Which Type of Pipe is Best Suited to Handle Extreme Heat: Silicone or Glass Pipes?

Which Type of Pipe is Best Suited to Handle Extreme Heat: Silicone or Glass Pipes?

Posted by Vaporizer Chief on 13th Dec 2020

When most of us go shopping for a new pipe, it’s the look, size and shape that we’re primarily interested in. With so many pipes on the market today, it’s hard to choose exactly which one will best suit our needs based on its many specifications.

As you know, there are two main types of pipes for herbal smoking: pipes made from glass, and pipes made from silicone. Many people argue over which one is better, and one factor that needs to be taken into consideration is resistance to heat. After all, if you are going to be lighting your pipe up regularly, you need to know that it can handle the heat without melting, or worse, leeching chemical materials into your precious herb that you’ll end up inhaling into your lungs.

Therefore, if this factor is particularly important to you, it’s best to know which type meets your dry herb smoking needs.

First, however, let’s share the differences between these two types of pipes.

Glass Pipes

Glass pipes are made completely from glass, and the glass is extremely thick and durable to be as shatterproof as possible. Glass pipes come in two forms: standard pipes, known as bowls, and water pipes, also called bongs or bubblers. They come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and designs, with intricate colorful patterns being commonplace.

What makes water pipes unique is that they contain a water chamber that is intended to cool the smoke, and it creates a bubbling noise when you inhale through the mouthpiece.

Silicone Pipes

Silicone pipes are not new, but they have never been as popular before as they are now. They are exceptionally durable compared to glass pipes, as even the most resilient glass materials can chip, crack or shatter if the user isn’t careful. Silicone is tough and sturdy, making it great for clumsier herbal enthusiasts.

Silicone is, in fact, a virtually unbreakable material. It is a synthetic polymer that consists of a combination of sand and quartz. Silicone pipes may also be easier to maintain due to how easy they are to clean. They do not accumulate as much resin gunk over time, and this makes them more low-maintenance.

Which Type of Pipe Can Handle the Heat: Silicone or Glass?

Heat-resistance is an important factor of any pipe. You are lighting the pipe each time you take a hit, which exposes the material to high temperatures. If the material cannot handle the high temperature, it can melt and interfere with the structural integrity of the pipe. And it can cause the compounds in the material to get into the smoke, which means that you’re inhaling substances that may not be good for your lungs.

So, which type of material is better?

Well, the answer, as it turns out, is both. Silicone and glass are fully capable of handling the temperature extremes that occur when you apply fire directly to the device. This is why they are the two materials of choice. Manufacturers would be pretty unwise to make pipes out of materials known to melt.

Just one thing worth pointing out is that if the heat of the smoke is what bothers you, perhaps you should opt for a water pipe, also known as a bubbler. As we said, this type of pipe cools the smoke, which allows you to take in a stream of smoke that is comfortable to the mouth, lips, and throat. Basically, it has the ability to deliver cooler, fuller, and smoother bodied hits. Plus, the newer models are customizable.

After All of This Heated Talk

Both glass and silicone pipes can handle the extreme heat caused by lighting your herb. Therefore, you do not need to worry about one disappointing in that department compared to the other. This means that you can choose the right material based on durability and aesthetics, knowing that it can more than handle the demands of your smoking hobby.