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Hookah size does and doesn’t matter depending on several variables. If you smoke alone, then there is absolutely no need to get an unusually tall hookah that will be tedious to work with. If you smoke with a group of friends, then a short or mini hookah is a nonstarter. This guide is a comprehensive, comparative assessment of tall and short hookahs to help you decide.
Tall vs. Short Hookahs | The Differences
There is no universally standardized classification of mini, short or small, medium or midsize, and large or tall hookahs. Companies often use the terms ‘mini’ and ‘short’ interchangeably. Midsize or medium can also be a confusing segment as it overlaps many short and tall hookahs. For specificity, let us use 2 feet or 24 inches as the threshold dividing short and tall hookahs.
1. Tall Hookahs Last Longer
A 28 to 32 inches tall hookah will last longer than a 2-foot shisha or shorter one. Tall hookahs have larger bases and the bowls tend to be bigger as well. The duration of a typical session is precisely why lounges and hookah bars prefer tall hookahs. Those socializing with friends and colleagues over hookah should consider taller variants.
Hookahs can be unexpectedly tall. There are regal hookahs as tall as 4 to 7 feet. The most popular size of hookahs among private users is 28 inches to 32 inches. You can opt for a similar height, slightly shorter or taller, depending on the number of concurrent users and how long a session you want.
Short hookahs don’t last longer than 45 minutes. 1 hour is the optimum duration you can derive out of midsize hookahs with a height of 24 to 32 inches. Taller hookahs, 36 inches and above, deliver up to 2 hours, or longer sessions depending on the base and bowl sizes, and how much tobacco you pack.
2. Short Hookahs Deliver Stronger Hits
While tall hookahs last longer, shorter shishas have stronger hits. The actual flavor, texture, and kick will depend on the tobacco, how much of it you have packed, the number of coals, and the quantum of water in the base. However, hits are generally milder in taller hookahs.
A tall hookah holds much more water and the large stem allows the smoke to take longer to pass down to the base. The holdup in the long stem, the interaction with more water in the base, and the subsequent long journey through the winding hose make the smoke milder than it is in a short shisha.
Those fond of strong hits should consider shorter hookahs. Alternatively, one must use a larger bowl, dense packing of tobacco, and a generous number of charcoal pieces with a tall hookah to get a strong hit. Reducing a bit of water in the base of a tall hookah is also a way to make the hit stronger.
3. Smoke from Tall Hookahs is Cooler
A short hookah with a small base doesn’t hold much water. Naturally, the smoke out of such a setup will be warmer than the clouds through a taller hookah with a substantially larger base. The temperature also plays an influential role in determining how strong the hit is.
Many flavors feel stronger when they are warmer. Some flavors hit harder when they are cooler. The latter is particularly true in the case of menthol-infused tobaccos. The hotness of shisha smoke can also be managed by regulating the pieces of charcoal atop the bowl.
Since tall hookahs hold more water, they are also better at filtering the smoke compared to shorter shishas. You don’t have to replenish the water in a tall hookah base frequently, even if you have some of your friends around.
4. Short Hookahs are Convenient
Tall hookahs are larger and heavier. They are difficult to move around and store. Short hookahs are lightweight, portable, and reasonably discreet. Anyone smoking alone can do just fine with a short hookah. Those with company must consider a tall hookah.
Tall vs. Short Hookahs | The Similarities
How much tobacco you use in a bowl depends on its size, the quantity of water in the base, and the number of charcoal pieces you will use for a desired duration. The tobacco quantity and packing of a bowl do not depend on the height of the hookah.
Neither tall nor short hookahs guarantee large or small bowls and bases, respectively. The most noticeable difference in numerous models is the length of the stem. If the bowl and the base are of standard sizes, then the stem length or hookah height makes very little to no difference.
Neither tobacco nor charcoal has an expiry date. Theoretically, you can store and use tobacco and charcoal for years, probably a lifetime. However, the reality is a little more complex and there are quite a few variables at play.
