A Guide to the Types of Dab Rigs for Every User

Dab rigs boil down to three main types: classic glass or silicone rigs that need a torch, modern e-rigs that use electricity for pinpoint heating, and specialty rigs like recyclers or nectar collectors. The right one for you really depends on what you're after—flavor, portability, convenience, or a hit so smooth it should be illegal.

Your Guide to the World of Dab Rigs

Welcome to the wild, wonderful, and sometimes sticky world of dabbing. Picking a dab rig is kind of like a musician choosing an instrument; the tool you pick completely shapes the final experience. Think of this guide as your personal map to navigate all the intricate glass art, rugged silicone companions, and high-tech electronic gadgets out there. Don't worry, we'll make sure you don't get lost.

Before we jump in, let's get the basics down. At its heart, a dab rig is just a specialized water pipe built for vaporizing cannabis concentrates. If that's a new concept for you, getting a handle on what a dab rig is will give you a solid foundation for everything else we'll cover.

This isn't just some niche corner of the culture anymore; it's a massive, growing market. The global smoking accessories industry, which includes all these rigs, was valued at USD 6.82 billion in 2024 and is expected to hit USD 10.31 billion by 2032. That's a whole lot of dabbing.

To get you started, the table below gives a quick snapshot of the main rig types we're about to dive into. It’s a great way to see which style might vibe with you right off the bat.

Quick Look at Dab Rig Types

Here's a simple breakdown of the rig categories, how they're heated, and who they're generally best for.

This table should give you a good starting point, but the real magic is in the details. Let's explore what makes each of these rig types unique.

Exploring Classic Glass and Silicone Rigs

When you imagine a dab rig, chances are you’re picturing a classic glass piece. These are the OGs of the concentrate world, the tried-and-true workhorses that have been delivering flavorful vapor for years. For many purists, they're as much a piece of functional art as they are a tool, and nothing else quite compares.

There’s a certain ritual to using a torch that feels almost like a fiery ballet. It’s a carefully choreographed dance of heating, cooling, and dabbing that rewards precision with pure, unadulterated flavor. Glass, especially high-quality borosilicate, is non-porous and totally inert, which means it won't add any funky taste to your terps. You get the authentic profile of your concentrate, every single time. It's a clear winner.

The Beauty and the Breakage of Glass Rigs

The biggest draw for glass is its ability to deliver unmatched flavor purity. This is the main reason why so many flavor chasers refuse to use anything else. On top of that, the world of glass rigs is a playground of endless customization, with countless percolator designs, artistic shapes, and unique colors to choose from.

But every rose has its thorn, and for glass, that thorn is fragility. One clumsy moment can turn your beautiful rig into a heartbreaking puzzle of sharp pieces. Think of them as the supermodels of the dabbing world: stunning to look at but not exactly built for a clumsy encounter.

For a deep dive into the science that makes this material so resilient to heat, you can learn more about what borosilicate glass is and why it's the gold standard for quality rigs.

This delicate nature means they are often best suited for home use, where they can be kept safe from the perils of travel. If you’re a careful user who puts taste above all else, a glass rig is an excellent choice.

Silicone Rigs: The Indestructible Cousin

Now, let's talk about the indestructible cousin in the family: the silicone rig. If glass rigs are delicate sculptures, silicone rigs are the Tonka trucks of the dabbing universe. Made from food-grade, heat-resistant silicone, these pieces are built to withstand drops, bumps, and being tossed into a backpack without a second thought.

They are the undisputed champions of portability and durability. This makes them the go-to choice for adventurers, festival-goers, or anyone who has ever muttered the phrase, "This is why we can't have nice things." You could probably drop one off a roof, and it would just bounce back, ready for another round.

• Pros of Silicone:

  • Virtually Unbreakable: Say goodbye to the fear of shattering your investment.

  • Travel-Friendly: Lightweight and easy to pack, they are perfect for on-the-go sessions.

  • Easy to Clean: Many are dishwasher-safe, and their flexible nature makes reaching tough spots simple.

