Smoking hookah happens to be captivating; however, like any other hobby, you need to master the art of using hookah. Before you start indulging in shisha smoking, take some time to get acquainted with different hookah parts, understand how they operate, and learn to use them.

Familiarizing with Your Hookah Structure

Let us quickly recognize the different components of the hookah and how they perform.

• Hookah Bowl: It contains the shisha.
• Hookah Bowl Stem: It is the section of hookah stem that connects to the bowl.
• Ash Tray: It holds the ignited charcoal and catches the flying ashes.
• Hookah Stem: It is the hookah component that links the base with the hose and bowl.
• Hookah Stem Heart: It is the broad portion of the hookah stem that links to the base and features a release valve and hose port.
• Hose Adaptor: It is where the hose is put in and is also called the Hose Port.
• Purge/Release Valve: When you blow into the hose, it releases smoke from the hookah base.
• Diffuser: It breaks down the bubbles, providing calmer sessions.
• Ball Bearing: As you inhale, it prevents the air from escaping through the valve.
• Hookah Base: Contains water that filters the smoke before releasing it.
• Downstem: Section of hookah stem that remains immersed in the water.
• Hose: The long, pliable length of the hose.
• Hose Handle: It is the section of hose featuring a mouthpiece.
• Hose Port: Section of the hose that attaches to the hose connector.

Adding Heat to Your Hookah

Now that you have comprehended different parts of the hookah anatomy, let us focus on adding heat to your hookah bowl. There are two means of heating. Depending on your personal preference, you can pick which one is ideal for you.

Method 1. It is the traditional approach to heat your shisha-packed bowl by wrapping an aluminum foil tightly around it. You poke multiple holes at even gaps on it to facilitate airflow. You can also use pre-poke foil products. Place the evenly heated hookah charcoal on its top (towards the edges). 

Method 2. It is an innovative approach to heating your bowl using a HMD, or Heat Management Device in place of aluminum foil. It is placed simply on the hookah bowl packed with hookah tobacco, and then the heated charcoals are placed inside it. The device is meant to protect the chacoals from wind and air drafts and improve the session duration.

Apart from the hookah charcoal, tobacco, aluminum foil, or HMD (depending on the heating method), you will require other accessories like an electric charcoal burner to light up the coals, a pair of tongs to safely handle the heated coals, and a foil poker to make holes in the foil.

Let’s Set It Up

The secret to a seamlessly performing hookah is having secure connections between different hookah segments. Otherwise, the shisha tobacco will not heat thoroughly. Furthermore, there will be reduced pressure in the hookah, discouraging the smoke from flowing through. As a result, the hookah will not function properly. 

Grommet. You can use grommets or rubber rings to support the links and make them airtight. Generally, there are three grommets in a hookah.

• Base Grommet. Placed between the hookah stem and base.
• Hose Grommet. Placed between the hose port and hose connector.
• Bowl Grommet. Placed between the bowl stem and the bowl.

Bonus Tip: Never replace the grommet with a paper towel. They do not provide as effective air-tight connections as the grommets do. Hence, keep extra grommets handy in case you require a replacement for a damaged or lost grommet.

Ball Bearing. If the ball bearing goes missing from the release valve, the grip will be compromised, and thus the hookah will fail to operate.

Level of Water in the Base. Ideally, the water level should be half to one inch above the end of the downstem. If the level of water is either low or high, you are likely to experience issues with the suction. 

How Does a Hookah Function?

The ignited charcoal is put either directly on the aluminum foil-wrapped bowl or inside a HMD that sits on the shisha-packed bowl. As you take a drag through the hose, suction forces air to pass through the heated coals, cooking the shisha, creating smoke. It moves down through the hookah stem, past the water, filling the base, where it gets cooled. Then you can inhale it through the hose!

Art of Using Hookah: A Step-Wise Guide

If it is too extensive and confusing, here is a short, step-by-step guide for using your hookah effortlessly.

1. Disconnect the hookah base and the hookah stem. Some hookahs have screwable hookah stems, while others are linked using rubber grommets. In the latter case, you need to rotate and pull to detach them. If stuck, try adding some water to it.
2. As per your preference, add normal or cold water to your hookah base, ensuring that the lower end of your hookah stem remains approximately one inch under the water. Secure the stem to the base with a grommet, ensuring it is an airtight seal. Similarly, connect the hose and put the coal tray on top of the hookah stem.
3. It's time to pack your hookah bowl with your favorite hookah tobacco. You can refer to your hookah bowl packing guide for detailed assistance. Now, put your prepared bowl on top of the hookah stem, sealing the connection using a grommet.
4. Recheck that all the connections are airtight between the bowl, stem, base, and hose.
5. Heat three to four pieces of hookah charcoal until they turn red-hot. Use tongs to put them in a regular space around the edge of the bowl for uniform heat distribution. Take a few pulls, and you are all set. 

Well done! Now that you have finished learning the art, you are authorized to indulge in a captivating smoking session right away. Keep this blog handy, just in case you need a quick revision in the future. For any help getting a new hookah or replacing a part, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Amy Deluxe. 

Happy Smoking!