Last year I spent $1000 to choose the best hookah on the market, and I found that there are a lot of awful products which can make one thing: pain with losing money.
So I made this guide to help you to buy the right hookah and don’t waste your time and money 😉
NAVIGATE OUR TOP BEST 5 HOOKAHS
What is the Best Hookah (Shisha) to buy on the market in 2020?
1. Khalil Mamoon – Best Hookah Brand
Khalil Mamoon is a popular brand. ThisEgyptian Amoun is a mini nargileh shisha. It has a beautiful Khalil Mamoon vase. The set comes with an authentic bowl, ashtray, and a big hose.
The set also comes with a pair of tongs that are extra strong and durable. It is made of copper with massive rod shafts.
The bottom is made of a glass base that keeps the hookah sturdy. The size is large enough to hold tobacco for long hours of smoking so that you can enjoy the experience more.
You enjoy this hookah because of…
The hookah allows the tobacco to burn slowly, which makes for longer smoking sessions and greater enjoyment. The smoke is good, producing beautiful clouds. Wouldn’t it be nice to impress a girl?
The pull and the smoke itself are smooth; hence, you’ll not feel stress on your chest.
Long Hose for Long Sessions!
The hose is long enough for ease of use without worrying about knocking the hookah over when passing it around. The length is also just enough to allow some movement without coiling or getting in the way as you smoke.
All the parts are hand-crafted and hand-painted to produce its exquisite design. Old world artistry is used in creating this outstanding hookah.
Khalil Mamoon hookahs can be configured by changing the hose and the vase. There are many designs available from Khalil Mamoon range of products.
Recommendation:
If you are into doing group sessions, this one’s highly recommended, but this is not for beginners.
This is more of an investment piece and not as a one-time-only use or a trial set. The Khalil Mamoon hookahs are built to last. This is best for those who are serious about hookah life.
- Excellent customer service
- Exquisite, old world artistry
- Great smoke
- Hose color may not match the entire set up (can change the hose but will have to buy separately)
2. Tianyuan Glass Hookah – Best Colorful Hookah
Tianyuan is a Chinese company that has become internationally known for producing high-grade glass pipes and tubing. Their line of hookahs is constantly changing, having new styles and colors constantly being added to their lineup.
This 14-inch product, referred to as the All Glass Hookah offers a travel-friendly package and body that’s easy to carry around and store when not in use.
A Travel Case to take With You on the Go
The first thing you’ll notice is the case itself, and it’s exterior having a carrying handle and two small combination locks placed on the latches. When you set it, simply turn the square-shaped knobs to open. Seven individual foam slots encase all glass pieces, with the tube held down on the lid by Velcro straps. Setup is a breeze and involves placing the bowl and tube over the larger glass housing. The LED light fixture should go at the bottom.
Set Your Mood with the Remote-Controlled LED Display
As you fill-up the hookah with water and get ready to smoke, dim the lights and activate the LED by pressing the remote control’s “on” button. Illumination is bright enough to make a small room visible and sets a mood that’s comparable to being in a hookah bar.
And don’t be afraid to move it around; the short height helps to avoid accidental brushing, so there’s no need to find an awkward space for you to smoke. The base is very thick and makes up the widest point on the glass itself, with no wobbling or slanting.
Where Things Could Improve
If you’re the type of smoker that likes to put a lot of tobacco in your bowl, you’ll have to adjust to the depth of this Tianyuan product.
It’s slightly shallow, making it likely that smoking will be done alone. If you do plan on using this for multiple people, keep in mind that there are no mouth tips.
Try to purchase some beforehand to keep things sanitary. The strongest disadvantage to the Tianyuan is the same feature that makes it unique: the glass.
Glass hookahs are extraordinarily fragile and will surely break if dropped, even from a low elevation. Get in the habit of placing it back into the case when not in use. And be careful when washing. Cracking could occur if you use water that’s too hot or cold.
Is It the Right Hookah For You?
The Tianyuan Shisha is undoubtedly a step up from an ordinary gas station pipe. The aesthetics of smoking from a well-designed hookah that lights up to changing color spectrums make it a go-to piece to break out during social events with family or friends. It’s not perfect and will need to be handled with care during use, unlike hookahs that use plastic.
Although the remote could be improved in terms of durability and signal strength, there are few reasons not to consider this as the next smoking accessory to add to your collection.
