VapBong Review – Unexpected Work of Art

Updated: October 6, 2023

The VapBong by Art of Vapor remained under the radar for a handful of years, only known to a small amount of German and European connoisseurs for the longest time. This all changed in 2020 where the vaporizer community picked up on the incredible performance and artistic virtues of the VapBong.

We’ll go over the build quality, performance, and other important attributes of this vape in the VapBong review – hold on tight!

If you’re looking into a dry herb vape, check out our other vaporizer reviews to help find the best vape for you!

Review: VapBong

VapBong Vaporizer Review

VapBong Vaporizer heating coils

How it Works

Completely different form factor and aesthetic design from all the other vaporizers out there, the VapBong seems confusing at first.

However, simply setting the power setting to a discovered ‘sweet spot’ voltage (each unit is different) and letting it heat soak for ~15 minutes is all you need to do for the temperature control.
Fill the bubbler up with water until you find a satisfying draw. Usually, around 150mL is what we like.

Fill the bowl with any amount of herb, ground or non-ground – the VapBong will make easy work of it regardless. After a few hits, you can simply remove the bowl and shake it to stir.

Make sure to cover the carb hole and inhale deeply for a few seconds. If you’re not getting vapor after the first few hits, turn up the voltage by a few decimal points and try again.

Use your fingers to crush up the herb furthermore for more thorough extraction. Alternatively, use a grinder from the get-go for the best performance right away.

VapBong Vaporizer power control

Temperature Flexibility

The VapBong uses a VVPS (Variable voltage power supply). There is no defined temperature control on the VapBong which may be unattractive to some. Each VapBong also varies with the resistance and preferred voltage setting – it’s part of the unique nature of the device.

As a result, there is the potential to combust as well as the potential to not get any hits at all when you’re just figuring out the device. This learning curve is rapid and after the first few sessions, you’ll have found the sweet spot.

Of course, you can adjust the voltage setting up or down and increase/decrease the general temperature, though all of it is guesswork. For reference, each 1 volt of power = 5 watts. So, 11v is 55w of continuous energy.

While at first glance this is all unappealing, this is where the magic begins – once you find your ideal temperature the vaporizer becomes a set it and forget it sort of ordeal.

Beauty in simplicity, you will likely hardly think about temperature adjustments again afterward. Once you found the magic number, you’ll probably just stick with it.

VapBong Vaporizer mouth piece

Vapor Quality

Extraordinary.

Excellent flavor, complete extraction, and some of the thickest clouds we’ve ever seen from a vaporizer!

Thanks to the heaps of thermal energy from the big ceramic ball, you have seemingly endless amounts of power and the gigantic bowl can accommodate micro to macro-dosing (0.05 – 2g) quantities of the flower.

The percolated downstem & water reservoir is just enough to cool and condition the vapor without obfuscating the flavor either.

There is something about the charm and churgle from the bubbler which also adds to the experience. Unlike any glass piece we’ve ever used, the acoustics are especially pleasant and it’s clear that ceramic is a very different beast than glass.

There are very few units out there that can provide a session-convection experience and the VapBong is among the greatest out there like the Herborizer Ti and Volcano Hybrid.

VapBong Vaporizer front display

Manufacturing Quality

Handmade with love is the first impression you get. Each piece is carefully sculpted by hand and takes a long time to go from production to the kiln and eventually to the final coating. Did we mention that this vaporizer is a literal piece of art?

As a result, if any piece like the bowl does get broken, you have a pretty significant problem on your hand as each part is unique. While customer support is nothing short of stellar, their European location may serve as a barrier when it comes to service and replacement parts.

In the kit, you get the VapBong itself, the bowl, the power supply, and a loading funnel which is by far our favorite loading tool so far.

With it being completely made of ceramic, we wouldn’t dare drop it on a hard surface – though it is more resilient than glass. Still, don’t test it!

The heating element seemingly is built to last forever and there are rumors of a VapBong being plugged in continuously for many years without any problems at all. The only part we reasonably see going wrong is in the power supply which is mediocre and one aspect we could see being improved on.

VapBong Vaporizer inclined view

VapBong Vaporizer with armor case

Portability

About as heavy as they come, the VapBong is by no means portable. Not to mention its breakable nature and plug-in design, the VapBong is not made to be moved around all the time.

It’s best left on the coffee table or desk and in a safe place that won’t be in harm’s way.

VapBong Vaporizer in hand

Discreetness

Well… yeah.

It doesn’t exactly look normal, though it’s one of the few times you might be able to pass it off as a fancy vase… with a power cord and balls.

Evidently, the unit isn’t quite so discreet, though it doesn’t try to be. With the slew of colorful, vibrant, and sometimes wacky art-styles, the VapBong makes for a perfect centerpiece for the right person.

VapBong Vaporizer full kit

Overall Experience

One for the history books for sure, Art of Vapor has quickly generated a cult following with their vaporizer which defies all the industry-standard conventions of mass-scale manufacturing, sleek industrial design, and over-complicated electronics.

Instead, it returns to the roots of what consuming cannabis is all about – the experience, an enjoyable evening, and connection to earth by way of clay. The user experience is second to none and where it really shines.

The most authentic bong experience out there, the VapBong is exactly what a cannabis connoisseur would love if they’re not afraid of a ballsy aesthetic and extreme amounts of vapor production.

While we do kind of wish that the Vapbong supported attachments that allow for a whip or balloon accessory similar to the Arizer Extreme Q vaporizer, we also get that it would detract from the overall aesthetic of this unique setpiece.

The VapBong isn’t for everyone and we hesitate to recommend it to beginners or those who are particularly clumsy. Instead, we liken it to be the Magnum Opus of artisinal vaporizers and for those who wholeheartedly prefer wood over plastic.

Thanks for reading our Art of Vapor VapBong review – any questions or comments please drop them down below and we’d be glad to help out!

If you have questions about our review or just want to let us know what you think, feel free to drop us a comment below! Thanks for reading and as always, keep vapin’.

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About Author
Avatar for Alex Karakatsanis

Alex is a cannabis enthusiast, long time vaporizer lover, writer and filmmaker. He is also a board and video game nerd with a penchant for hosting a weekly board game night. Partygoers have been heard saying things like “is anyone else going to show up?” and “I don’t think I can make it next week”. He strives to make people laugh at every opportunity and sees cannabis as a helpful tool in doing so.

The reviews and ratings are based on personal and decade-plus of industry experience. Such content is based on the opinion of the Editor/Author. They are solely provided as a basis for research and should be used only as guidance. We encourage thorough research by all visitors to attain the most objective viewpoint before purchasing.