Cold Water vs Hot Water Bong Hits

If you've ever packed a bowl and looked at the tap, wondering whether to use hot water or cold water, you're definitely not alone in this debate. Cold water vs hot water bong hits is a debate that has been going on in smoking circles for quite some time now.

The question is, does hot water or cold water really make a difference? The answer is yes; both hot and cold water do something different to your smoke, and understanding this difference can change your whole smoking experience.

So, let's get into this and see exactly what's going on.

What Does Bong Water Actually Do?

Before we get into hot water vs cold water, let's first understand exactly what bong water does to your smoke.

You see, when you smoke from a bong, the water in your bong acts as a filter and a cooler to your smoke. It catches all the ash and other impurities in your smoke and cools your smoke down.

So, the temperature of your bong water changes the way your smoke is filtered and cooled.

Cold Water in a Bong: Why So Many People Love It

Cold water is probably the most popular choice, and for good reason. When you smoke from a bong filled with cold water, your smoke gets cooled down quickly. This means that when your smoke hits your throat, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about when you say that your smoke is smooth.

Benefits of using cold water:

• Smoke will feel cooler and lighter when you inhale it

• Less irritation of the throat and the airways

• Easier to take bigger hits

• Ideal for users who have issues with heat or dryness

• Perfect for summer sessions when the temperature is warm

Cold water will not alter the taste of your herb significantly, but it will make the experience even better, especially when you want to take bigger hits. If you have ever woken up the day after with a scratchy throat after a heavy session, using cold water might make a huge difference.

Ice in a Bong: Taking It One Step Further

While using cold water will make the experience better, using ice with your bong will take it to the next level. Most bongs, like the GRAV Oracle Water Pipe, come with an ice catch that allows you to place ice cubes over the water chamber.

This way, when the smoke passes through the tube, it will be cooled even further by the ice before it reaches your mouth. This will make the experience feel silky smooth compared to using room temperature water.

Why people love using ice with their bongs:

• Dramatically cooler smoke

• Easier to hit when you want to take bigger hits

• Ideal for first-timers who want to experience the best

• Ideal for dry herbs with a bold or peppery taste that will be toned down by the cold water

One thing to note here is that some people have complained that extremely cold smoke can also cause some other kind of discomfort, almost as if there's a brain freeze in the lungs. However, if this happens to you, you can simply avoid the use of ice and just stick to cold water from the tap.

Hot Water in a Bong: Is There Actually a Case for It?

And that's basically where we get into a little more gray area. The hot water produces steam, which mixes with your smoke as you inhale. This, according to some users, makes for a more humid experience that may be easier on the throat.

Possible advantages of hot water in a bong:

• Adds moisture/humidity to the smoke

• Helps if you're in a really dry climate and you're experiencing irritated throat issues

• Makes the smoke hit more full-bodied

• Helps open up the lungs for people who are congested

But hot water also means hot smoke, which translates to harsher smoke. If you're one of the people who experience a lot of throat irritation after smoking, hot water in a bong will not help you. It will make you feel worse. It may add moisture, but it will add more heat as well.

Hot water in a bong is more of a niche experience, and most people only use it in certain specific circumstances.

Hot Water vs. Cold Water in a Bong: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Cold water beats out hot water for the average user in most scenarios. However, that doesn't necessarily mean that hot water doesn't have its own special application.

Does Water Temperature Affect Flavor?

The question of whether water temperature affects flavor is something that should be talked about more often. The answer to this question is yes; water temperature can have an impact on flavor. Cold water tends to preserve the terpenes in the herb you are smoking more effectively because the smoke isn't subjected to as high of a temperature.

Hot water essentially preheats the smoke before it ever hits your lips, meaning that some of that flavor just isn't there anymore.

If you are smoking high-quality herb and want to be able to taste what you are smoking, cold water or even ice is the way to go.

What About Throat Burns After Smoking?

If you are experiencing throat burns after smoking, water temperature may play a large role in this problem. Hot smoke irritates the lining of your throat and lungs, especially if you are smoking frequently.

Here are some things that can help:

• Use cold water or room temperature water as a standard

• Add some ice if you want to go the extra mile to protect your throat

• Try to take more relaxed hits instead of rapid hits

• Keep your piece clean; dirty bong water is far harsher than temperature alone

• Stay hydrated before and after your session

One thing that's easy to overlook but makes a big difference is that old, dirty bong water makes everything feel harsh, no matter the temperature. Change your water each time you smoke. It takes ten seconds, but it makes a big difference.

What Temperature Should You Actually Use?

Here's a basic guide depending on your situation:

Use cold water when:

• You want the experience to be smooth and comfortable

• You're going to be smoking for a while

• You're new to smoking

• You want bigger hits without the burn

Add ice if:

• You want the smoothest experience possible

• Your bong has an ice catcher built in

• It's really hot outside

• You're sensitive to any throat discomfort

Use warm or hot water if:

• You have a cold or congestion

• You're in a really dry climate

• You specifically want the warm, heavy feeling

Use room temperature when:

• You want something middle-ground

• You're not sure what temperature you want to go with

• You want to test your new piece of equipment

The Bottom Line

There is no real winner when it comes to cold water versus hot water for bong use, but cold water is definitely the way to go for most bong use experiences. Cold water not only cools your smoke but also reduces any discomfort to your throat while not sacrificing any flavor. If you're looking to take your bong use to the next level, a high-quality bong with an included ice catcher, such as the GRAV Oracle Water Pipe, is a great option for using cold water for bong use.

Of course, feel free to experiment with both hot water and cold water for bong use to determine which method is best for your body type.

The best bong high is one that is best for you, and now you have all the information you need to determine what that is for yourself.

Looking to upgrade your setup? Browse our full range of bongs and water pipes to find a piece that fits your style and smoking preferences.