Whether you’re new to the world of cannabis or a seasoned veteran looking for new ways to smoke, it’s important to understand the different types of weed types and how to find the right type for your lifestyle.
Below, we’ll be covering all types in detail and sharing exactly where each type shines.
Table of Contents
What Is a Weed Pipe?
A weed pipe is a small object used for smoking cannabis and cannabis products. It usually consists of a hollowed-out cylinder with a bowl on one end to hold your cannabis. You stack ground weed into the bowl and then light it with a lighter.
Then, you inhale tasty marijuana vapors through the mouthpiece end of the cylinder.
You are also not limited to smoking marijuana in a pipe. Take a look at our smokable herbs guide to see what else you can pack in your pipe.
Since they are small, pipes are often easy to hide and transport. They also require less effort than a joint or a bong.
Weed pipes have been in use for around 3000 years. It makes sense that there are such a huge variety of pipes.
They all have different functions, so if you are unsure of which to choose, keep reading!
List of the Different Types of Weed Pipes
If you’re a beginner to weed pipes, we have you covered. Take a look at the parts and accessories for a pipe below, or skip to the different types of pipes.
1. One-Hitter
What is it?
The term “one-hitter” is often used interchangeably with chillum pipe, but there are a few key differences between them. Both include a tube with a separation to stack your ganja, but one-hitters tend to be more cylindrical than the cone-shaped Chillum. There’s also a size difference. Sometimes Chillum pipes offer a few more hits than the tiny one-hitters. Most of the time, you won’t find a carb on a one-hitter.
Main advantages:
As the name would suggest, one-hitters are perfect when you’re smoking by yourself. It is easy to conceal and hold in your hand, so it’s a good travel buddy when you want to smoke on the sly without sharing. Some don’t look like pipes at first glance, so you won’t have to worry about sharing. Like the Chillum, the one-hitter is easy to clean.
Potential drawbacks:
One-hitters are small, so don’t expect anything more than one hit (durr). They work best for beginners with a low tolerance to weed. If you are a seasoned smoker, one-hitters might be too small for you to get a proper hit. I would recommend taking a look at some stronger cannabis strains to pack in your one-hitter pipe. If you’re interested, we have a full guide on our favorite one-hitters here.
2. Chillum
What is it?
As mentioned before, the Chillum pipe is similar to a one-hitter, except with a cone shape. It’s a single-barrel pipe that holds up to three hits since the cone shape often allows for a bigger bowl. You can expect 2-4 hits from a Chillum pipe, depending on the size. Chillums come in a variety of materials, but personally, I’ve had the best experience with wooden Chillums. It doesn’t heat up like glass, so you can better hold it in your hand.
Main advantages:
The cone shape makes it easy to hold and smoke, and it doesn’t heat as much as the thin one-hitter. Most of the people I’ve known who smoke Chillums tend to conceal it in their hands, completely unseen. This makes it possible to smoke discreetly. It just looks like you are holding your fist against your mouth in deep thought. Chillums also have some neat designs, with intricate artwork carved into the wood.
Potential drawbacks:
The Chillum is another small pipe that doesn’t hold enough for a full smoking session with your stoner buddies. It also tends to be harsh on the lungs since the cone shape allows for a fair amount of cannabis flowers to be lit at once. Chillums are basic pipes. Don’t expect much in the way of carbs or fancy features that make your smoking experience smoother.
3. Spoon
What is it?
Spoons have a similar design to the one-hitter, but they tend to have a larger bowl at one end, hence the resemblance to a spoon. There are a variety of funky designs and materials to choose from. Silicone and glass are the most common, but aluminum or wood also work well.
Main advantages:
The spoon pipe is a great in-betweener if you don’t want something too small like the Chillum or one-hitter but still want to get a few fat rips out of it. You can share it with friends, or if you feel greedy, keep it all to yourself. If you want a spoon pipe you can keep with you, I’d recommend a silicone one. You can drop these a hundred times over without breakage, and you can just chuck them in your bag for storage (clean it first, you filthy savage).
Potential drawbacks:
Thanks to their rounded shape and small chamber hole, spoon pipes can be a little difficult to clean. Like the Chillum and one-hitter, the spoon also has an issue with heat transfer and hot hits, so make sure you pull slowly and don’t puff on it like a steam train.
4. Hammer
What is it?
