What to Look for When Buying Hookah!

This post is based on Guide for buying a Hookah, where to look for, which type of hookah is right for you, what parts you should watch for, the function of each part so that you won't miss anything when buying a quality Hookah.

Where to Buy a Hookah!

The best place for buying a hookah is watch for smoke shop. The smoke shop are easily to found in the vicinity of Hookah Bars or Lounges.Even some bars have their own smoke shops where you can find hookah and hookah supplies. So, if you have a Hookah Bar in your area there are chances that you will find the smoke shop as well. If not, then checkout our collection of Hookahs.

Fin a Smoke shop in vicinity of any Hookah Bar

Which Hookah Suits You!

You will find many sort of hookahs in the smoke shop or in any online market. There are variations in sizes, color, shapes and prices. Find out which suits you best, but if its your first time buying a hookah consider buying a 12-18 inch hookahs. As this size is neither small so that you cannot invite your friends over for a smoke nor it is large enough that you cannot take it to any other place like your friends's home.They usually ranges from 30$ to 100$ , depends upon the size and gadgets.

Choose the hookah which suits you

Second thing is if you are interested in single hose hookah or multiple hose hookah. A double hose hookah comes with 2 hoses attachment, so that 2 people can smoke at a same time without switching the hose. The multiple hose hookahs or flashy hookahs are expensive and they also jack the price from 30$ to 50$ but they worth it, when you are smoking with friends. But if you are a first timer than go for the simple sleek design.

Look for the Following When Buying the Hookah for First Time!

Always make sure when buy a hookah you receive all the parts. As sometimes people have no knowledge what are they buying so the miss some of the parts and as a result smoke shop often rips them off by not providing them all the necessary components.

Water Jar or Base

Water jar also known as the vase or base of hookah, sits under the body of hookah. The body of hookah rests on the water jar. The stem of the body hangs below water level in jar. Smoke comes from the body, and bubbles through the water, which causes the smoke to cooled down and humidify . Fruit juices can also be added instead of water, some other additions are fruit pieces, mint leaves and crushed ice.

Decorated Water Bases for Hookahs

The Downstem

Downstem is one of the important components of hookah, which is attached with the gasket's bottom and it brings the smoke into the water.

Sahara Downstem

The Gasket (Air Valves)

Gasket is the component of hookah where all the components meet. There are 2 valves attached to the gasket : to the left air valve where hose is attached, and on the left is purge valve which sole purpose is to draw out the stale smoke in the base.

Gasket with air port and purge valve.

Purge Valve

Purge valves are a new addition to hookahs which are usually connected to water jar. The main purpose of purge valve is to purge the smoke in the jar which has been sitting in the jar for longer periods. It only operated when a positive pressure is applied in form of blowing into hose.

The Shaft

The shaft of the hookah rests between the gasket and the head. Shafts comes in many variations, it can be simple as straight thin tube or decorative ones. There is a disc at the top of shaft which serves as a stabilizer for the tray, but usually it is not included.

A typical shaft 

Plate or Tray

Plate is placed below the bowl to catch the ash falling from the charcoals. Also it serves as a place where charcoals are put for cleaning of ash lodged during smoking session.

A hookah tray with tray holder.

Top Screw

Top screw fits one the top of shaft when the tray has been placed. It serves to stabilize the tray and makes a secure seal for the bowl.

Top screw for stabilizing the tray

Hookah Bowl

The bowl is usually made up of clay, glass or marble, and it's called head of the hookah. It's a container that holds the loaded tobacco and charcoal separated by perforated aluminium foil during smoking.The burning charcoals are placed at the top, which heats the tobacco and creates the smoke.In recent years a lot variations has come in the shape and design of hookah bowls which keeps juices in tobacco form from running down in the stem tube. Sahara smoke bowls and Tangiers Phunnel bowls have great popularity among them.

Tangiers Phunnel Bowl

Hose

There are one or two hoses in a hookah, which is a flexible tube and it allows smoke to be drawn from a distance. Meanwhile, it allows the cooling down of smoke before it gets inhaled.

Pezon Hookah Hose

Grommets

Grommets rests between the body and bowl of hookah, body gasket and water jar, body and hose. Their main function is to seal the joints between body parts properly. In order to minimize the chances of escape of smoke from the joints, and entry of air inside hookah.

Grommets

The Tongs

They are used to move the burning charcoals when they are lit as well as in the mixing of tobacco. There is always a skewer at the back side of tongs which is used for mixing of tobacco when it is placed in the bowl.

Decorative Hookah tongs