Let’s be real — cannabis has evolved. Once upon a time, it was all about makeshift Gatorade bongs and a Bic lighter you swore someone nicked. Now? It's a full-blown world of gadgets, glass, grinders and gear — all tailored to make your sesh smoother, tastier, and downright better.
Whether you're new to smoking or you've clocked up more cones than an ice cream van, understanding your accessories can unlock a whole new level of enjoyment. From sleek percolator bongs to precision dab rigs and butter-churning machines, the range of tools out there can be as wild as the high.
At The Bong Baron, we believe knowledge is power — and the right tools can turn an average sesh into a legendary one. So let’s run through the core cannabis accessory types you need to know — and why your setup might be due for an upgrade.
Bongs: The Classic Smoker’s Weapon
If there’s one piece of gear that screams "stoner staple", it’s the bong. It’s your ride-or-die. Your reliable sidekick. And it’s way more versatile than most people realise.
At its core, a bong filters smoke through water to cool it down and trap impurities. But there's a wild variety out there:
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Beaker bongs: Perfect for stability and deeper water chambers. These are great for smoother hits and clumsy hands.
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Straight tubes: Sleek, simple, and fast-hitting. If you’re after big rips with minimal drag, this is your mate.
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Percolator bongs: Want your lungs to thank you? These break the smoke into bubbles for ultra-smooth inhalation.
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Gripper bongs: Ergonomic and easy to handle — ideal for chill couch sessions.
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Mini bongs: Perfect for quick tokes or on-the-go hits, and much easier to clean.
Top tip: Go for thick glass (5mm or more) if you want durability — especially if your sesh spot is a bit... chaotic.
And hey, don’t sleep on novelty bongs either. Some of them hit just as good as they look ridiculous.
→ For a more detailed read on bongs see: The Ultimate Bong Buying Guide
Dabbing: Welcome to the Big Leagues
If bongs are for smooth sailing, dabbing is for space travel. This method uses concentrated cannabis (wax, shatter, rosin, etc.) for a faster, stronger high — and it needs some specialised gear.
A standard dab rig setup includes:
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A quartz banger (or nail), which gets heated to vaporise your concentrate
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A carb cap, which controls airflow and traps heat
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A torch, because we’re basically stoners with flamethrowers now
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And sometimes a dab tool to safely apply your concentrate
Dabbing’s not just about strength — it’s about flavour. Concentrates can deliver terpene profiles like nothing else. But make sure you know what you're doing. Too hot and you’ll scorch your lungs; too cold and you’re wasting precious goods.
Beginner’s advice: Always start low and slow. A tiny dab goes a long way.
→ Deep dive on dabbing: Everything You Need to Know About Dabbing
Bong Accessories: Because Customisation Is Key
Bongs are just the beginning. Accessories let you tweak your sesh exactly how you like it — and can make cleaning and maintaining your piece a whole lot easier.
Some essential bong add-ons:
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Ash catchers: These little legends trap gunk before it gets into your bong, making cleaning easier and improving taste.
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Downstems: The straw connecting your cone to the water — available in all shapes and diffusion styles.
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Cone pieces: Choose from glass, brass, or ceramic. Glass gives pure flavour; brass lasts forever.
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Bong mats: Keep your glass safe and scratch-free — especially if you're seshing on hard surfaces.
Quick tip: Know your joint sizes (usually 14mm or 18mm). Buying the wrong size is the fastest way to ruin the vibe.
→ See also: A Deep Dive Into Bong Accessories
Smoking Accessories: Don’t Get Caught Without These
If bongs are the main event, then these are your backup dancers. Small but mighty, smoking accessories make your session easier, cleaner, and more enjoyable.
Essentials include:
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Grinders: Go for a multi-chamber one (like a 4-piece) to catch kief — you’ll thank yourself later.
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Rolling trays: Keep everything neat and contained. Great for joint rollers and clumsy hands.
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Lighters: Pick up a few. Seriously. One will go missing within a week.
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Storage jars: Airtight containers keep your bud fresher for longer and avoid that dry, sad crumble.
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Wraps and papers: Whether you like classic papers, flavoured wraps or pre-rolled cones, there’s a tool for your roll.
Life hack: Keep a "sesh kit" with all your gear in one place. Saves time and prevents the last-minute scramble for a lighter.
→ See also: The Best Smoking Accessories for Cannabis Users
Cleaning Accessories: Keep Your Gear Fresh
Let’s be real — no one likes hitting a filthy bong. Not only does it taste like burnt regrets, but it also wrecks your lungs and clogs your gear. That’s where cleaning accessories come in. If you want smoother, cleaner rips (and gear that doesn’t smell like a swamp), having the right tools is essential.
Common Bong and Rig Cleaning Accessories:
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Bong Cleaners: Specialised formulas like isopropyl-based cleaners or natural plant-based options to break down resin and gunk without damaging your glass.
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Pipe Brushes/Bong Brushes: Long, flexible brushes designed to reach down the neck of your bong, into your downstem, or around tricky percs. A must-have.
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Cleaning Caps & Plugs: Silicone or rubber caps that seal your bong during shaking, so you don’t splash cleaner everywhere.
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Cleaning Beads: Small reusable beads you pour into your bong with cleaning fluid, then shake to scrub the walls clean. Surprisingly satisfying.
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Microfibre Cloths & Cotton Swabs: For finishing touches and getting into those awkward little spaces.
Why Cleaning Accessories Matter:
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Better Flavour: Resin build-up ruins the taste of your herbs or concentrates.
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Healthier Hits: Bacteria, mould, and stale water = gross.
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Longer-Lasting Gear: Regular cleaning prevents damage and makes your gear look new longer.
If you’re investing in a good bong or dab rig, it makes sense to invest in keeping it clean too. After all, a clean bong is a happy bong — and a happy bong means a better sesh.
See also: How to Clean Your Bongs and Dab Rigs Properly
Extraction Accessories: DIY Edibles & Concentrates
This one’s for the canna-chefs and DIY legends. If you like to cook your cannabis or press your own rosin, you'll need a different toolkit entirely.
Options include:
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Butter machines: Make cannabutter or infused oils without babysitting a stove for hours. Some even decarb for you.
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Rosin presses: Extract concentrates using just heat and pressure — no solvents, no sketchy chemicals.
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Dab containers: Silicone storage is your best mate for sticky concentrates.
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Glass tools: For safe, precise handling of oils and wax.
Safety tip: Don’t attempt BHO extraction unless you’ve done serious research. It involves flammable solvents and is best left to the pros.
→ For more details: Cannabis Extraction and Cooking Accessories Made Easy
Which Ones Do You Actually Need?
Let’s break it down based on where you’re at:
Beginner?
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Stick with a small or medium bong
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Add a grinder, a cone piece, and a lighter
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Maybe a rolling tray for tidiness
Intermediate?
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Try a percolator bong or ash catcher for smoother hits
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Explore dab rigs if you’re curious about concentrates
Advanced?
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Upgrade to a dab rig setup or invest in a butter machine
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Try different accessories like carb caps or auto spinners
At any level, having the right tools makes all the difference.
Final Puff
Cannabis isn’t just a plant — it’s a culture, and the gear you use is part of your ritual. Whether you're taking a solo rip on your back porch or hosting a full-blown stoner dinner party, the right accessories can enhance your session in all the right ways.
And at The Bong Baron, we're here to make sure you're kitted out with the good stuff — no dodgy knockoffs, no overpriced hype, just quality gear with real Aussie flavour.
So next time you’re restocking or levelling up, think about what you actually need. Because a little knowledge (and a better cone piece) goes a long way.