When you're deep into your bong game, keeping things clean and hitting smooth becomes a bit of an obsession. Enter the ash catcher — the unsung hero of bong accessories. But what exactly does it do? And is it really worth the extra cash? Let’s break it down, Aussie-style.
What Is an Ash Catcher?
An ash catcher is an additional glass attachment that connects between your cone piece and your bong’s downstem. Its main job? Catching ash and debris before it enters your bong chamber. Think of it as a pre-filter for your precious piece.
Ash catchers typically come in two types:
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Dry Ash Catchers: These don’t hold water. They're designed purely to catch dry ash and loose debris.
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Wet Ash Catchers: These contain water and can feature built-in percs for extra filtration, making your hits smoother while keeping your bong cleaner.
You’ll find ash catchers in a variety of joint sizes (like 14mm and 18mm), and angles (45° and 90°), so make sure you choose one that fits your bong setup.
Why Use an Ash Catcher?
So why bother adding another piece to your setup?
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Keeps Your Bong Cleaner, Longer
Ash catchers do exactly what the name says — they catch the ash before it dirties up your water and glass. This means you won’t have to clean your bong as often, saving you time, effort, and cleaner. -
Improves the Flavour of Your Hits
Cleaner bongs = purer flavour. By catching debris early, ash catchers help preserve the taste of your terpenes, which is especially noticeable with high-quality medical cannabis. -
Extra Filtration = Smoother Rips
Percolated ash catchers offer an extra layer of water filtration. That means less harshness and cooler smoke, ideal for those who enjoy bigger hits without the burn. -
Protects Your Bong’s Integrity
Ash and gunk build-up can clog or damage downstems and percs. Keeping them free of debris helps maintain airflow and prevents long-term wear and tear. 
Types of Ash Catchers You’ll Find
Depending on your smoking style, you might prefer one over another. Here’s a quick run-down:
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Standard Dry Ash Catcher: No water needed. Simple, lightweight, and good for portable setups.
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Tree Perc Ash Catcher: Uses tree-style percs for excellent diffusion.
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Honeycomb Perc Ash Catcher: Has a disc with tiny holes for a balanced mix of smoothness and drag resistance.
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Wet Ash Catcher: Features a horizontal tube-style perc, ideal for water diffusion and aesthetic vibes.
How to Choose the Right Ash Catcher
When choosing an ash catcher, consider:
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Joint size and angle: Most common are 14mm and 18mm, and either 45° or 90° angles.
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Weight: Adding an ash catcher adds weight, so make sure your bong can handle it without tipping.
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Cleaning Ease: Some ash catchers, especially those with intricate percs, can be tricky to clean.
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Your Lung Power: More filtration can mean more drag. If you’re after big milky rips, test how much airflow you're willing to sacrifice for smoothness.
Are Ash Catchers Worth It?
For most stoners and medical cannabis patients — absolutely.
They extend the life of your bong, improve the flavour of your smoke, and reduce the frequency of deep cleans. Plus, they’re relatively affordable, especially considering the maintenance savings.
If you're using a premium glass bong or something from The Bong Baron's collection, an ash catcher is a smart investment to protect your gear and enhance your sesh.
Cleaning Your Ash Catcher
Just like your bong, ash catchers need love too. Give them a rinse every couple of uses and deep clean weekly with products like:
These keep your ash catcher looking new and performing at its best.
Where to Find Quality Ash Catchers in Australia
At The Bong Baron, you’ll find a range of quality ash catchers to suit any bong setup. Whether you're after a basic dry model or a diffusion powerhouse with percs, there's something for every smoker.
Check out our full range under ash catchers
Final Thoughts: A Cleaner Bong Is a Happier Bong
Ash catchers are one of those small upgrades that make a big difference. Whether you're a daily toker or a weekend warrior, adding an ash catcher to your setup can improve your sessions, save you cleaning time, and extend the life of your beloved glass.
And when you’re ready to upgrade your bong accessories, trust the Aussie experts at The Bong Baron.