Shisha Tobacco and Charcoal Can Turn Stale
Shisha tobacco is more than just the dried and cured leaves of Nicotiana plants. Manufacturers of shisha tobacco flavors use molasses, glycerin, and honey, extracts of chosen ingredients, additives, and preservatives. Many of these components have an expiry date.
Hence, shisha tobacco flavors tend to have an expiry date of two years. The shelf life is for sealed shisha tobacco. Once you unseal a pack, the shisha tobacco flavors remain good and usable for up to six months. The exact shelf life after a pack is unsealed depends on the storage method.
Likewise, hookah charcoal can have an expiry date, depending on the ingredients in it. Organic charcoal, such as those made from coconut shells, does not have any expiry date. You can use it for years if the storage method is perfect. Quick-light charcoal and other variants may have a shelf life subject to the chemicals and other materials used in the product.
Always check the label of shisha tobacco flavors and hookah charcoal to find out what a manufacturer says. It is better to abide by the manufacturer’s guidelines than guessing the shelf life of a product.
How to Store Shisha Tobacco?
Shisha tobacco flavors smell awesome when you open a pack for the first time. The fragrance or the intensity of the smell reduces in due course. You will not experience the same aroma when you open the pack for the fifth time. Ideally, your shisha tobacco flavor should smell and taste the same even after six months. The state and quality of your shisha tobacco depend on the storage method.
1. Airtight Container with an Impeccable Seal
Shisha tobacco stays fresh and in its original condition if you use an airtight container. Ordinary jars, boxes, cans, and any other package will not work. The container must have an impeccably airtight seal. Also, it must be a re-sealable container because you will need frequent access to the shisha tobacco.
It is not necessary to buy a special expensive airtight container. A zip-lock bag or pouch shall suffice. Do not store shisha tobacco in the same can, jar, tub, or package of the manufacturer. The original packaging you receive is not ideal for storage unless a brand explicitly tells you that their container has an airtight seal.
2. Avoid Sunlight, Heat, Water, and Humidity
Shisha tobacco will turn stale if it is exposed to air, sunlight, heat, and water. The molasses, glycerin, and honey will dry up when shisha tobacco is subjected to heat and air. Humidity will damage the tobacco and the flavors. The tobacco will turn hard, brittle, and perhaps too rigid to be used.
In the absence of an airtight container, shisha tobacco will lose its aroma, flavor, and texture. Air with its relative humidity, heat, and sunlight will quicken the staling process. Likewise, extreme temperature fluctuation will also damage shisha tobacco flavors.
3. A Clean and Dark Place at Room Temperature
Shisha tobacco stays best at room temperature. If you are in the tropics or subtropics, you may choose a clean and dark storage cabinet, drawer, or covered shelf. A closed cabinet is cooler than the ambient temperature in hot and humid climates.
If you live in the frigid or temperate zone, a clean and closed cabinet will still be suitable, as the space tends to be warmer than the ambient chill. Do not expose your shisha tobacco to climate control systems at home or anywhere else. Temperature fluctuations are not ideal for hookah tobacco storage.
How to Store Hookah Charcoal?
Hookah charcoal is easier to store than shisha tobacco. You need an airtight container. Temperature fluctuation does not pose much of a challenge. Hookah charcoal is not as vulnerable to drying as shisha tobacco. However, you should still prevent exposing charcoal to humidity or moisture. Definitely avoid exposing or subjecting charcoal to water.
What to Do with Stale Shisha Tobacco and Hookah Charcoal?
Stale shisha tobacco or hookah charcoal is not hazardous. The tobacco flavors will be a paler version of the original aroma, taste, and texture. Stale hookah charcoal will not light up properly or burn poorly. The pieces may not heat the shisha tobacco sufficiently to generate the expected clouds.
Hookah is a popular device used for smoking hookah tobacco and produces thick fluffy clouds of smoke. Smoking hookah is known to be extremely relieving and soothing around the world.
How Does Hookah Work?First, fill half of the hookah base with water, then the stem is fitted in and attached with a hookah bowl and hookah hose. The bowl is packed with hookah tobacco and covered with aluminum foil. Then several holes are poked on top of it. Finally, some red-hot charcoal is placed on top of it, which starts heating the tobacco. As you take a pull through the hose pipe, the air flows through the burning coals and burning tobacco beneath. As the smoke travels through the water and gets filtered and cooled before being inhaled.
