5 Easy Steps to Make Shisha at Home

Making Shisha

Have you ever wondered how to make shisha? This popular and enjoyable pastime can be easily recreated at home with a few simple ingredients and a little bit of know-how. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right tobacco to preparing the bowl and lighting the coals. So gather your friends, sit back, and prepare to embark on a flavorful adventure with homemade shisha.

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The first step is to choose the right type of tobacco. There are many different varieties available, each with its unique flavor and strength. For beginners, it’s best to start with a mild-flavored tobacco such as apple or mint. Once you’ve chosen your tobacco, it’s time to prepare the bowl. The traditional shisha bowl is made of clay and has a hole in the bottom for the smoke to pass through. To prepare the bowl, start by filling it with water until it reaches the top of the hole. Then, add the tobacco to the bowl, packing it down gently but firmly. Finally, cover the tobacco with aluminum foil and poke a few holes in the foil to allow the smoke to escape.

Now it’s time to light the coals. The best coals to use for shisha are charcoal briquettes, which are available at most convenience stores. To light the coals, place them in a charcoal starter and ignite them using a lighter or a match. Once the coals are burning, carefully place them on top of the foil, being careful not to burn yourself. The coals will heat the tobacco and produce the smoke that you will inhale through the hose. Enjoy your homemade shisha and relax with friends and family.

Preparing the Bowl

Preparing the shisha bowl is a crucial step in ensuring a flavorful and enjoyable smoking experience. Here’s a detailed guide on how to pack the bowl effectively:

Choosing the Right Bowl

The choice of bowl depends on your personal preferences and the type of shisha you’re using. Clay bowls are common and provide good heat absorption, while glass bowls offer clarity for monitoring heat levels. Vortex or phunnel-shaped bowls create an elevated center to prevent tobacco from touching the foil and burning.

Preparing the Tobacco

Step 1: Fluff and separate the tobacco:
Gently fluff the tobacco with a fork or toothpick to separate any clumps. This allows for even airflow and prevents the tobacco from becoming dense.

Step 2: Remove excess juice:
If the tobacco is particularly wet, gently squeeze it to remove excess moisture. Too much juice can restrict airflow and produce a harsh smoke.

Step 3: Break up large leaves:
Use your fingers to break up any large tobacco leaves into smaller pieces. This helps distribute heat more evenly and improves airflow.

Step 4: Mix flavors (optional):
If desired, you can mix different tobacco flavors to create a custom blend. Simply combine the desired amounts and blend thoroughly.

Step 5: Avoid packing too tightly:
Fill the bowl to about 3/4 capacity, leaving some space at the top for airflow. Packing the tobacco too tightly can hinder smoke production and restrict flavor release.

Step 6: Create a slight mound:
Gently press down on the center of the packed tobacco to create a slight mound. This prevents tobacco from falling into the stem and helps maintain heat distribution.

Step 7: Level the surface:
Spread the tobacco evenly over the top of the bowl and level the surface using a finger or fork. Ensure that there are no gaps or holes in the surface.

Step 8: Use the foil and holes:
Cover the bowl with perforated foil and create numerous holes using a toothpick or skewer. The number and size of holes will affect the heat distribution and flavor intensity.

Step 9: Heat your coals:
Place your preferred number of coals on a coal burner and let them heat until they turn fully orange or white hot. The number of coals used depends on the size of the bowl and the heat intensity desired.

Choosing the Coals

Types of Coals

There are two main types of coals used for shisha:

Type	Description
Natural Coals	Made from compressed coconut shells or olive trees, they burn slowly and produce less ash.
Quick-Lighting Coals	Made from charcoal dipped in chemicals, they ignite quickly and produce more smoke.

Shape and Size

Coals come in various shapes and sizes, each suited for different shisha bowls.

– Flat Coals: Rectangular or round, ideal for larger bowls that require evenly distributed heat.
– Rounded Coals: Small and spherical, perfect for smaller bowls that demand concentrated heat.
– Cube Coals: Larger and square-shaped, suitable for both large and medium bowls.

Number and Placement

The number and placement of coals depend on the bowl size and desired heat level.

– Small Bowls: Typically require 1-2 coals, placed in the center to avoid burning the tobacco.
– Medium Bowls: Use 2-3 coals, positioned around the perimeter to create a well-rounded heat.
– Large Bowls: Accommodate up to 4 coals, placed strategically to prevent hot spots and ensure an even burn.

Lighting the Coals

1. Prepare the Coals

Select high-quality coals made specifically for shisha and break them into smaller pieces using pliers. Avoid using regular charcoal briquettes, as they can produce harmful fumes.

2. Heat the Coals

There are several ways to heat the coals:

Electric Coil Burner: Most modern shishas come with an electric coil burner. Place the coals on the burner and switch on the power.
Gas Burner: A gas burner can heat coals quickly and evenly. Hold the coals over the flame for a few minutes, rotating them constantly.
Natural Heat Source: In traditional shisha setups, coals are heated over a hot plate or a stovetop. Use a metal mesh screen or foil to keep the coal pieces from falling.

