Hookah Pipes

Everything You Need to Know about Hookah

A hookah is commonly known as a water pipe. The concept involves the cooling of smoke by the water inside the hookah. Many people say that the cooling makes a smoother smoking experience. The practice has been popular in the Middle East since the 16th century but, more recently the practice has become popular all over the world. Now, hookah bars can be found in North America and in Europe. The thing about hookahs, which make them so popular, is that they are very social. Typically, hookahs are shared by two or more people in a social setting. The practice is said to be very relaxing with a hookah session lasting upwards to 30 minutes or more.

The Hookah

  1. Water – The stem of the hookah will be submerged in the water. Water can be flavored to change the flavor of the smoke when the hookah is in use.
  2. Aluminum foil – This is used to cover the tobacco bowl and to hold more heat in for an even burn of the tobacco. The heated coal is placed on the foil.
  3. Tobacco – Called shisha, this is a syrupy tobacco which is specially made for hookah smoking. It often comes flavored.
  4. Coal – This is the heat source that burns the tobacco.
  5. Hose – This is how the smoke is delivered.

Set Up Process

  1. Pack the bowl with tobacco making sure not to over pack it. You want to make sure you leave enough air space for heat to flow through the tobacco. Sprinkling the tobacco loosely to fill the bowl is the best choice for filling the tobacco.
  2. Foil the bowl by making sure the foil conforms to the actual shape of the bowl and then poke holes in the foil to allow the smoke to circulate.
  3. Fill the base with water according to manufacturer’s directions. If you are using flavored water, mix liquids as a 50/50 ratio with water to dilute. Fill high enough that a bubble forms in the base when the pipe is in use. The addition of ice to the water will cool the smoke nicely.
  4. Insert the stem into the base.
  5. Insert the stem and the ashtray on the stem.
  6. Put the grommet on top of the stem.
  7. Insert the bowl over the grommet.

Once you have set up your hookah, it is time to enjoy the experience. Once the coal is lit, the hookah will soon be ready to smoke. Make sure when your pipe is not in use that you cover the tip of the pipe to prevent smoke from freely flowing from the pipe into the face of others. As you become more comfortable with the practice of smoking a hookah pipe, experiment with different flavors of shisha and different flavors in the water. Enjoy the experience and take some time to enjoy your time with your friends.