The main trade-off with silicone is a slight hit to flavor. While high-grade silicone is tasteless, it just doesn't offer the same crisp, pure flavor profile as glass. For many, though, this is a small price to pay for total peace of mind and rugged reliability.

E-Rigs: The Future of Dabbing is Here

If a classic dab rig is like cooking over a campfire, an e-rig (electronic rig) is the sleek, high-tech induction stove of the concentrate world. They completely do away with the butane torch, replacing that whole fiery ritual with the simple press of a button. This isn't just a small step forward; it's a huge leap in convenience, control, and consistency for dabbing. It's truly shocking how far they've come.

This modern take on dabbing isn’t just for simplicity's sake—it’s about unlocking the true potential of your concentrates. E-rigs have come a long way since they first popped up in the mid-2010s, evolving from a niche gadget into a go-to for many. They use an electronic heating element to give you exact temperature control, which means no more accidentally burning your dabs and a perfect hit, every time.

The Magic of Precision Temperature Control

The absolute standout feature of any e-rig is its ability to heat to a specific temperature and just hold it there. This isn’t just a cool party trick; it fundamentally changes the entire experience. Different cannabinoids and terpenes vaporize at different temperatures, and an e-rig gives you the power to dial in your session with surgical precision.

• Low-Temp Dabs (450-600°F): This is the sweet spot for flavor chasers. Hitting your concentrates in this range preserves all those delicate terpenes, giving you an incredibly smooth, flavorful vapor where you can taste every little nuance.

• High-Temp Dabs (600-800°F): Perfect if you're all about the clouds. This setting produces thick, dense vapor and a much more intense effect, though you might lose out on some of the subtler flavors.

This level of control means every single dab can be exactly how you want it, every single time. No more guessing games with a hot banger—just pure, repeatable results.

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Going Electric

Switching to an e-rig brings a ton of benefits, especially if you value safety and simplicity. But, like any piece of gear, there are a few things to consider before you ditch the torch for good.

The biggest win with an e-rig is that it takes all the guesswork out of the equation. You get the same perfect hit today, tomorrow, and next week without ever fumbling with a flame. It turns dabbing from an art of estimation into a science of precision.

Let's break down what you get and what you give up when you go electric.

Advantages of E-Rigs:

• Way Safer: No open flame means no risk of accidentally burning yourself, your table, or anything else. It makes for a much more relaxed, worry-free session.

• Incredibly Consistent: When you can set a precise temperature, you guarantee the same result every time. This is amazing for medical users who need consistent dosing and for anyone who’s found that perfect temperature for their favorite concentrate.

• Better Flavor: Being able to lock in low temps lets you unlock complex flavors that a scorching-hot banger would just destroy.

Potential Downsides:

• The Price Tag: E-rigs usually cost more upfront than a standard glass or silicone rig.

• Battery Life: These devices are battery-powered, so you have to remember to keep them charged. A dead battery can put a quick stop to your session.

• A Small Learning Curve: While it’s way easier than using a torch, you still have to get used to the settings, interface, and cleaning process for your specific device.

If you’re curious about what top-of-the-line e-rig tech looks like, checking out a model like the Puffco New Peak Vaporizer is a great place to start. E-rigs really do represent a huge step forward, offering a safer, smarter, and more customized dabbing experience for everyone from total beginners to seasoned pros.

How Percolators Improve Your Dabbing Experience

If your dab rig is the main event, the percolator is the unsung hero working backstage to make sure the show goes off without a hitch. Just think of a "perc" as your rig's built-in filtration and cooling system. It's the bouncer that tells harshness it’s not on the list tonight, making sure only the smoothest vapor gets through.

A good analogy is the aerator you might use for a bottle of wine. By forcing the wine through small holes to mix with air, an aerator softens the tannins and opens up the flavor. Percolators do something similar for your vapor by breaking it down into a frenzy of tiny bubbles. It's a real bubble party.

This process massively increases the surface area of the vapor touching the water. The result? A significantly cooler, cleaner, and less irritating hit.

