What You Will Need for Your First Hookah

Maybe you’ve enjoyed smoking hookah at public establishments, but the time has come to buy your own. Like any smoking device, there’s a little bit of a learning curve. However, getting the items you’ll need for your first hookah is easy in Rutland, VT—all you need is to read this article and stop by your favorite tobacco shop, like Emporium Tobacco & Gifts. Here’s what you’ll need to get when you’re bringing a hookah home for the first time:

  • The basics: Generally, most hookahs are sold as a set and come with the basics you’ll need: tongs, a bowl, grommets and hose. In addition, you will also need shisha, a foil or charcoal screen, mouth tips and charcoal. This is everything you’ll need to get your smoking session started.
  • Traditional or modern: Next, you’ll need to decide whether you want a traditional or a modern hookah. Traditional hookahs are made in the Middle East and Mediterranean, and tend to be larger, made out of combinations of metals. Modern hookahs are made outside of the Middle East and the Mediterranean (often in China), are lighter weight and can often be unscrewed to fit into carrying cases. Modern hookah bowls are usually made of ceramic, which doesn’t conduct heat as well as the traditional clay. You can still get great quality modern hookahs, but if you’re a purist, you might want to pick a traditional model. Just make sure it fits into your budget—and remember, you can always upgrade later.
  • Materials: There’s plenty of debate about which type of material is best. Many people believe brass is the best choice. However, it constantly needs cleaning and polishing to maintain its shine. If you choose stainless steel, make sure that it’s a very high quality. Otherwise, your hookah may develop corrosion and other issues.
  • Hose options: Multiple hoses sound like fun for a party, but beware: everyone who is not currently smoking will need to plug the mouth tip in order for the smoker to get enough suction. If you choose a multiple hose hookah, make sure you get rubber tips to plug the mouth tips that are not in use.
  • Height: Larger vases and stems tend to hold more smoke, but smaller hookahs can smoke well, too. Most users prefer a hookah somewhere between 28 and 32 inches, but it’s largely a matter of preference. Look at a few models before you decide which one is right for you.

Once you’ve chosen your perfect hookah, and have gotten the charcoal, mouth tips, foil or charcoal screen and—of course—the shisha, you should be all set for a brand-new smoking experience.

Buying a new hookah can be confusing, however, so make sure you ask the team at Emporium Tobacco & Gifts all the questions you have. We’ll not only help you pick the right hookah, but we’ll also make sure you have all the items you need for your first hookah in Rutland, VT. Call or come see us today!

How to Pack a Perfect Hookah Bowl

There are few things more enjoyable than a great smoke session with a perfectly packed hookah. The right pack will make sure your hookah smokes as well as possible. But getting that perfect pack can be a bit of a challenge, especially for newer, less experienced smokers who haven’t had years of practice to perfect their technique.

Here’s an overview of some tips and tricks for how to pack a perfect hookah bowl in Rutland, VT.

Understand the differences between bowls

Before we get into packing technique, it’s important to understand the differences between the various types of hookah bowls. The three primary types of bowls are vortex, funnel and Egyptian.

The Egyptian bowl is the most common, and features holes in the bottom of the bowl with shisha placed directly above the holes. Vortex bowls have a center spire with holes around the top of that spire, and funnel bowls feature center spires with one large hole at the top of the spire.

The type of bowl you use will frequently come down to personal preference. The good news is that most bowls will have very similar packing procedures.

The packing process

After you’ve selected your shisha tobacco, the first step to getting a great pack is to make sure it’s been sufficiently finely chopped. This makes it so the heat will be able to pass through the bowl evenly. Try grabbing a pinch of it in your fingers and breaking it gently over a paper plate. You can also use a sharp kitchen knife to chop it up into small pieces. If you see large stems, remove them and set them aside.

Once you’ve broken up enough of the shisha, you can then begin loading, making sure you carefully consider airflow and the amount of space you leave between the top of the shisha and your bowl screen, hookah foil or other heat management device.

Sprinkle the shisha into the bowl. Don’t pack it very tightly—there needs to be a little bit of space for airflow, from the top of the bowl down to the bottom into the hookah. Make sure you sprinkle in enough to fill the bowl close to the top rim. Once it’s filled, use a damp paper towel to gently press down any shisha that is sticking up over the top of the rim. The top of the shisha should not touch the bottom of the foil—leave around an eighth of an inch of space.

Set the hookah foil or bowl screen over the bowl, bend down the tabs to make it secure and then you should be good to go. That’s all it takes!

