Remark: Hookah is often called Hookah or Shisha in the world. These instructions are intended for beginners, explaining step by step how to properly set up, prepare and light a hookah.
Since few manufacturers provide a manual for their hookahs, we would like to help you out here. We will help you set up your hookah! Basically, individual hookahs from different manufacturers do not differ in terms of their specific structure.
Hookah components
A hookah consists of several key parts:
- Base (vase) – Water container
- Smoke stack – With a dip tube (also known as a water pipe, shaft or tower)
- Tobacco head (clay bowl)
- Hose – For pulling smoke
- Coal and ash tray
Step 1: filling the base (vase)
It is best to fill the base with plain water. For experimentation, you can mix water with other liquids, such as tea or milk, but be careful. Not every liquid is suitable, and only a small percentage of the aroma is absorbed through the water. If you use milk, we recommend a very small ratio (e.g. 1:4) as milk can create too much foam.
Tip: Only fill with enough water to submerge the smoke column by a maximum of 2 cm. You can measure the amount of water the first time (e.g. 750 ml) to make it easier to repeat the process next time.
If you put too much water, the smoke will be difficult to draw, and if there is too little, air or water may be drawn in.
Step 2: Inserting the smoke column into the glass vase
The smoke column should be carefully inserted into the glass vase so that the immersion tube is not immersed more than 2-3 cm in the water. Depending on the hookah model, the smoke column can be simply twisted, clicked or inserted into the vase. Tighten the thread lightly until it reaches the end. If you want to prevent the thread from sticking, lubricate it occasionally.
Note: First, make sure you have correctly assembled the lower part of the pole that goes into the water.
Step 3: Filling the head with tobacco
Take the tobacco and gently sprinkle it into the hookah head. Do not press it down, just spread it out gently. The head should be filled 2/3 full with tobacco, so that the smoke can pass through it without any problems.
Step 4: Installing aluminum foil or fireplace insert
Over the filled head, pull the aluminum foil and tighten it tightly around the edges of the head. It is best to fold the foil in two layers for a tighter fit.
If you are using a fireplace insert, aluminum foil is not necessary – just place the fireplace insert and press it lightly onto the head.
Step 5: Preparing the holes in the foil
Using a sharp object, such as a needle, poke a few small holes in the aluminum foil. Spread them evenly over the entire surface of the head. If you are using a fireplace attachment, you can skip this step.
Step 6: Lighting the coals
Self-igniting coal:
Take a piece of self-igniting charcoal and light it with a lighter. It is advisable to blow on it to speed up the process. When the charcoal is completely hot, place it on the head of the hookah.
Natural coal:
For natural charcoal, you will need an electric charcoal lighter or a gas stove. Place the charcoal on a heat source and wait for it to glow completely. Turn the charcoal occasionally for even burning. If you are using a fireplace insert, it is ideal to place 3 pieces of charcoal.
Enjoy your hookah!
Once you have everything prepared, your hookah is ready to enjoy. Relax and enjoy the smoke and flavors you have prepared!