- Since it’s made from glass, rusting will not occur
- The Case (included with the product) is child safe and features combinations locks on the latches
- Lots of different color display combinations to choose from
- Thick, weighted base keeps the hookah sturdy on any flat surface
- The Hookah is compatible with other bowls that have a 19 millimeter joint
- Unlike taller Hookahs, short height on this product is easy to pick up and move around
- At times, the remote for the light display has difficulty finding the signal to change the light or turn it on/off
- As the product is glass, the risk of shattering is increased during cleaning; fragile
- Short bowl depth
Final Thoughts
As shown, glass hookahs make excellent showpieces that are attractive to smoke from and assemble. So long as care is maintained, they may even last a lifetime that’s approximate to brass hookahs.
Many enthusiasts agree that part of the enjoyment of smoking lies in the quality of tools that are readily available to the smoker, making the experience more relaxing and pleasant to do at home. And you’ll find this especially true with glass hookahs.
3. Lit Premium – Best Glass Hookah
The Lit Premium Original Glass Hookah is a critically acclaimed item in the industry for several years now. Among its many selling points are its exquisite novelty design and functionality.
Would you believe that they have a team of thinktanks composed of engineers and designers that work to create this? The result is an elegant and exquisitely-designed glass hookah.
Besides, this team of professionals makes sure the hookahs are safe for use. The materials used are the best in the industry. Manufacturing processes and designs are up to par with industry standards.
The Feature You Would Appreciate
This hookah is hand-made, applying top-notch artistry. Only the best artisans can add exquisite details to this hookah.
The high-quality glass was used in this Lit Premium glass hookah. This is the strongest among the types of glass currently used in the industry today.
Best Hookah Brand in 2018
- The glass parts of the Lit Premium Hookah include the head and body, the down stem, detachable purge valve, and male to male adapter. There are a few non-glass parts, for better functionality and practicality of use. The non-glass parts are the hose, the box carrying case and the tongs.
- The food grade black silicone hose comes with an aluminum handle. This material used for the hose is among the top rated in the hookah industry.
- This hookah has a wide base which ensures that you have a sturdy and stable set-up. You don’t have worry about the hookah toppling over.
- The removable check valve allows for easy conversion into a 2-hose hookah. The metal tray that comes with the hookah eliminates the need to use foil. These features take the hookah experience a step further towards greater enjoyment with less hassle.
- The pull is smooth and no resistance is felt. You won’t feel the usual heaviness in the chest after smoking for extended periods. There are also no coughing fits following a hit.
The glass parts are easy to clean. But, make sure you still exercise caution when handling this glass hookah. In the event that some glass parts broke, immediately contact the company’s customer service. They will send a replacement promptly.
The fast, responsive customer service is one of the many reasons why users are satisfied. Replacements for broken pieces are sent quickly. Some replacement parts are even given for free, isn’t that great?
Assembly is a breeze. In case you encounter problems with setting up, the company will readily help to guide you.
Recommendations:
- Ease of set up, use, and clean
- Excellent customer service
- Size is good for more than one users
- Made of glass so there is always a risk for breakage
- The opening on the shaft is too small, a regular ice cube cannot fit in
4. Pharaoh’s Nysa Set – Best High Quality Single Hose Hookah
The size and height of this hookah set are perfect for a small side table, like the one you have. It is also easy to carry; hence, you can bring it with you when you travel. How convenient is that?
The glass base is hand blown to perfection, made more beautiful with the application of the Black Sand technique. The color of the glass base does not peel or lose brightness with time.
The water level is still visible through the glass. This allows for maintaining a precise amount of water for the continuous excellent smoking experience.
The stem is made from high-grade stainless steel material. It comes with a striking black matte finish. The dimension of the stem is customized to produce thick clouds. It is screwed onto the base, so it snugly fits.
The set also comes with a hose, clay bowl, hose, and ashtray. The hose is washable and wrapped in premium leather.
The Feature You Would Appreciate
This hookah set is available in several colors, including purple, white, pink, and green apple.
Recommendation:
- High glass quality
- Easy set up
- Easy to clean
- Bowl might be a little bit too tall for some
- Smokes a bit hot
5. Sand Blasted Skin – The Best Hookah for Sharing
The base of this hookah can hold up to 4 cups of water. It is made of hand blown glass, then sand blasted to create a beautiful alligator skin pattern around the vase. The sand blasted parts may look whitish or greyish. The vase colors available are black and amber.
The shaft is made of stainless steel with extra-wide tubing. The washable hose is wrapped with the velvet rope.
Style with Great Smoke Experience!
This hookah also comes with a wide, deep water bowl for the full smoke. The bowl comes in a vortex design.