Popular Percolator Types and What They Do

The world of percs is a surprisingly diverse ecosystem of glass engineering, with each design offering a slightly different feel. Some provide a gentle chug while others create a bubbling frenzy, but all are designed to diffuse vapor. Getting familiar with the most common types helps you choose a rig that hits just right.

• Tree Perc: This classic design features multiple glass "arms" descending into the water, each with small slits at the bottom. It looks like an underwater willow tree and provides excellent filtration, though all those arms can be a real pain to clean. If you're into complex glasswork, you might dig something like this Pulsar 30-Arm Perc Glass Beaker.

• Honeycomb Perc: Imagine a flat, disc-shaped perc packed with dozens of tiny holes, just like a honeycomb. This design offers minimal drag and incredible diffusion, creating a cloud of tiny, champagne-like bubbles for a smooth yet direct hit. It's the bee's knees.

• Showerhead Perc: Shaped like—you guessed it—a showerhead, this perc pulls vapor down through a central tube and forces it out through multiple slits or holes around the base. It delivers a great balance of filtration and flavor with a satisfyingly smooth pull. It really cleans up your hit.

• Inline Perc: This is just a simple horizontal tube, usually with several slits cut along its length. You'll often find these in rigs with a horizontal joint. They provide solid, no-frills diffusion and are generally easier to clean than the more complicated designs.

Finding Your Filtration Sweet Spot

Choosing the right percolator is all about balancing smoothness with maintenance. Sure, a rig with a multi-layered, intricate perc system can deliver an unbelievably cool hit, but it can also be your worst enemy on cleaning day. It’s a classic case of "more percs, more problems" when it comes to scrubbing.

Before we get into finding the right fit, here's a quick cheat sheet comparing some popular options.

Percolator Type Comparison

As you can see, the percs that deliver the most filtration are often the trickiest to keep clean. It's a trade-off you'll have to consider.

For beginners, a simple showerhead or honeycomb perc offers a fantastic introduction to the benefits of filtration without a huge cleaning commitment. For seasoned users chasing the absolute smoothest hit possible, a more complex setup like a tree or a multi-chamber rig might be the perfect fit.

Ultimately, the best percolator comes down to your personal preference for hit-style versus cleaning-style.

How to Choose the Right Dab Rig for You

With so many dab rigs out there, picking one can feel a little overwhelming. It's like being a kid in a candy store, except the candy is made of glass and gets crazy hot. But don't sweat it. The key to finding your perfect rig is all about understanding how you like to dab.

Let's break it down by dabbing style. Are you all about tasting every last terpene? Or maybe you're always on the move and need something that can keep up? Or perhaps you just want something simple and foolproof? Figuring this out is the first step to getting a rig that feels like it was made just for you, so you don't end up with some fragile art piece when what you really needed was a rugged travel buddy.

For The Flavor Chaser

If you find yourself talking about terpenes more than your friends talk about their jobs, you're definitely a Flavor Chaser. Your whole mission is to experience every subtle, complex note your concentrates have to offer. For you, the answer is almost always a classic glass dab rig, paired with a high-quality quartz banger.

Glass is completely non-porous and inert, which is a fancy way of saying it won't add any weird taste to your vapor. It's the purest way to taste your dabs, period. You'll probably want a rig with a simple but effective percolator—think a showerhead or honeycomb—that cools the vapor just enough without overdoing it and muting those precious terps.

Your ideal rig is less about chasing massive, lung-busting clouds and more about a clean, flavorful experience. Think of it like the difference between a fine wine tasting and taking shots; you’re here to savor, not just to party.

For The On-The-Go Dabber

Are your sessions more likely to happen at a campsite than on your coffee table? Then you, my friend, are The On-the-Go Dabber. Your top priorities are durability and portability, which makes a nearly indestructible silicone rig your perfect match.

You can toss a silicone rig into a backpack without a second thought. Its forgiving nature makes it awesome for group settings where accidents are pretty much guaranteed to happen. You might give up a tiny bit of flavor purity compared to glass, but the peace of mind is totally worth it. Another great option is a compact e-rig, which gives you incredible portability plus the convenience of ditching the torch.

