Accessories - Foil
Picking the right shisha foil
Foil sits between your shisha and the coals, so the heat reaches the tobacco without scorching it. It comes in a few forms, and the choice mostly comes down to how much prep you want to do and how many sessions you get through.
Pre-poked, sheets or a roll
- Pre-poked foil (for example Starbuzz Pre-poked Round Aluminium Foil 5.5" or Fumari Pre-Poked Hookah Foil): ready-cut pieces with the holes already made. Lay one over the packed bowl, press it snug and add your coals.
- Pre-cut thick sheets (such as El-Badia Extra Thick Aluminium Foil or Zomo Thick Aluminium Foil): flat sheets you fit and poke yourself. Thicker foil stretches over the bowl without tearing and stands up better to high heat.
- Rolls (for example Shishagear Aluminium Super Thick Armored Foil or the MG 50m roll): tear off as much as you need each time. Rolls suit regular smokers and bowls of unusual sizes.
Thickness and width
Foil thickness is given in microns. Heavier foil, around 40 microns, usually works as a single layer, while thinner foil may need doubling up when the heat is high. Check the width or sheet size against the rim of your bowl so there is enough to fold down the sides.
Fitting foil well
Pull the foil tight so it doesn't sag onto the tobacco. With plain sheets or a roll, poke plenty of small, even holes. Too few holes can let the foil get pulled down into a phunnel bowl's centre channel. Move hot coals with tongs, and if you'd rather skip foil altogether, look at heat management devices.
Questions
How do I know foil will fit my bowl?
Measure across the top of your bowl and compare it with the sheet size or roll width on the listing. A roll lets you cut a bigger piece for wide bowls.
Do I need foil with a heat management device?
Devices like the Kaloud Lotus sit straight on the bowl in place of foil. Some thick sheets, such as the El-Badia ones, are made to work with a Provost system.
Is thicker foil worth it?
Thicker foil is less likely to tear while you fit it and usually needs only one layer. Thinner foil is easier to shape but may need doubling when the coals are hot.