Stop, it’s hammer time. The name doesn’t imply you should go hitting anything with it besides weed, especially since this type of pipe is often made from glass. If it’s not obvious, the bowl resembles the head of a hammer. Hammer pipes are larger, so this gives them space to have creative designs. If you shop around a bit, you can find some unique hammer pipes.
Main advantages:
As I said, hammer pipes are bigger than the designs mentioned before. The larger bowl enables you to stack heavier hits. This makes it great for smoking sessions with friends. Or maybe you want to get zonked into outer space and don’t want to go through the trouble of rolling a joint. They also look great and often have a carb hole for better airflow. Bigger pipes tend to equal smoother hits, too!
Potential drawbacks:
Glass hammer pipes come with a fragile warning. Drop it once, and you might get lucky. Drop it twice, and you will have to smoke out of an apple. Look for a silicone one if you tend to be clumsy with glass. The bigger bowl can also lead to a problem; you’re going to be burning large amounts of weed at once, which can cause the mouthpiece to heat up. Eventually, leading to a nasty lip burn.
5. The Sherlock
What is it?
Now, if you want to look classy as hell while you get high as hell, the Sherlock will be the pipe style for you. The bowl is similar to that of a spoon pipe, except the Sherlock sports a larger bowl with an extended, curved chamber. In my opinion, these are some of the coolest-looking pipes on the list and have great-sized bowls for any occasion. For bonus points, get a magnifying glass and a deerstalker hat along with the pipe. Then you can run around pretending you are Sherlock Holmes.
Main advantages:
I have a Sherlock pipe made for tobacco, but since I don’t smoke pipe tobacco, I load it with weed. It has such a large bowl that I can gently puff on it for a good hour before it’s finished. If you want a pipe that you can keep smoking, the Sherlock is perfect. It’s also got a distinctive aesthetic, with some crazy glass and wood designs out there. The shape also helps cool smoke so it’s not so harsh by the time it hits your lungs. Many Sherlocks made for weed have a carb cut-out, but the classical tobacco style does not include one.
Potential drawbacks:
Sherlock pipes are notoriously hard to clean. The curved lines and intricate shapes create little nooks and crannies that weed oil likes to hide in. If you get one of these, I’d recommend getting a pack of pipe cleaners so you can keep it squeaky clean. You also want to clean it every few days. If you don’t, oil eventually pulls through the mouthpiece of the pipe. Trust me when I say that weed oil does not taste as pleasant as weed smoke. The bigger size can make it difficult to transport, but a little weed bag can cure this problem with ease.
6. Bubbler
What is it?
A bubbler pipe is like the love child of a spoon pipe and Sherlock, except the spoon pipe also had an affair with a bong. The bubbler pipe has a curved mouthpiece and a spoon-like bowl with a large chamber below the bowl for water. This means you can use it like a mini-bong, hence the name bubbler.
Main advantages:
While it is much smaller than a bong, bubblers tend to be somewhat large, so you can stack plenty of weed in the bowl. However, the addition of the water chamber allows for smoother, cleaner hits. This means you will end up smoking more weed in one hit, similar to a bong. The smoke is not nearly as harsh since the water cools and filters a lot of the nastiness out of the weed. Bubblers are great to share with friends, and they get the conversation started.
If you like hitting bongs but want something that isn’t as big of an investment, a bubbler pipe is the perfect choice.
Potential drawbacks:
The bubbler is high-maintenance compared to the other pipes on this list. Firstly, you have to fill it with water, so you won’t be able to take this with you on a night out for some sneaky smoking. Secondly, water gets smelly and messy, so you have to make sure you clean it out before packing it away. Few things smell worse than bong water, and I’ve lived next to pig farms. The large size means that wherever you fill this pipe with water, it will stay.
7. Steamroller
What is it?
The steamroller pipe looks like a part that fell off of a steam train and happened to work for smoking weed. It has a cylindrical stem with a wide chamber for good airflow. Most steamrollers have a carb, and it’s larger thanks to the big chamber. Glass is the best material for a steamroller pipe.
Main advantages:
As I mentioned, the steamroller has a wide chamber and carburetor hole. The bigger carb means you can blast all the smoke in the chamber into your lungs. This makes the steamroller pretty intense to puff on. Be warned, though; a heavy hit of dry smoke is bound to make you cough if you’re a beginner. The direct airflow, powerful hits, and immediate effects make the steamroller perfect for a veteran smoker with a high tolerance. It’s also easy to clean, which is always a bonus.
