Shishas £200 – £300

What to compare before you choose

Shishas at this level differ more in build and draw than in looks. Before you compare models, answer two questions: do you want everything in one box, and what kind of draw do you enjoy?

Do you want a kit?

If you're new to shisha, a kit saves buying parts one by one. The Starbuzz Carbine 2.0 Starter Kit, for example, comes with a 200g flavour, 1kg of coconut charcoal and pre-poked foil. Some hookahs are sold in several levels, such as the El Badia Balian, which comes as Shisha Only, Shisha Set or Full Set, with a starter kit that adds charcoal and an X1 Coal Burner. Check what each level includes before you decide.

What build and draw do you like?

• Wood and steel: for example the Wookah Hookah, made in Poland with a wooden body, V2A stainless steel and a glass vase. It comes without a bowl, so you'll want a bowl too.
• Wide, open flow: such as the Regal Joker Clear Wood, with an extra wide stainless steel downstem for a generous flow of smoke.
• Quiet and fine: like the El Bomber 4x4, Russian-made in AISI 304 stainless steel, with a built-in diffuser for a quiet draw.
• Compact: the Hoob Mars Mini Pro is one example, with an adjustable diffuser, a magnetic hose connector and a threaded vase.
• Tall and striking: for instance the 61cm El Badia Balian, made from handcrafted resin and stainless steel.

Bundles can change the value of a model a lot, so compare the contents as well as the hookah. For more by size, see full size shishas or starter kits.

Questions

Do shishas at this level come with a bowl?

Some do and some don't. The Starbuzz Wood Line Challenger, for example, includes a phunnel clay bowl, while the Wookah Hookah does not, so check each product's contents.

What does a diffuser do?

It breaks up the smoke so the draw is quieter and finer. Some are built in, like the El Bomber 4x4's, and some can be adjusted, like the Hoob Mars Mini Pro's.

Which kind is easiest to carry?

Look for compact or portable models, such as the Hoob Mars Mini Pro, which is built as a portable, durable hookah.