The main question that many people ask, and which is sometimes even debated - How long does a hookah last?
Maybe not thousands of years, but you've probably asked yourself this question, especially if it's your first time smoking hookah or you're not sure exactly how long a session lasts. It's not an easy question to answer, but here are a few key factors that affect the duration of your hookah session.
Average session duration
If you want a simple answer, most sessions last about 45 minutes to an hour. However, the actual answer depends on a variety of factors. Some of these factors include:
- The type of container you use
- The hookah tobacco you have chosen
- Heat management during smoking
- Smokers' personal preferences
We will now explain in more detail how each of these factors can affect the duration of your session.
1. Choosing a bowl: Does size matter?
Yes, size matters! A smaller hookah bowl holds less tobacco, so your session will end faster. On the other hand, larger bowls allow you to smoke longer because they can hold more tobacco, which increases the duration.
In addition to size, the shape of the bowl also plays a significant role. There are different shapes of bowls, such as:
- Egyptian style - traditional bowls with several holes in the bottom that allow the aroma to drain faster, which can reduce the duration of the session.
- Vortex - has a raised central spike with holes around it, allowing for longer smoking as the aroma remains in the bowl.
- Phunnel - similar to the Vortex, but with one large hole at the top, which also prevents juices from dripping into the base, extending the duration of the session.
2. Hookah tobacco: How does the type of tobacco affect the duration?
Hookah tobacco also has a significant impact on how long your session lasts. The main thing to pay attention to is the juice content and type of tobacco.
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Juice content: Tobacco that contains more juice (like honey, molasses, or glycerin) will allow for a longer session because these ingredients heat up and turn into smoke, which increases the volume of the smoke. However, too much juice can cause burning and bad taste, so it’s important to find a balance.
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Light vs. dark tobacco: Light tobacco usually lasts shorter because it is less heat-resistant. On the other hand, dark tobacco is more heat-sensitive, but can last longer because it retains aroma and smoke better. Additionally, dark tobacco usually requires a "tight pack," while light tobacco is better left "fluffy," with more room for air to pass through.
3. Heat management: A key factor for session duration
Heat management is perhaps the most important factor that affects the duration of your hookah session. This includes the choice of coal and how you use it.
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Self-igniting charcoal burns faster, while natural charcoal lasts longer because it emits more heat and burns more slowly.
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Too much charcoal can speed up the burning of the tobacco, reducing the duration and quality of the flavor, while too little charcoal can slow down the smoking process, but with a poor flavor and weak smoke.
For best results, balance the amount of charcoal and use heat management devices (HMDs) that distribute heat evenly, extending the duration of the session and improving the flavor.
4. Personal preferences
Every person has their own unique preferences when it comes to smoking hookah. Some like quick sessions, while others enjoy long marathons. This means that the length of a session will vary depending on how much heat you want, how much tobacco you use, and how much charcoal you put in.