Dabbing can seem complicated with lots of accessories like torches, bangers, pearls, marbles, rigs, recyclers and thermometers. But really it is simple: you don’t need a huge or expensive setup or a case full of tools to get started.You just need the key essentials to enjoy clean, flavourful and efficient dabs.

This guide breaks down exactly what you need to start dabbing without the overpriced, overkill starter kits.

Essential Item 1 | A Dab Rig or Nectar Collector

You can start dabbing with one of two beginner friendly tools.

A Glass Dab Rig

A small or medium glass dab rig is the classic way to dab concentrates. It cools vapour through water and helps you taste the terpenes properly.

What makes a good beginner rig:

• 10mm or 14.5mm joint

• Simple design

• Stable base

• Thick glass

• Good airflow

Smaller micro rigs are great because they keep flavour tight and easy to control.

A Nectar Collector

A nectar collector is a handheld dab straw you heat at the tip and sip concentrates with.

Pros: very easy, portable, quick to heat, budget friendly.

Cons: less cooling and flavour control than a rig.

Essential Item 2 | A Quartz Banger

This is where beginners often get confused. The banger is the part you heat, not the rig. It’s one of the most important pieces of your setup.

Why quartz is best for beginners:

• Clean flavour

• Fast heating

• Easy cleaning

• Consistent heat cycles

• More forgiving than ceramic or titanium

Make sure your banger matches your rig:

• Joint size: 10mm / 14.5mm / 18.8mm

• Joint fitting: male or female

• Angle: usually 90° for beginners

Most starter rigs are 14.5mm male, so you’ll need a 14.5mm female quartz banger. Like this one here

Essential Item 3 | Carb Cap and Dab Tool

Carb Cap

A carb cap traps heat and airflow around your dab so it vapourises evenly.

Benefits:

• Better flavour

• Lower temp dabs

• Bigger clouds

• Less waste

Dab Tool

A dab tool helps you to scoop out concentrates without mess and keeping your dose controlled. A simple stainless steel tool is perfect to start with.

 

Optional: Torch, E Rig or E Coil

You only need one heat source, but beginners now have three solid choices.

Butane Torch

Pros: fast, simple, cheap, reliable.
Cons: needs butane, takes practice.

Jimmy Green says “30–45 seconds, then let it cool for 30–60 seconds before dabbing” 

Choose a good torch with a steady, non sputtering flame.

E Rig / E Nail

Pros: one button heat, consistent temps, very beginner friendly.
Cons: more expensive, relies on battery or power.

If you want maximum simplicity, an e rig is a great starter option.

E Coils (For Hybrid or Semi Permanent Setups)

E coils wrap around a banger and keep it at a precise, stable temperature. They’re great for:

• people who dab often

• beginners who want zero guesswork

• low temp flavour chasers

• those who prefer not using a torch

Pros:

• Holds a perfect temperature all session

• No timing or guessing

• Great for flavour and consistency

Cons:

• Requires a controller box

• Less portable

If you want a clean, repeatable, lab style dabbing experience, e coils are worth considering later on.

Water Filtration and Maintenance Basics

Dabbing works best with:

• clean water

• clean glass

• good airflow

Beginner cleaning rules:

1. Change water every session.

2. Wipe your banger with a Q tip after each dab.

3. Deep clean weekly with ISO or Limpuro.

4. Don’t overfill. Water shouldn’t splash into the neck.

Concentrate Storage and Safety

Store your concentrates properly to keep flavour and potency.

Best storage options:

• Silicone pots

• Glass jars for terpy extracts

• Cool, dark place

• Keep lids closed

• Use a clean tool every time

What to Avoid: Gear You Don’t Need Yet

Don’t waste money on advanced gear until you understand what you like.

You do not need:

• Huge 18 inch rigs

• Multi perc recyclers

• Thermochromic bangers

• Dab stations

• Directional caps with 4 pearls

• Diamond knot setups

• Expensive slurpers

Start simple. Upgrade only when your technique grows.

Beginner Dab Setup Summary

Essentials:

• Dab rig or nectar collector 

• Quartz banger

• Carb cap

• Dab tool

• Torch, e rig or e coil

• Q tips and ISO

• Concentrate storage

Optional:

• Terp pearls

• Silicone mat

• Small dab station

• Travel case

Conclusion

Dabbing doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with clean, simple tools and build your ritual as you go. The fun of dabbing comes from learning your own preferences including flavour, temperature, airflow and technique.

If you’re ready to upgrade, explore beginner friendly dab rigs and quartz bangers at A Bong Shop UK.