Phunnel vs killer bowl: which should you use?

The short answer: a phunnel bowl has a single raised hole (a spire) in the centre. The flavour sits around it, so the juice stays in the bowl, and it works brilliantly with heat management devices. A killer or traditional bowl has several holes in the bottom. The flavour sits over the holes, it heats up quickly and it gives a punchy session, but juice can run into the stem. Most people find a phunnel easier.

Phunnel bowls

• How it works: one spire in the middle; you pack the flavour in a ring around it.
• Good for: juicy, modern flavours, long sessions, and heat management devices such as the Kaloud Lotus.
• Why people like it: the juice stays where the flavour is, so it lasts longer and the stem stays cleaner.
• Watch out for: keeping the flavour clear of the hole in the spire.

Killer (traditional) bowls

• How it works: several small holes in the base of the bowl; the flavour sits right over them.
• Good for: a classic, quick-to-heat session, often with foil.
• Why people like it: it is simple and familiar, and it is what many lounges use.
• Watch out for: juice dripping into the stem; pack a little less wet flavour.

Packing tips for both

1. Fluff the flavour first so it is loose, not clumped.
2. Sprinkle it in; don't press it down.
3. Leave a small gap of about 2mm between the flavour and the rim, so it doesn't touch the foil or HMD.

Materials

Bowls come in clay, ceramic, glazed or unglazed finishes, stone and silicone. Unglazed clay holds heat well and is popular with enthusiasts. Glazed ceramic is easy to clean. Silicone is almost unbreakable, which makes it ideal for travel.

Which should you choose?

• New to shisha, or using an HMD? Phunnel.
• Want a classic lounge-style session with foil? Killer.
• Not sure? Start with a phunnel; it is the more forgiving of the two.

On our bowls page you can use the Type filter to show only phunnel or only killer bowls. Pair your bowl with the right heat: see heat management explained.