How To Set Up A Hookah: The Ultimate Guide

Do you love the smooth, flavorful smoke of a hookah? If so, you're in luck! In this guide, we will teach you how to set up a hookah like a pro. It is actually much easier than you might think! We will walk you through each step, and before you know it, you'll be enjoying a delicious smoke session with your friends. Let's get started!

Get a hookah and hookah supplies

Setting up a hookah is actually pretty simple, but you will need to have a few supplies on hand before you get started.

Start by choosing your hookah

At Kaloud, we offer a wide selection of beautiful, high-quality hookahs to suit every taste. Once you've found the perfect hookah for you, it's time to set it up!

Gather your supplies

Besides your hookah, you'll need shisha tobacco, coals, and a heat management system like the Kaloud Lotus.

You will also need a bowl, tongs, and a hose. At Kaloud, we offer a variety of hookah accessories to make your smoking experience even better.

If you're using a charcoal heat management system, you'll need natural charcoal.

If you're using an electric heat management device, you will need to make sure it is properly charged before getting started.

Setup the hookah pipe

Once you have everything you need, it's time to set up the hookah.

Clean the hookah

Whether you're a hookah novice or a seasoned pro, it's important to know how to clean your hookah properly. Not only will this help extend the life of your hookah, but it will also ensure that every smoke session is as pleasurable as possible.

Disassemble your hookah

The first step in cleaning your hookah is to disassemble all the parts. This includes the vase, the stem, the hose, and the bowl. Once all the parts are removed, you'll be able to clean each one more thoroughly. You'll also want to set aside any non-water-safe parts, such as the hoses. These will need to be cleaned separately.

Clean the vase

The vase is probably the part of the hookah that gets dirtiest, so it's important to give it a good cleaning. Start by filling the vase with warm water and adding a drop or two of dish soap. Use a soft brush to remove any residue from the inside of the vase, then rinse it well and towel dry. Let the vase air dry completely before reassembling your hookah.

Clean the stem and bowl

To clean the stem and bowl, fill a sink with warm water and add a drop or two of dish soap. Submerge the stem and bowl in the water and use a soft brush to remove any residue. Rinse both parts well and towel dry before letting them air dry completely.

Reassemble your hookah

Once all the parts are dry, it's time to reassemble your hookah! Be sure to check that all the parts are clean and free of residue before putting your hookah back together. If everything looks good, go ahead and reassemble your hookah. You're now ready for another great smoke session!

Pour cold water into the vase

Pouring cold water into the vase is one of the most important steps in preparing a hookah for smoking. The water helps to dilute the smoke and makes it easier to draw on the hose.

It is important to leave space for air when adding water to the vase, as this will help to prevent the smoke from becoming too dense. Fill the vase enough to cover 2.5 cm of the metal stem, or slightly more. If you use a small hookah, you should only cover 1.25cm of the stem to let room for air and eliminate the chances of soaking the hoses.

Once you have added the desired amount of water, add the shaft on top of the hookah vase and you're ready to move to the next step!

Add ice (optional)

Adding ice to your hookah is a great way to cool down the smoke and make it even more enjoyable. Simply add a few ice cubes to the water in the hookah's base and you're ready. You may need to extract some of the water to ensure it is at the ideal level, as described above.

The ice will help keep the smoke cool and smooth, making it even more enjoyable. So next time you're ready to enjoy a hookah smoking session, add some ice and enjoy the cool, smooth smoke.

Place the hookah shaft into the glass base

Most hookahs have a standard design, which comprises a glass base, a metal shaft, and a bowl for the tobacco. To set up the hookah, you first need to insert the shaft into the glass base. The shaft should fit snugly into the base, so that no air can escape.

If the fit isn't airtight, then the smoke will be thin and difficult to pull. This might be a sign that you need to invest in a well-designed hookah, like the Krysalis Calix, to enjoy the best possible smoking experience.

Connect the hoses

Before you smoke, you'll need to connect the hoses to the hookah. The hoses are meant to be inserted on the side of the typical hookah shaft, and should fit airtight. Some hookahs have seals that close the holes when there are no hoses attached, but on other models you will have to pin all the hoses, even if you're smoking alone.

With Kaloud hookahs, the hoses attach to the bottom of the hookah instead of the shaft. This makes them easier to connect and disconnect, as well as giving them a more stylish look.

Check the airflow

As any hookah smoker knows, the key to a good smoke is a good airtight seal. Without it, the smoke will be weak and flavorless. So how do you ensure your hookah is airtight? The first step is to check the connections. Make sure that all the seals are in place and that the connections are snug.

Place the metal tray on top of the hookah shaft

Placing the metal tray on top of your hookah shaft is an important step in set-up. The tray captures excess tobacco and hot embers if they fall, preventing them from causing damage or sparking a fire. In addition, the tray helps to keep the smoking area clean.

Controlling your charcoal embers can be a hassle!

But if you choose a Kaloud Lotus Heat Management Device, you can forget about all your troubles. The Lotus holds the charcoal and controls the heat for you, so you can relax and enjoy your smoke without worrying about embers.

Enjoying a Hookah Session

Now that your hookah is all set up, it's time to smoke!

Stir the shisha tobacco

If you're using a tobacco that's been sitting in the bowl for a while, it's a good idea to give it a stir before you smoke. This will help to disperse the flavor and prevent it from becoming too strong.

Place the tobacco in the bowl

Once you've stirred the tobacco, it's time to place it in the bowl. One of the best bowls in the market that serves any type of smoking is the Samsaris Vitria.

The amount you use will depend on how much smoke you want to produce. For a strong smoke, use more tobacco, and for a weaker smoke, use less. If you are ready to learn how to pack your Vitria properly, check the "How To Pack Samsaris Vitria 2 For A Hookah Session?" article.

Cover your bowl

After you've placed the tobacco in the bowl, it's time to cover it with foil or a Lotus HMD. This will help to keep the heat in and prevent the tobacco from drying out. While using foil requires making sure that the foil is tight against the bowl, with no gaps or holes, by using a Lotus HMD, there's no need to worry about this step, as the Lotus will do it for you. Just set it on top of the bowl and you're good to go.

After applying foil or before attaching the Lotus HMD, place your hookah bowl on top of the shaft, making sure that it is secured in place. If it's not, the bowl might fall off when you smoke.

Light your charcoal

Now it's time to light your charcoal. You can use a regular lighter, but we recommend using a torch lighter for the best results. Once your charcoal is lit, wait for it to turn white before placing it on the foil or Lotus.

Transfer the coals

When you're ready to smoke, the first thing you need to do is transfer the coals to the foil or in the Lotus HMD. Place the coals evenly ringing the edge of the foil, or even slightly overhanging the edge.

A common mistake is to pile the coals in the center, which can easily char the shisha and create harsh, short-lived smoke. Using a Lotus Heat Management Device will help to disperse the heat and prevent this from happening.

Enjoy your shisha session!

Now that your coals are in place, it's time to smoke! Put the hose in your mouth and take a gentle pull. You should see a steady stream of smoke coming from the bowl. If the smoke is weak, try adding more coals or packing the tobacco more tightly. If the smoke is too harsh, try adding fewer coals or using a lower-grade tobacco.

Once you've got the perfect amount of smoke, sit back, relax, and enjoy your shisha! When you're finished smoking, dispose of the coals once they are cold enough and clean your hookah properly.

NOTE: To let your charcoal cool down, just place it in the ashtray. If you don't have an ashtray, try Aeras. This charcoal holder allows the charcoal to cool down quickly and safely. Once the coals are cool, they can be disposed of in a metal trash can.