New to shisha pipe smoking? Seasoned expert? Have questions? 

Worry not. We at Shiva have you covered! There is a myriad of hookah pipes, accessories, shisha tobacco flavours and sizes to choose from. Not only that, you’ve probably got a host of questions about how to get the best out of your shisha pipe, such as ‘which hookah produces the best smoke’ or ‘which hookah flavour is best?’

In this article, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you make those all-important hookah pipe buying decisions and answer any questions you might have.

So let’s get started.

What is the best shisha pipe brand? 

We are always being asked this question.

Whether you are looking to buy your first hookah pipe, or perhaps you are a seasoned smoker and would like to upgrade your current one… Knowing which hookah will give you the best smoking experience with so much choice online can be tricky. There are modern and traditional shisha pipes to consider, as well as size, materials used and cost.

We’ll wager you’re likely looking for a blend of durability, a smooth smoking experience and an attractive design. When considering which shisha pipe brands to stock, we have explored these key factors, so that when you are buying your shisha hookah, you will get all of this and more!

Rest assured, shivaonline.co.uk has everything you’ll need to get started! 

For example, our Mini Shisha Pipe is a portable hookah with an incredible design. It comes with many great features to make it easy for storage and transportation, and its sophisticated but straightforward glass base will look awesome in your home! All parts are made from the highest quality materials and is super-easy to assemble and use. 

If, on the other hand, you are looking for more of a statement or taller shisha pipe, then check out the Shisha Sensations AK47 Junior Hookah, which comes in your choice of Gold, Black or Silver and which comes supplied with a single hose and clay hookah bowl. This makes the perfect gift for even the most discerning hookah fan! 

Available in Gold, Black & Silver this piece would make an eye catching addition to your lounge, restaurant or shisha bar.

As with any purchase, you will want to do your research and look at hookas that will offer you durability. A quick Amazon search will reveal plenty of hookah brands that might be cheaper but will compromise on quality in terms of the materials used and the manufacturing process. 

Go on recommendation or find a brand that you trust. Because, if you make a good choice in the first instance, there is no reason why your hookah pipe can’t last you a lifetime.

 Are taller hookas better? 

Does a tall hookah really smoke better than a smaller hookah? 

There has been so much debate, disagreement and analysis into whether taller hookahs offer a better smoking experience. 

And here were are to set the record straight once and for all: the idea that taller shisha pipes either cool the smoke better or deliver a better smoking experience is a complete MYTH! 

One common misconception is that taller shisha pipes cool the smoke more than their smaller counterparts. Anyone who has touched a hookah bowl while smoking will know that it can get quite warm once the smoke has left the bowl and entered the shaft. As the smoke travels and is cooled by the air, it will cool somewhat, but the main factor in terms of the temperature of the smoke is the water. In reality, this renders the temperature of the water in the shaft irrelevant, as when it enters the water, it will always adjust, meaning the water is the most influential factor, not whether your hookah is tall or short. 

This means, whichever hookah pipe you ultimately go for, trust your personal preference. However, some people like to display their shisha pipes or have them as ornaments, so if you’re looking for a statement piece, taller may make more of an impression on your guests then check out Galaxy 2 hose shisha 

Measuring 55cm tall, the Galaxy comes included with two hoses, making it ideal for two people to smoke together.

Which hookah produces the most smoke? 

Looking to blow thicker smoke clouds from your hookah??

If – like us – you’re a serious hookah smoker – then it’s likely you’re a fan of the thick smoke cloud, and you want to see the biggest smoke cloud possible! 

It’s true that much of your smoke cloud will come from your preparation and set-up and how you manage the heat (which all comes with time and experience). However, the shisha product you choose is definitely a factor. When selecting your shisha, it’s good to know that a higher glycerin content will help you achieve a thicker smoke. 

Why is my shisha smoke not thick?

So, you’ve chosen a shisha product that has a high glycerin content, and you’ve spent time setting up your shisha pipe to ensure you can control the heat… But you’re still not satisfied with the thickness of your smoke. 

The next thing to look at is the size/thickness of your pipe. Some of the smaller/thinner hoses may be responsible for you not getting the thickness of smoke you’re after and so you might want to try using a wider hose to create more of an open draw from your shisha pipe. 

Which hookah flavour is best? 

If you’re like us, then you love to experiment with your shisha pipe flavours, and with so many to choose from, why not? 

Many popular flavours top the rankings year on year, but our advice would always be to try a few until you settle on the one you like the best. This is really going to depend on your tastebuds and the sort of flavours you enjoy in other areas of your life. Some people like to use fruiter flavours such as Mango, Raspberry and Strawberry and so if this is your bag then check out our product page where you can find these options. 

Similarly, if you’re a fan of a more refreshing smoke, there are plenty of mint-based options that are super-popular and popular with many of our customers. 

Does milk make hookah smoke thicker? 

One of the most common questions we get asked by our customers is, “can I use something other than water in my hookah base?’ And quite often, people will ask whether milk will help to deliver a thicker smoke. 

The answer to the first question is yes. You can use pretty much any liquid in your shisha pipe to enhance the flavour, and like everything, this is down to personal preference. 

However, it won’t necessarily increase the thickness of your smoke. What’s more, while varying your liquid may enhance the flavour profile and, therefore your enjoyment, they can also make it a little more difficult to get a good draw, especially if you are using a slightly thicker liquid, such as milk. 

Does hookah bowl size matter? 

In this situation, size definitely matters! The hookah bowl has a significant influence – along with other factors mentioned below – on how long your smoking session will last. You can get hookah bowls in all sizes and styles. However, the bigger the bowl will determine how long you can smoke for. This is because a smaller bowl will hold less of your tobacco, whereas a larger bowl will naturally offer more space. 

So, if you are looking for a longer smoking session, we would absolutely recommend that you get yourself kitted out with a larger bowl. 

Some of our customers like to vary the length of their smoking sessions and so have decided to get both a smaller and larger bowl for each occasion. This can be a great way to mix up and vary your shisha pipe smoking and is ideal if you invite friends over to enjoy the fun. Check out our new Hubble shisha. 

The Hubble Shisha is a fantastic single hose shisha pipe, perfect for both first-time users and seasoned smokers alike. Measuring just under 45cm in height.

How long does a small hookah last? 

We reckon this question has been debated since hookahs were invented! And it’s a question we are asked with relative consistency. 

The reason is that there is such a long debate is that the answer is not straightforward, and it will always depend on a number of factors, including the shisha tobacco you are using, how you manage the heat, the hookah bowl you select and of course, your own preference. 

Can you put vodka in a hookah?

Yes! As we’ve previously mentioned, you can use any liquid base in your hookah pipe, but if more cloud is what you are looking for, then switching the liquid isn’t going to make much of a difference. 

Summary

Hopefully, having read this article, you have been able to find out the answers to any hookah-related questions you may have. If not, please do give us a shout and contact our customer services team, who are always on hand and happy to help.

From all of us at Shiva, we wish you Happy Smoking!!