Undoubtedly, it is thrilling to step into the realm of hookah, but like any new hobby, you have to learn it first. Before submitting yourself completely to hookah smoking, invest some time to figure out how to use it, as well as learn thoroughly about numerous elements of hookah and its mechanisms.

Identify the Different Components of Your Hookah

• Hookah Bowl. It is a bowl generally made of clay or ceramic that contains shisha tobacco for smoking.
• Hookah Bowl Stem. It is that section of the stem that links with the bowl.
• Ash Catcher or Coal Tray. It is a tray placed beneath the bowl that catches the flying ashes and also helps to keep the heated coals.
• Hookah Stem. It links the hookah base, the bowl, and the hose together.
• Stem Heart. A wide part of the hookah stem attaches to the hookah base and features a purge valve and hose port.
• Hose Adaptor/Port. It is that portion where the hose pipe goes in.
• Purge Valve. Also known as a release valve. When blown into the hose, it lets the smoke escape from the hookah base.
• Ball Bearing. It prevents air from being sucked via the value when inhaling.
• Downstem. It is that section of the stem that remains immersed in water.
• Diffuser. It breaks down the bubbles, providing a calmer smoking experience.
• Hookah Base. It contains water to filter the smoke.
• Hose Connecter. The hose section that links into the port is the hose connector.
• Hose. It is the extended flexible tube of the hose.
• Handle. The other tip of the hose, featuring the mouthpiece.

Heating Up Your Hookah

Once you've picked up the hookah elements, let's discuss what supplies you'll need to fuel up your shisha bowl. Below, there are two standard heating techniques.

Method 1: Classic Foil-Covered Hookah Bowl.

Pack the bowl with the shisha of your choice. Then, wrap aluminum foil firmly around it and puncture small holes in it for air circulation. Finally, place the heated charcoal right on top.

Method 2: Bowl with HMD.

Use an HMD, or Heat Management Device to prepare your hookah bowl in place of the traditional foil. HMDs fit straight on top of the hookah bowl, prolonging the life of heated charcoals by guarding them from wind.

Get the Suction Set

Air can leak from connecting sections, reducing the optimal heating of tobacco and smoke draw. Therefore, achieving airtight suction is essential for effective hookah performance. You can use grommets or rubber rings at crucial connections to provide airtight seals between the bowl and stem, stem and base, and at the hose connector. Keep a stock of extra grommets handy for replacements. Maintain an ideal water level in the base, ensuring half to one inch of downstem remains submerged below the waterline.

How Does Hookah Operate?

The hookah operates by producing suction once you inhale via the hookah hose, which draws air across heated hookah charcoals. This uniform compression warms the shisha, causing smoke to flow down the stem, via water, and into the water-filled base for inhalation. Then you get to inhale it through the hose.

How to Use Your Hookah Like a Pro?

Assemble

• Separate all the hookah parts and clean them prior to setting them up.
• Pour cool or room-temperature water into the base. Attach the hookah stem to it.

Setup

• Put the ash catcher over the stem.
• Plug the hose pipe into the hose port.

Set up the Hookah Bowl

• Load the hookah bowl with your chosen tobacco (preferably using the fluff packing method), but make sure to keep it just below the edge.
• Decide between a classic foil-covered bowl set up and an HMD (Heat Management Device) for adding heat.
• If you are opting for the classic foil-covered bowl, poke some small holes on top of it to facilitate even air and heat circulation.

Final steps

• Set the bowl on top of the shaft.
• Review everything, then start heating around four pieces of hookah charcoal on an electric burner. Roll them over in between to ensure uniform heat from all sides. Once they are glowing red, it means they are ready.
• Use tongs to position the hot coals evenly across the bowl.
• Take a few draws to speed up the shisha heating phase. Then give it a few more minutes to warm up thoroughly. After that, your hookah is all set for an exciting session.

Conclusion: Setup Pro Tips

Air-tight joints are a prerequisite for a hookah to work effectively. Any air leakage can interfere with its performance. Add rubber grommets to secure the seals between the stem and base, the stem and bowl, and the hose connector and hose. The ball bearing in the purge valve is irreplaceable, so ensure it remains undamaged. Keep the suitable water level, with the downstem immersed half to one inch.

With our expert advice, you've achieved recognition as a skilled hookah smoker. Assemble your hookah, prepare your bowl, heat your coals, and start blowing some giant smoke clouds!