3. Monitor the Heat

Once the coals are heated, you need to monitor their temperature. Hot coals will glow red or orange, while cool coals will have a black or gray appearance. Use a pair of tongs to move or rotate the coals as needed to maintain an ideal heat level.

4. Prepare the Coal Tray

Coal Material	Time to Heat
Quicklight Coals	1-2 minutes
Natural Coals	5-10 minutes

Most shisha bowls have a dedicated coal tray or "foil screen" on top. Here’s how to prepare it:

For Natural Coals: Create several air holes in the foil using a toothpick or a needle. This will ensure proper airflow and prevent the foil from warping.
For Quicklight Coals: Place the coals directly on the foil screen without poking holes. The self-igniting chemicals in quicklight coals will burn through the foil.
For Combinations: If using a combination of natural and quicklight coals, place the quicklight coals on the edges of the coal tray and the natural coals in the center.

Smoking Techniques

Inhaling

Take a slow, steady inhale through the mouthpiece of the shisha pipe. Inhale the smoke into your lungs, holding it for a few seconds before exhaling.

Exhaling

Gently exhale the smoke through the mouthpiece or your mouth. Exhale slowly and evenly, allowing the smoke to fully escape your lungs.

Packing the Bowl

Gently pack the shisha tobacco into the bowl of the shisha pipe. Do not pack the tobacco too tightly, as this can restrict airflow and prevent smoke from being produced.

Applying Heat

Use a coal or charcoal burner to heat the tobacco in the bowl. Place the hot coals on top of the foil covering the bowl. The heat will vaporize the tobacco, producing smoke.

Controlling Airflow

Adjust the airflow through the shisha pipe by manipulating the vent holes. Opening the vents allows more air to enter the pipe, producing a cooler and potentially harsher smoke. Closing the vents reduces airflow, resulting in a warmer, smoother smoke.

Holding the Mouthpiece

Hold the mouthpiece of the shisha pipe between your lips. Inhale and exhale smoke through the mouthpiece. Use a soft touch and avoid biting down on the mouthpiece.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Regular cleaning and maintenance are vital to keep your shisha performing optimally and looking its best. Here’s a comprehensive guide to keeping your shisha in pristine condition:

Base Cleaning

Flush the base thoroughly with hot water after each use to remove any leftover tobacco residue. Avoid using soap or detergents, as they can leave a residue that affects the flavor. If necessary, you can use a brush to gently clean the base’s interior.

Downstem Cleaning

Remove the downstem and soak it in hot water with a few drops of shisha cleaner. Use a small brush to remove any stubborn residue. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and air dry before reattaching.

Bowl Cleaning

The bowl should be emptied and washed with hot water after each use. If it becomes stained, soak it in a solution of lemon juice or vinegar and water for several hours. Rinse thoroughly and air dry.

Hose Cleaning

Run hot water through the hose for several minutes to flush out any tobacco residue. Avoid using too much force, as it can damage the hose. If needed, you can use a hose cleaning brush to remove any stubborn debris. Rinse thoroughly and air dry.

Purge Valve Cleaning

The purge valve helps release excess smoke. Clean it by blowing hot water through it for several seconds. You can also use a cotton swab dipped in shisha cleaner to remove any residue.

Stem Cleaning

To clean the stem, remove it from the base and wipe it down with a damp cloth. If necessary, you can use shisha cleaner and a small brush to remove any stubborn residue.

Tray Cleaning

The tray is used to hold the coals. After each use, wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any ash or debris. If needed, you can wash it with warm water and dish soap.

Grommets Inspection and Replacement

Regularly inspect the grommets that seal the connections between the shisha components. If they become damaged or loose, replace them to prevent air leaks.

Storage

When not in use, store your shisha in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as this can damage the components.

How to Make Shisha

Shisha, also known as hookah, is a popular way to smoke tobacco. It is often enjoyed in social settings and is a common sight in many Middle Eastern and Asian countries. Making shisha is a relatively simple process, but there are a few things you need to know before you get started.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make shisha:

Gather your materials. You will need the following:

A hookah
Shisha tobacco
Charcoal
A light source (such as a lighter or matches)
Water

Prepare the hookah. Fill the base of the hookah with water. The water level should be about 2-3 inches high.
Pack the bowl. Place the shisha tobacco in the bowl of the hookah. Pack it down firmly, but not too tightly. You should be able to see the holes in the bottom of the bowl.
Light the charcoal. Use your light source to light the charcoal. Hold the charcoal over the bowl and wait until it is glowing red.
Place the charcoal on the bowl. Once the charcoal is lit, place it on top of the bowl of tobacco.
Smoke the hookah. Inhale through the mouthpiece of the hookah. You should feel a cool, flavorful smoke. Enjoy!