Shisha for beginners: how to set up a hookah perfectly

Setting up your first hookahmight seem daunting, but with the right steps, you'll have an enjoyable session in no time. In this shisha for beginnersguide, we calmly explain how to prepare a hookah: from the right amount of water to lighting the coals and preventing a burnt taste.

Whether you've just bought a hookahor are considering purchasing one: after this guide, you'll know exactly what you need and how to get started. We only sell tobacco-free and nicotine-free shisha flavors, so you can enjoy it without nicotine.

What do you need to get started?

For a good session, you need a few things. If you've bought a complete set, most of it will already be included. Otherwise, gather the following:

• A hookah(vase, downstem, hose, and mouthpiece).
• A bowl, for example, a phunnel that retains flavor and juice well.
• Shisha flavorof your choice; fruity and fresh is nice to start with.
• Natural coconut coalsand a coal burnerto light them.
• Aluminium foil with holes or a heat management system, plus possibly accessorieslike tongs and mouth tips.

Step 1: Filling the vase with water

Fill the vase with cold water until the downstem (the tube hanging in the vase) is about 1 to 2 cm submerged. Too much water makes it hard to pull; too little water results in less smoke and filtering. A few ice cubes make the smoke extra cool.

Step 2: Filling the bowl

Place your shisha flavorloosely in the bowl. Do not pack the flavor: air must be able to flow through it easily. Leave a few millimeters of space to the rim so that the flavor does not touch the foil or heat management system and does not burn.

Step 3: Foil or heat management

Stretch aluminium foil tightly over the bowl (shiny side down) and poke small, even holes in it. If you're using a heat management system, place it on the bowl. Both distribute the heat from the coals evenly over the flavor.

Step 4: Lighting the coals

Place your natural coconut coalson an electric coal burnerand let them glow completely until they are orange-red all around. This takes a few minutes. A regular lighter does not work well for coconut coals. Grab the coals with tongs and place them on the foil or in the heat management system.

Step 5: Letting it warm up and enjoying

Let the coals rest in place for a moment and gently take a few pulls from the hoseto get the session going. Is there good, cool smoke? Then your hookah is ready. Pull gently and evenly rather than hard; this keeps the flavor pleasant for the longest time.

Common beginner mistakes

Does your shisha taste burnt or bitter? Usually, the bowl is too hot. You can fix this as follows:

• Too many coals: start with fewer coals and slowly build up.
• Coals too close to the flavor: place them at the edge of the bowl first.
• Pulling too hard: pull gently, so you don't draw the heat too deeply into the tobacco.
• Flavor packed: fill the bowl loosely, allowing air to flow better.

Cleaning your hookah

Rinse the vase, downstem, and bowl with warm water after each session and occasionally use a brush to remove residue. Let everything dry thoroughly. A clean hookah tastes better and lasts much longer. Replace your hookah hosein time if it's not washable, and keep your accessoriestidy.

Buying shisha for beginners at ShishaTabak

Ready to get started? At ShishaTabak, you'll find everything for beginners: complete hookahs, tobacco-free shisha flavors, natural coconut coals, bowls, and useful accessories. Undecided about your choice? Read our comprehensive guide on buying shishaor ask your question; we're happy to help.

If you order before 18:00, your order will be delivered the next day (NL), with free shipping on orders over €89.99 (NL). We also ship throughout Europe. This way, you'll quickly receive your first hookah and flavors to practice with these steps.