The most fragile part of a smoking device is the base. Regardless of the material, the base is usually the most commonly replaced part.
A hookah consists of the following components:
- Base. Container for liquid, available in different sizes.
- Bowl. Place for packing tobacco.
- Stem. Special pipe for smoke.
- Hose. Used to inhale smoke.
Manufacturing material.
The material of the base for smoking devices comes in the following types:
Plastic. Pros – inexpensive. Cons – quickly absorb odors and colors, practically impossible to clean thoroughly. Suitable for disposable use. These models are the most durable of those listed and are characterized by a low cost, but do not stand out with an impressive design, as well as absorb odors and color.
Metallic. Pros – durable. Cons – absorb odors, impossible to see water level inside. Besides glass, other materials are also used in making bases. For example, there is a segment of iron bases for hookahs on the market. These models have a stylish appearance, but over time, they can rust, negatively affecting the taste of smoking.
Crystal. Beautiful, but extremely fragile. Require careful handling. A hookah with a crystal base attracts users for aesthetic reasons. However, in terms of other parameters, these models significantly lag behind glass, for example, in durability.
Glass. Widely used options. They are the most durable and allow you to control the water level. The most standard and common bases are considered to be glass bases for hookahs. They do not absorb odors, are easy to clean, and convenient to use. Another pleasant advantage is that the base remains transparent, allowing you to monitor the water level. Their only drawback is their relative fragility, which needs to be taken into account when using.
Bohemian glass. These are the most exquisite bases made of quality Czech glass. However, they are much more expensive than regular glass bases. Such models are significantly more expensive than bases made of regular glass. This is because bohemian glass is more durable, although it does not provide 100% protection against breakage. They stand out with a stylish appearance and blown in bright, vibrant shades.-
Wooden. The first hookah bases were made from coconut shells, so making bases out of wood is a nod to tradition. Finding a replacement or a matching base can be challenging, so they are usually sold as part of a set with the hookah.
Apart from the listed options, there are many craft versions of hookah bases available. For example, silicone bases or hookahs with porcelain or acrylic bases. They are not as common in the mass market segment, but can sometimes be found in stores.
Types of Hookah Base Attachments.
The most common attachment is through the use of a seal. However, there are other mechanisms with their own pros and cons. Threaded hookah base attachment
Threaded attachment
This attachment is characterized by its simplicity, reliability, and the ability to move the hookah by holding it by the shaft. However, threaded bases can be difficult to find if yours breaks or the threads come off. Typically, such bases come as part of a set with the shaft. For example, the German company Amy almost all hookahs have bases specifically for threading.
Click-lock hookah base
Hookah bases with a click-system are a relatively new type of attachment from the company Amy, later adopted by other manufacturers. It combines the advantages of threaded bases but makes assembling the hookah much faster. Click bases also come as part of a set with the hookah, so a broken base could cause difficulty in finding a replacement.
Seal attachment
This type of connection uses universal parts. The only aspect to watch out for is the tightness of the connection – the shaft should fit snugly and with force into the neck of the base.
Pay attention to:
- Appearance. Carefully inspect the base for any damage or cracks.
- Wall thickness and base. This determines the strength of the container and therefore its service life.
- Mouth diameter. It should not be too narrow or too wide. The shaft should fit tightly into the base with a seal. It should not wobble or fall out.
- Junction points. It is preferable not to choose a base with threads. If it breaks, finding a replacement will be very difficult.
- Capacity. The taller the shaft, the larger the base should be.
Methods of production.
As strange as it may sound, size is not the most important factor when assessing bases – the manufacturing quality is crucial. There are several methods of production:
Syrian
This method involves placing molten glass into a special mold, followed by hand painting. Models are beautiful and affordable due to the formation of air bubbles in the glass, which reduces the strength of the product. With careful handling, it will serve for a long time.
Chinese
Chinese manufacturing techniques allow for bases of reasonable quality at an affordable price. By using thermal-vacuum glass processing or zinc enrichment treatment, bubbles in the glass do not appear, increasing the strength of the product.
European
European or Bohemian manufacturing method is considered the best option, as it produces the most durable and beautiful products. This is achieved through the use of colored glass and polishing. However, as a result, such models are significantly more expensive.
Hookah base forms.
The size of the model affects the volume of the working air inside the base, but the choice of product, as mentioned earlier, depends on the length of the shaft. Therefore, the stability of your hookah depends on the shape of the base – the wider the diameter of the base, the more stable the construction. Be careful when making a purchase and check if they fit your device’s size.
By shape, there are several types of bases: pyramid, bell, and vase. The “vase” base is suitable for hookahs with a low shaft, while the “pyramid” and “bell” bases are more suitable for taller hookahs, which positively affects smoking due to their wide base.
Egyptian base
A separate category includes hookahs with an Egyptian base – this model has the shape of a cannon and is ideal for Syrian and Egyptian hookahs.
Drop
Another separate category includes the “drop” base – it has a specific shape, transparent walls, and is suitable for small and medium-sized hookahs.
Unusual base shapes
In addition to traditional designs, there are more exotic base options. For example, hookahs with a cubic base have become very popular in both the home and restaurant segments. They stand out for their dimensions, and sometimes even LED lighting. This form factor has become so popular with users that there are now rectangular bases and spherical bases. These mini bases are very convenient to carry compared to their larger counterparts. Triangular bases are less popular, but can sometimes be found online.
Like in all other aspects of commercial production, craft bases come in a variety of sizes. These bases are mostly custom-made and can represent anything. There are bases shaped like skulls, guns, spaceships, and much more.
Decoration.
The universality of attachment in most hookahs allows for the replacement of components according to your preference. Therefore, manufacturers offer a wide range of beautiful bases for hookahs. The market offers a selection from classic transparent to frosted and fluorescent bases. Models made from any material can be custom painted, and glass models can feature engraved or hand-blown bases.