Hookah Culture: Then vs. NowEarlier, people used to smoke shisha as a cultural tradition to symbolize friendship and trust. These days, we have a wide array of bespoke hookahs and hookah lounges, and cafés where you can indulge yourself in a soothing smoke session. With time, hookah has evolved a lot. From coal to shisha tobacco, everything has changed. Nevertheless, some hookah enthusiasts still prefer the traditional smoking style.
Hookah AccessoriesA hookah is a smoking instrument including a few accessories like,
- Glass Base. Hookah Base is a glass basin that is filled with liquid to filter the smoke.
- Hookah Bowl. Generally, it is made of clay (as well as other materials) and holds tobacco for smoking. It is covered with foil. Ensure it is tightly packed.
- Hookah Stem. It connects the base and bowl. The hose is also attached to it.
- Hookah Hose. It is a long pipe, with one end connecting the stem and the other end is for inhaling. Some hookahs support multiple hoses.
- Hookah Foil/Regular Aluminum Foil. The bowl packed with shisha is covered with Aluminum Foil. We poke multiple holes on it, put the coals on it.
- Charcoal Burner/Heater. Electric burner to heat the coals.
- Hookah Mouthpieces/tips. They are used with the hookah hose to make it convenient and sterile.
- Rubber Grommets. They connect the hose and stem, base and stem, and seal it airtight.
- Hookah Tray. A tray is placed under the hookah bowl to catch the flying coal ashes and burning coals.
- Hookah Tong. It is used to handle hot charcoal.
- Cleaning Supplies. Supplies to clean the base and other parts.
Procuring hookah and its accessories isn’t hard, but maintenance is. To ensure your piece performs its best, you need to take good care of it. Clean and pack it properly after every use. Drain the water from the base without breaking it. Clean the hose with fresh water to remove any smell. Use a tong to remove the hot coals. Be cautious, so you don’t burn yourself.
Present Hookah CultureEven today, smoking hookah is associated with good hospitality and a display of trust and respect. It’s a way to have a great time with family and friends. Nowadays, hookah manufacturers are focusing on creating environment-friendly, harmless hookah tobacco flavors and coal options that you can enjoy without any worries or apprehensions.
Smoking hookah is a cultural practice and best enjoyed collectively. Every smoker has an individual liking and preference for preparing the hookah and smoking it. While there is no hard rule stating the best method to smoke, many mistakes are getting passed along. They can be avoided saving you a lot of money and annoyances.
Mistake 1. Putting Ice into the Base for a Smoother Smoke SessionMany think that the ice will chill down the water resulting in a smoother smoke session. But adding ice will take away a lot of good flavors from the session. A properly packed shisha bowl with proper heat administration can offer you a smooth flavorsome hookah session. You don’t need ice for that.
Mistake 2. Commencing with Dark Leaf Hookah TobaccoDark leaf shisha has a higher nicotine content. If you are a beginner, try the blonde leaf hookah tobacco for your first session. They have lower nicotine content. Dark leaf shisha can be too robust, and the buzz can hit you very hard the first time. Gradually, acclimatize yourself to hookah smoking and before smoking the dark leaf tobacco.
Mistake 3. Perilously Heating Your LotusSome smokers like to preheat the Kaloud Lotus HMD, but that may ruin the device and even char the shisha. Preheating it too long may melt the Lotus also. So, warm up the Lotus slightly.
Mistake 4. Carrying the Hookah by the StemAlways hold the pipe by the base. If you carry it by the stem you may end up shattering the base filled with water.
Mistake 5. Huge Hookah Means Bigger Smoke CloudsThe smoke outcome depends on the bowl packing method, how you manage the heat rather than on the size of your hookah.
Mistake 6. Overheating the Bowls with CoalsJust for blowing gigantic smoke clouds, you don’t need too many pieces of coals. Too much heat will burn the bowl and reduce the session duration. If your bowl is loaded and the heat is managed well, you can relish the flavors better and blow some big clouds.
