This guide will tell you everything you need to take into consideration when buying a hookah in addition to our previous posts about this subject. For a novice hookah smoker, it may be unclear how to choose the right hookah. There are many factors to take into consideration including the origin of the hookah, materials, height, multiple hose options, and price. The shop you are going to purchase your hookah from. This guide will also tell you what to look for when you're inspecting a hookah in person. All of this information is combined to help you make the most informed decision when you make your purchase.
Persian Original wooden stem Hookah |
Origin of the Hookah
Modern hookahs are typically manufactured in China by companies based in the United States and elsewhere. Traditional hookahs come from Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, Iran and other countries in the Middle East and along the Mediterranean. Modern hookahs are made on assembly lines with modern manufacturing techniques while most traditional hookahs are made by hand. Distinguishing a modern hookah from a traditional hookah is fairly easy to do. The distinguishable factors include construction, styling, and performance.
Mini Hookah |
Traditional hookahs are generally larger and constructed with heavier metals. They also tend to use combinations of metals, such as stainless steel with copper and brass. Modern hookahs typically use mostly stainless steel and may mix in other elements for the finish. The best traditional hookahs use brass around critical points, such as the hose port and check valve. The major advantages of using brass in these points comes from the brazing process in which the brass combines with the steel. The brazing process adds a lot of strength to these weld points. The weld points are usually highly visible on traditional hookahs and some hookah buyers are surprised or disappointed to see a new hookah that appears so unfinished. However, other hookah buyers love this aspect to traditional hookahs; they feel like they own a unique hand-made antiquity.
Egyptian Traditional Hookah |
The head or bowl on modern hookahs is generally made with ceramic rather than the clay that is used for traditional hookah bowls. The difference is that ceramic doesn't conduct heat as well, resulting in a lower quality smoking experience. Even distribution of heat means less burning of tobacco and less rearranging of coals. It also lengthens the duration of the smoking session, since the flavor doesn't get diminished by harsh smoke.
All Kinds of Hookah Bowls |
Multiple Hose Modern Hookah at Pars Market |
Traditional hookah manufacturers have been honing their designs for many generations. In terms of performance, traditional hookahs tend to smoke better than modern hookahs. There are many exceptions, but traditional hookahs typically use one central tube that runs the full length of the stem. The hose and purge valve line are typically one tube as well. The tubing used in traditional hookahs tend to be wider gauge than what is used on modern hookahs. The result of this manufacturing means less restriction and easier smoke draw.
Materials
Some hookah connoisseurs argue that solid brass pipes are the best. They are the heaviest, most solid pipes, and last forever. While they do oxidize, they never corrode. The problem with brass pipes is that they require polishing on a regular basis to maintain their luster and shine. Other people prefer combinations of stainless steel with brass or copper. There are issues with stainless steel though. For one, there are few manufacturers out there that use good quality stainless steel such as Aladdin and Mya Hookah, Usually, a low quality stainless steel is used then electroplated only on the exterior with nickel. The inside remains vulnerable to corrosion and rusting. Even highly regarded manufacturers produce hookahs in this way. Modern hookah manufacturers tend to be more thorough; most electroplate the interior and exterior.
Height
Choosing the right height for a hookah is for the most part a matter of preference. Experienced hookah smokers gravitate toward hookahs between 28 inches and 32 inches. This range of height is the happy medium of performance and ease of handling. However, someone that intends to camp or travel a lot might prefer a smaller hookah. Conversely, someone who intends to smoke on his outdoor patio, may want a really tall hookah that can be placed on the floor next to a high table.
Small 10" height single hose Hookah |
Multiple Hose Options
Large Egyptian 4 hose Hookah at Pars Market |
Price
The old adage, "You get what you pay for", is even true for the hookah industry. If you are buying a hookah in the U.S. that is under $30, chances are it's going to be pretty junky. If you spend over $100 on a hookah, chances are you're going to get something descent that will last you. That being said, many traditional style hookahs can be pretty pricey and fall short of expectations, which is mostly due to the visible weld lines and imperfect finishing work.
Popular name brand hookahs will always be 10 - 15% more than equally good hookahs that have no name recognition. Generally, this price hike is worth it to get a hookah you can be sure you'll be happy with.
Buying a Hookah in Person at Pars Market in Columbia, MD 21045
It is extremely important that you purchase your hookah in person and store only and we highly recommend to purchase your new hookah at Pars Market in Columbia Maryland we at Pars Market very knowledgeable and expert about hookahs we carry very high quality hookahs at the lowest prices in the market and you don't have have the hassle purchasing it online which you won't be able to touch and feel the quality and looks of the hookah We fully inspect our hookahs before we display it on our shelves, we explain you about the quality of the hookah and origin of the country and we are at Pars Market proudly carry full line of accessories for your hookah and everything you want for your hookah such as: Hose, Brush, Trays, Valve, converter Adapters and many many more parts for your hookahs as well as Charcoals, Tobacco, Charcoal Burner... Hope this article was helpful and we are looking forward to shopping with us soon!
PARS MARKET LLC
9400 SNOWDEN RIVER PARKWAY Suite 109
COLUMBIA, MD, 21045
443-259-0002
http://www.parsmarketcolumbia.com
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