Dabbing cannabis concentrates creates great opportunities for both recreational users and medical marijuana patients.
If weed is an integral part of your lifestyle, you’ll be amazed by the power offered by marijuana waxes and oils – believe us, exploring the world of dabbing will take your smoking experience to an entirely new dimension.
On the other hand, cannabis concentrates prove invaluable for medical marijuana patients who seek relief from their conditions and increase their daily dosage of CBD or THC.
As dabbing becomes increasingly popular nowadays, there’s a high demand for devices to ensure the best smoking experience for cannabis concentrates.
Speaking of these devices, we distinguish the two most common types of units for extract consumption, namely wax pens – also known as portable concentrate vaporizers – and dab rigs.
In our guide, we’re going to devote full attention to the latter.
Nonetheless, before we help you find the best dab rig for the ultimate smoking experience, we must take a closer look at what a dab rig actually is.
What Is a Dab Rig?
In other words, a dab rig is a glass smoking device that has been designed exclusively for marijuana concentrates, i.e. extracts, wax, oils, etc.
A dab rig is comprised of two main elements: the body and the nail. The body is what keeps your dab rig together, and this is where the water filtration process takes place (if applicable). Aside from these two features, the body holds the smoke before it gets to your lungs. As for the nail, it’s the piece that heats your concentrates so that you can vaporize them.
So, as you may have noticed, a dab rig resembles a bong, with one major difference – while it’s perfectly possible to smoke both herbs and concentrates out of a bong, using a dab rig for herbs is out of the question, at least in most cases.
Our Pick for the Top Rated Dab Rig:
Grace Glass Limited Edition Vapor Bubbler
- High-quality borosilicate glass
- Flared sidecar mouthpiece with colored rim
- Fixed downstem with slitted diffuser
- Female 14.5mm vapor dome with colored handles
- Glass concentrate nail included
- Female 14.5mm herb bowl with handles
- Perfect for concentrates, essential oils and herbs
- Grace Glass Limited Edition logo
- Available in 4 colors
Types of Dab Rigs
Like bongs, dab rigs come in a wide range of types and styles, each offering different perks. If you’re a fan of dabbing, you’ve probably come across, at least, some of these units, but if you’re new to the industry, the abundance of available products may make things a bit messy. Fortunately, as soon as you get familiar with different dab rigs, finding the best dab rig for your concentrates will be much less tricky.
Classic Dab Rigs
People consider many different factors when choosing among the best dab rigs: simplicity and ease of use. So if that’s your pair of shoes, you’ll probably tackle simple/classic dab rigs that represent the majority of available devices on the market.
Such units resemble bongs in shape, although they’re slightly smaller; an average classic rig measures as much as 9-inches in height. When it comes to functionality and style, these units are unbeatable. After all, there’s a reason why they’ve become so popular these days. Most of the best dab rigs offer decent water filtration, enabling users to draw smooth hits that are easy on both throat and lungs. Moreover, classic rigs are budget-friendly for the most part, and while you won’t find them convenient for outdoor smoking, your indoor dabbing sessions will be more than enjoyable.
Mini Rigs
Best dab rigs for outdoor use are hands-down mini rigs. Don’t be fooled by their size; the moment you feel the taste of your extracts on the bounty of nature, you’ll be as delighted as if you just took a dab from a larger unit.
The best perk of having a mini dab rig is the possibility to conceal the piece in your pocket or purse, which makes mini rigs perfect for on-the-go dabbers. Nonetheless, this feature is not paramount, as these inconspicuous units take what’s best from your concentrate’s flavour profile. However, mini dab rigs hold less water due to the size constraint so that the vapour won’t be that easy on your throat.
E-rigs
E-rigs are strong contestants for the title of best portable dab rigs. What’s particularly interesting about such units is that they don’t require a heat source to make the nail hot. With that said, you don’t need to carry an extra torch for your dabbing trips because an e-rig operates on a battery. To cut a long story short, it’s an all-in-one solution that will please anybody who’s into both dabbing cannabis extracts and discovering new technologies. But, alas, there’s one irksome downside when it comes to vaping out of an E-rig, namely the battery life. Electronic units – although they’re considered best dab rigs in terms of convenience – won’t last long when used heavily.
Recycler Rigs
The reason why recycler rigs got their name is the way they filter the water in the rig. More specifically, the water is filtered through 2 different chambers – now it rings a bell. If you’re looking for the best dab rig for the ultimate filtration, you should definitely place your bets on a recycler unit. Thanks to the recycler-like filtration system, you’ll be able to draw huge rips from your rig without spitting out your lungs and coughing like a chimney. However, keep in mind that recycler rigs are way more expensive than simple, classic pieces, so you may not be ready for such an investment yet, given that cannabis concentrates aren’t cheap themselves.
Best Dab Rig Manufacturing Brands
Finding the right brand for your dab rig is useful for trimming down your potential picks. Unfortunately, fewer companies decide to manufacture such pieces; it’s a significant difference compared to glass bong companies. Nonetheless, there are still plenty of brands to select from, and below we’re highlighting the top 3 best dab rig manufacturers according to customers.
