How it works
The ash catcher plugs into your bong's joint, and the bowl plugs into the ash catcher. When you inhale, smoke goes through the catcher's own small chamber first. Ash, bits of plant material and some residue settle there. What reaches the bong is cleaner, so the main water stays clear and the glass needs deep cleaning less often.
Wet vs dry
| Type | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Wet (with perc) | Holds a little water and often has a tree, showerhead or circ perc | Extra diffusion and cooling; keeps the bong cleanest |
| Dry | An empty chamber, no water | Less drag; quick to empty; also common on dab rigs to catch reclaim |
How to choose one that fits
- Joint size. Measure or check your bong: 14mm and 18mm are the common sizes. The ash catcher's male end goes into your bong's female joint. See what size bowl fits my bong for how to tell them apart.
- Angle. Look at your bong's joint. If it points up and out at a slant, you need a 45-degree catcher. If it points straight up (common on straight-tube bongs with a 90-degree joint), you need a 90-degree catcher. A wrong angle makes the catcher lean and can tip the bong.
- Bowl joint. The catcher's own female joint decides which bowl fits on top. Many are 14mm in, 14mm out; some convert sizes.
- Weight. A large catcher on a small bong makes it top-heavy. Keep the catcher well under the height of the bong's neck.
Setting it up
- Fill the catcher's chamber just enough to cover its perc slits (for wet models).
- Insert it into the bong joint and check it sits straight.
- Put your bowl on top.
- Do a dry pull to make sure nothing splashes.
Common mistakes
- Overfilling a wet catcher. Water gets pulled into the bong. Cover the perc and stop.
- Forgetting to clean it. It catches the dirt, so it gets dirty fast. Empty after each session and soak weekly, the same way you clean the bong.
- Buying the wrong angle. Check the joint before ordering.
Pro tip
A wet ash catcher with a perc is also the easiest way to add diffusion to a plain bong without buying a new one. If you are curious about the difference, see what is a percolator. Our ash catcher buyer's guide compares models.
