What is a heat management device, and do you need one?

The short answer: a heat management device (HMD) sits on top of your bowl instead of foil and holds the charcoal. It spreads the heat evenly and lets you turn it up or down without touching the coals, so sessions are smoother and last longer. You don't need one, because foil works, but most people who try an HMD keep using it.

Prefer no charcoal at all? Electric shisha heads such as the XKAH Pro replace the coals with electric heat; they are on our electric shisha page.

HMD vs foil

• Foil: cheap and simple, but you have to poke holes, move coals around and replace the foil every session. It's easy to overheat the flavour.
• HMD: reusable, gives even heat, and you control it by moving the lid or vents. You flip coals less and get fewer harsh puffs.

How to use one

1. Pack a phunnel bowl, leaving a small gap below the rim (see phunnel vs killer bowl).
2. Place the HMD on the bowl.
3. Add 2 to 3 fully lit coconut coals (see charcoal sizes explained).
4. Let it heat up for a few minutes with the lid closed.
5. Adjust the vents, or slide the lid open, if it gets too hot.

Which HMD?

• Kaloud Lotus I+: the best-known HMD, made for Kaloud's own bowls and fits most phunnel bowls of a similar size. Shishagear is an official UK stockist of Kaloud.
• Apple on Top Provost: a sturdy all-rounder with easy heat adjustment.
• HKY, Bodo, ONMO and El Badia: other popular designs, each with its own way of holding the coals and venting the heat.

Check the HMD fits your bowl's diameter. A device that is too big or too small won't sit flat, and the heat will be uneven.

Do you need one?

• If you smoke often, or like long sessions: yes, it's one of the best upgrades you can make.
• If you share sessions with friends who are new to shisha: yes, it's much more forgiving than foil.
• If you smoke occasionally and foil works for you: it's a nice-to-have, not a must.

Browse our heat management devices. Always use charcoal in a well-ventilated space and never leave it unattended.