One of the latest trends to hit the smoking scene is silicone bongs. Up until now, bongs were mostly made of ceramic or glass.
So what is special about a silicone bong? Not only does silicone come in a variety of patterns and colors, but it's also less expensive than glass. You may know how costly and annoying it is to replace a bong.
But are silicone bongs safe?
A silicone bong has a lot of advantages over the traditional glass or ceramic bongs and pipes out there. If you want to learn more about purchasing a silicone bong, then read on to find out more about how safe they are to use.
What is a Silicone Bong?
Silicone Bongs: An Overview
Silicone (also known as polysiloxane) bongs are smoking devices made from food-grade or medical-grade silicone. Unlike glass or acrylic bongs, silicone bongs are known for their flexibility and durability. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, making them a popular choice for both novice and experienced smokers.
Materials Used in Silicone Bongs
The key component of a silicone bong is its material—silicone, a synthetic polymer made from silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. Food-grade and medical-grade silicone are often used in making these bongs because they are designed to withstand high temperatures and are considered safe for use in cooking and medical applications.
How Safe Are Silicone Bongs?
Understanding the Safety of Silicone
Silicone, particularly when labeled as food-grade or medical-grade, is generally considered safe for use. These types of silicone are heat-resistant and non-toxic, meaning they don’t release harmful chemicals when exposed to high temperatures typical in smoking.
Are There Any Toxic Chemicals in Silicone Bongs?
When purchasing a silicone bong, it’s crucial to ensure that it is made from certified food-grade or medical-grade silicone. Cheap, low-quality silicone can potentially contain fillers or additives that may release harmful substances when heated. Therefore, it's essential to buy from reputable brands that certify the purity of their silicone.
Heat Resistance and Durability
One of the significant safety features of silicone bongs is their ability to withstand high temperatures. Unlike plastic, which can release toxic fumes when heated, silicone remains stable and non-toxic even at the high temperatures generated during smoking.
Benefits of Using Silicone Bongs
Durability and Portability
Silicone bongs are virtually indestructible. Unlike glass bongs, they can be dropped, bent, or packed tightly in a bag without fear of breaking. This makes them an excellent choice for travelers or those who are prone to accidents.
Ease of Cleaning
Silicone bongs are easy to clean. Their flexible nature allows users to bend them in ways that make it easier to reach all the nooks and crannies. They are also dishwasher safe, adding to their convenience.
Affordability
Generally, silicone bongs are more affordable than their glass counterparts. Their lower price point makes them accessible to a broader audience, without compromising on the quality of the smoking experience.
Drawbacks of Silicone Bongs
Flavor and Taste Considerations
While silicone bongs are safe to use, some users report that they can affect the flavor of the smoke. Unlike glass, which is inert and doesn’t interact with the smoke, silicone can impart a slight taste or odor, especially when new.
Aesthetic Appeal
For many, the aesthetic appeal of glass is unmatched. Glass bongs are often seen as works of art, with intricate designs and craftsmanship. Silicone, while practical, lacks this visual appeal, which might be a downside for some users.
Potential for Lower Quality Smoke
There is a debate about whether silicone bongs provide a lower quality smoke compared to glass. Some users believe that silicone doesn’t offer the same cooling or filtration properties as glass, potentially leading to a harsher smoke.
Comparing Silicone Bongs to Glass Bongs
Durability: Silicone vs. Glass
When it comes to durability, silicone bongs undoubtedly take the lead. Glass bongs, while beautiful and often providing a cleaner taste, are fragile and prone to breaking. Silicone, on the other hand, can withstand drops, pressure, and heat without damage.
Flavor: Silicone vs. Glass
In terms of flavor, glass bongs are often preferred because they don’t interact with the smoke. Silicone, despite its many advantages, can sometimes add a slight taste to the smoke, particularly when the bong is new or poorly maintained.
Cost: Silicone vs. Glass
Silicone bongs are generally more cost-effective than glass bongs. This affordability makes them a popular choice for beginners or those who need a portable, durable option. However, for those who value aesthetic appeal and a purer taste, glass bongs may justify the higher price.
How to Choose a Safe Silicone Bong
Certifications to Look For
When choosing a silicone bong, it’s important to look for certifications that ensure the bong is made from food-grade or medical-grade silicone. These certifications indicate that the silicone used is safe and free from harmful additives.