For The Tech-Savvy and Convenient

If messing with a butane torch gives you the creeps or you just appreciate precision, you're in the tech-savvy camp. You want results that are simple, safe, and perfectly repeatable every single time. Your ideal setup is an electronic rig (e-rig).

These gadgets give you push-button heating and exact temperature control, taking all the guesswork out of the process. This makes them amazing for beginners and experienced dabbers alike who just want a consistent hit without the whole torch ritual. The initial cost is higher, sure, but the convenience and safety are huge selling points. It's the "set it and forget it" of the dabbing world, and who doesn't love that?

Essential Dab Rig Safety and Maintenance Tips

A pristine rig isn't just for show—it's the secret to unlocking the true flavor and performance of your concentrates. Think of it like this: you wouldn't serve a gourmet meal on a dirty plate, right? The same logic applies here. A clean rig is a happy rig, and a happy rig means a happy you.

Keeping your gear clean is a small bit of routine maintenance that goes a long way. It ensures every session is as good as the last and helps protect your investment.

When you let reclaim and old residue build up, it completely tanks the experience, making your vapor taste harsh and funky. Let's get into a simple routine that makes maintenance feel less like a chore.

Keeping Your Rig in Top Shape

Cleaning isn't a one-size-fits-all job, since different rig materials need different kinds of care.

Glass rigs, for instance, love a good soak in isopropyl alcohol and salt. For silicone pieces, a trip through the dishwasher often does the trick. And if you're running an e-rig, gentle cleaning with cotton swabs and alcohol is the way to go to keep those electronic bits safe.

A clean rig is a happy rig. Regular upkeep ensures you taste your terps, not the ghosts of dabs past. It's the single best thing you can do for consistent flavor and smooth hits.

For a more detailed walkthrough on sprucing up your glass, check out our guide on how to clean a bong. A lot of the same principles apply!

Handling Your Heat Source Safely

If you’re using a traditional rig with a torch, safety is absolutely non-negotiable. Always point the flame away from yourself and anything flammable. And it should go without saying, but never leave a hot torch just sitting around unattended. You're playing with fire, literally.

For e-rig users, the focus shifts to proper battery care. Avoid overcharging your device and always use the correct charger that came with it. This is key to ensuring a long, safe life for your rig.

Got Questions About Dab Rigs? We've Got Answers.

Still got a few things bouncing around in your head? Perfect. Let's tackle some of the most common questions people have when they're figuring out the world of dab rigs. No such thing as a silly question here—just a chance to get dialed in.

What's the Real Difference Between a Dab Rig and a Bong?

They might look like cousins, but they have totally different jobs. Bongs are built for combusting dry herb with a bowl, while dab rigs are designed to vaporize concentrates with a banger.

You'll notice rigs are usually smaller. That's on purpose. The compact design keeps the vapor dense and locks in the flavor. Think of them as flavor savants, not smoke stacks. It's quality over quantity.

Are Expensive Dab Rigs Actually Worth the Money?

Honestly, it all comes down to what you're looking for. A higher price tag can mean thicker, more durable glass, mind-blowing artistic designs, or the advanced tech you get with a high-end e-rig.

A simple, affordable rig will absolutely get the job done, and do it well. But a premium piece might offer next-level filtration, feel more solid in your hand, or just look incredible on your shelf. It's like upgrading from a reliable sedan to a luxury sports car—both get you there, but the ride is different.

What’s the Best Temperature for Dabbing?

This is where e-rigs really flex their muscles. Having precise control over your heat opens up a whole new world.

• Low temps (450-600°F) are the sweet spot for preserving those delicious terpenes. You'll get a super smooth, flavorful journey.

• Higher temps (600-800°F) will produce much bigger, denser clouds, but you risk scorching the more delicate flavors in your concentrate.

If you're just starting out, try setting your rig to around 550°F. It's a great middle ground. From there, you can experiment and find what works best for you.

Ready to find the perfect rig without all the guesswork? Autobongs has a curated selection with clear, straightforward guidance to match you with the ideal gear for your style. Shop our collection at Autobongs and elevate your experience today.