Ash Catchers: Do You Need One?

Ever noticed that odd little attachment on someone’s bong and wondered what it does? That’s likely an ash catcher—a simple but powerful upgrade that could completely change how you experience your smoking sessions.

Whether you're a casual user or a daily flower enthusiast, keeping your bong clean and your hits smooth is always the goal. But constant cleaning, ash floating in the water, and resin buildup can be a real buzzkill. That’s where ash catchers come in.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about these handy accessories:

• What an ash catcher is

• How it works

• The pros and cons

• Whether you really need one

• How to pick the right model for your bong

Let’s clear the air—and your bong—by finding out if an ash catcher deserves a spot in your setup.

What Is an Ash Catcher?

An ash catcher is an external glass or silicone attachment that connects between the bowl and the downstem of your bong. As the name suggests, its main purpose is to “catch ash” and debris before it enters your main piece.

Think of it like a pre-filter that traps all the mess—so your bong stays cleaner, longer.

Common Types of Ash Catchers

There’s more than one type of ash catcher, and the right one for you depends on your preferences and your bong’s specifications:

• Dry Ash Catchers: No water, simple design, primarily for catching ash and preventing debris buildup.

• Percolated Ash Catchers: Contain small percs (like tree, showerhead, or honeycomb percs) for added smoke filtration and cooling.

• Recycler Ash Catchers: Circulate water through multiple chambers, offering high-end diffusion.

Joint Angle & Size Matters

Before you rush out to buy one, know your bong’s joint size and angle:

• Joint Sizes: Typically 10mm, 14mm, or 18mm

• Angles: Most commonly 45° or 90°, depending on the downstem style

Always double-check compatibility—or shop from retailers like bongs.ca where specs are clearly listed.

What Materials Are They Made Of?

• Glass (most common): High borosilicate glass with detailed craftsmanship

• Silicone: Flexible, nearly unbreakable, great for travel

• Acrylic: Rare and less recommended due to lower durability

How Do Ash Catchers Work?

An ash catcher is essentially a mini-filtration system. When you light your bowl and inhale, the smoke gets drawn down through the ash catcher first—where it drops ash, resin, and burnt particles before they can enter your bong.

If it’s a percolated ash catcher, the smoke also gets filtered and cooled again before passing into your bong’s water chamber.

The Smoke Path With an Ash Catcher:

• Smoke enters the ash catcher through the bowl

• Ash and debris settle in the chamber

• Smoke passes through water (if percolated)

• Filtered smoke travels down into your bong

• You inhale a cooler, cleaner hit

Benefits of That Extra Layer:

• Cleaner Bong Water: Less frequent cleanings

• Smoother Hits: Double filtration effect

• Less Harshness: Reduces coughing and irritation

Pros and Cons of Using an Ash Catcher

Like any accessory, ash catchers come with their benefits—and a few limitations. To decide whether this add-on is worth it for your setup, let’s weigh the pros and cons.

Advantages of Ash Catchers

Keeps Your Bong Cleaner, Longer

One of the biggest reasons smokers use ash catchers is simple: less gunk in your bong. Since most of the ash and debris gets trapped in the ash catcher’s chamber, your bong water stays clearer, your glass stays shinier, and cleaning sessions become less frequent.

“Before I started using one, I had to clean my bong every 2–3 days. Now, once a week is more than enough.” – User Review on bongs.ca

Improved Smoke Quality

Adding an ash catcher—especially one with a percolator—means your smoke is filtered an extra time before reaching your lungs. This:

• Cools the smoke

• Reduces harshness

• Lowers irritation

• Makes hits feel smoother

For people with sensitive throats or lungs, this can be a game-changer.

Extra Filtration Without Replacing Your Bong

Don’t want to buy an expensive, high-end bong with built-in percs? An ash catcher gives you more diffusion at a lower cost. It’s a great way to upgrade your setup without fully replacing it.

Stylish Glass Add-On

Let’s be honest: a well-designed ash catcher with colorful percs or recycler functions doesn’t just work—it looks cool. It adds visual flair and personality to your piece, especially if it matches your bong’s color or glass style.