The set also comes with an ashtray and Khanjar stainless steel tongs. These stylish tongs make handling charcoal an art and part of the entire hookah experience.
This setup can be converted into a 2-hose hookah. Sahara Smoke hose adapters are required to convert the hookah, though.
Recommendation:
- Good customer service for replacements of broken pieces
- Compact size
- Hose is too heavy
- Base may have conspicuous white/grey areas instead of chic black all over; may turn deeper black with constant washing
- Cool sand blasted base but too dark to check the water level inside
6. Habibi Single Hose –The Best Personal Hookah Set
This is a single hose hookah set from Habibi Company. The base of the hookah is made of glass painted with silver stripes. The stem is done in an all-blackstyle.
The set comes with a hose, ashtray, and bowl. The bowl is made of ceramic for strength, functionality, and durability. The hose is wrapped in leather for added durability as well as old-fashioned appeal. A pair of classic tongs for handling charcoal is also part of the set.
Recommendation:
Users should check that all connections are properly secured, though, especially the ones that need to be sealed securely. Loose connection or installation are often the results of a loose seal.
You cannot be modified this hookah; this is intended as a single hose hookah only.
- Easy set up
- Sleek design
- Can only accommodate 1 hose
Best Hookah Guide
Traditional hookahs are made in Egypt, as well as Turkey, Syria, Mediterranean region, and the Middle East. Modern ones are typically made in assembly lines in China.
Traditional hookahs are heavier, made by hand, and usually made with copper, brass, and stainless steel. Modern hookahs are lighter, created using advanced manufacturing techniques, and with stainless steel.
Additional elements are added to modern hookahs to achieve specific finishes.
Smoke with the class using a hookah. There are a lot of designs to choose from – including classic, exquisite Egyptian, modern classic, and novelty. There are a variety of choices for pipe pairings, bases, stems, etc. .
Before getting overwhelmed by the wide range of choices, understand the basic features of a hookah first. It is imperative for beginners and first-time users need to understand these things to make their first hookah experience worthwhile.
Hose
Remember, a good quality hose is crucial to a good pull. The hose should not have any nasty fumes or odors that will get mixed with the smoke. Imagine how the smoke will taste like if you use the low-quality rubber.
The smoke will taste rubbery or have a chemical after-taste. Another consideration is the length.
If you intend to share it with a group of friends, choose one that is ideal for group use. It should be long enough to pass around, but not too long that it causes imbalance. It should not be too short that a slight pull will topple the hookah over.
Size
Hookahs come in a variety of shapes and sizes. If you have limited space, you may choose the “mini” type, which can be placed on a small side table. The larger ones can properly “stand” on the floor, which is ideal for group sessions.
Consider how you are going to use it. Is it for personal use? Or would you be using it with a group of your friends?
Another consideration is where it will be used. For beginners, the excellent choice is the smaller ones (starter sets). If you are using it at home regularly, consider getting a larger one. If the hookah is meant to be brought along while traveling, a smaller and lighter one is the most recommended choice.
Material
The base can be made of ceramic, metal (such as brass or stainless steel), or glass. The stem can be made of stainless steel, copper, or brass.
The hose, pipe, and bowl are also available in different materials. Brass ad copper materials are pricier than stainless steel. Durability is assured when you get one made from copper. Brass makes for more excellent decorative value and many other things. It also depends on personal preferences, prices, and intended use.
Design and color
A hookah can reflect the owner’s personal style. Choose one that most suits your personality. There are many colors to choose from, as well as patterns and overall design or shape. Some have a simple rounded base, straight stem, and a functional bowl (you can change and buy the best bowl right here). Another has more elaborate and elaborate designs. Some hookahs are done in old-world artistry, just like the exquisite designs of antique hookahs in Egypt.
A hookah should be geared towards a greater appreciation of the art of smoking. Beginners are often overwhelmed by the many choices. Some are afraid of making the wrong choice. Don’t be.
Consider more than the price. Not all cheap ones are inferior, and not all expensive ones are worth the price.
Things to consider before buying a hookah
Price is not the only consideration when buying a hookah. Look beyond the price tag and discover the many factors that make an r hookah a good buy.
Look beyond the design
A lot of people are attracted to the design that they do not look closer before buying the hookah. Even the noblest, most attractive hookah can prove to be of inferior quality. Check all the parts and consider the materials used for each. Check the seal if it fits snugly and not wobbly.
What Should You Check?
