Hookahs - Portable/Small

Small shishas compared

A small shisha takes up less room on the table and is easier to carry and clean. Height is the first thing to compare, followed by how the hose packs away and what comes in the box.

Kinds of small shisha

• Pocket-sized pipes, such as the El-Badia P1 at 24cm: a built-in hose winder stores the silicone hose around the hookah, and the ceramic bowl is reversible.
• Short everyday shishas, for example the El-Badia Fantom at 48cm: a full-featured hookah in a smaller frame, with an aluminium stem on a glass base, a diffuser to soften the bubbling and a universal bowl connection that works with the Kaloud Lotus.
• Mini kits, like the Starbuzz Mini USA at about 21 inches: these come with a hose, mouthpiece, phunnel bowl, clear base and mini tong, so you can set up straight away.

What to check

Look at whether a bowl and heat management device are included, or whether you will add your own. A universal bowl connection gives you the widest choice of bowls later. If you plan to carry it, a hose that winds away or a hookah that packs into a small box makes life easier.

Small doesn't mean simple

With a small base, check the water level every time: the end of the downstem should sit just under the surface. For hookahs built for travel, see portable shishas, and for carrying one about, bags and cases.

Questions

Can I use a heat management device on a small shisha?

Often, yes. Check the bowl connection: the El-Badia Fantom, for example, has a universal connection that works with the Kaloud Lotus.

How full should a small base be?

Fill it until the end of the downstem sits just under the water. Too much water in a small base makes the draw heavy.