Traditional Bowl

Choosing a traditional bowl

Traditional bowls keep the familiar shape with holes in the floor, so they suit most stems and are simple to pack. Within that shape, makers vary the clay, the glaze and how the bowl handles juice and heat.

What to compare

• Glazed or unglazed: a glazed bowl, such as the Alpha Turk Design in German ceramic, doesn't soak up syrup. An unglazed, thick clay bowl like the Starbuzz Bee Head holds its temperature well for a long session.
• Size and weight: check the capacity if you like a big pack. The Telamon Harmony, for example, holds 15g to 18g of tobacco.
• Juice control: some bowls raise the holed floor to keep juice in. The Alpaca Egy has a raised platform that forms a moat around the centre, and it is made to fit the Kaloud Lotus.
• Leaf style: Cosmo describe their Turkish Bowl as suiting dark Russian tobacco as well as blonde leaf.

Some bowls come in options. On Cosmo bowls, for instance, Lite is the bowl, grommet and tray, Pro adds an AOT heat management system, and Max adds foil and coal.

Packing tips

Fluff the tobacco, sprinkle it in loosely and leave a small gap below the rim. Packing too tight blocks the airflow.

Want a different shape? See modern bowls, or more from Alpaca and Cosmo.

Questions

Can I use a Kaloud Lotus with a traditional bowl?

Many work with one. The Alpaca Egy is made to fit the Lotus, and some Cosmo bowls have a Kaloud option that comes with one.

Should I pick a glazed or unglazed bowl?

A glazed bowl doesn't soak up syrup and is easy to rinse. Thick unglazed clay holds its heat well, so choose by how you like your session.