1. Grace Glass
Meet one of the best dab rig manufacturers within the whole industry. Whether you’re searching for top-notch quality glass pipes, bongs, water pipes, bubblers, perc bongs, or dab rigs, Grace Glass has got you covered with the best quality products that combine this quality with affordable prices.
Their assortment includes over 300 glass products, so there’s a huge variety of smoking devices to choose from. Grace Glass sells everything from simple pipes and ash catchers to scientific glass units and even dab tools or dab rigs. They are always willing to experiment with new projects and concepts, not to mention that they’re also upgrading old ones successively to bring the best experience to their customers. So, there you go, a trustworthy manufacturer that produces some of the best glass dab rigs and brings a myriad of options to the table.
2. Cheech & Chong
Yes, dear stoners, the legendary and a bit crazy comedy duo, Cheech and Chong, has their own line of glass products. As much as we appreciate their comedy talent, we have to admit that these guys have taken their job quite seriously.
Their glass line includes various glass products, namely beaker-based bongs, reinforced joints, powerful percolators, and some of the best dab rigs on the market. The company uses sturdy, heat-resistant borosilicate glass that comes designed with alluring colour accents and, what’s funnier, they’re all named after characters from the “Up In Smoke Movie.” Well, how about the Pedro Bong, Clyde Dab Rig, or Strawberry pipe?
Although their collection is already impressive, Cheech and Chong don’t cease to release more awesome products to their collection, and the future ahead of the manufacturer looks, least to say, bright.
3. Snoop Dogg Pounds
Pounds is the brand new glass line from the legendary Californian rapper and the godfather of weed, Snoop Dogg. Having made his name in the music industry, the U.S. hip hop icon decided to enter the marijuana industry with class, providing customers with scientific, spacecraft-themed pieces that are the embodiment of hedonism. The pound line already includes portable borosilicate glass bongs, bubblers, vaporization bongs, and dabbing equipment. The solid craftsmanship, paired with unique design and high-end filtering technologies, make the brand a considerable pick if you can afford to buy a more expensive glass piece. If these products reflect Snoop Dogg’s approach to contributing to the cannabis industry, you can be sure that he’s taking things seriously.
Top 5 Best Rated Dab Rigs
Knowing the most reputable brands comes undoubtedly handy in choosing the best dab rigs available online. However, let us not skip the most important part of shopping for your desired glass piece – user reviews. It’s simply good to know the best-rated dab rigs among the community of cannabis users. Sometimes, what manufacturers say about their product is a far cry from the truth, and there’s no better way to verify their claims than to ask customers for their sincere opinion.
Let’s proceed to the list of best dab rigs according to buyers.
1. Grace Glass Limited Edition Vapor Bubbler (Best Rated Dab Rig Overall)
Source: Grasscity
The number one on our list of best-rated dab rigs is the perfect equipment for all dabbing enthusiasts out there. Not only is it perfect for using essential oils and waxes, but it’s also a very versatile piece of equipment because you can also smoke dry herbs out of it.
The bubbler is made from high-quality, heat-resistant borosilicate glass. It comes equipped with a fixed slitted diffuser downstem, a flared sidecar mouthpiece, a female 14.5mm vapour dome with coloured handles, a glass nail for concentrates, and a 14.5mm bowl for herbs. The unit is available in 4 colours with the Grace Glass Limited Edition logo.
As the smoke goes through the fixed downstem into the slitted diffuser, it’s spread into the water chamber, where the filtration process occurs. This simple yet effective water filtration system ensures silky smooth hits each time you take a draw from the machine. Aside from providing the flavorful and filtered smoke, the no. 1 best dab rig on our list excels at user-friendliness, as the unit comes equipped with a convenient, sidecar mouthpiece that ensures an amazing grip.
Price: $89.99
2. Blaze Glass Oil Recycler Bubbler with Diffuser Downstem (Best Medium-sized Dab Rig)
Source: Grasscity
This dabbing rig is one of the flagship products from the Blaze Glass brand. Made from sturdy and heat-resistant borosilicate glass, this device has a built-in recycler for improved water filtration. This glass recycler bubbler is specifically designed for smoking cannabis extracts, such as oils or waxes. The whole piece measures 13 cm in length and consists of the aforementioned recycler, a built-in diffuser downstem, a 10mm female glass vapour dome, and a glass nail. The glass nail must be heated on the top, as the glass can break if it expands due to the increased heat.
Three holes in the built-in diffuser filter the smoke by breaking it up into many bubbles. Then, the smoke leaves the main chamber to enter the recycler, where the filtration begins for the second time until it reaches the mouthpiece. As the water is constantly filtrated and cooled, the hits offered by this machine are outstandingly smooth yet still packed with flavour.
