Those who are creating big clouds from your hookah have obviously honed your skills, or are getting lucky. Anyone who tries a hookah, for the first or the nth time, would want to blow out those dense, milky, and heavy clouds, the ones that don’t just dissipate in the air, but settle down and gently wander away. Whether you are a beginner or a connoisseur, you have to bear in mind several quintessential measures that you must ensure to create big clouds from your hookah.

Big clouds can be created only when you have the ideal setup. The entire hookah matters, right from the bowl at the top to the base at the bottom. The hose matters too, so does the size of the stem. The charcoals are also integral to the whole process. The quality of shisha tobacco is also an influencing element. Let us now delve into how you should proceed towards creating big clouds from your hookah.

The Significance of Airflow

You cannot create big clouds if you have a hookah that restricts the airflow. To begin with, you need a bowl that has a sizeable funnel. The hole cannot be tiny. If you cannot have enough air flow down through the bowl, then the stem, onto the base, and finally up the hose, then you can never create big clouds. The clouds would come if there is enough air. Hence, the hookah model or its various physical attributes play a crucial role. Choose a hookah that allows enough air to pass through the funnel of the bowl, the stem, down shaft, the base, and the hose. The mouthpiece should also be sizeable. Do not opt for any component in a hookah including the hose and the mouthpiece that would stringently restrict airflow.

The Role of Heat

The charcoals warm up the shisha tobacco. The air is heated through convection, powered by the charcoals. The heated and flavorful air goes down through the stem, onto the base, and you draw it out as the smoke when you inhale. Since heat is the originator of the smoke, you must have enough of it. If you don’t have sufficient heat, the shisha flavor would not impart enough of its aroma or taste to the smoke being produced. If you have excessive heat, then the shisha tobacco would get burned. As a result, you would choke and have ashy smoke or vapor, instead of the flavorful experience you expect. You must also regulate the heat. Too many or few charcoals don’t work. You must realize when it is time to remove a burning charcoal, and when you must add a new one.

The Temperature of Water

During summers, or if you are in a relatively warmer region of the country, the water should be slightly cooler than room temperature. Room temperature works but not always. This should not be an issue in colder climates or during winters. However, heated rooms tend to warm the water in the base of a hookah. If the water in the base of your hookah is warm, or not slightly cool to touch and feel, then you would not get big, thick, heavy and dense clouds. Heat increases the volume of steam, but makes it lighter. Cold reduces the volume but increases density. So, if you want the dense, milky, heavy, and flavorful smoke, or vapor, then the water should be a little cooler than usual. You can use some ice for the water if you want. Also, do not use excessive water. More water would only increase the resistance, and hence serve as a restricting factor.

Tips from Experts

Overstuffing a bowl does not help in creating big clouds. You don’t need more tobacco for bigger clouds. You need more air in the system. You need more heat to transform more of the flavor trapped in the tobacco to enrich the air.

Inhaling too late or early has nothing to do with clouds. You must be patient. Wait till the charcoals have done their bit. Then inhale slowly but steadily, one sustained draw. Do not go for short puffs. Inhale for a few seconds, then gently exhale to watch phenomenal clouds blow out of your mouth.

Add or remove charcoals as and when you must manage heat. You can use the purge at some point in time if you want. Do not blow too heavily when you purge. This calls for short exhales. Last but what you must do to begin with, choose a room or place that is conducive for the big clouds. Extreme temperatures and turbulent outdoor or indoor conditions are not conducive for big clouds from your hookah.