Potential drawbacks:
If you have owned a steamroller pipe and like to smoke, you will find yourself stacking it often. It might have a bowl that fits more hits, but the sheer size means you will burn everything up in one or two good pulls. This intensity might not be great for beginners or those who want a lighter smoking experience.
8. Stealth Pipe
What is it?
Is it a cigarette? Is it a USB? Is it a hotdog?
No, it’s a stealth pipe. Smoking weed is your business, but not everyone takes kindly to it. Stealth pipes are disguised as anything other than a pipe, so you can discreetly puff on the green stuff.
Main advantages:
The biggest advantage of stealth pipes is their ability to hide in plain sight. They are often camouflaged as a keyring, bracelet, or even a spark plug. This makes it easy to sneak into nightclubs or wherever you shouldn’t have a pipe. Just remember, if weed is illegal in your country, consider whether it is worth getting arrested over.
Potential drawbacks:
Most stealth pipes offer nothing more than a ruse. They are usually one-hitters, so don’t expect anything other than a few quick pulls in an alley next to a bar. Then you have to consider the smell. Sure, it may look like a cigarette, but the stench of the smoke will tell a different story. You also can’t share unless you feel like repacking often.
9. Foldable
What is it?
Foldable pipes are similar to stealth pipes in the sense that you can’t tell what they are at first glance. However, once you fold it open, it’s obvious that it’s a smoking device. They contain a bowl big enough for 1-5 hits, depending on the size you prefer. I’ve seen some with an extra chamber for storing ground cannabis, which could come in handy.
Main advantages:
Otherwise known as collapsible or portable pipes, foldable pipes are easy to transport with a simple design. Once folded closed, you don’t have to worry about any spillage while moving from place to place. Most of them can be pre-packed, so you can whip it out and light it up. Then close it and carry on with your day.
Potential drawbacks:
Like stealth pipes, foldable pipes aren’t made for a leisurely smoking experience. You’ll get a few quick hits at best, and you’ll repack often if you smoke with stoner buddies. The compact design leads to hotter hits, and it can be a real pain to clean. If you are looking for a satisfying smoke session, one of the standard pipes will be a better option.
10. The Gandalf (Churchwarden)
What is it?
If you want one of the most epic pipes on the list, go for the Gandalf. It’s actually called a churchwarden pipe and is similar to the Sherlock. Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings made this pipe so popular that most people I’ve met don’t know it’s called a churchwarden. Gandalf actually smoked something called “pipe-weed” from his pipe (you sneaky wizard).
Main advantages
Besides making you feel like a philosopher or a wizard, the Gandalf is a great pipe to smoke. They include large bowls, so you can keep puffing on it while casting spells. Toking this is super smooth, with a longer-than-usual stem. There is a huge variety of classic styles; if you’re a real Lord of the Rings nerd, take a look at the official Gandalf shire pipe.
Potential drawbacks
You may have to go on a long journey to defeat the evil overlord Sauramon. Since it’s a bigger pipe, it’s a bit difficult to transport. Take some tips from Gandalf and store it in your magical staff (not that one, you dirty-minded troll). Bring a pack of pipe cleaners to keep this bad boy in tip-top shape.
Anatomy of a Marijuana Pipe
Before we jump into all the different types of weed pipes, it will be helpful to know what each part actually does.
Mouthpiece:
If the name doesn’t give it away, the mouthpiece is where you draw in a hit of smoke.
Bowl:
Otherwise known as the head, the bowl of the pipe is where you pack your potent cannabis flowers.
Carburetor hole (Carb):
The carb is a hole usually situated on the opposite end of the mouthpiece. It creates better airflow through the chamber, allowing you to quickly suck in your hit.
Stem:
The stem houses the chamber and is what most people hold onto when lighting the pipe.
Chamber:
The chamber is simply the hollowed-out tube running through the stem of the pipe.
Extra:
Pipe screens:
Pipe screens are helpful if you want to prevent larger weed particles from passing through your pipe. You can replace pipe screens instead of having to clean your pipe as often.
Pipe cleaners:
It is an essential item for any pipe enthusiast. Pipes taste nasty if you let gunk build up inside them, so make sure you keep them clean!
Now that you have the basics covered, you can read through the rest of the article without any confusion.
Smoking Out of A Weed Pipe
Pipes are pretty basic to use, so there isn’t much to it. You can use any type of weed grinder to grind your weed. Then, load it in the bowl, light it, and inhale. It is this simple, but there are some techniques that can improve your pipe-smoking adventures.