Price: $49.99
3. Cheech & Chong’s Anthony Vapor Bubbler | Black (Best Filtration)
Source: Grasscity
Here’s some good news for those of you who are looking for the best dab rig when it comes to water filtration. The vapour bubbler by Cheech & Chong is built from heat-resistant borosilicate glass, and, as we said, it’s perfect for dabbing your favourite marijuana extracts. The dabbing rig comes equipped with a fixed diffused downstem that is attached to the powerful showerhead percolator. This combination is the mastermind behind the aforementioned maximum filtration. Upon the delivery, you will also receive a 14.5mm vapour dome, a female joint, one male joint, and a glass concentrate nail. On top of that, the device is effortless to disassemble and extremely user-friendly.
Above all, gone will be times when the smoke was harsh on your throat and lungs, making the whole experience less enjoyable. Before the vapour is ready for the first hit, it enters the fixed downstem and continues through the submerged slits in the percolator, where it undergoes filtration. Such advanced technologies result in smooth and cool hits that will satisfy even the most savoury cannaseur.
Price: $63.74
4. Snoop Dogg Pounds Spaceship Vapor Bubbler (Best Design)
Source: Grasscity
If you’re aiming at the best dab rig in terms of design and sturdiness, you and the bubbler by Snoop Dogg Pounds will soon become friends. The dabbing rig is made from high-quality, 5mm thick borosilicate glass and is perfect for dabbing waxy concentrates. In addition, the bent neck and narrow mouthpiece allow for taking convenient draws each time you heat your material., which makes the unit excel at user-friendliness.
The complete package includes a sturdy glass base with a thick circular foot, a fixed showerhead diffuser downstem with a 14.5mm male joint, a female 14.5mm vapour dome with a roll sopper arm, and a roll sopper arm roll sopper arm female 14.5mm quartz banger, and a glass concentrate nail. Speaking of the design, there are green glass accents throughout the entire piece, with a noticeable green decal on the body.
The showerhead diffuser ensures ultimate filtration thanks to its multiple submerged slits that break the smoke into many bubbles. As a result, the smoke is smooth, cool, and carries the essential flavour of your concentrate. Being compact and convenient, this powerful machine will serve you for years and will make a fine addition to your collection should your buddies come by.
Price: $164.99
5. Blaze Glass Concentrate Oil Bubbler with Showerhead Diffuser (Best Cheap Dab Rig)
This fancy and stable concentrate bubbler is all you need if you want to get the best smoking results with your extracts for a reasonable price. Like all our best dab rigs listed in the guide, this piece is also made of borosilicate glass designed with the Blaze Glass logo on the surface, along with decorative coloured glass horns and a circular mouthpiece. Truth to be said, not only is this a solid piece of glass, but it’s also a stunning eye-catcher.
Thanks to the built-in showerhead downstem, Blaze Glass Concentrate Oil Bubbler offers intensive bubbling in every direction, making the smoke silky smooth, cool, and filtered from any harmful substances. The unit comes complete with a 14.5mm male joint, a female 14.5mm cylindrical oil dome, and a quartz nail. The coloured glass handle proves useful when lifting the piece so that you don’t have to worry about the rig falling and shattering to pieces.
Price: $36.75
Must-have Features of Best Dab Rigs
Regardless of the type, design, and style of your glass piece, there are certain requirements every decent dab rig must meet:
- First-class quality glass: since the vast majority of dab rigs is made of glass, it’s of utmost importance to ensure the best quality of your dabbing device. The choice is simple – choose oil rigs that are made from sturdy, heat-resistant borosilicate glass.
- Decent water filtration: cannabis concentrates are quite potent themselves, so it goes without saying that ensuring smooth hits that will be easy on your lungs is essential for enjoying your extracts. While mini rigs are perfect for dabbing on-the-go, they poor amount of water that goes in their bowls makes hitting your concentrates less enjoyable. That being said, if you enjoy dabbing under the blue sky, e-rigs will be hands down better for the job. If on the other hand, portability is not high on the list of your priorities, seek classic units or recycler rigs for the ultimate filtration.
- User-friendliness: the user friendliness boils down to 2 aspects of dabbing. For the first part, it’s all about the maintenance. If your rig comes with trouble spots that are difficult to clean, you’re going to have a hard time reaching them. Fortunately, most dab rigs come equipped with a dedicated cleaner that makes cleaning much less complicated. Another thing to keep in mind is how your rig is designed. Best rated dab rigs have comfortable handles that allow you to carry your glass piece with ease without worrying about the damage done to the rig should it slip out of your hands.
How To Use a Dab Rig?
Smoking out of a dab rig is slightly different than doing the same out of a bong. Dab rigs are, in most cases, reserved exclusively for concentrates. Since cannabis extracts are way more potent than dry buds, you must keep the dosage in moderation to overdo the glossy goodness. On top of that, you may be a novice in dabbing, so it’s good to know a device you’re about to use any time soon. Luckily, YouTube is full of guides on using an oil rig, and this particular movie leaves no stone unturned.
The Final Note
Finding the best dab rig for smoking your cannabis concentrates is not that hard a nut to crack. If you approach the subject in the right manner and do your research, you’ll end up more than satisfied with your glass piece. Remember to find a trusted manufacturer and always look for customer reviews, as most of the time, they reflect the true quality and user experience of a particular product. Once you scan the Web for the desired dab rig, see if it fits your budget and if not – adjust either the product or the money accordingly.