It seems that hookah pipe have become an essential part of our everyday life and not regarded as exotic thing anymore. Yet, the hookah tobacco smoking culture has not been formed entirely. Thus, people are often shocked by the wide variety of specialized charcoals, tongs and other hookah accessories. But if these difficulties do not scary you away, and you have decided to get a hookah of your own, we will help you make the first step, and let you know how to avoid common mistakes when choosing a hookah.

Purpose and Height

When selecting a water pipe, first of all, you should understand what do you need it for. Here are the options:

• Souvenir item

This category comprises water pipes less than 8 inches long. It will look nice in your living room and remind you, for example, about a great trip to Arab country. However, this water pipe can’t be used for smoking, unfortunately.

• Inexpensive gift, or “pocket” hookah

A middle-size hookah (12-15 inches) can be used for smoking, but not regularly. Due to its sizes, it is not very expensive, maybe because people often buy them as gifts. This water pipe can be used anywhere, from trips to guest visits.

• Real Hookah

If you need a real hookah, which you have seen in hookah lounges, opt for the ones of 20-40 inches in length.

• Decorative hookah

Decorative hookahs are usually very long and purchased for decorating a living area. They frequently even feature sealed valves.

Number of hoses

The genuine hookahs used in Arab world are equipped with one hose. Hookahs with several hoses were created especially for European and American users, who prefer smoking hookah in groups. The most important thing to know about multi-hose water pipes is that they have worse air-tightness compared to one-hose hookah. If you still want a hookah with two or more hoses, check if the pipe you have chosen has a valve in every hose, so that you won’t have to close the hoses that are not used every time you make a puff.

Stem (Body)

When selecting a hookah you have to pay attention to the stem. The stem should be made of stainless material, as when smoking the humid air is produced in the stem, which causes rusting. Since you can’t determine the quality of metal by sight, weigh the stems in your hands and select the one that is heavier.

Water Jar (glass base)

When selecting a water jar, you should remember that glass jars are easy to break, so you should better opt for a metal jar or the one made from thick glass.

Hose

The most important thing about the hose is not its look, but hermetic properties. When selecting a hookah check the air-tightness by closing one end and breathing in the other. Another thing is its length, as the longer is the hose, the more advantages it provides. The tip of the hose should be made of plastic or hard wood (these are more expensive).

Claw bowl

Opt for ceramic glazed clay bowl, since it doesn’t absorb smells and is easier to clean and maintain.

Plate

Select removable plate, which are fastened tightly to the stem. Plates with higher edges are better as they can prevent the ashes from falling and damaging your floor.

By Steve Shepherd, Staff Writer. Copyright © 2011 Cigarette-Store.org. All rights reserved.