After trying out smoking hookah in the lounge, you probably have decided to set up your own hookah so you can enjoy the flavorful shisha smoke in the warmth of your home. Even though you have packed a hookah bowl and heated the hookah charcoal, it is nothing like the one you smoke in the lounge. Relax; Amy Deluxe is here to make sure you can enjoy the amazing hookah lounge vibes in your home. 

How Do Hookah Lounges Prepare Their Hookah Setups?

Before we share the information, tips, and tricks, it is important to note that there may be hundreds of lounges in your city, utilizing different types of methods, setups, and hookah shisha flavors for their sessions. Hence the session experience is likely to vary from one lounge to another. We assume you are aware of how to set up a hookah. However, if you need help, you can refer to our Hookah setup guide here. In this post, we are sharing a basic guide to set up your hookah to have a lounge-like smoking experience.

a. Maintain proper water level in the hookah base.

The amount of water you have in the base depends on your personal choice and hookah. However, too much water can limit the pull and clog the hose,  and less water will fail to cool down and filter the smoke and make it harsh. Ideally, you should keep ½ inch of your downstem immersed in the water for a nice, cool, and smooth session. After setting the water level, you can now continue connecting the base, stem, and other parts.

b. Pack your hookah bowl the right way.

Another important thing is to pack your hookah bowl right. For this, we will use Egyptian clay hookah bowls, which are common in lounges. Break the tobacco using your fingers or a fork so the flavorful juice gets in the tobacco leaves. Now sprinkle the shisha tobacco into the bowl, keeping it fluffy up to the rim of the hookah bowl. Make sure it doesn’t obstruct the holes at the bottom. Avoid pressing it down or packing densely, as it will restrict airflow and proper heat distribution.

Press it lightly to check. If it bounces back, it is all set.

c. Cover the hookah bowl with aluminum foil and punch holes in it.

It is crucial to cover the bowl with aluminum foil after you pack it with your favorite shisha tobacco. It separates shisha from the coals. You can either yout pre-poked hookah foils or a double-layer of regular heavy-duty aluminum foil for even heating transfer and better heat management. Never go for the non-stick foil, which has a harmful coating on it.

But how to do it right? Simply cut a square bigger than the bowl. Place it on top of the bowl and crimp the edge around the side of the bowl, making the foil flat and smooth. Use a foil poker, pin, or toothpick to make holes in it. Start with the outer side in circles and gradually move inside, creating smaller ones. Keep the holes small and at even gaps for even airflow.

d. Prepare the hookah charcoal properly.

Now that you have your hookah pipe set, your bowl is packed and covered with aluminum foil with holes poked in it; all you need is to prepare your hookah charcoal.

Depending on the charcoal you are planning to use, you need to light it with a coal burner or a lighter. But the trick is to wait until the hookah coals are evenly lit from all sides. They will be glowing red or turn light gray without any black spots left.

Once the coals are completely ignited, put the coal on the foil-wrapped hookah bowl. If using natural coals, go for two to three pieces and one to two pieces of quick lights, depending on the size of the bowl. Place them towards the edge of the bowl for better flavor and proper heat distribution. Do not place the coal in the center as it will make the smoke harsh. Lastly, after putting the coals on top of the bowl, let them heat up the bowl and shisha properly for a few minutes before taking your first puff.

Check the setup first if the smoke clouds are light, if the smoke is harsh, or if there is no flavor. A proper combination of bowl, hookah tobacco, foil, and coal is essential for a smooth lounge-level hookah smoking session. 

Ultimate Tips for Hookah Lounge Vibes

After applying all the information shared above, your hookah is smoking great, producing thick smoke clouds, yet you feel something is missing. The ambience of the lounge is the one making the biggest difference in the experience. 

While some lounges have a cozy coffee shop vibe with calming surroundings and warm lighting, some have nightclub-like atmospheres with dim lighting, loud music, and flashing lights. However, the best thing about smoking shisha at home is that you can decide and control the atmosphere you want at home. If you like video games, you can set up your space with string lights and beanbags for a cozy vibe. The trick is to experiment with different setups of your liking and see what you like the most. 

With these tips, you can now transform your homespace to match the lounge experience or even surpass it. For any help with replenishing your shisha stock or upgrading your hookah, you can check out our product line. We offer you a premium collection of high-quality hookah and hookah accessories to meet your hookah requirements. Check it out and enjoy smoking!