Mistake 7. Not Using Properly Lit CharcoalsIf the coals are heated unevenly, there won’t be enough heat produced to start smoking your shisha. Again, overly lit coal won’t give good flavors.
Mistake 8. Smoking Other Things with Your HookahIf you smoke other things with your pipe, there will be a smell left inside, which is very difficult to remove. If you don’t want other flavors to ghost your sessions, clean your hookah thoroughly, or don’t smoke other things.
Mistake 9. Putting Alcohol in Your BaseBesides water, many people fill their base with other liquids. Some may opt to fill it with alcohol but inhaling the fume produced could be dangerous for you. Instead, try filling it with tea.
Mistake 10. Expensive Hookah Means Better QualityPrice does not always signify quality. There are different hookahs and hookah accessories of varying quality available in the market. Do your research to buy only high-quality things that you will enjoy using for a long time.
That is all for now. We hope that we can guide you on the most common hookah blunders so you can avoid them in your hookah journey. Get your bowl packed, coals lit, and smoke!
Smoking hookah is a cultural practice and best enjoyed collectively. Every smoker has an individual liking and preference for preparing the hookah and smoking it. While there is no hard rule stating the best method to smoke, many mistakes are getting passed along. They can be avoided saving you a lot of money and annoyances.
Mistake 1. Putting Ice into the Base for a Smoother Smoke SessionMany think that the ice will chill down the water resulting in a smoother smoke session. But adding ice will take away a lot of good flavors from the session. A properly packed shisha bowl with proper heat administration can offer you a smooth flavorsome hookah session. You don’t need ice for that.
Mistake 2. Commencing with Dark Leaf Hookah TobaccoDark leaf shisha has a higher nicotine content. If you are a beginner, try the blonde leaf hookah tobacco for your first session. They have lower nicotine content. Dark leaf shisha can be too robust, and the buzz can hit you very hard the first time. Gradually, acclimatize yourself to hookah smoking and before smoking the dark leaf tobacco.
Mistake 3. Perilously Heating Your LotusSome smokers like to preheat the Kaloud Lotus HMD, but that may ruin the device and even char the shisha. Preheating it too long may melt the Lotus also. So, warm up the Lotus slightly.
Mistake 4. Carrying the Hookah by the StemAlways hold the pipe by the base. If you carry it by the stem you may end up shattering the base filled with water.
Mistake 5. Huge Hookah Means Bigger Smoke CloudsThe smoke outcome depends on the bowl packing method, how you manage the heat rather than on the size of your hookah.
Mistake 6. Overheating the Bowls with CoalsJust for blowing gigantic smoke clouds, you don’t need too many pieces of coals. Too much heat will burn the bowl and reduce the session duration. If your bowl is loaded and the heat is managed well, you can relish the flavors better and blow some big clouds.
Mistake 7. Not Using Properly Lit CharcoalsIf the coals are heated unevenly, there won’t be enough heat produced to start smoking your shisha. Again, overly lit coal won’t give good flavors.
Mistake 8. Smoking Other Things with Your HookahIf you smoke other things with your pipe, there will be a smell left inside, which is very difficult to remove. If you don’t want other flavors to ghost your sessions, clean your hookah thoroughly, or don’t smoke other things.
Mistake 9. Putting Alcohol in Your BaseBesides water, many people fill their base with other liquids. Some may opt to fill it with alcohol but inhaling the fume produced could be dangerous for you. Instead, try filling it with tea.
Mistake 10. Expensive Hookah Means Better QualityPrice does not always signify quality. There are different hookahs and hookah accessories of varying quality available in the market. Do your research to buy only high-quality things that you will enjoy using for a long time.
That is all for now. We hope that we can guide you on the most common hookah blunders so you can avoid them in your hookah journey. Get your bowl packed, coals lit, and smoke!
Smoking hookah is a cultural practice and best enjoyed collectively. Every smoker has an individual liking and preference for preparing the hookah and smoking it. While there is no hard rule stating the best method to smoke, many mistakes are getting passed along. They can be avoided saving you a lot of money and annoyances.