Disadvantages of Ash Catchers

Added Weight and Imbalance

Ash catchers, especially large or water-filled ones, can make your bong top-heavy. This increases the risk of tipping or breakage, especially if:

• You’re using a tall or narrow-base bong

• The ash catcher is filled with water

• You’re passing the bong around with friends

Cleaning Two Pieces Instead of One

Yes, ash catchers help keep your bong cleaner—but that means the ash catcher itself gets dirty faster. If you're not diligent about cleaning it, it can become clogged, gunky, and harder to clear than your actual bong.

Compatibility Concerns

Not all ash catchers fit all bongs. You’ll need to pay attention to:

• Joint size (10mm, 14mm, or 18mm)

• Joint angle (usually 45° or 90°)

• Gender compatibility (male-to-female or vice versa)

Some users buy an ash catcher online only to find it doesn’t sit level or align correctly with their setup.

Reduced Airflow (If Poor Quality)

Cheaper or poorly designed ash catchers may restrict airflow, especially when used with small bongs. This can lead to:

• Harder draws

• Longer clearing times

• Water backflow or splashback

Always invest in a well-crafted piece from a trusted brand or shop like bongs.ca.

Do You Really Need One?

If you're wondering whether you need an ash catcher, the answer depends on how you smoke, how often you clean, and what you value in a smoking experience.

Ash Catchers Are Ideal For:

Frequent Smokers

If you use your bong daily or multiple times per week, you'll appreciate the cleaner setup and improved efficiency that an ash catcher brings.

People Who Hate Cleaning

Let’s face it—scraping resin, dealing with smelly water, and deep-cleaning glass is nobody’s favorite chore. Ash catchers drastically reduce the mess inside your bong.

Connoisseurs Who Want Smoother Hits

If you're all about flavor, smoothness, and control, a percolated ash catcher is a smart add-on that helps refine your session.

Anyone Who Owns an Expensive Glass Piece

Protect your investment. Using an ash catcher helps preserve the clarity and lifespan of high-end bongs by catching harsh residue before it builds up.

How to Choose the Right Ash Catcher

Now that you know the pros, cons, and whether it’s right for you—let’s dive into the practical tips for choosing the best ash catcher for your setup.

Match the Joint Size & Angle

This is non-negotiable. If your ash catcher doesn’t fit your bong, it won’t work at all.

• Most common joint sizes:

• 14mm (most standard bongs)

• 18mm (larger pieces or high-flow setups)

• 10mm (mini bongs or dab rigs)

• Joint angles:

• 45°: Angled bongs with slanted downstems

• 90°: Straight-stem bongs or rigs with vertical joints

Tip: Check your bong’s specs or bring it to a local shop to test fit before buying.

Choose Between Dry and Wet Ash Catchers

There are two main types:

• Dry ash catchers:

• No water inside

• Focus purely on trapping ash/debris

• Easier to clean, no drag

• Wet ash catchers (percolated):

• Contains water + percs for extra filtration

• Great for smoother hits

• Requires more cleaning and balance

If you want maximum smoothness, go wet. If you just want a cleaner bong, dry is fine.

Consider the Type of Percolator

If you go for a wet ash catcher, look for quality percolators. Popular options include:

• Tree perc: Classic, great diffusion

• Honeycomb perc: Multiple holes, minimal drag

• Showerhead perc: Smooth, balanced airflow

• Inline perc: Horizontal style for even cooling

Each offers slightly different effects, but all improve smoothness and add visual appeal.

Final Thoughts: Are Ash Catchers Worth It?

In short: yes—if you care about cleaner hits, smoother sessions, and less mess.

They’re an inexpensive way to upgrade your bong without buying a whole new rig. And if you're a daily smoker, it’s almost a no-brainer.

But like any accessory, it’s not for everyone. Occasional smokers or those with complex glass setups may not find it necessary.

Still unsure? Try a basic model first. It might surprise you just how much it improves your routine.

Related Guides

• Must-Have Smoking Accessories for Every Cannabis Enthusiast

• Rolling Papers vs. Pre-Rolled Cones

• Best Grinders for Flower: What to Look For

• How to Choose a Lighter or Torch for Smoking

• Top 5 Odor-Control Products for Discreet

• Tips for Traveling With Your Bong or Pipe