Loading the Perfect Hookah Bowl

The single most important part of the hookah experience is the way you load the bowl. Here are a few easy ways to get the most out of your hookah...

We all know that there are tall hookahs, small hookahs, smoke enhancers, natural coals, quick lites, ice chambers... But the most important factor in serving up a quality smoke is how you load your hookah bowl, and choosing the right bowl for the type of shisha going in there. We're going to take you step by step through the process, and then outline the features and benefits of several different kinds of hookah bowls. Even if you've been doing this for years we hope that you can use this as a resource for training your lounge employees, educating your hookah customers, etc. Happy smoking!

                                                                                                                                                                                  

 There are many different kinds of bowls and ways to load them these days but let's go over a few of the most common. 

 

Standard Egyptian Clay Bowl

Being handmade in Egypt, the exact size and shape of each Egyptian clay bowl will vary a bit.  The standard in hookah for years, these bowls have provided lounges and consumers a consistent great smoke. 

 

1. Mix the Shisha to get an even amount of tobacco leaves, and Juice.

2. Use your fork, or hands to lightly place the shisha in the bowl.

3. Make sure it is evenly spread just below the rim.

4. With your poker, make sure at least most of the holes at the bottom of the bowl are clear
This will ensure you get a smooth smoke with minimal restriction.

5. Cover the bowl with foil. We like to use 2 layers of Heavy Duty foil
This will help keep the bowl from getting too hot too fast.

6. Make sure that foil is as tight as possible, if it tears, don't worry, you can always try again.

7. Next hold your foil tight and poke your holes. There isn't an exact number, just make sure they
are evenly spread out and find what works well for you.

8. When placing your coals on the bowl, set them to the side to start 
You can ease the coals more toward the center, or add more if you need more heat.

9. Be patient as the bowl heats up, taking long slow pulls will help get it going, or you can use a Hookah Starter Pro

10. Your hookah is ready to enjoy, or serve your customers. Happy Smoking!

 

Phunnel Hookah Bowl

Phunnel or Funnel bowls have been taking over the Hookah world. They come in all different sizes, shapes, and quality. Here is a quick rundown on how to load a basic inexpensive phunnel bowl.

 

1. Mix the Shisha to get an even amount of tobacco leaves, and Juice.

2. Use your fork, or hands to lightly place the shisha in the trench around the spire.

3. Lightly spread the shisha evenly till it is a bit below the rim.

4. Apply 2 layers of HD or Regular Foil. Make sure this is as TIGHT as you can

5. Poke holes over the shisha around the spire, we recommend the Foil Puncher make sure your holes are evenly spread out.

6. You can add a hole or 2 in the middle of the spire if you want a more open pull

7.  When placing your coals on the bowl, set them to the side to start 
You can ease the coals more toward the center, or add more if you need more heat.

8. Give it a bit of time, and you will be ready to rock!

 

Kaloud Vitria 2.0

You've decided to jump straight to the top of the Hookah Experience. The Kaloud Lotus and Kaloud Vitria 2.0 combo, my personal go to set up whether at the office, or relaxing at home.  Let's make sure you get the most out of this set up the easiest way possible

 

1. Mix the Shisha to get an even amount of tobacco leaves, and Juice.

2. Using your Shisha Fork lightly fill in the trench around the spire

3. Fill the bowl up to the ledge that the lotus will sit on, make sure its nice and loose so air can flow through it.

4. Set the lotus on the bowl. If it touches the Lotus a bit that is fine, but you don't want your lotus resting on the shisha.

5. Add your coals to the lotus, I like to use 2 CocoBrico Cube coals but you can find what works best for you.

6. Place the lid on but make sure to keep the vents at least partially open so the coals won't lose their heat

7. Be patient, it takes a little while to get heated up but the wait will be worth it

8. Once you know it is ready to go, I recommend removing the lid so the bowl will just sit at a great temperature 

9. You can add coals or the lid back on as needed to manage the heat easily while you enjoy your session.

 

 

 These are just a few ways we prepare and enjoy Hookah. Do you have a special way you pack you bowls? Let us know in the comments so we can give it a try too!