Mistake 1. Putting Ice into the Base for a Smoother Smoke SessionMany think that the ice will chill down the water resulting in a smoother smoke session. But adding ice will take away a lot of good flavors from the session. A properly packed shisha bowl with proper heat administration can offer you a smooth flavorsome hookah session. You don’t need ice for that.
Mistake 2. Commencing with Dark Leaf Hookah TobaccoDark leaf shisha has a higher nicotine content. If you are a beginner, try the blonde leaf hookah tobacco for your first session. They have lower nicotine content. Dark leaf shisha can be too robust, and the buzz can hit you very hard the first time. Gradually, acclimatize yourself to hookah smoking and before smoking the dark leaf tobacco.
Mistake 3. Perilously Heating Your LotusSome smokers like to preheat the Kaloud Lotus HMD, but that may ruin the device and even char the shisha. Preheating it too long may melt the Lotus also. So, warm up the Lotus slightly.
Mistake 4. Carrying the Hookah by the StemAlways hold the pipe by the base. If you carry it by the stem you may end up shattering the base filled with water.
Mistake 5. Huge Hookah Means Bigger Smoke CloudsThe smoke outcome depends on the bowl packing method, how you manage the heat rather than on the size of your hookah.
Mistake 6. Overheating the Bowls with CoalsJust for blowing gigantic smoke clouds, you don’t need too many pieces of coals. Too much heat will burn the bowl and reduce the session duration. If your bowl is loaded and the heat is managed well, you can relish the flavors better and blow some big clouds.
Mistake 7. Not Using Properly Lit CharcoalsIf the coals are heated unevenly, there won’t be enough heat produced to start smoking your shisha. Again, overly lit coal won’t give good flavors.
Mistake 8. Smoking Other Things with Your HookahIf you smoke other things with your pipe, there will be a smell left inside, which is very difficult to remove. If you don’t want other flavors to ghost your sessions, clean your hookah thoroughly, or don’t smoke other things.
Mistake 9. Putting Alcohol in Your BaseBesides water, many people fill their base with other liquids. Some may opt to fill it with alcohol but inhaling the fume produced could be dangerous for you. Instead, try filling it with tea.
Mistake 10. Expensive Hookah Means Better QualityPrice does not always signify quality. There are different hookahs and hookah accessories of varying quality available in the market. Do your research to buy only high-quality things that you will enjoy using for a long time.
That is all for now. We hope that we can guide you on the most common hookah blunders so you can avoid them in your hookah journey. Get your bowl packed, coals lit, and smoke!
This is a crash course for beginners, a turnkey guide to use a hookah. We discuss the anatomy of a hookah, how it functions, and what you must do to set it up for a satisfying session of flavorful smoke.
The Essential Components of a Hookah
The foundation of a hookah is its base. Usually made from glass, a base sits at the bottom and is the water chamber. Into the base goes the stem. The bulky portion of the stem housing the hose port and the purge valve is known as its heart. This is the connector for the stem and the base.
As you move up the stem, there is the neck where you place the tray and atop goes the bowl. The tray is a placeholder for charcoal. The bowl houses the shisha tobacco. The other essential components are hookah hose, three grommets, shisha tobacco, charcoal pieces, aluminum foil or heat management device, a pair of tongs, and a poker.
How to Assemble a Hookah?
Ensure the components are clean before you start. Fill the base with some water and set it on a table. Take the largest grommet from the set of three and plug it into the lower end of the stem. Insert the stem into the base. Slide the tray down the top of the stem to its neck. Pack the bowl with your favorite shisha tobacco, wrap it with aluminum foil and place it atop the stem. Poke tiny holes in the foil, in the pattern of concentric circles. You may use a heat management device atop the bowl instead of a foil.
Insert the hose into the port in the heart of the stem. Heat a few pieces of charcoal using a lighter or burner. Take the pair of tongs to transfer the red hot charcoal pieces onto the aluminum foil or in the heat management device. Use two to three pieces depending on the heat requirement. The two or three charcoal pieces must be equidistantly placed. Let the charcoal pieces heat the shisha tobacco inside the bowl. Start drawing a few short puffs to check the smoke.