The material
As mentioned, the material is critical. Most often, smaller parts are overlooked. People only look at the material used for the larger pieces like the base and the pipe. Check the materials on other parts, too.
For instance, check the material of the smoke column. It should be made from good quality material and can withstand usual wear and tear.
The water pipe quality should be up to industry standards. This seemingly small part can have a huge impact on smoking. Leaks and premature cooling are simply not acceptable. This robs you of having a great smoking experience.
Seams
The decorative value of a hookah is often the only thing considered by most buyers. They forget to look closer and look at the finer details. Check the weld seams. Check the entire set for any sharp edges; you don’t want to get hurt while using your hookah.
Glass thickness
The glass is often used for the base. The glass should be thick enough to withstand transport. The base also keeps the entire hookah set stable when placed on the floor or table. It should be thick and wide enough. The glass for the base should be thicker than a regular drinking glass.
FAST FAQs
Is there a difference between a brass and a stainless steel stem?
Both are suitable quality materials for the stem, but they are not the same in terms of price and aesthetics. Some hookah designs look more impressive, the one with the brass stem. Brass, however, is usually more expensive than stainless steel.
Stainless steel stem is shinier than brass. It is also lighter. Hookah meant solely for home use often has stainless steel stem. Those that are used for commercial consumption have stems made of brass.
Some enthusiasts also claim that smoke quality is better with a brass stem. Some argue that there is no significant difference. It all boils down to personal preference and budget.
What size is the best choice?
Consider how many people will be using the hookah. For individual use, choose smaller ones. If meant for groups, choose a larger one. In another situation, a medium-sized one is a wise choice.
Space is also a consideration. For home use, small to medium-sized hookahs are recommended. For the first time hookah users, a smaller one is recommended. But if you travel often, get a smaller one.
Does size affect smoke quality?
Not much. Size selection is mostly a personal preference. The flavor is mainly on the right preparation of the tobacco and proper assembly of the hookah.
What is the best height for a hookah?
The “pull” and taste of the smoke are not affected by the height of the hookah at all. The most important thing to consider is creating and maintaining an airtight seal. It does not matter if it’s 12 inches tall or a hundred inches high.
What is the difference between an acrylic and a glass base?
There is no huge difference between these two types in terms of the effect on flavor. Acrylic base is less prone to breakage than a glass base. It is made of tough plastic material. This is for people who are not very confident in using a glass base.
If choosing the acrylic base, never allow water to get stuck inside the base overnight or for extended periods. This can affect the flavor of the smoke because of stale water.
Empty the base and dry properly after each hookah session. This will help in keeping the hookah fresh tasting every time.
Which is a better choice: light or heavy hookah?
The weight is not a primary consideration when choosing a hookah. Focus on the material used instead.
NOTE: Check the Downstem and the Ports
Most people only consider the material for the stem, either in stainless steel, aluminum, nickel-plated, brass, or copper. These materials are not critical because the stem doesn’t get wet.
The parts that are prone to rust are the ports and the downstream. Ensure that the materials used for these parts are not made of materials likely to rust. This includes galvanized steel and aluminum. All other materials that contain iron are at high risk for rust. Stainless steel is somewhat resistant but can still rust over time.
Of these two, the better choice is brass. Copper is widely used in household plumbing and is generally more expensive. It also gets oxidized when exposed to water. This results in unsightly greenish spots. These oxidized spots need to be cleaned off. Copper is also a soft metal, resulting in dents after long periods of use. It gets softer if subjected to heat, like when vapor passes through. These dents, dings, and bends can be easier repaired. However, repeated unbending or removal of dents can weaken the metal after constant use.
Brass, on the other hand, is more durable and more reliable than copper. Brass is a combination of zinc and copper.
Conclusion
Hookah is used as an ancient art of smoking. Buying a hookah requires some knowledge to make a great purchase. Inferior materials can affect the taste and the pull of the hookah.
Remember, a good smoking session starts with having a good quality hookah!
Hello,
I’m currently in progress of opening a hookah lounge near the beach but i wanted some advice of what kond of hookah brand i should go with that is reliable.
I’m more of a modern type of person so i was thinking maybe the starbuzz carbine? I don’t know but a hookah base with led would be preferable.
I live in the Caribbean if that can also help you with the suggestions.
Sincerely
Hi!
Sorry, but I can’t answer your question because this is business, and you should make a calculation of ROI and estimate the budget firstly.
The only thing I can do is to give you luck!
I’m looking to buy my first hookah set and not sure in which one I should. I have a friend that have one already .