How to choose your first shisha: a buyer's guide

The short answer: for a first shisha, choose a stainless steel shisha of medium height from a known brand, with a glass base that sits steadily. Add a phunnel bowl, coconut charcoal and a washable silicone hose. If you would rather not choose each part, a starter kit gives you all of it in one box.

1. Pick a size you will actually use

Shishas come in four rough sizes:

• Portable: easy to carry and store, ideal for travel, balconies and small flats.
• Small: compact, quick to set up, still a proper session.
• Medium: the sweet spot for most people. Smooth draw, stable, fits on a table.
• Full size: the lounge look. Cooler, smoother draw thanks to the longer stem, but it needs space.

If you are unsure, go medium.

2. Choose the material, not just the look

Stainless steel is the safe choice: it doesn't rust, it is easy to clean and it lasts for years. Cheaper shishas often use painted or plated metal that wears quickly. Check the base too: thick glass that sits flat is worth more than decoration.

3. Pick a style you like

Russian, German, French, American, modern or traditional: each style has its own feel. Russian shishas are built heavy and precise, German ones are engineered with clever extras, and French ones lead on design. Our guide Russian vs German vs French shishas explains the differences.

4. Set a budget, and spend it on the shisha

A good shisha lasts for years, so put most of your budget into the shisha itself. Bowls, hoses and heat management can be upgraded later. Our shishas under £100 are a good place to start, and best sellers show what other customers choose.

5. What you need with it

• A bowl. A phunnel bowl is the easiest to get right. See phunnel vs killer bowl.
• Heat. Foil works, but a heat management device (HMD) makes heat much easier to control. See heat management explained.
• Charcoal. Natural coconut cubes, usually 25mm or 26mm. See charcoal sizes explained.
• A way to light it. An electric charcoal burner and a pair of tongs.
• A hose. Silicone is washable and long-lasting. See choosing a shisha hose.

6. Or let a starter kit do it for you

A starter kit puts a proven shisha together with a matching bowl, hose and accessories, usually for less than buying the parts separately. It's the quickest way to get going.

Before your first session

Read how to set up a shisha, step by step. Always light and use charcoal in a well-ventilated space, on a heat-proof surface, and never leave lit coals unattended. Shisha is for adults aged 18 and over.

Still not sure? Browse all our shishas, or get in touch: we're happy to help you choose.