What a heat management device is supposed to do is quite obvious. The naming itself makes it evident that the device is designed to manage heat for your hookah. Let us talk about how exactly a heat management device works, the different features it may have, and whether or not it is something you should consider investing in.

Introduction to HMD

A heat management device, or HMD, is an accessory for your hookah. One may or may not consider it to be essential, largely depending on how well their sessions are panning out at this stage. Those who have problems with their hookah charcoals, the hookah itself, or a setting that may not be conducive for a perfect smoking experience, should consider the utility of a heat management device.

Simply put, a heat management device is an apparatus that enables you to regulate the degree of hotness. Such a device usually makes it simpler to deal with charcoals, including the ash. The better designs play an important role in preventing local conditions, such as wind or breeze, from affecting your session. A heat management device also has a substantial impact on the quality of smoke, including flavor, texture, and aroma.

Features of a Heat Management Device

There are two types of heat management device available right now. One variant is compatible with the foil that most people use. The other variant does not necessitate the use of a foil. In fact, the second variant works directly in conjunction with the hookah bowl.

Several companies make heat management devices these days, so there are many designs with similar and dissimilar features. The basic features of a heat management device include an enclosure with vents, perforations and ridges at the base, a lid to manage the airflow, a handle or grip for the piece, and in some cases a thermometer.

Heat management devices that are compatible with foil would be placed atop a covered and wrapped bowl. The foil will have its holes. The charcoals would be placed inside the heat management device. The perforations at the bottom or base of the device will let the hot air pass through, which will further go down through the holes in the foil and heat the shisha flavor.

HMDs that do not need a foil are installed directly atop a bowl. The remaining functionality is more or less similar. However, it is essential choose a device that fits onto the bowl one has. The diameter of the bowl should be in the range that can be encapsulated by the HMD.

Functions of a Heat Management Device

The primary function of a heat management device is to keep the warmth concentrated in a small space, directed towards the bowl and the shisha tobacco in it. Heat has a tendency to dissipate. If you have open charcoals atop a foil, then heat would be transmitted in all directions. Not all of the heat generated by the charcoals is being transferred down to the bowl. This leads to a waste of heat, and that of charcoals.

A heat management device also reduces and can completely thwart influence of air, breeze, or wind. Airflow can transfer heat generated by charcoals away from the bowl, foil, and the entire hookah setup. It is imperative to use a heat management device in a windy setting. The source of the breeze could very well be the fan during summers.

There are other functions of a heat management device, none of which can be dismissed as insignificant. Contemporary HMDs have ridges at the base. These ridges allow the charcoals to be a little raised and distant from the foil or shisha tobacco in the bowl. This prevents charcoal blackout and the little gap allows more air to be heated. The separation also prevents charcoal ash from interfering with the tobacco. The result is more flavorful smoke out of your hookah.

A heat management device with a thermometer offers precise measurement. A spike in the reading can help a smoker to open the lid so the vents can let more air in and heat out. A dip in the reading can enable a smoker to close the lid, or add another charcoal.

Tips to Find the Right Heat Management Device

Check if a heat management device is compatible with your bowl, whether it is a funnel design or others. Check charcoal compatibility, given the size and shape you have or prefer to use. Ensure adequate ridges and holes or perforations at the base, sufficient vents around or at the top, a reliable lid, and a sturdy construction, in your HMD.