Glass Dab Rigs: Types, Materials & Features

Glass Dab Rigs from Grasscity

Similar to water pipes, since both are beaker-based pieces, the key difference is that dab rigs vaporize concentrates while bongs burn dry herb.

Typically made from borosilicate glass, our dab rigs are built to be heat resistant and durable. Available in countless styles, colors, and designs, dab rigs are highly customizable with add-ons and dab rig accessories to tailor your setup.

Our smaller dab rigs are great for travel, compact and not dependent on a lot of extra accessories. Being transparent, they're also straightforward to clean, a good fit if you prefer a low-maintenance option.

As a leading online headshop, we also offer alternatives to a dab rig, from bubblers to traditional smoking pipes.

Types of Glass Dab Rigs

Dab rigs come in many shapes, sizes, and materials, making them easy to customize for your own smoking experience. Each type brings its own strengths.

The different types of dab rigs include:

Recycler dab rigs
Electric dab rigs (E-Rigs)
Hybrid dab rigs
Silicone dab rigs
Classic glass dab rigs, the focus of this collection

The Different Types of Bases

The base of your dab rig is mostly about function, from a straight tube to a bubble base, though many people also have a style preference.

Beaker bongs and bases are a classic style with a sturdy bottom, great for display or for smoking on a flat surface. Hourglass (bubble) rigs offer a more distinctive look that stands out.

Material: Glass vs. Silicone

Our dab rigs are typically made from borosilicate glass or silicone. Glass rigs are sturdy, handle high temperatures well, and stay affordable without sacrificing quality. Glass is particularly known for producing smooth hits without affecting taste the way some silicone pieces can.

Silicone is a better fit if you're often on the go with your rig or prone to dropping it. It's virtually indestructible and just as heat-resistant as glass.

Hybrid Dab Rigs

Hybrid dab rigs are 2-in-1 devices, similar to a normal rig, but they let you vaporize concentrates and burn dry herb from the same piece.

Recycler hybrid dab rigs are a great option if you want to avoid splashback. Their external tubes create a continuous loop of filtration, giving fresh, high-airflow hits.

Percolators

If you want better airflow and smoother, more filtered hits, consider a percolator dab rig. These come with different perc types, showerhead, inline, honeycomb, and more.

There are also cheap dab rigs with percolators available if you're working with a limited budget.

Dab Rig Accessories

At Grasscity, we offer a wide range of accessories that can change how you dab:

How to Choose a Glass Dab Rig

Five things worth checking before you buy:

Decide on base style. A beaker base is sturdier and better for a flat surface. A bubble (hourglass) base stands out more visually.
Choose glass or silicone. Glass gives the cleanest flavor. Silicone is nearly indestructible and better for travel or if you're accident-prone.
Consider hybrid vs. dedicated. A hybrid rig covers both concentrates and dry herb. A dedicated rig is built purely for concentrates.
Check the percolation. More percs generally means smoother, more filtered hits, at the cost of a bit more cleaning.
Set a budget. Cheap dab rigs with percolators exist if you want filtration without the higher price tag.

How to Clean a Glass Dab Rig

Empty the rig and let it cool completely if it was recently used.
Soak with isopropyl alcohol to break down resin and buildup.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, avoid hot water, which can damage the rig over time.
Let it dry fully before using it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a dab rig and a bong?

A bong is built for burning dry herb, with a larger chamber to move higher volumes of smoke. A dab rig is built for vaporizing concentrates, with a smaller chamber since vapor dissipates faster than smoke, preserving more flavor.

What is a hybrid dab rig?

A hybrid dab rig is a 2-in-1 piece that handles both concentrates and dry herb from the same device, useful if you don't want to own two separate pieces.

What is a recycler dab rig?

A recycler dab rig uses external tubes to create a continuous loop of filtration, pulling water and vapor through the chamber repeatedly. This reduces splashback and gives a smoother, fresher hit than a standard rig.

What's included in a dab rig starter kit?

A typical starter kit includes the rig itself, a banger or nail, and a carb cap, everything you need to start dabbing right out of the box. Some kits also include a dab tool or torch.