The Ultimate Guide to Hookah Smoking: Must-Haves and Add-Ons

• December 28 2022
• 11 min reading time

Welcome to the world of hookah! If you're new to this ancient tradition of smoking flavored tobacco, you might be wondering what you need to get started. In this blog post, we'll go over the essential items you need to enjoy a hookah session, as well as some optional add-ons that can enhance your experience.

We believe these are some of the Must-Haves and Add-ons you'll need to get things tarted. 

Must haves:

• Shisha
• Flavour / Molasses
• Charcoal
• Foil
• Mouthpiece
• Bowl
• Tongs
• Grommets

Add-Ons

• Charcoal burner
• Charcoal holder
• Heat management device
• Hookah cleaner
• Poker
• Molasses Catcher
• Hookah Diffuser
• Mouthtips
• Mats
• Shisha base colour 

Shisha

Shisha is a type of flavored tobacco that is smoked through a hookah, which is a traditional water pipe used for smoking. The tobacco is typically made from a blend of tobacco, fruit, and other flavors, and is soaked in a sweet syrup or honey to create a moist, fragrant smoke. Shisha comes in a wide variety of flavors, ranging from traditional options like mint and cherry to more exotic choices like banana and coconut. When choosing a flavor, it's important to keep in mind that the taste will be affected by the type of molasses you use (more on that in a moment).

Molasses

Molasses is a thick, syrupy substance that is used to hold the shisha in the bowl and help it stay lit. It is made from the byproduct of sugar production and is available in different types, such as honey, coconut, and grape. Each type of molasses can give the shisha a different flavor profile, so it's worth experimenting to find the one that best suits your taste. It's important to use the right amount of molasses – too little and the shisha may not stay lit, while too much can result in a heavy, cloying smoke.

Charcoal

Charcoal is an essential component of hookah smoking, as it is used to heat the shisha and produce the smoke that is inhaled through the hookah. There are two main types of charcoal: quick lighting and natural. Quick lighting charcoal is made with a chemical accelerator that allows it to light easily, but it can give off an unpleasant smell when burning. Natural charcoal, on the other hand, is made from pure, untreated wood and takes longer to light but burns cleaner and produces less odors. When choosing charcoal, it's important to consider the type of hookah you have and your personal preferences.

Foil

Foil is used to cover the top of the bowl, which holds the shisha and sits on top of the hookah. The foil helps to keep the heat concentrated and prevents the shisha from drying out. It's important to use the right type of foil – regular aluminum foil is too thick and can create hot spots, while heavy duty foil is too thin and may tear easily. Hookah foil is specially designed for use with hookahs and is the ideal thickness and strength. Some people prefer to use a heat management device, which sits between the bowl and the foil and helps to regulate the temperature of the shisha.

Mouthpiece

The mouthpiece is the part of the hookah that you inhale through and is typically made of silicone or rubber. It is important to choose a mouthpiece that is comfortable and fits securely, as you will be using it for extended periods of time. Some mouthpieces come with a removable tip, which can be replaced for hygienic reasons or to add a personal touch.

Bowl

The bowl is the part of the hookah that holds the shisha and sits on top of the hookah. It can be made of clay, glass, or metal, and each material has its own unique properties. Clay bowls are traditional and have a porous surface that helps to keep the shisha moist, but they can be fragile and can absorb flavors over time. Glass bowls are easy to clean and offer a clear view of the shisha, but they can be fragile and may not retain heat as well as other materials. Metal bowls are durable and heat up quickly, but they can affect the flavor of the shisha and can be difficult to clean.

Tongs

Tongs are a tool used to handle the hot charcoal and prevent burns. They are typically made of metal and have long, slender handles that allow you to grasp

Grommets

Grommets are rubber or silicone seals that are used to create a secure, airtight connection between the various parts of the hookah. They are typically used to seal the connections between the bowl, the hose, and the base of the hookah, and can help to prevent leaks and improve the flow of smoke. It's important to use the right size grommets for your hookah – if they are too small, they may not create a proper seal, while if they are too large, they may be difficult to install or remove.

Charcoal Burner

A charcoal burner is a tool used to light the charcoal for a hookah. There are two main types of charcoal burners: electric and manual. Electric burners use electricity to heat the charcoal, while manual burners use a fuel, such as alcohol or gel, to ignite the coals. Electric burners are convenient because they are easy to use and do not produce any fumes, but they can be expensive and may not be as efficient at lighting the charcoal as manual burners. Manual burners are typically more affordable and can be used anywhere, but they produce fumes and may be more time-consuming to use.

Charcoal Holder

A charcoal holder is a tool used to keep the burning coals in place during a hookah session. It is typically made of metal or ceramic and has a slotted or perforated surface that allows the coals to receive enough air to stay lit. A charcoal holder can be a useful accessory for preventing the coals from rolling off the bowl or falling into the base of the hookah.

HMD (Heat Management Device)

A heat management device is a tool used to regulate the temperature of the shisha during a hookah session. It sits between the bowl and the foil and helps to keep the heat evenly distributed and prevent the shisha from drying out or burning. Heat management devices come in a variety of styles, including vents, screens, and plates, and can be made of metal, ceramic, or silicone. Some people find that using a heat management device helps to improve the flavor and smoothness of the smoke, while others prefer the traditional method of using foil alone.

Hookah Cleaner

A hookah cleaner is a tool used to clean and maintain the various parts of the hookah, including the bowl, the hose, and the base. It is important to keep your hookah clean to prevent the buildup of germs and residues that can affect the taste and performance of the equipment. Hookah cleaners come in liquid and brush form and can be used to scrub away grime and stains from the various parts of the hookah.

Poker

A poker is a small, pointed tool used to poke holes in the foil or clear out clogs in the hose of a hookah. It can be made of metal or plastic and is typically used to create the small holes that allow the smoke to pass through the foil and into the bowl. A poker can be a useful accessory for ensuring that the smoke flows smoothly and evenly during a hookah session.

Molasses Catcher

A molasses catcher is a tool used to prevent excess molasses from dripping into the base of the hookah. It is typically a small, removable tray that sits beneath the bowl and catches any excess molasses that may escape during the smoking process. A molasses catcher can help to keep the base of the hookah clean and free of sticky residues, which can be difficult to remove.

Hookah Diffuser

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