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2023 Hookah Buying Guide – Everything you need to know

Top picks for the best hookahs out there

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Eastern hookah for relaxation and teapot with tea

Hookahs have been around for centuries and are enjoyed by people from all different cultures. It’s a centuries-old tradition that originated in India and the Middle East. And it has recently become more popular in the United States and other Western countries. If you’re new to the hookah scene or just looking for advice on purchasing your first hookah, then you’ve come to the right place. In this hookah buying guide, we’ll cover some of our top picks for the best hookahs out there. In addition, we’ll discuss the different types of hookahs, the materials they’re made from, and what to look for when purchasing one.

When it comes to buying a hookah, you’ll need to consider the material, the size, the type of hookah, the price, and the brand. Luckily for you, we’ve narrowed down the best hookahs so that you can enjoy your smoke sessions without sacrificing the flavor of your shisha. Keep in mind that the best hookahs for beginners aren’t necessarily the best options for experienced smokers. Below, you’ll get a round-up of the top hookahs from the best brands on the market. Keep reading for our top choices.

Best Hookahs: Top Picks

From modern hookahs to traditional hookahs, our team has done the research and scrolled through hundreds of hookah pipes to narrow down the top picks available. We’ve done all of the legwork so you can sit back, relax, and just enjoy your smoke session without worry. Whether you’re shopping for your own hookah or looking for pipes that are suitable for your hookah lounge, these picks are sure to pique your interest. We’ve chosen a variety of pipes with different sizes and functions to cover the full extent of your needs as a hookah smoker. Here are some of the top picks in our hookah buying guide:

Khalil Mamoon Black Shareef
BEST OVERALL

  • Top-rated brand
  • Tall, handmade Egyptian hookah
  • Premium materials and built to last

MYA Saray Bambino
COMPACT SIZE SMALL HOOKAH

  • Smaller hookah for travel
  • Hookah smoking on the go
  • Easy to use

Starbuzz Chico
BEST AFFORDABLE HOOKAH PIPE

  • Portable and small hookah
  • Cost-effective option
  • Perfect first hookah for beginners

Regal Queen Nutwood Hookah
ECO-FRIENDLY SPECIALTY HOOKAH PIPE

  • Handmade wooden hookah pipe
  • Unique addition to any collection
  • Minimal restriction

1. Khalil Mamoon Black Shareef

Pros

  • Handmade in Egypt
  • Built to last
  • One of the top hookah brands

Cons

  • May be pricey for beginners

Khalil Mamoon hookahs are considered the Rolls-Royces of hookahs. They’re handmade in Egypt and are of the highest quality. The Khalil Mamoon Black Shareef is a unique and special KM hookah that’s perfect for anyone looking for a top-quality, premium shisha pipe. This hookah is made from high-quality materials and is built to last. It has a beautiful 34-inch design and is sure to impress anyone who sees it. The solid black stem and tray provide a great contrast to the glass bowl. This is a large hookah with a single wide-bore hose adapter that KM hookahs are known for.

If you’re new to hookah smoking, then the Khalil Mamoon Mini Classic counts as an honorable mention from KM hookahs. This smaller version of the Classic style is affordable, well-made, and reliable. The stainless steel allows you to taste strong shisha flavors throughout your smoking session. Regardless of which device you choose from our hookah buying guide, you can’t go wrong with Khalil Mamoon.

2. MYA Saray Bambino

Pros:

  • Portable, compact size
  • Unique design
  • Perfect for beginners

Cons:

  • Small hookah if you prefer tall hookahs

There’s something about smoking out of a MYA Bambino that just feels luxurious despite its compact size. Maybe it’s the beautiful Baroque design or the fact that it’s a bit more high-end looking than your average hookah despite only being 12 inches tall. Whatever it is, there’s no doubt that smoking from a Bambino is a special experience. One thing that really sets it apart is the delicate engraving and the Cloisonne shaft. MYA is a well-known brand name in the world of hookah, and they put a lot of care into crafting their products. From the materials used to the construction process, the brand takes every step seriously to create a high-quality product. This attention to detail is evident in every Bambino.

With the delicate details, the grenade-style circular stable base, and the smooth smoke it produces, everything about this is top-notch. And thanks to the best materials used, it’s also built to last. Reviewers rave about the ease of use, the portability, and how it’s easy to clean in addition to being well-made. So, if you’re looking for a luxurious smoking experience for an affordable price, be sure to check out the Bambino from our hookah buying guide. You won’t be disappointed when buying a hookah from this brand!

3. Starbuzz Chico

Pros:

  • Different styles and colors
  • Ease of use
  • Soft silicone hose

Cons:

  • Smaller hookah if you prefer tall hookahs

The Starbuzz Chico hookah is perfect for those looking for a more portable option. It’s small, lightweight, and produces great smoke and flavor. It’s ideal for traveling or for people who don’t have a lot of space at home. The Chico is easy to set up and is ready to use in just a few minutes. It has a large hose that provides plenty of smoke, and the bowl is compact but still big enough to hold plenty of tobacco. The Chico has a soft silicone hose, an aluminum handle that’s durable, and a clear base. This model is perfect for hookah enthusiasts who are always on the go!

