What are the Best Types of Hand Pipes for Smoking Weed?

Alright, let’s get into it—talkin’ about weed pipes. There are so many freakin' options out there that it can honestly feel kinda overwhelming. Glass pipes, wooden pipes, metal ones, spoon pipes, ones with glycerin and dugouts—like, where do you even start? Whether you're new to the game or just wanna upgrade your cannabis experience, choosing the best pipe for your smoke session is key. 

A hand pipe is a different setup from a water pipe with the inclusion of water as the main factor. Hand pipes offer a portable method of smoking and do not use water at all. So here’s a full-on deep dive into the best types of hand pipe for smoking weed, based on ease of use, design, bowl size, materials, and all the other fun stuff that makes a good pipe, well… great.

Glass Pipes: The Crowd Favorite

Glass pipes are by far the most popular in the weed world. They're everywhere. Easy to clean (mostly!), sleek designs, and they don’t mess with the flavour of your bud. A lot of these are made from borosilicate glass, which is strong AF and resists cracking even under high temps.

The glass spoon pipe is probably the most recognized style out there. These are shaped like little spoons (duh), with a carb hole on the side. That small hole helps you control airflow, giving you smoother and more powerful hits.

A Steamroller Pipe is another story! A pipe designed for heavy and intense hits due to the position of the shotty (carb hole) which is placed at the very end of the pipe. This places both the mouthpiece and the shotty in a direct line to each other allowing for a rush of air to enter as you inhale. Glass hand pipes also come in a ton of different designs, from trippy swirls to wild shapes. You can even find hand-made pipes that are basically a work of art.

Check out the Jane West Collection or the Keith Haring Collection.

Pros of Glass Pipes:

•    Clean flavour
•    Simple pipe with easy use
•    Tons of unique design options
•    Easy to clean with isopropyl alcohol and some salt

Cons:

•    Can break if dropped
•    Not super stealthy

Wooden Pipes: Old School Vibes

Wooden pipes are a throwback to simpler times. These pipes give off a natural, earthy vibe and can be super durable if made right. The wood adds a subtle flavor to your smoke that some people actually dig. Some folks even make their own out of stuff like cherry or maple.

Wood pipes usually come in classic shapes and they have that old-school Sherlock Holmes feel. If you’re into personal preferences that lean vintage, this might be your thing.

Pros:

•    Natural look and feel
•    Durable and lightweight
•    Has a unique taste to it

Cons:

•    Harder to clean
•    Can absorb smells

Metal Pipes: Tough and Travel-Ready

Metal pipes are known for being super tough. You can throw one in your bag and not worry about it breaking. Great for personal experiences on the go. They’re often smaller bowls, so they’re ideal for small amounts of weed. Durable and a long life are 2 features that metal pipes share. 

Some people say the taste can be a little off since metal gets hot, retains heat and can change the smoke a bit. At We are Lux we spend a lot of time researching the products we stock and we only choose the highest quality metal pipes, many with features that work hard to decrease the heat retained.  

Pros:

•    Strong and unbreakable
•    Portable and discreet
•    Cheap af

Cons:

•    Can get hot during use - NOT THE ONES WE STOCK THOUGH!!
•    Might affect flavor

Ceramic Pipes: Chill and Creative

Ceramic pipes are cool because of their intricate design possibilities. You’ll find novelty pipes shaped like animals, characters, or totally random stuff. These are more about style than stealth.

They’re also heavier than glass or metal but offer a smooth draw and don’t get too hot. Might not be the best option for on-the-go, but if you’re chillin' at home, it’s a great way to spark up. 

Pros:

•    Tons of different designs
•    Good insulation (doesn’t get super hot)
•    Stylish AF

Cons:

•    Heavier
•    Can break if dropped

Silicone Pipes: For the Clumsy Ones

Let’s be real—if you’ve broken more than one pipe in your life, silicone pipes might be for you. These are flexible, durable, and super easy to travel with. Great for dry pipes and even some water pipe setups now. I recommend Platinum cured Silicone ONLY!!!

They come in various styles, often paired with clear glass bowls so you can still see what you're doing.

Pros:

•    Practically indestructible
•    Easy to clean
•    Travel-friendly

Cons:

•    Flavour isn’t as clean as glass
•    Not everyone's vibe

Steamroller Pipes: Big Hits, Big Flavour

Steamroller pipes are known for their intense powerful hits. They have an open-ended design with a carb hole at the end, which makes them hit way harder than your average spoon pipe.

Because of the compact size and deep bowl, these pipes are good for longer sessions. But beginners might want to take it slow—they can be a bit harsh.

Pros:

•    Strong hits
•    Minimal design
•    Easy to use

Cons:

•    Can be harsh on the throat
•    Not great for stealth

Sherlock Pipes: Classy and Smooth

If you wanna feel classy while gettin' baked, Sherlock pipes are where it’s at. These are the ones with the iconic curve in the stem, like what Sherlock Holmes used.

Not only do they look slick, but that curve also helps cool the hot smoke a bit, giving you a smooth smoke every time.

Pros:

•    Fancy feel
•    Cooler hits
•    Unique look

Cons:

•    Can be fragile
•    Bulky to carry

One-Hitters: Small and Stealthy

For small amounts or a quick toke on the go, one-hitters are super handy. These are small, straight pipes that let you take a single hit. The best one-hitters are often made from metal, glass, or even ceramic. Dugouts are one hitters that come packed within a case that may also have a separate zone to store actual weed in.

Some even come with a carrying case or look like a cigarette for max stealth.

Pros:

•    Discreet and small size
•    Good for micro dosing
•    Low smell

Cons:

•    Not great for sharing
•    Frequent reloading

Tips to Keep Your Pipe Fresh

No matter what cannabis pipe you use, keeping it clean is crucial. Resin buildup not only tastes nasty, but it can mess with airflow and hit quality.
Cleaning Supplies You’ll Need:

•    Isopropyl alcohol (91% or higher is best)
•    Coarse salt
•    Q-tips or pipe cleaners

Just soak the pipe in the alcohol + salt mix, shake it, then rinse. Do this every couple of weeks for best results.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Perfect Pipe

Picking the best weed pipes comes down to your lifestyle and taste. Some folks are all about that compact design and stealth pipes, while others want a work of art they can proudly show off.

Here’s a lil breakdown:

•    Best for beginners: Glass spoon pipe or one-hitter
•    Best for durability: Metal or silicone pipes
•    Best for flavor: Borosilicate glass pipes
•    Best for show-offs: Ceramic or hand-made pipes
•    Best for chill sessions: Sherlock pipe

And if you’re using any kinda pipe, make sure you're loading it with ground cannabis for the smoothest draw possible.

In the end, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Just try a few, explore different kinds of pipes, and find the one that makes your cannabis experience extra awesome. Whether you go with sleek glass bongs, wild novelty pipes, or simple hitter pipes, your perfect pipe is out there waitin’.

Light up and enjoy!