Checking for Authenticity
To avoid low-quality silicone, purchase your bong from reputable retailers or directly from trusted brands. Avoid suspiciously low prices, as these may indicate substandard materials.
Design and Functionality
Choose a bong with a design that meets your smoking needs. Whether you prefer a larger bong with more filtration or a smaller, portable option, ensure that the design doesn’t compromise the bong's functionality or safety.
How to Clean a Silicone Bong
Silicone bongs are much easier to clean than glass or ceramic bongs. Glass bongs come in one piece whereas silicone bongs are flexible and can be made in several parts. This makes them much easier to clean!
The Hand Wash Method
To clean your silicone bong, all you'll need is:
- A bottle brush
- Running water
- Dish soap
The best time to clean your bong is right after you use it. Remove the herb slide and discard the bong water. Run hot water through it for a few minutes before pouring a generous amount of dish soap in and around the bong. Push your bottle brush inside the bong and give it a scrub.
Silicone bongs are flexible, so you can twist and bend them to make sure you clean those hard-to-reach areas. Rinse off the soap with warm water and leave the bong on a dish rack upside down to dry.
The Freezer Method
If all this sounds like too much work after you have used your bong, you can try the freezer method. Remove the slide or down stem and rinse your silicone bong with warm water. Shake the bong dry but leave it damp. There should be just enough water left on the bong to coat the inner walls and not freeze into a block of ice.
Place the bong in the freezer for 4-6 hours or overnight. Take the bong out of the freezer and twist it to dislodge the icicles. This will remove any residue inside the bong. Rinse and leave to dry upside down.
The Dishwasher Method
For a quick and easy way to clean your bong, put it in the dishwasher! Before you start, remove the fragile parts of your bong and set them aside. Set the temperature to medium-high and run a short cycle of around 5 minutes.
Make sure you let the bong and down stem cool before you remove it from the dishwasher. Clean your dishwasher regularly to avoid a build-up of resin and to prevent odors.
Best Practices for Using Silicone Bongs
Initial Cleaning
Before using a new silicone bong, give it a thorough cleaning. This will remove any manufacturing residues or dust that may have accumulated. A simple rinse with warm water and mild soap is usually sufficient.
Avoiding Overheating
While silicone bongs are heat resistant, avoid exposing them to direct flames or temperatures higher than they are rated for. Always use the bong as intended, and don’t try to heat the silicone directly.
Regular Maintenance
Keep your silicone bong clean to ensure it remains safe to use and doesn’t develop any unpleasant odors. Regular cleaning with warm water and soap, or a specialized bong cleaner, will keep your bong in good condition.
Common Misconceptions About Silicone Bongs
"Silicone Bongs Are Toxic"
One of the most common misconceptions is that silicone bongs are toxic. This is largely untrue, especially if the bong is made from food-grade or medical-grade silicone. These materials are designed to be safe and non-toxic, even under high heat.
"Silicone Bongs Don't Last Long"
Another misconception is that silicone bongs don’t last as long as glass bongs. In reality, silicone bongs are incredibly durable and can last for years if properly maintained. Their flexible nature allows them to endure conditions that would shatter a glass bong.
"Silicone Bongs Are Inferior to Glass"
While glass is often considered the gold standard for bongs, silicone bongs are not necessarily inferior. They offer a different set of advantages, such as durability and portability, which make them suitable for a wide range of users.
The Best Silicone Bong
Choosing the best silicone bong can be tricky when there are so many out there. Whether you choose a silicone water bong or a silicone pipe, bongs come in various colors, patterns, shapes, and sizes so it can be hard to find the best silicone bong for you.
If you want a durable, easy-to-clean bong then choosing a silicone bong or pipe is the way to go. A silicone bong is even portable which makes it perfect if you like to travel. When choosing your bong, make sure you select high-quality food-grade silicone. If you are unsure, ask the supplier for more information.
For assistance choosing the perfect silicone bong, visit INHALCO for tips, tricks, and a collection of top-quality smoking accessories.
*This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All products are intended for legal usage. Before consuming cannabis in any form, please consult with a licensed health care provider, smoke at your own risk.
