A hookah also known as shisha or waterpipe is a device used for heating or vaporizing and then smoking tobacco, flavored tobacco (often mu’assel) and sometimes cannabis, hashish, or opium. The smoke is passed through a water basin, often made of glass, before inhalation.
1. Setting up the Pipe for Hookah
Cleaning: Before using the hookah for the first time and whenever it gets dirty wash it with water and a soft brush. First disconnect all parts and wash each one except for the hoses. After washing wipe it dry with a towel and let it air dry before using it again. Cleaning whenever you see residue on the vase or when the smoke doesn’t taste right is recommended.
Pour cold water: Remember to fill the large glass container at the base of the hookah with enough water to cover 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the metal stem or slightly more. It’s important to leave space for air to dilute the smoke and make it easy to draw on the hose. If you have a mini hookah you may only be able to cover ½ inch (1.25 cm) of the stem to leave room for air and avoid soaking the hoses. Most smokers believe that the water in the vase filter out nicotine and other chemicals which is not the case.
Inserting the Hookah shaft: Lower the shaft into the base so that the stem enters the water. There should be a silicone or rubber piece that fits around the top of the base to make it airtight. If the fit isn’t airtight the smoke will be thin and difficult to inhale. If the rubber piece won’t fit wetting it with a little water or a drop of dish soap is recommended.
Connect the hoses: The hoses should fit snugly into the holes on the side of the shaft. Just like the base these holes should create an airtight seal. Some hookahs automatically seal the hole if there is no hose attached. On other models you’ll need to attach all the hoses even if you’re smoking alone. Before connecting double-check your water levels. If the water levels are too close to your hose connections, the water could damage your hoses.
Checking the airflow: Place your hand on top of the hookah stem to block air from entering the hookah. Then try to inhale through a hose. If you can get any air it means that one of the connections is not airtight. Check all the connections for tight fits and rubber or silicone seals.
Placing the metal tray on top: Placing this tray on top of the hookah will help catch ashes, hot coal and excess tobacco if they fall.
2. Placing Shisha and Smoking the Hookah
Stir the Mu‘assel or Shisha: Shisha is molasses-based tobacco product heated in a hookah. The liquids that are in the packaging add flavor and thick smoke. These liquids tend to settle to the bottom, so give it a quick stir to spread them around.
Break up the Mu’assel or Shisha: Fluff up the shisha and drop it into the bowl. Press down firmly to create a flat layer without compacting the tobacco. It must remain loose so that air can flow through easily. Fill the bowl almost to the top but make sure to leave at least 2mm (3/32 inches) of space above the tobacco to prevent it from burning.
Cover with aluminium foil: place a small piece of aluminium foil over the bowl, stretching it taut. Crimp it around the edges to secure and place it on top of the hookah.
Poke several little holes through the foil: To improve air flow take a toothpick or paper clip and create 12-15 holes through the foil surface. You can check the air flow by drawing on the hose while doing this. If you encounter difficulty in pulling air add more holes to the foil.
Lighting Coals: Hold the Quick light coals with tongs over a non-flammable area. Use a lighter or match to ignite it. Wait until it stops smoking then wait for 10-30 seconds until it is covered in light gray ash and glowing orange. These items are convenient but they produce a worse and shorter smoke. Some people even experience headaches from smoking them.
If you are using Natural Coals heat it directly in a stove flame or on an electric burner but never where ash could fall into the gas line or on a glass stove. The coal is ready once glowing orange, usually after 8–12 minutes.
Place the coal on top of the foil: Arrange the coals evenly around the edge of the foil or slightly overhanging the edge. A common mistake is to pile the coals in the center which can easily char the shisha and create harsh, short-lived smoke. Many smokers prefer to let the shisha warm up for 3-5 minutes before they start smoking. This allows for gentle breaths while enhancing the flavor.
Inhale: Once the bowl is warm or right away if you’re impatient inhale through one of the hoses. Your breath pulls air past the coals causing them to heat up. If you pull too hard the air will get hot enough to char the shisha and you’ll cough from inhaling bad-tasting smoke.
People also read about: Hookah In Ocean City