Hookah is a kind of symbolism of oriental culture. With her arrival in Western civilization, many admirers of this exquisite attribute appeared. The popularity of a hookah is high not only in the East - since the beginning of the 19th century, it has firmly entered the everyday life of residents of European countries who appreciate measured conversations in a narrow circle. Recently, many people want to buy such an accessory, so they ask themselves: which hookah manufacturers can offer the best products?
Criterias of choice
Before choosing a hookah, you should get acquainted with its device and the principle of work, reviews about it, as well as the influence of each element on the impression of smoking. So, the hookah consists of a bowl, which is located just below the plate, shaft, flask, hose and valve.
The bowl is the very top of the hookah itself. It can be made of any material, but the best manufacturers of hookahs offer a clay version, since it helps to better and evenly distribute heat and quickly cool the smoke. Many lovers advise choosing a bowl for a hookah to pay attention to its appearance - the design should be solid, without cracks and chips, with smooth edges (you can put it upside down and check the fit of all edges).
The plate, which is worn on the hookah shaft, performs, most likely, a decorative function. However, this element prevents small particles (coal, ash and tobacco) from falling down. Since this element does not affect the impression of smoking, it makes no sense to dwell on it in detail.
Main structural element
It's about mine. Hookah manufacturers strongly recommend paying attention to this attribute. The fact is that the impression of smoking depends on the mine. Users note that the main criterion of choice is the height of the shaft - too small will not allow the smoke to cool sufficiently, which means that the smoke will irritate the larynx and trachea. Preference should be given to a mine, the height of which ranges from 50 to 100 cm. Most often, hookah manufacturers offer smoking devices with a height of 70-80 cm. This is the best compromise between the ability to cool inhaled smoke, the compactness of the entire structure and resistance to air movement.
An important role is played by the material from which the mine is made. Egyptian hookahs are most often made of copper. But users are advised when choosing to make sure that the mine is not subject to corrosion. Cheaper models can be made of steel or brass. The most common material for the manufacture of modern hookahs is stainless steel. Such a mine does not require careful maintenance, will serve faithfully for a long time, and will also not be affected by rust.
Flask
This is another important component of a hookah. A base filled with liquid (it can be water, fruit wine and even milk) performs the function of filtering, moisturizing and cooling the smoke passing through it. The material for this part of the hookah can be the most diverse. There are glass, plastic, quartz and metal flasks. But the most common material is still glass. Therefore, choosing this or that model, it is worth giving preference to designs with a thick massive bottom - it will not allow a hookah to fall even with strong shocks. This is evidenced by many lovers of hookah art. But if it is a mini hookah, the thickness of the flask is not significant.
It is desirable to have a metal ring that is designed to connect the shaft to the bulb. This small piece will extend the life of the entire structure directly.
Mouthpieces and hoses
These elements can be made of various materials. However, true connoisseurs of noble smoking know how good real Egyptian hookahs are - their hoses are made of genuine leather. The most common material used to make hookah hoses is rubber. Numerous reviews claim that it is easy to care for, easy to clean from internal plaque and ensures a long service life. When buying, pay attention to fracture resistance and wall thickness. Of course, the cost of a hookah with a leather hose will be an order of magnitude higher than a similar design with a rubber tube, but if you buy a really high-quality and durable hookah, then it is better to give preference to an expensive model - lovers of these products often focus on this.
Good and high-quality mouthpieces are made of wood. For these purposes, wood of oak, beech or Karelian birch can be used. There are also very unusual options made of stone or amber.
Manufacturers
Many companies around the world are engaged in the manufacture of hookahs. Products differ in quality, material from which it is made and purpose. For example, most hookahs made in China have a more decorative function. But the countries of the Middle East are the undoubted leaders in the production of high-quality smoking accessories. Of course, the cost of a hookah will be significantly higher than that of Chinese products, but users are advised to prefer a better option.
The manufacturing mechanism is also of great importance. So, leading manufacturers offer true connoisseurs original hookahs made of natural materials, with a fancy pattern and embossed. As a rule, such models are made by hand, and each of them is characterized by specific features characteristic of a particular manufacturer.
