Build the perfect shisha head - this is how it works

You can sometimes despair about the head construction, even if it actually sounds so simple: just fill the shisha bowl with tobacco and go, right? Unfortunately, it's not quite that simple. However, the bowl is crucial for the quality of your smoking session because this is where heat regulation as well as flavor and smoke development take place. So that you can get the most out of your shisha, here are instructions that you can follow when building a tobacco bowl . However, there are at least as many different setups as there are head types. With a bit of trial and error, you'll soon find your favorite setup.

Here we introduce you to the two most commonly used setups: the distance setup and the American setup.

The distance setup is ideal for beginners

The spacer setup with aluminum foil is the classic head setup and can be easily classified based on its name. The tobacco is at a certain distance from the coal , which is on the aluminum foil or the fireplace attachment. Since this setup is relatively easy to implement, it is particularly popular with beginners. But many advanced shisha lovers have also perfected the setup for themselves. It can also be used with many types of heads. However, deeper tobacco bowls are best, as you can use a normal amount of tobacco despite the distance and this does not shorten the duration of the shisha session.

Distance setup: How does it work best?

For the ideal distance setup, you have to let the tobacco fall very loosely into the bowl. If it is too tight, the draft will be hindered and your shisha will start to scratch after a short time. The Genie stirring stick is a suitable aid for portioning. You can also use this to mix the shisha tobacco in the can well again so that the molasses that has accumulated at the bottom is evenly distributed again and the bowl is neither too dry nor too molasses-containing. The most important thing about shisha tobacco is the liquid aroma mixture that evaporates when smoked. Remember to leave enough distance from the aluminum foil. This is then stretched over the tobacco head and provided with many small holes. Then put on the charcoal and your shisha session can begin!

The American setup rewards you with a taste explosion

The Ami setup is a form of overpacking and is a little more difficult to achieve than the distance setup. It is therefore more suitable for shisha smokers who already have a little experience in building their heads. But if you succeed, you can fully enjoy the taste of your tobacco and enjoy an incomparable shisha experience. If you want to attempt such a setup, it's best to do this:

First of all, as usual, let the tobacco fall loosely into the bowl until it protrudes a little over the edge. Then press the tobacco down a little. But be careful that it is not too tight, otherwise you will have the problem with the draft again. Repeat this until the tobacco forms a level with the edge of the bowl. Then you stretch the aluminum foil over the tobacco head . It's best to use a special shisha aluminum foil or several layers of normal aluminum foil for this setup so that the heat doesn't develop too much and the tobacco doesn't burn you. With the American setup, fewer but larger holes in the aluminum foil are best.

Overpacking and disadvantages of the American setup

You can tell whether the bowl is successful by whether it scratches after a short time or whether the smoke remains pleasantly soft. A disadvantage of the American setup is that you need more tobacco and not every bowl is well suited for it. It works best with less deep phunnels, as the draft is guaranteed and you don't have to consume as much tobacco.

If you already know how much tobacco you need for your bowl, you can of course also try normal overpacking. To do this, fill the shisha head with the required amount of tobacco so that it protrudes beyond the edge and then compact the tobacco by stretching the aluminum foil over it. When overpacking, however, you should make sure to use smaller pieces of coal or half cubes and not large cubes of coal like when smoking with the fireplace. Excessive heat development should be avoided when overpacking. Even if the tobacco is too moist, the overpacking setup will not work because the liquid that boils over will extinguish the bottom of the hot coals .

These are just the most common ways to build your hookah bowl. Over time you will not only find your favorite head, but also your favorite setup. Have fun trying!