What matters most to you when buying a pipe? Is it the material? The design? The price? Maybe you collect a variety of pipes from around the world. Or maybe you’re just looking for the cheapest option that will still give you a proper smoke.

Whether you’re buying a corncob or a meerschaum pipe, a billiard- or apple-shaped bowl, or even a pipe with a long, churchwarden stem, one factor you should think about is whether you want a filtered or an unfiltered pipe. There are several types of filters on the market today that give users vastly different experiences. While the best way to find out your own personal preference is just to puff and see, first take a moment to peruse our guide to pipe filters.

What Does a Filter Do?

Like filtered cigarettes, filtered pipes help to protect against the health concerns of smoking tobacco by filtering out some of the nicotine, tar, and other chemicals before the smoke enters your lungs. In fact, some countries, like Germany, only allow the sale of pipes with filters to promote healthier smoking practices. The truth is that filters on pipes only really help when users inhale the pipe smoke. Since inhaling pipe smoke is not recommended in the first place, some users might find filters to be unnecessary.

The Many Types of Pipe Filters

The question of whether or not to use a filter is actually a bit more complex, however. The pros and cons of using a filter really depend on the type of filter used.

Pass-Through Filters

The most common type of filters, pass-through filters such as Dr. Grabow and Medico, use paper, a combination of paper and activated charcoal, or silica crystals to filter particles out of smoke. Pass-through filters remove the smoke byproducts that you can actually see and also reduces the amount of nicotine and tar that you inhale. These filters are a great option for smokers who inhale, since they are the most effective filters for reducing health risks. However, pass-through filters also tend to dull flavor and increase moisture content, so those who don’t inhale will probably feel a little robbed of one of the most pleasurable parts of their smoking experience.

Absorptive Pipe Filters

Absorptive pipe filters are made from either balsa or maple wood. They help to remove excess water from the smoke, lending the smoker a drier and cooler experience. By removing steam from the smoke, absorptive pipe filters help smokers who tend to burn their tobacco a little hot to prevent their mouths from getting burned in the process. Because most of the smoke isn’t removed, most of the particles stay in the smoke as well, meaning that this is not the best option for pipe smokers who inhale and are apprehensive about the health risks. Unlike pass-through filters, pass-around filters don’t alter the flavor.

Condenser Pipe Filters

While not technically a filter, the condenser serves a similar purpose. Condensers are automatically included in some pipe models as part of the stem. When hot smoke passes through a condenser, it tends to form condensation around the metal, which is much cooler. In essence, the condenser, or stringer as it’s sometimes called, collects excess moisture from the smoke to give smokers a cooler, drier puff. While some smokers enjoy the effects, others don’t find these filters particularly useful and tend to remove them if possible.

Should You Use a Filter with a Meerschaum Pipe?

Pipes of all shapes, designs, and materials are available with filters. From corncob pipes to meerschaum pipes, pipe stores can accommodate your preference for your pipe’s material as well as for a filter. Here’s a breakdown by pipe type.

Corn Cob

Corncob pipes are cheap and effective. Smokers prefer them for sampling tobacco, for on-the-go, or for beginner smokers. Corncob pipes are simple, but get the job done. They’re a great candidate for using a smoking filter.

Briar

The most popular type of pipe today, briar pipes are known for their beautiful wood grains and their cool, dry smoke. Since briar pipes already tend to be on the dryer side, many prefer not to smoke these with a filter, which dries out smoke further. Smokers looking to reduce health risks may choose to use a pass-through filter with briar pipes.

Meerschaum

Meerschaum pipes are known for their intricate designs and their unparalleled taste. The meerschaum actually acts as a natural filter that absorbs tar and moisture into its soap-like texture. Over time, meerschaum pipes turn light brown from absorbing smoke, which many smokers insist gives the smoke even more flavor. Since the meerschaum is a natural filter, and the main draw of smoking this pipe is its exquisite flavor, most prefer to smoke these without a filter. Filtered options are available, though.