Khalil Mamoon Hookah
This is the largest Egyptian company, which is one of the most famous manufacturers. The ideal quality of the materials used for the production and careful control at every stage of production allow Khalil Mamoon to remain a leader among similar companies.
Distinctive features of the products - the presence of a wide range of accessories for hookahs, which are offered in the kit (tongs for coal, for example). Another feature that distinguishes Khalil Mamoon hookah is its diverse shaft height options. There may be classic Egyptian models (with strung decorative elements on the central tube) and versions with a cast mine. Khalil Mamoon hookahs are also distinguished by the fact that some models use various silver alloys for decoration. This hookah is admired by true connoisseurs of such products.
Farida
This is a true work of oriental art. Hookahs from this manufacturer are incredible sophistication. A characteristic feature for most models is the presence of a central copper tube in the shaft, on which nickel-plated elements are strung. The diameter of the tube is slightly larger than other models, which provides easier traction.
Farida hookahs are characterized by patterns in the national style and the slight asymmetry that occurs during manual manufacturing. This hookah is pleasing to the eye, like a gem - such is the opinion of most lovers.
Syrian Hookahs
This is a real pearl of the East. Products are distinguished by elegance and sophistication, bizarre oriental paintings and original decorations that distinguish hookahs against the background of other analogues. The slender shaft is made of thin, but incredibly durable material with the application of exquisite oriental patterns, flowers and leaves. The main material used to make the mine is nickel-plated or blackened brass. Most often in Syrian hookahs the mine is collapsible, which greatly facilitates the process of cleaning it. Users attribute this point to significant product advantages.
Among the entire variety of models of Syrian hookahs, truly unique specimens are found that deserve an honorable place in the list of the best appliances for noble smoking. This Syrian mini-hookah is a real work of art, which is intended for true connoisseurs of oriental tobacco.
Fabula temple
First of all, this is an original design decision. Temple hookahs are a good attempt by a domestic producer to touch the culture of the East. This is one of the first hookahs that are completely made of glass. The design fascinates with its transparency. The product has already appeared a lot of fans.
The direct mix for the hookah is made on the basis of juice with the addition of fresh fruits, which completely immerses you in an exotic atmosphere. Temple hookahs are equipped with decorative lighting - its control panel comes complete with the entire structure. It is worth noting that transparent hookahs are found not only in Russian clubs - the nightlife of the United States also managed to acquire such a stylish and unusual accessory.
Which hookah is better?
But there is no single answer to this question. Everyone decides for what he needs a hookah. Someone sees this as just an opportunity to relax and treat yourself to something exotic. And someone sees in the process of smoking a whole rite and the original culture of the East. The criteria for choosing one or another design depend on this.
It is clear that a true connoisseur will long and painstakingly search for his hookah, and then take care of it like the apple of an eye. Many gourmets recommend the Khalil hookah, as this design is characterized by an optimal ratio of price and quality.
Having dealt with the design features of the hookah and its distinctive features, you can go to the eastern bazaar for shopping. By the way, the best and most successful purchases are made on trips - many connoisseurs say this. Therefore, before a trip to Egypt, it is worth setting aside several thousand rubles to buy a hookah.
It remains only to stock up on flavored tobacco and coals to try out the long-awaited purchase. By the way, this category of goods for hookahs also has its own specifics and subtleties, which few know about.
Reviews
Some of the best smoking appliances are made by manufacturers from eastern countries. Egyptian, Syrian and Turkish hookahs are rightfully considered the best - this is the opinion of the users surveyed. They allow you to penetrate the culture of the country. Experienced smokers, who are serious about intimate conversations and bewitching smoke with a fruity aroma, believe that it is Oriental hookahs made from natural materials that are the best devices that allow you to really enjoy fragrant tobacco.
For decorative decoration of the interior or pampering, you can also try Chinese models - this is the opinion of those who have not found anything unusual in oriental culture. According to user reviews, Egyptian hookahs, which differ in the quality of assembly and affordable cost, can boast of the best price-quality ratio.