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Glass tip or activated carbon filter? The comparison
A glass tip is a mouthpiece made of glass that you clean and use again. An activated carbon filter is a single-use filter; the activated carbon inside can hold back certain substances. A cardboard tip only gives shape and support. Glass and activated carbon can also be used together.
The three compared
| Glass tip | Activated carbon filter | Cardboard tip | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Glass, EHLE made of borosilicate glass | Activated carbon with cellulose or paper caps | Cardboard |
| Contains activated carbon | no | yes | no |
| Use | again and again, after cleaning | once | once |
| Cleaning | with isopropyl alcohol; according to the maker, the EHLE also in boiling water | don't clean: dispose of after one use | thrown away with it |
| Sizes at Kailar | 6, 9, 11 and 13 mm | 6 and 9 mm | rolled freely |
You’ll find every glass model with prices and sizes on our glass filters & glass tips page.
Glass to try
Activated carbon filter or paper filter?
The difference is the activated carbon. A paper filter, usually a rolled cardboard tip, gives the joint shape and support, nothing more. An activated carbon filter also has a chamber filled with activated carbon. Its porous surface can hold back certain substances from the smoke. How much depends on the filter, the draw and the blend.
What are activated carbon filters?
Small tubes with activated carbon in the middle and a cap at each end. They come slim in 6 mm and wider in 9 mm. How activated carbon works and where its limits are is explained in our big activated carbon filter guide.
Are activated carbon filters better?
Better for what? If you want activated carbon in your draw, you need an activated carbon filter; glass alone can’t do that. If you don’t want to throw something away after every use, go for glass. One thing applies to all three: smoking remains harmful, and no filter makes it safe.
Both together
The 6 mm EHLE x Kailar glass tip comes with five Kailar filters. That way you can try glass and activated carbon together and decide for yourself what you like better.
Which size fits?
All sizes side by side: see glass filters by size.
Cleaning glass
Isopropyl alcohol gets glass the cleanest. Here’s how in five steps:
- Let it cool and pre-rinse. First let the glass cool down completely. With the EHLE glass tip, take out the used filter first. Then give the glass a quick rinse under warm water.
- Soak in isopropyl alcohol. At least 90%, for about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Brush gently. With a soft brush, inside and out.
- Rinse. Thoroughly, with clean water.
- Air dry. Until the glass is completely dry.
Without isopropyl alcohol it works too: hot water with a little mild washing-up liquid, soak for 5 to 10 minutes and rinse well. According to the maker, you can also clean the EHLE glass tip in boiling water.
Isopropyl alcohol is highly flammable. Do not use it near flames or embers, keep the room well ventilated and close the bottle tightly afterwards.
The illustrated guide is also on the glass page: Keep your glass clear.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a glass tip with an activated carbon filter?
Yes. The 6 mm EHLE x Kailar glass tip comes with five Kailar filters for exactly that.
What is the difference between a glass tip and a glass filter?
Both mean a mouthpiece made of glass. In the Twisted glass filter, the air channels twist through the glass.
Can I clean an activated carbon filter?
No. An activated carbon filter is meant for one use and is thrown away afterwards. Only the glass can be cleaned.
How do I carry glass when I’m out?
The Twisted glass filter comes in a box with a screw cap.
All glass filters & glass tips6 to 13 mm, by EHLE and Kailar
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