A Guide to Honeycomb Percolators:
How They Work, Benefits, Cleaning, & More
What is a Honeycomb Percolator?
Honeycomb percolators are one of the most popular types of bong percolators, and for good reason. Their flat glass disc and dozens of tiny holes create extensive diffusion, breaking smoke into small bubbles for a cooler, smoother hit.
In this guide, we'll explain what a honeycomb percolator is, how honeycomb percs work, their benefits and drawbacks, and how to keep them clean.
History of the Honeycomb Percolator:
A Vintage Honeycomb Glass Chemistry Denuder.
A glass artist fusing a honeycomb percolator into a tube.
Honeycomb-style filtration has roots in scientific glassware, where fritted discs are used to bubble gas through liquids. This type of filtration first appeared in chemistry laboratories in the early 20th century, and glass artists later adapted similar diffusion principles for water pipes.
How Does a Honeycomb Percolator Work?
Air being pulled through a double honeycomb set-up.
A honeycomb percolator uses a flat glass disc filled with dozens of small holes to break smoke into many tiny bubbles as it passes through water. Creating more, smaller bubbles increases the amount of smoke that comes into contact with the water at once, which is what gives honeycomb percolators their signature high-diffusion function.
From there, the design offers a few key benefits:
-
High Diffusion: Dozens of small openings divide the smoke into a large volume of tiny bubbles, creating more smoke-to-water contact.
-
More Cooling: Increased contact with the water gives the smoke more opportunity to cool before reaching the mouthpiece.
-
Compact Filtration: Because the diffusion happens across one thin disc, a honeycomb can provide substantial filtration without requiring a large or complicated perc structure.
-
Relatively Low Drag: The many openings allow air to move through the disc without the heavy resistance associated with some more complex percolator designs.
-
Versatile Function: The combination of diffusion and airflow makes honeycomb percs popular in setups used for both flower and concentrates.
-
Distinctive Function: Honeycomb percs create their recognizable rapid bubbling effect as air moves through all of the small openings at once.
Honeycomb Percolator Pros and Cons:
Pros:
-
High diffusion from a compact perc
-
Lots of smoke-to-water contact
-
Relatively open airflow
-
Works in both compact and larger setups
-
Distinctive bubbling function
Cons:
-
Small holes can collect buildup
-
Fixed honeycomb percs can be difficult to clean
-
Buildup can increase drag if the disc isn't kept clear
-
Proper water level matters for the best function
So, What Makes Prism's Honeycomb Different?
Most traditional honeycomb percolators are permanently fixed inside a one-piece glass chamber. That works well for diffusion, but it can make the small holes difficult to reach when buildup collects.
Prism takes a modular approach. Our honeycomb bases twist apart from the rest of the setup, giving you easier access to the chamber and the percolator itself for cleaning, maintenance, and part swaps.
Easier Access = Easier Cleaning
Because the base comes apart, you can rinse, soak, and clean the honeycomb directly instead of trying to work cleaner through a fully enclosed piece. Keeping those small holes clear helps maintain airflow and proper diffusion.
Which Prism Honeycomb Is Right for You?
The Classic Honeycomb
Compact but mighty, our Classic Honeycomb base comes with two honeycombs stacked on top of each other. A fan favorite for dabbers and concentrate enthusiasts alike.
Combine this set-up with a Tall Mouthpiece for to add more ice and prevent splash-back!
The Classic LARGE Honeycomb
Featuring the same double stacked honeycomb percolators as our original base, the large version features a robust, wider diameter built to handle full-size rips and higher water volume.
In addition to the double honeycomb percolator, it also sports a slotted inline downstem. This base is perfect for the daily user who wants maximum cooling and stability.
The MINI Honeycomb
A compact design that scales down the function for portability and smaller rips. Featuring one thick cut honeycomb percolator, this unit offers the direct to lung style rip you’ve been looking for.
Pint sized, but packing a punch, the MINI honeycomb set-up is perfect for on-the-go and solo sessions alike!
How to Get the Best Function From a Honeycomb Setup:
How Much Water Should You Put in a Honeycomb Bong?
For a Prism honeycomb base, start with enough water to cover the bottom honeycomb disc by approximately ¼–½ inch.
The goal is to keep the bottom disc submerged so air is pulled through the honeycomb holes while leaving enough room in the chamber to limit splashback and unnecessary drag.
If you’re using one of Prism’s double-honeycomb bases, the upper disc does not need to remain completely submerged. As long as water moves through it during your pull, it can still provide additional diffusion.
Can You Put Ice in a Honeycomb Base?
Yes. On compatible Prism honeycomb bases, ice cubes (smaller ice cubes work better here) can rest above the honeycomb disc for additional cooling.
Make sure your water level is set first and avoid overfilling the chamber.
Prism Tip: Uneven Water?
If water settles unevenly around your honeycomb, gently tilt the piece until the trapped air moves between chambers and the water levels equalize.
Ready to find your fit?
Shop Prism honeycomb setups in MINI, Classic, and Large sizes, or use the Builder to customize your own!
CHECK OUT OUR 3D CUSTOM BONG BUILDER!
