The Difference Between a Bong and a Dab Rig (And Which Is Right for You)

Bongs and dab rigs can look similar but are used for two different purposes. A bong is made for smoking flower using the combustion method ie lighting your herb with a lighter or hemp wick and inhaling the water filtered smoke through the mouthpiece. A dab rig on the other hand is designed for consuming vapour from concentrates. Instead of a bowl, it uses a heated nail or banger and a torch to turn your concentrate into flavourful vapour.

This quick guide from Jimmy Green from A Bong Shop UK breaks down everything you need to know about bongs vs dab rigs including how they work and which one suits your needs.

If you’ve ever searched “bong vs dab rig” or wondered which setup you need, you’re in the right place.

Bongs and Dab Rigs are designed for either flower or concentrates although can be used interchangeably if you use the correct attachment. In this blog, we’ll explain the difference between bongs and dab rigs, share expert tips on how to choose the right piece for you and show why A Bong Shop UK is one of the best bong shops in the UK for affordable, high quality smoking gear.

Whether you’re shopping for dab rigs UK online or looking to upgrade your everyday bong, this guide will help you make an informed choice and find your perfect setup.

What Is a Bong?

A bong is a water pipe designed for filtering smoke through water. It’s used primarily for herbs. The main parts of a bong are: a bowl, downpipe, water chamber and mouthpiece. When lit, the smoke passes through water, cooling and filtering it before it reaching your lungs.

Why We Love Bongs:

• Smooth, clean and cool rips thanks to water filtration
• Simple to use and easy to clean
• Makes your herb go further 
• Cool unique designs. Functional Glass Art!
• Great for social sessions

If you’re shopping for bongs UK, A Bong Shop UK offers everything from acrylic bongs to high end glass pieces and percolator bongs. Explore our full bong collection at the best bong shop UK for quality and value.

What Is a Dab Rig?

A dab rig (also known as an oil rig) looks the same as bong but is built for concentrates and extracts such as wax, rosin and shatter. Instead of a bowl, dab rigs use a banger or nail, which is heated with a torch or e-nail before dropping in your concentrate.

Why People Love Dab Rigs:

• Efficient use of concentrates
• Delivers intense flavour and vapour
• Ideal for low temperature dabbing that preserves terpenes.
• Works with accessories like terp pearls, carb caps and marble sets. Check out this terp slurp banger which has two glow in the dark marbles

When buying dab rigs UK online, look for borosilicate glass or quartz rigs that can handle high temperatures safely. A Bong Shop UK stocks beginner friendly and advanced dab rigs with fast, discreet delivery across the UK. Reach out to one of the team for advice on dab rigs!

Bong vs Dab Rig: What’s the Difference?

Feature	Bong	Dab Rig
Used For	Herbs	Concentrates / Extracts
Heating Element	Lighter + Bowl	Torch / E-Nail + Banger
Temperature Range	Lower	Higher (250–400°C)
Chamber Size	Larger for smoke cooling	Smaller for vapour retention
Accessories	Ice Catchers, Percolators	Carb Caps, Terp Pearls, Marbles
Flavour	Smooth and mellow	Rich, terpene heavy flavour

 

The main difference between bongs and dab rigs lies in heat, chamber size and function. Bongs are better for herbs, while dab rigs deliver cleaner, more potent vapour from concentrates.

Can You Use a Bong as a Dab Rig (or Vice Versa)?

Yes with the right attachment but not all are ideal. Bongs are designed for smoke and use cooler airflow, while dab rigs are meant for vapour and high temperatures. Using one piece for both can impact flavour and efficiency.

If you like both options reach out and we can find you something from A Bong Shop UK’s collections. 

Choosing Between a Bong or Dab Rig UK

Here’s how to decide what fits your lifestyle:

Choose a Bong if:

• You mostly use flower
  
• You want a simple, low maintenance setup.

Choose a Dab Rig if:

• You enjoy dabbing concentrates or extracts.
• You’re chasing stronger flavour and denser vapour.
• You like experimenting with accessories such as terp pearls and carb caps.

If you’re still unsure whether a bong or dab rig UK setup is right for you, start with a smaller bong as it’s affordable, easy to use and the perfect introduction to water filtration smoking. If you then want to try dabbing you can just buy a quartz banger which will attach to the bong. 

Shop Bongs & Dab Rigs at A Bong Shop UK

At A Bong Shop UK, we make it easy to find the right gear for your needs. From glass bongs UK to dab rigs UK online, every piece is handpicked for quality, affordability and style. Whether you’re a curious beginner or an experienced smoker, our expert team is here to help you find your perfect match.

👉 Shop Bongs & Dab Rigs UK

👋 Final Word from Jimmy Green

 

Both bongs and dab rigs have their place in any collection and understanding the difference helps you choose what works best for you.

Whichever you prefer, make sure to buy from the best bong shop UK for trusted quality, great service and discreet delivery.

 

👉 Browse Our Full Collection at A Bong Shop UK