Hookah pipes may seem like quite complex devices when you first see them or start using them, but they all have pretty much the same parts, but a variety of appearances.
Base
The hookah base is typically made out of glass. It can be any variety of colors, usually the hookah base has an etched or painted design. They also come in a wide variety of shapes too.
Pipe
The pipe is the body of the hookah. Typically made of brass, stainless steel, or tin. It has two important attachments that you need to know about. The hose socket is where you attach the hose to the pipe. The release valve is a one-way valve that is unscrewed to reveal the tiny small bearing inside it. If the smoke in your hookah becomes too strong, the release valve allows you to gently blow through the hose, which will force the smoke in the base out through the release valve. Be careful though, cause if the valve is clogged and you blow forcefully on the hose it can force water up out of the pipe or blow the hot coals out of the bowl.
Hose
The hose is usually gaudy, brightly colored, and elaborately decorated. The hose is usually made of ribbed rubber, while the ends of the hose are made of wood. One end of the hookah hose fits into the pipe hose socket, while the other end has a handle and a small metal mouthpiece.
Bowl
The bowl is made of clay, and has five small holes. Rare bowls have only one large hole. The bowl holds the shisha tobacco and the coal.
Coal Tray
The coal tray is a convenient resting place for tongs and other items you may need while using your hookah. It also catches some ash that blows out from the coals.
Tongs
Tongs let you handle the hot coals without getting burnt, duh.
Rubber/Plastic Collars
Used to ensure there is a tight seal at various connections between the hookah’s parts. These are optionally and are usually found on more expensive hookahs.
Wind Cover
The wind cover is a light, metal cylinder that rests on the coal tray and protects the bowl and its content from wind, careless people, etc. This is also optional, but it very handy to have.
Disposable Mouth Pieces
These are mostly used at hookah bars and clubs, and they simply fit onto the end of the hose so you’re not sharing saliva with 30 different people you don’t know.
Shisha Tobacco
This is the stuff you smoke, it provides a pleasant flavorful smoking experience and is a mixture of tobacco, molasses, fruit and flavor extracts.
Coals
The coals you use needs to be the ‘self-lighting’ smokeless kind. The coals are manufactured specifically for burning incense and smoking shisha, don’t use regular charcoal because it will give you carbon monoxide poisoning.
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