A lot of beginners tend to think they need to try to cram in as much shisha as possible to get a good smoke, but that actually makes for a worse experience. Airflow is crucial.

For more information about tips and tricks for packing a hookah bowl in Rutland, VT, we encourage you to contact Emporium Tobacco & Gifts today.

Hookah Flavors to Try if You’re New to Hookah

Smoking hookah is a great way to relax and socialize with friends. Plus, there are plenty of hookah flavors that taste good, which is why it’s been a popular activity for centuries. All of the different hookah flavors can be intimidating to some people, which is why we’ve put together this helpful guide. From fruity to minty-fresh, these are a few of the top hookah flavors for beginners in Rutland, VT:

Get your hookah supplies from Emporium Tobacco & Gifts

For all the hookah flavors that taste good in Rutland, VT, come down to Emporium Tobacco & Gifts. In addition to providing you with all of the necessary hookah gear, our friendly staff can help you pick out the perfect flavor for your palate. If we don’t have just what you’re looking for, we’d be glad to put in a special order for you!

What Makes Hookah Different, and Why Is It So Popular?

Across the United States, more and more people are waking up to the fun that can be had when smoking a hookah. These pipes have a long, rich tradition dating back to the 1500s, when European missionaries brought tobacco with them on trips to Persia and India. While Christianity may not have had a lasting impact in the region, the tobacco certainly did. It wasn’t long before Indian nobles were smoking lots of tobacco.

One medical practitioner of the time determined that the tobacco had adverse health effects and, therefore, invented a means of “purifying” the tobacco by filtering it through water. Thus, the hookah pipe was created. But why is hookah so popular in Rutland, VT, today? We’ve got your answers!

What is a hookah pipe?

In a normal cigarette or tobacco pipe, you apply your combustion (i.e., the lighter) to your tobacco source and inhale the smoke directly. In a hookah, tobacco is placed in a bowl at the top of the hookah. It’s then lit and covered with a wind guard that controls the burning process.

Once a smoker begins to inhale, the smoke travels down a narrow tube, where it’s released into a water base. From there, the smoke travels through a hose and into the smoker’s mouth. For the smoker, the results are instantaneous.

Rising popularity

Okay, the mechanics of a hookah don’t explain why hookah is so popular in Rutland, VT. The answer to that question is simple:

Don’t operate under the assumption that a hookah pipe is healthier for you than conventional smoking. It isn’t. That said, if you’re interested in exploring the opportunities of a more flavorful tobacco experience, there are plenty of benefits to picking up a hookah pipe.

Come to Emporium Tobacco & Gifts

If you’re wondering whether you should start smoking with a hookah pipe in Rutland, VT, the best thing to do is try it for yourself. That means making a trip to the smoke shop that has been serving the local community for more than 20 years: Emporium Tobacco & Gifts. In addition to our comprehensive collection of hookah pipes and tobacco, we offer a huge selection of other fantastic products, including CBD oils of all kinds, e-cigarettes, a wide range of glass pipes and water pipes, vaporizers and everything you need to build your own grow site.

For those people looking for a traditional tobacco shop experience, look no further than Emporium Tobacco & Gifts. We have an incredible collection of cigars and roll-your-own tobacco accessories. If you’re looking for it, we’re almost sure to have it.

Find out what a comprehensive approach to tobacco looks like—call or stop by Emporium Tobacco & Gifts today. We can’t wait to meet you!

Should You Buy a Hookah?

Lots of people enjoy using a hookah in social settings or while relaxing alone. No matter how you like to use a hookah, you might be wondering whether you should buy one of your own. Buying a hookah allows you to wind down at home whenever you want to, and there are also plenty of specially-designed hookah options that double as unique décor items. Before you make a purchase, it’s a good idea to follow these tips for buying a hookah in Rutland, VT.

Hookah basics

Hookahs have been used in countries around the world since at least the 15th century. Today, hookahs are still used worldwide, including in the United States. Modern hookahs are made using a variety of different materials with various designs, sizes and styles. With so much variety in the market, most people who decide to buy a hookah can find an option that fits their unique needs and preferences.

Tips for buying a hookah in Rutland, VT

Here are a few tips to help you find hookahs that meet your needs and preferences:

Get more tips for purchasing a hookah in Rutland, VT

If you’re looking for a hookah that’s right for your needs and preferences, reach out to Emporium Tobacco & Gifts. For decades, customers have come to us for quality smoke and vape products and accessories. Whether you’re looking for a high-performance hookah with advanced functionalities or you want a decorative piece that’s perfect for displaying in your home, we have the products for you. Stop by today to check out our selection for yourself.