We will tell you about the types of hookah bowl packing and how they differ.
Dense hookah packing.
Dense packing is suitable for those who want to make the hookah “lighter”. Dense packing involves the leaves being tightly packed together. The air layer between the leaves is minimal, as a result, air cannot pass through each leaf separately and nicotine is not released as actively. For dense packing, Phunnel bowls are well suited, as they hold syrup well and help to use tobacco economically. Avoid creating a hill by leaving a small distance between the tobacco and the heat management device (such as a coal or foil) to prevent the tobacco from burning and becoming bitter.
Fluffy hookah packing (airy packing).
You pack the tobacco loosely so that there is space between the leaves and the packing is “airy”. This is a classic way of packing a hookah. When smoking, the tobacco leaf will unfold better, giving you its strength and flavor to the maximum. Thanks to this method, you can achieve maximum smoke production. This method is suitable for classic bowls like Turkish bowls. It is suitable for any tobacco that is not too moist. When packed using this method, the strength is medium or slightly above medium.
Well packing.
One of the particularities of this packing method is that you will not spoil the draw, but it also helps prevent the tobacco from overheating by cooling it while smoking. The “well” allows you to create the right balance between overheated steam and air, which mix during inhalation. This packing method is most ideal for beginners in this field.
Overpack hookah packing.
This packing method completely contradicts the first two and is recommended for use with a Kaloud. This method involves packing the tobacco into the bowl with a large mound. The density of the packing should be similar to the classic fluffy packing – do not compact the tobacco. This type of hookah bowl packing is suitable for lovers of strong hookahs. For use, a Turkish-style bowl is recommended, as its heat conductivity will prevent the tobacco from burning. If you are afraid of spoiling the draw, you can use a Phunnel-shaped bowl. You should take twice as much tobacco for the bowl and loosely pack it to create a mound. Then place a heated Kaloud with coals on top. The tobacco will start crackling – this is normal for this packing method. Wait for about 30-60 seconds (as the bowl heats up much faster with this method) and start smoking. The smoking session will be shortened due to the high heat, so don’t forget to blow through the hookah after every 2-3 puffs. Also, remember to clean the Kaloud of tobacco so that your next hookah session does not have the same taste. This packing method is suitable for fans of “strong” hookahs.
Halvpack or touch packing.
As the name suggests, this packing method is something in between an overpack and a regular packing. With this packing method, you will achieve the perfect balance between flavor and strength. During preparation, you allow slight contact between the tobacco and the foil or the Kaloud, thereby increasing the smoking temperature without forming such a dense protective layer of tobacco that occurs in an overpack.
Layered packing. Hookah packing “Emphasizing flavor.”
Layered packing of the hookah bowl. This method is based on the idea that flavors for mixing are not blended together but are laid in layers, like filling in a pie. It is preferable to use no more than 4 flavors, ideally 3. The concept of this packing is that flavors unfold gradually, from the top to the bottom. If you want to highlight one flavor, place it on top, while the bottom layer will create a nuanced aftertaste. The tobacco should be packed loosely.
Sector packing.
Sector packing of the hookah bowl. Sector packing involves a more distinct sound of each flavor separately. They unfold simultaneously but do not overpower each other. This type of hookah packing is suitable if you want to feel all the flavor notes as vividly as possible. The hookah bowl should be packed loosely.
Point packing.
“Point packing” – The bowl is prepared as usual, but the difference lies in placing the most vibrant and intense flavors (such as double apple, Pan Rasna, Earl Grey, etc.) at the very end, by poking a pinch of tobacco into the packed bowl. This creates a small sector of intense flavor that, when smoked, does not overpower other aromas but adds its own note.
Bowl is a necessary hookah accessory responsible for even heating of the tobacco. Bowls lose their properties over time: they transmit taste poorly and crack.
It is worth mentioning that each accessory is individual. One bowl can remain suitable for use for up to 1.5 years, while another may acquire an irremovable odor in just 2 months. For beginners who have recently purchased a hookah and have not yet changed accessories, it is advisable to consider replacing the bowl every 6 months. Six months is the average lifespan of a hookah bowl when smoking regularly.
Novices often make the same mistakes, which make the bowl unusable in just a couple of weeks of use. Let’s highlight two main prohibitions – you should not use:
