MODERN

Picking a modern bowl

Modern bowls rethink the shape of a classic clay bowl to keep juice in the tobacco and spread the heat. They go about it in different ways, so start with how you like to heat your bowl.

Kinds of modern bowl

• Phunnel bowls: a raised centre hole keeps juices in the bowl. Some, like the Arka Tempest LP1, are ceramic; others, such as the AMY Silicone Phunnel, are food-grade silicone that survives being dropped or knocked over.
• Heat built in: a thermal head such as the Quasar Raas 2 combines bowl and heating system in borosilicate glass, silicone and aluminium. The Apple on Top bowl has its own stainless steel coal tray around a centre spire.
• Big or intense: Moon say the Grand Cap is large enough for about an hour of smoking, while the Darkside Shot is made for maximum flavour over a 30 to 40 minute session.
• Statement bowls: some lead with looks, for example the gold-plated Savacco 14ct.

Bundle options

Many bowls, such as the Moon Grand Cap, Cosmo Future and HJ ClassCinco, come in options. Lite is the bowl, grommet and tray. Pro adds an AOT heat management system, and Max adds foil and 1kg of coconut charcoal too. Some also have a Kaloud option with a Kaloud Lotus.

Prefer a classic shape? See traditional bowls. For more from individual makers, try Apple On Top or Hookah John.

Questions

What do Lite, Pro and Max mean?

Lite is the bowl with a grommet and tray. Pro adds an AOT heat management system, and Max adds foil and 1kg of coconut charcoal as well.

Can I use a modern bowl with dark leaf?

Some are made with it in mind. The Cosmo Future, for example, is described as suiting dark Russian tobacco as well as blonde leaf, so check each bowl's details.

Do I need foil with a built-in tray?

No. On bowls like the Apple on Top, the coals sit on the stainless steel tray rather than on foil.