What is an Ash Catcher?

An ash catcher is a device that is used in conjunction with a bong or waterpipe. It's purpose is generally to catch ash, debris and tar before it enters your bong. Ash catchers are usually made of glass and sit in-between your cone piece and down stem.

Ash catchers can greatly reduce the amount of cleaning your bong requires, this is the primary benefit to using an ash catcher. In some instances an ash catcher can also increase the amount of diffusion and cooling of the smoke.