This type of hookah also comes in several different colors, such as red, yellow, purple, black, and blue. Starbuzz is known for using only the best materials to ensure a long-lasting pipe. With the Chico, you get a modern design that’s both durable yet lightweight. It’s perfect for smoking alone or when socializing with friends. And when it comes to the price of the hookah, you’re getting a great deal for the functionality. This hookah pipe is one of the top choices from our hookah buying guide.

4. Regal Queen Nutwood Wooden Hookah

Pros:

  • Handmade wood shaft
  • Eco-friendly manufacturing
  • Ideal for hookah enthusiasts

Cons:

  • May be pricey for beginners

The Regal Queen Nutwood is made from reclaimed trees and features black anodized aluminum for the central hub and bowl port. The metal components are resistant to rust or corrosion and the rook design allows for fast clearing of the smoke in your hookah base. The wooden shaft is sealed to preserve the natural wood, protecting your hookah stem from any stains. This device produces great smoke and flavor, and it’s perfect for experienced hookah smokers. With the amazing woodwork and the use of metal and stainless steel, you’ll get a smooth inhale with minimal restriction. Regal hookahs don’t skimp on the quality of material and provide the full scope of functionality when it comes to creating an incredible experience. In this pipe, your shisha flavors will come out clean and flavorful.

Every Regal pipe is handmade in California and receives a thorough quality assurance check so you know that you’re only getting the best product. The Nutwood variety is a dark brown shade with impressive shades and grain patterns. This model is 25 inches tall, so you’ll get to admire the wood choices and unique designs that are crafted to perfection with each pipe. If you’re looking to add something special to your collection, this high-quality hookah was made for you to feel like royalty!

Best Hookahs: What to Consider

Hookahs continue to be popular among smokers today. There are many different designs and styles of hookahs available, so users can find one that best suits their needs and preferences. Additionally, there are a variety of different tobaccos that can be used in a hookah, each with its own unique flavor. Along with the choice of charcoal, these also affect the quality of your smoke session. When it comes to buying a hookah, you’ll find that the choice can be narrowed down to the size you prefer, the material, the price, and the brand.

Size

There is no one perfect size for all hookahs. Some people prefer a smaller hookah for personal use, while others prefer a larger hookah for groups. The size of the hookah also affects the smoking experience. Smaller hookahs, such as those with a one- or two-hose capacity, produce a smaller smoke volume and are better suited for personal use. They also heat up more quickly than larger hookahs. Larger hookahs, with a four- or six-hose capacity, produce a larger smoke volume and are better suited for group smoking. They take longer to heat up, but the smoke is cooler and smoother. When choosing a hookah size, consider how often you’ll be smoking and who you’ll be smoking with. If you’re mostly smoking alone, a smaller hookah may be better suited for you. But if you’re smoking with friends, a large hookah will be more enjoyable. Our hookah buying guide covers both options.

Material

Materials are an essential consideration in our hookah buying guide.

You’ll want to consider the material the hookah device is made from. Traditional hookahs are made from glass, metal, or ceramic. Glass and metal hookahs are typically more expensive than ceramic hookahs, but they’re also more durable. Glass and ceramic are the most popular materials because they’re both durable and easy to clean. Metal is not as popular, but it’s durable and easy to maintain. A wooden hookah pipe is a great option for those who want a unique experience. Unlike traditional metal pipes, wooden options are hand-carved from a single piece of wood. This craftsmanship means that each one has its own character. These may also be better at retaining heat. The choice of material all depends on what you value.

Price

Price is also a huge consideration when choosing a hookah. Thankfully, there is a range of good options regardless of your budget. The most expensive options don’t necessarily equal better performance. There are plenty of hookah setups that are affordable and still perform as well as a pricey modern hookah. Our guide highlights pipes that cover a range of price points for both enthusiasts and beginners.

Finding the Right Hookah for You

When looking for a hookah, there are a few things you need to consider when making your decision. There are a few popular brands of hookahs, including Khalil Mamoon, MYA, and Starbuzz. And it’s crucial to choose a brand that you trust. If you’re a heavy smoker, you’ll need a hookah that can handle more tobacco. Or if you don’t smoke that often and prefer to keep things light, you may want a hookah that’s smaller and can handle less tobacco. Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you can make the best possible decision with the help of our hookah buying guide.

Best Hookahs: The Last Puff

Choose the best hookah for you in our hookah buying guide.

With all of the hookah devices and accessories available on the market, the process of finding the best hookah device can be difficult. But thanks to our hookah guide, you can pay close attention to what matters most to you and your smoking experience. Our guide only highlights top-quality hookahs that are sure to suit your preferences. Regardless of which device you choose, shisha smokers will be satisfied with the choices above. When it comes to the world of hookah, you’ll want to choose products that will last, boasting high material quality and delivering smooth smoke. The durability and the performance of the hookah matter over the long term. Different types of hookah users will value different aspects of the equipment. Some want unique designs, while others prioritize their personal budgets. Once you’ve considered all of the factors in our hookah buying guide, you’ll be able to guarantee the best smoking experience!

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Last updated on December 5, 2022

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