How To Set Up a Hookah

Posted by Anne E.Tyner on November 8th, 2022

For anyone new to hookah, setting up your hookah can be intimidating. Hookahs are supposed to be big, impressive, and complicated machines! However, this couldn’t be farther from the truth! If you know what you’re doing, setting up your hookah can actually be quite simple. If you don’t have someone to show you how to set up your hookah or if you’re just looking for a little bit of guidance, check out our quick and easy guide on how to set up a hookah!

Gather your supplies

1. Gather your supplies for hookah setup 

2. Add ice to the base of the glass container 

3. Fill the shisha bowl with your favorite flavor of steam stones

4. Place the coal on top of the bowl and light it using your butane torch lighter 

5. Wait for about two minutes until you see smoke coming from your coal before placing it on top of the shisha bowl 

6. Take a dry towel and cover the top of your hookah stem to create an airtight seal to prevent water from seeping in when you inhale

Choose your flavor

There are many flavors of hookah steam stones that range from fruity to minty, with plenty of varieties in between. Whether you’re looking for something light and refreshing or more intense, there’s a flavor for everyone. Steaming stones can be used to flavor the tobacco in your hookah as well. Here is how to set up a hookah

Prepare the hookah

Preparing the hookah is not difficult, but there are few steps to ensure you have a quality experience. First, make sure your tray has water in it so that the coals won't burn the table or whatever surface you place it on. Next, insert the coals into the tray and light them with a lighter or long match. Let them sit for about 10-15 seconds so they can get hot enough to create smoke. Finally, place one of the included tongs on top of one of the coals and use that to light up your bowl. You want to hold the tongs in such a way as if you were picking up an egg from an egg carton: carefully but firmly grasping it by both edges between your thumb and forefinger.

Light the charcoal

Light the charcoal. Charcoal is the fuel for your hookah and it's typically what will give you the flavor for your smoke. There are two types of charcoal that you can use, coconut and quick light. Coconut charcoal is made from compressed coconut shells. It has a less intense heat and produces more smoke than quick light.

Put the steam stones in the bowl

Place the steam stones in the bowl of the hookah and light the coals. Be careful not to hold the lighter too close as it will ignite the coals and cause them to burn more quickly. The hookah should be left to heat up for 10-15 minutes before smoking begins. It is also important to ensure that there are plenty of water in the hookah, as this ensures a smooth smoke.

Cover with foil

#1. Cover the bowl with foil. You can even poke holes in it with a fork to maximize airflow and heat retention.

#2. Fill the center of the bowl with steam stones, top it with foil, and then use tongs to light it on fire and let it smolder for 2-3 minutes.

#3. Uncover the foil, cover again with foil, and then use tongs to light again on fire and smoke for another 2-3 minutes or so. You should be able to gauge how much you need based on taste preferences by smoking for less time if you like your hookah less strong or smoking for longer if you like your hookah more strong.

Put the coals on top

Some people will put the coals on top of the vase and some might want to put the coals under the vase. It is personal preference as to what you want to do but I prefer it on top. Coals on top allows for easier hookah setup because the hookah smoke can escape easily up through the coals instead of being blocked by them.

Smoke and enjoy!

Setting up your hookah is a fun and relaxing way to enjoy steam stones smoke.

 First, you will need a hookah pipe. It comes in many different styles, so choose one that suits your tastes and preferences. After choosing your hookah pipe, you’ll need to fill it with water and position it on an appropriate platform for smoking (called a base). The base can be something as simple as an upturned cup or bowl or anything more elaborate—the base may even sit on top of three small legs, like a tripod. Once you’ve added ice to cool down your steam stones smoke experience and positioned your pipe correctly, add some steam stones to your bowl using tongs. 

Visit the website (https://www.hookah-filters.com/) for hookah setup material, for steam stones and the best hookah filters.