How does a Hookah Function?
Once assembled, the charcoal pieces atop the bowl heat the shisha tobacco inside and generate flavorful smoke. This smoke passes down through the stem into the water of the base where it gets filtered and cooled. You draw puffs through the hose mouthpiece and inhale flavorful smoke. If required, you blow air into the hose to get rid of hot smoke through the purge valve in the heart of the stem. If your hookah stem has a diffuser, it will create a bubbling effect when you draw the puffs.
The water inside the base should cover around half an inch of the down-stem. If there is a diffuser, then it should be fully submerged in the water. The shisha tobacco should be optimally packed, around twenty to thirty grams in a standard bowl for one session. Use two to three standard pieces of charcoal at the start.
This is a crash course for beginners, a turnkey guide to use a hookah. We discuss the anatomy of a hookah, how it functions, and what you must do to set it up for a satisfying session of flavorful smoke.
The Essential Components of a Hookah
The foundation of a hookah is its base. Usually made from glass, a base sits at the bottom and is the water chamber. Into the base goes the stem. The bulky portion of the stem housing the hose port and the purge valve is known as its heart. This is the connector for the stem and the base.
As you move up the stem, there is the neck where you place the tray and atop goes the bowl. The tray is a placeholder for charcoal. The bowl houses the shisha tobacco. The other essential components are hookah hose, three grommets, shisha tobacco, charcoal pieces, aluminum foil or heat management device, a pair of tongs, and a poker.
How to Assemble a Hookah?
Ensure the components are clean before you start. Fill the base with some water and set it on a table. Take the largest grommet from the set of three and plug it into the lower end of the stem. Insert the stem into the base. Slide the tray down the top of the stem to its neck. Pack the bowl with your favorite shisha tobacco, wrap it with aluminum foil and place it atop the stem. Poke tiny holes in the foil, in the pattern of concentric circles. You may use a heat management device atop the bowl instead of a foil.
Insert the hose into the port in the heart of the stem. Heat a few pieces of charcoal using a lighter or burner. Take the pair of tongs to transfer the red hot charcoal pieces onto the aluminum foil or in the heat management device. Use two to three pieces depending on the heat requirement. The two or three charcoal pieces must be equidistantly placed. Let the charcoal pieces heat the shisha tobacco inside the bowl. Start drawing a few short puffs to check the smoke.
How does a Hookah Function?
Once assembled, the charcoal pieces atop the bowl heat the shisha tobacco inside and generate flavorful smoke. This smoke passes down through the stem into the water of the base where it gets filtered and cooled. You draw puffs through the hose mouthpiece and inhale flavorful smoke. If required, you blow air into the hose to get rid of hot smoke through the purge valve in the heart of the stem. If your hookah stem has a diffuser, it will create a bubbling effect when you draw the puffs.
The water inside the base should cover around half an inch of the down-stem. If there is a diffuser, then it should be fully submerged in the water. The shisha tobacco should be optimally packed, around twenty to thirty grams in a standard bowl for one session. Use two to three standard pieces of charcoal at the start.
This is a crash course for beginners, a turnkey guide to use a hookah. We discuss the anatomy of a hookah, how it functions, and what you must do to set it up for a satisfying session of flavorful smoke.
The Essential Components of a Hookah
The foundation of a hookah is its base. Usually made from glass, a base sits at the bottom and is the water chamber. Into the base goes the stem. The bulky portion of the stem housing the hose port and the purge valve is known as its heart. This is the connector for the stem and the base.
As you move up the stem, there is the neck where you place the tray and atop goes the bowl. The tray is a placeholder for charcoal. The bowl houses the shisha tobacco. The other essential components are hookah hose, three grommets, shisha tobacco, charcoal pieces, aluminum foil or heat management device, a pair of tongs, and a poker.
How to Assemble a Hookah?
Ensure the components are clean before you start. Fill the base with some water and set it on a table. Take the largest grommet from the set of three and plug it into the lower end of the stem. Insert the stem into the base. Slide the tray down the top of the stem to its neck. Pack the bowl with your favorite shisha tobacco, wrap it with aluminum foil and place it atop the stem. Poke tiny holes in the foil, in the pattern of concentric circles. You may use a heat management device atop the bowl instead of a foil.
