| Since the culture of hookah shisha is one of relaxation, | | | | There are a number of sites where you can build your |
| it's best to approach the process of hookah buying | | | | own hookah from a selection of parts, and others |
| with patience. Research the subject, become familiar | | | | where you can order custom hookahs. There is a |
| with the best materials and products, consider the | | | | wide selection of high quality hookahs available |
| aesthetics--what pleases most and will most enhance | | | | ready-made, however. |
| the smoking experience for you? Quality, beauty, and | | | | Egyptian hookahs generally have hand-blown glass |
| price are the broad parameters to consider when you | | | | bases in jewel and opal-toned colors, while Syrian |
| set out to buy hookahs. | | | | hookahs have exquisitely ornamented ceramic or |
| While it's a good idea to have checked out any local | | | | glass bases. Beyond these traditional styles there are |
| retail outlets where hookahs are available, and to have | | | | a plethora of modern interpretations, animal shaped |
| tried various hookah pipes at a lounge, your best bet in | | | | hookahs, mod hookahs, mini hookahs, traveling |
| meeting the above criteria is probably going to be | | | | hookahs complete with carrying case, and rotating |
| buying online. There's simply a much broader range of | | | | hookahs. Prices range from about $35 for a mini, |
| hookahs available online, without the markup a | | | | quality, single-hose hookah, with a mid-range for |
| brick-and-mortar store is forced to charge. | | | | medium hookahs at $60 to $100, and from about $115 |
| For the hookah body, also called the vase, or govde, | | | | to $135 or more for a large hookah. For a custom |
| Pyrex glass or ceramic, or some other non-porous, | | | | hookah, you can spend from around $225 for crystal |
| tempered material, are the best. Avoid wood or | | | | to as much as $1,000 for a hookah made of silver. |
| copper. Bases come in sizes from small to large and a | | | | Most hookah purchases will come with individual bowl, |
| multihued array of colors and designs. Stems will | | | | stem, plate, base, and hose or hoses, in separable |
| generally be stainless steel or another solid metal, | | | | parts for ease of cleaning, and will include tongs for |
| fluted and, again, in a range of heights. Hoses also | | | | coals, screens, brushes for cleaning, and instructions. |
| come in a variety of styles and lengths. The tobacco | | | | Some will also come with a carrying case and extra |
| bowl should be ceramic, clay, or metal. You can get a | | | | rubber stoppers, some hookah tobacco and charcoal. |
| hookah with one hose fitting or multiple hose fittings. | | | | |