Hookah Blog

Getting into hookah can be exciting. But just like any other new pastime, there’s a learning curve in knowing how to use a hookah. Before you really dive into the world of hookah smoking, let’s set aside this time to not only understand how to use a hookah but also to familiarize yourself with what all of the different parts do and how a hookah works.

KNOW YOUR HOOKAH ANATOMY.

First, let’s begin by identifying all the different parts of the hookah and its basic function.

• Bowl – Holds the tobacco.
• Bowl Stem – The part of the stem that attaches to the bowl.
• Coal Tray – A resting place for lit coals and also catches fallen ash.
• Stem – Connects the bowl, base, and hose together
• Stem Heart – Bulky section of the stem that connects to the base. Includes the hose port and release valve.
• Hose Port – Also called Hose Adaptor. Where the hose is inserted.
• Release/Purge Valve – Releases smoke from the base when the hose is blown into.
• Ball Bearing – Blocks air from being drawn through the value while inhaling.
• Downstem – Part of the stem that is submersed in water.
• Diffuser – Breaks up bubbles for a quieter smoking session.
• Base – Holds the water.
• Hose Connector – Part of the hose that connects into the hose port.
• Hose – The long flexible body of the hose.
• Hose Handle – The mouthpiece of the hose.

BRINGING ON THE HEAT.

Now that you got your hookah parts down to a science, let’s take a look at the tools needed in order to heat up your bowl. Here, there are two common methods. Which is better? Well, it’s just preference.

1. Foil Covered Hookah Bowl The first method of heating up a hookah involves the use of a foil-covered bowl. This is also considered the traditional method.

What you need:

• Aluminum Foil – Tightly wrapped around the bowl and poked with plenty of small holes on top for airflow. Some foil products for hookah come pre-poked.
• Charcoal – Rests directly on top of the foil
• Tobacco – Inside the bowl.

2. Hookah Bowl using a Heat Management Device (HMD) The second way you can heat up your hookah bowl is by using an HMD. HMDs are a recent innovation that replaces the need for foil. The design of such devices also helps extend the duration of your charcoal by protecting them from air draft and wind.

What you need:

• HMD – Sits directly on top of the bowl, no need for foil. Certain bowls are designed to work with HMDs.
• Charcoal – Placed inside the HMD.
• Tobacco – Inside the bowl.

There are other useful accessories you’ll need when preparing your hookah for coals. These include:

• Charcoal Burner – Electric burner used to light coals
• Hookah Tongs – Used to safely move lit coals. A must-have!
• Foil Poker – Specialty tool to poke precise holes in the foil.

READY. SET. SUCTION.

A key detail for a properly functioning hookah is the importance of having air-tight suction. If there are any air leaks in one or more of your connecting hookah parts, your tobacco will not be sufficiently heated, and there will not be enough pressurized air to draw smoke from. In other words, without proper suction, your hookah won’t function!

Making connections air-tight with Grommets:Grommets are rubber rings used to strengthen connections and create air-tight seals between connecting parts. There are typically 3 grommets on a hookah.

• Bowl Grommet – Seal the connection between the bowl and bowl stem.
• Base Grommet – Seals the connection between the stem and base.
• Hose Grommet – Seals the connection between the hose connector and hose port.

PRO-TIP: No paper towels, your hookah deserves better. Wrapping wet paper towels between connecting parts will not give the same air-tight connectivity throughout your session as a grommet. Always keep spare grommets handy in case a worn-out grommet needs a replacement or if one is somehow lost.

• Ball Bearing – If your ball bearing is missing from inside the Release Valve, it will weaken suction. The hookah will not work.
• Water Level – If the water level is below or too high above the downstem, you’ll experience problems with suction. Ideally, the downstem is submersed ½ inch to 1 inch below the waterline.

SO HOW DOES A HOOKAH WORK?

Heated charcoal is placed on either a piece of aluminum foil or a Heat Management Device (HMD), covering the tobacco in the bowl. When you inhale through the hose, a suction forces air past the coal, heating the tobacco underneath which in turn produces smoke. The smoke travels down the stem, passes through the water, and the now cooled smoke fills the base. From there, it is drawn through the hose and inhaled - You’re smoking hookah!

HOW TO USE A HOOKAH. STEP-BY-STEP.

And that’s it! In case that was a lot to digest, let’s review and walk through the steps one more time:

Congratulations! You have now reached the end of today’s course and are now a certified operator of a hookah. We’ll just leave this blog here in case you ever need anything refreshed.