Insert the hose into the port in the heart of the stem. Heat a few pieces of charcoal using a lighter or burner. Take the pair of tongs to transfer the red hot charcoal pieces onto the aluminum foil or in the heat management device. Use two to three pieces depending on the heat requirement. The two or three charcoal pieces must be equidistantly placed. Let the charcoal pieces heat the shisha tobacco inside the bowl. Start drawing a few short puffs to check the smoke.
How does a Hookah Function?
Once assembled, the charcoal pieces atop the bowl heat the shisha tobacco inside and generate flavorful smoke. This smoke passes down through the stem into the water of the base where it gets filtered and cooled. You draw puffs through the hose mouthpiece and inhale flavorful smoke. If required, you blow air into the hose to get rid of hot smoke through the purge valve in the heart of the stem. If your hookah stem has a diffuser, it will create a bubbling effect when you draw the puffs.
The water inside the base should cover around half an inch of the down-stem. If there is a diffuser, then it should be fully submerged in the water. The shisha tobacco should be optimally packed, around twenty to thirty grams in a standard bowl for one session. Use two to three standard pieces of charcoal at the start.
Probably, you have already tried smoking hookah in a hookah café or lounge for the first time. Now, you might be planning to make your setup so you can blow some dense, flavored smoke clouds but in the warmth of your own home. You checked out online tutorials, packed your bowl, heated coals, and took a few puffs, but to your dismay, it still doesn’t feel like the one you smoked in the lounge. It is the most common query hookah lovers have.
Generally, hookah smokers’ first smoking experience takes place in a hookah lounge or café and sets the expectation high. Hence it becomes disappointing when you could not get the same enjoyment during your home sessions. However, that does not mean you can smoke it like you are in a hookah lounge. Stay tuned as we are going to share how you can do it.
Setting Up Your Hookah As They Do in Hookah LoungeTo do so, you need to adhere to a few essential things like the following ones.
Water LevelEnsure the amount of water you put into your base is neither too low nor too high otherwise, it will lead to an unpleasant smoke session. If the water level is too low, then the smoke won’t be filtered or cooled down. Fill in as much water so around half an inch of your down stem gets submerged in the water. Now you can start connecting the other parts like the base, stem, and tray to your hookah.
Packing Your Bowl RightEgyptian clay bowl is one of the most preferred bowls in the lounges. Take a pinch of the shisha and start sprinkling it into the bowl in a way, so it doesn’t block the small holes at the bottom of the bowl. Pack it till the edge or just below it. Packing the tobacco dense will restrict the airflow, and you will not get good flavors.
Covering It with Aluminum FoilYou can use pre-punched aluminum foils or a double layer of heavy-duty foil as they transfer heat better. Avoid the non-stick aluminum foil. Pull the foil down on the sides of the bowl and constrain against the edge. With a pin or toothpick start poking holes in a spiral motion from the edges and gradually move towards the center.
Prepare Your CoalsTo ignite your coals, you will need an electric burner or a flame lighter depending on which kind of coals you are using. Set your coals to heat up as you start packing your bowl. They need time to heat up evenly. Flip them in between so there is no black spot visible. Depending on the coal type, size, and shape, you may need up to three units. Place the heat coals at a regular gap towards the edge or it will burn your shisha. Give it a few minutes before taking your first puff. You will need to take a few puffs before you can start enjoying it.
Add Some Hookah Lounge VibesAdd the missing lounge vibes with some dark lightning, multicolored lights flashing rhythmically, and loud music. However, depending on your mood you can always change the settings. You can also try setting your hookah in your game room if you like to play while smoking. The basic idea is to help you relax so you can relax and enjoy the extravagance of smoking your hookah.
Get ready, and transform your home into your very personal hookah lounge.
Also, try setting your hookah in your game room if you like to play while smoking. The basic idea is to help you relax so you can relax and enjoy the extravagance of smoking your hookah.
Get ready, and transform your home into your very personal hookah lounge.
