Russian vs German vs French shishas: what's the difference?

The short answer: Russian shishas are heavy, precise and built for big clouds and long sessions. German shishas are engineered, with clever extras and premium finishes. French shishas lead on design and colour, often at a friendlier price. American and traditional shishas each have their own character too. None is "best": it depends what you want from a session.

Russian shishas

Russia's hookah scene has grown into one of the most inventive in the world. Russian shishas are typically:

• Heavy and solid, often machined stainless steel, sometimes with wood or stone details.
• Precise, with tight seals and a carefully tuned airflow, often adjustable.
• Built for big clouds and long sessions with modern blends and heat management devices.

Brands to know: Alpha, MattPear, Union, Hoob and Darkside. Browse Russian shishas.

German shishas

German makers apply engineering to the shisha. Expect:

• Precision and premium materials, with high-grade stainless steel and quality glass.
• Clever extras, such as adjustable diffusers, purge systems and interchangeable parts.
• A clean, modern look and a very smooth draw.

Brands to know: Aeon, Steamulation, Amotion and Dschinni. Browse German shishas.

French shishas

French brands have made shisha fashionable:

• Design first: striking shapes, bold colours and lots of finishes.
• Great value: many models give a premium look and a good draw without a premium price.
• Easy to live with: simple to set up and clean, which makes them popular first shishas.

Brands to know: El Badia, Tsar, MS, Hooky and Quasar. Browse French shishas.

American shishas

American brands such as Starbuzz, Kaloud and Regal range from classic designs to modern ones, and many come from the same companies that make popular flavours and accessories. Kaloud, for example, is known for its heat management. Browse American shishas.

Traditional and modern

Traditional shishas carry the look of the Middle East, with ornate stems and decorated glass bases. They are perfect if you love the classic style. Traditional shishas and Wookah's handmade wooden designs sit here. At the other end, modern shishas experiment with shapes and materials.

Which one should you choose?

• Want big clouds and plenty of tinkering? Russian.
• Want engineering, a smooth draw and a premium finish? German.
• Want something that looks great and is easy to use? French.
• Want the classic look? Traditional.

New to shisha? Our first shisha buyer's guide covers size, budget and what else you need. Or browse all our shishas.