Shishas £100 – £200

Choosing a shisha at this level

At this level you will find everything from complete beginner kits to stainless steel and designer shishas. Start by deciding whether you want everything in one box or just the shisha, then narrow it down by height and features.

Kits or shisha only

Starter kits, for example the C7 V2 or Hexium Hookah Starter Kit, put the shisha together with coconut charcoal, a heat management device, foil, a flavour and a coal burner. Some shishas come with just the essentials, such as a bowl, hose and tongs. Others, like the Starbuzz Challenger XS (Stem & Vase), are the hookah alone, so you choose your own bowl and hose. Read the box contents on each listing, and for more ready-to-go sets see starter kits.

Height and size

• Compact shishas, roughly 40 to 45cm or a mini like the Starbuzz Mini USA, suit small spaces and travel.
• Mid-height models, around 50 to 60cm, are an everyday all-rounder.
• Tall shishas, 60cm and up, such as the Balian at 61cm, give a longer smoke path and stand out in a lounge.

Features to compare

Look at how the shisha purges, how its diffuser shapes the draw and whether it can grow with you. The Starbuzz Carbine 2.0, for instance, can take a second hose, and the Embery Equal has a triple purge system. Stemless designs like the PurjFam Hookah are another option.

Want to look either side of this level? See the band below or the band above.

Questions

Do starter kits include flavour?

Usually, yes. Kits such as the C5 V2 or Hexium Hookah Starter Kit include a 200g flavour, but check the box contents on each listing.

Can I share a one-hose shisha?

You can pass the hose round. Some models, like the Starbuzz Carbine 2.0, can also take a second hose if you replace the purge valve with a hose adapter.