With most pipes, it’s better to inhale evenly. Try to slowly draw the smoke in and fill your lungs with each drag. If you puff a pipe too hard, you may end up inhaling ash and wasting unburned weed. To overcome this problem, get yourself some pipe screens to block bigger particles from shooting through.
You only need to light the bowl for a few seconds. Once it’s lit, the embers can keep it going until it’s almost finished.
Popular Related Article: The Best Weed Strains of All Time
Are Marijuana Pipes Safe?
There’s a common belief that bongs are the safest way to smoke cannabis because the water filters out concentrates. While we can’t say for certain, some studies suggest that joints and bongs are the least healthy ways to consume marijuana. According to the results, both give off more harmful particles than pipes.
So, if you are concerned about the health implications of weed, a pipe should be your go-to option.
However, not every pipe is suitable for smoking. You want to make sure your pipe comes from a reputable source with high-quality materials. Glass and ceramic make some of the best pipes, and they are healthier than materials like metal or acrylic.
Here is a list of pipe materials, from the healthiest to the most harmful:
Glass: Glass doesn’t release harmful chemicals or alter the taste of the smoke. On top of that, glass pipes are easy to clean, reducing the likelihood of residue buildup.
Ceramic: Ceramic pipes are also relatively safe. Similar to glass, ceramic doesn’t introduce additional chemicals into the smoke. However, the quality of the glaze used on the ceramic can be a concern. Make sure it is a reputable brand.
Wood: Wooden pipes can be safe to use if they are well-made and properly treated to avoid toxic effects from heat. However, there’s a risk of charred wood releasing toxins if the pipe is poorly constructed or treated.
Metal: Many metal pipes made from materials like stainless steel, brass, or cheap aluminum can release harmful fumes when heated. The metal can also affect the taste of the smoke. Choose high-quality pipes with proper finishes if you prefer metal.
Acrylic/Plastic: If you are smoking from a plastic pipe, you are just asking for trouble. Plastic releases harmful fumes when heated, which you want to avoid at all costs. To add to that, plastic degrades much quicker than other materials, meaning you will be smoking plastic-flavored weed.
How To Choose A Marijuana Pipe?
Choosing a good-quality pipe starts with a reputable supplier. If you find some cool pipes on a site, check the reviews from multiple places to ensure you’ll receive a high-quality product.
Also, look out for certain materials. If a pipe is made from any of the following, it’s likely an awesome product:
Borosilicate Glass: Also known as Pyrex, Borosilicate glass is known as the best glass material for pipes. It is durable, heat-resistant, and withstands shock from heat damage. Borosilicate glass is less likely to crack or shatter due to temperature changes, making it a popular choice for both functional and artistic pipes.
Soda-Lime Glass: If you want a good-quality glass pipe that is less expensive than Borosilicate glass, look for Soda-lime glass. It’s not as heat-resistant, but it offers a great smoking experience.
Anodized Aluminum: Anodized aluminum is the best metal you can use for a pipe. It has good heat resistance, and it will never break if you drop it. Anodized aluminum goes through a heating process that creates a protective layer around the metal. Less fumes are inhaled, but you should consider replacing metal pipes once you notice any funny tastes.
Oak, Cherry, Maple, or Walnut wood: Wooden pipes look awesome and offer a classical feel. If you want a high-quality wooden pipe that doesn’t give off toxic fumes, those will be your best bet.
What Gets You Higher: Pipe, Joint, Or Bong?
The general consensus is that a bong gets you higher than a pipe or a joint. The water in a bong cools down the smoke on the way to your lungs, so you can inhale huge amounts of smoke and burn more weed quickly.
This big hit helps you feel all the effects at once, but in my experience, it wears off quicker than a joint or a pipe would.
Next up would be a joint. Joints burn slowly and taste great, especially if you learn to roll well. The high from a joint comes on slowly, but it tends to last longer than that of a bong. Plus, you can adjust the size of your joint to suit your needs. Roll a fatty if you want to get blasted into outer space.
Since pipes are a bit harsher to smoke than bongs and joints, you can’t take in as much in one go. It will take a bit longer to get high, but you can always load multiple rounds into the bowl.
It’s also a good idea to mix it up. Your body gets used to something the more you do it. Try hitting a pipe when you feel like a joint or a bong just isn’t giving you the kick you need.
There are so many great styles out there that once you start buying, it becomes an addiction, and you will just want to add different pipes to your collection.
Wrap Up:
Now, after reading this comprehensive guide on the different types of pipes, you should be able to visit any smoke shop and choose the pipe you want.