICKED, ESCAPED THE THORNY HITS OF DEATH ??” Ouch!

The Best Fancy Bongs:

1. The Illadelph Cross

No need to load ice, simply freeze the entire piece and use it whenever you’re ready! It’s great if you want to be lazy, and you are guaranteed to have a smooth smoking experience with the additional percs installed.

2. The Illadelph Cronus

This company doesn’t skip on quality. It’s probably one of the best ice bongs on the market today. Expect a thick borosilicate glass, tall stem, and smooth pulls from this iconic beast.

How To Make An Ice Catcher - Cheap DIY Tricks

We’ve seen the best rigs, but you want to try icing your smoke right now! Hey, I hear you. Here are a few suggestions for some quick DIY tricks for turning your standard bong into an ice bong:

Warning: Be careful not to break your glass. These DIY tricks could end up damaging your bong, so it’s your responsibility to do it right. However, let’s have some fun.

The Over-iced Bong Trick

This trick is straight forward. If your glass has an empty chamber, all you need is ice. So much ice that you fill the chamber and the neck. Do not drop the ice directly into the chamber, however. -- Your glass may shatter.

Step 1: Tilt your bong and roll the ice cubes in, nice and smooth

→ String the wire through the egg beater’s handle hole, and shape it so it’ll safely hold the whisk from the mouthpiece of your bong

Step 2: When the ice is near the top, place the bong upright

→ String the wire through the egg beater’s handle hole, and shape it so it’ll safely hold the whisk from the mouthpiece of your bong

Step 3: Add water

→ String the wire through the egg beater’s handle hole, and shape it so it’ll safely hold the whisk from the mouthpiece of your bong

Step 4: Check if the ice stays in place. You may have to fill in more ice

→ String the wire through the egg beater’s handle hole, and shape it so it’ll safely hold the whisk from the mouthpiece of your bong

Now you have an over-iced bong.

The Egg Beater Ice Bong Trick

If you want to save on ice, then this DIY could work. All you need is a small egg beater with a handle hole (Easter egg dippers work too), a wireframe hanger, and large chunks of ice. You also need to make sure the egg beater can fit down the neck of your glass.

This project requires a few steps:

Step 1: Fill your bong with water

→ Do not use crushed ice unless the ice catch is small enough to accommodate it.

Step 2: Grab the wire hanger, and unravel it

→ String the wire through the egg beater’s handle hole, and shape it so it’ll safely hold the whisk from the mouthpiece of your bong

Step 3: Place the ice inside the egg beater wireframe

→ Carefully dip it into your bong. If you did it right, you'd find the wire is holding the beater just above the water from the mouthpiece

Now you have an Egg Beater Ice Bong. When you light up, make sure you cup a hand around the mouthpiece to reliably get the smoke through.

Ice Bong FAQ

Is It A Good Idea To Have A Dabbing Rig With Ice Catchers?

I’d say it’s the perfect icy hot tag team, so you should do it. You’ll find that an ice catcher with your dabbing rig will make it much easier on your lungs.

Optimally, you should consider buying a dabbing rig accessory to your ice bong. It’s cheaper because you’re using your original ice bong, and dabbing accessories are widely available.

Otherwise, there are a few dabbing rigs that come with ice catchers installed. They can be a little larger than usual and are a bit costly. However, it’s worth the money if you are serious properly.

Can You Use Bong Accessories With Ice Bongs?

The great thing about ice catchers and accessories is that there is no difference in installation compared to regular bongs. Depending on your exact bong, you may be able to install additional down stems, percolators, ash catchers, and other accessories.

I’d follow the precise instructions for the accessories you plan to buy instead of focusing on your type of bong to ensure it’s the right fit for your glass. There are a few things to watch out for:

• Check to make sure your bong can fit the accessory
• Make sure your ice bong has the necessary female or male attachments that matches your fixture
• Ensure the accessory you purchase will enhance your smoking experience, instead of distract from it.

How Do I Properly Clean My Ice Bong?

Sometimes cleaning a bong with an ice catcher attached can be hard. However, I’d follow these great directions from Wiki-How. Pay special attention to their section lower down on the article about hard to clean places. Using a pipe cleaner and soaking in water is the way to go for cleaning your ice bong properly.

Thanks For Letting Us Geek You Out About Ice Bongs

Now that you know all there is about ice bongs, and how they ultimately create a smoother experience when smoking, it’s time to light up and take an ice-cold pull of smoke.

I figure we have to thank the first stoner who thought of putting ice in their bong. It was a good idea!

What do you think about ice bongs? Do you enjoy the smooth pull they provide, or do you prefer to smoke without them? Let us know what you think or if you have any questions. Thank you for reading.