Setting Up Your Hookah

Most hookahs come in 4-7 parts which are easily assembled without the need for tools.

1. The base(usually the glass bottom)

2. The Stem(which is the metal pipe, usually ornately decorated)

3. The Hose

4. Ash Tray(small round metal disc)

5. Bowl(clay or ceramic container into which shisha is placed)

The general steps for setting up a hookah are as follows

Place bowl on a clean sturdy surface. Next, place the stem into the bowl and either fasten by screwing the stem clockwise(for rotating hookahs only) or secure the stem into the base with the aide of the included rubber grommet, ensure that a seal is formed and the stem is fastened tightly. Once the base is connected  prepare the hose and bowl grommets by fixing them to their respective locations at the top of the stem and in the hose hole. Next place the ashtray over the stem so it rests gently on the lip of the stems apex. Attach the hose and the prepared bowl to their respective positions. Your hookah is now assembled. Read instructions on preparing the hookah for smoking below.

 

Smoking Your Hookah

Like all forms of smoking heating is required which poses a hazard if not handled with care and vigilance. Setting up your hookah for smoking is a process which requires care and patience. The first step to prepare your hookah is to prepare the base.

 

Preparing the Base

To prepare the base of the hookah for smoking simply separate the stem from the base and fill it with tap water 2/3 full then replace the stem.

Preparing the Bowl

Although the amount of shisha you want to smoke is entirely up to you it is a good idea to place at least enough to cover the inside of the bowl. The shisha should  be loosely packed so that air can still pass  through the top and through the holes in the bowl itself. Once the shisha is packed place a small sheet of aluminum foil(pre cute pieces recommended) or an aluminum charcoal cover.  At this point you should secure the bowl to the top of the stem securely. Now poke several(10-15) small holes in the top of the aluminum foil where the coals will be placed.

Setting up Coal

The next step varies depending on which type of coal you have either Self-Light (Rolland) or the Sustained Heat Lighting Coals(ViVi Coal) which need to be heated for a much longer period of time. Either coal needs to be lit with a lighter or atop aluminum foil on a stove, watch coals carefully during the lighting phase as soon as they become lit place them on top of the foil.

The Smoke

To get started smoking the hookah take several short strong breaths from the mouth end of the hose. Like smoking any other shisha products you have the choice weather or not to inhale the smoke into your lungs or keep it in your mouth both of which are considered smoking.