Want to know what the best hookah bowls are? A quality hookah bowl is one of the key factors in having an enjoyable smoking session. Here at IconHookah.com, we find it essential to know the different types of hookah bowls on the market and how to choose the right one for the session you want to have.
The bowl you pick is directly tied to your own personal preferences. How long do you usually smoke? What tobacco brands do you like? Are you using a heat management device? Well, we are here to give you insight into which shisha bowl is best for you.
If you're looking for a better bowl than your starter kit one, then look no further. This definitive guide covers all popular categories: from classic Egyptian and Turkish to glazed bowls and phunnel bowls. Our list includes the latest, most popular hookah bowls that you can buy.
By the way, you can purchase all of the below bowls on our website. We also carry hookahs for sale so make sure to check out what we have available!
Top 10 Best Hookah Bowls for 2024
BEST OVERALL HOOKAH BOWL
Oblako Phunnel M Glaze
Phunnel M Glaze bowl is glaze topped for durability, allowing the bowl to maintain its pristine qualities and appearance even after long-term use. Its expertly crafted, crater-shaped phunnel hole prevents flavor from falling into the stem. With more than a handful of colors to choose from, we are sure you will find the perfect bowl for your needs!
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Variety of colors
- Compatibility with foil and heat management devices such as the Kaloud Lotus 1+ or Provost 2
- Capacity of around 18 - 23 grams, depending on a packing method
BEST VALUE HOOKAH BOWL
Adalya Phunnel S
The Phunnel Model S hookah bowl is the newest product from Adalya (ATH), a well-known Turkish shisha manufacturer. These durable and beautiful bowls are handmade with German fire clay by artisans committed to producing high-quality hookah products.
You can use Adalya Phunnel S bowls both for solo or group sessions. The height measures 10.7 cm, depot diameter is 6,8 cm deep at 1,2 cm height. This product comes in 6 different designs and 13 color combinations.
ATH Phunnel S is the perfect hookah bowl at an affordable price. Its thick walls contribute to steady heat retention without overheating your flavor to guarantee long smoking sessions without bitterness from tobacco.
ATH Bowl offers more than just an artistic addition to any hookah - it ensures stable temperatures for optimal pleasure.
We recommend using this bowl with Kaloud Lotus or foil if desired. The bowl is suitable for all types of hookah tobacco and ensures a top-notch s
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Thick walls for heat retention
- Lots of design and color combinations
- Attractive and sturdy design
BEST PHUNNEL HOOKAH BOWL
Japona Mummy
This bowl is perfect for any heat management device like the Kaloud Lotus due to the lip that emerges from the rim of the bowl. The function of the lip is to keep the heat management device in place. This bowl holds roughly 15 grams of tobacco and is great for one to one and a half hour sessions with both blonde and dark leaf tobaccos.
The Mummy bowl is what the Japona brand is known for. Decorated with an intricately braided cord in various colors and packed in a stylish wooden box to keep it safe during transportation, this bowl has everything you could want when looking at accessories!
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Made of high-quality terracotta clay
- Special rim for Kaloud Lotus
- Wooden packaging box
BEST MODERN HOOKAH BOWL
Conceptic Design 3D-11
Conceptic Design 3D-11 is a ceramic hookah bowl that was designed and created by using the newest 3D printing technology. Unlike anything else on the market today, the product itself offers an aesthetic design for smokers looking for something unique to add some cool accessories to their hookahs.
The 3D-11 Bowl is made using a 2192°F firing temperature, making it stronger and denser than most clay bowls on the market. The glaze coated top prevents juice from being absorbed so there's less of an issue with cleaning up messes after smoking sessions are over.
3D-11 is a phunnel bowl, and along with other products from Conceptic Design, it's compatible with Kaloud Lotus and other HMDs.
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Glazed top
- High density
- Rare black clay option
BEST TRADITIONAL HOOKAH BOWL
Japona Killer
The Japona Killer was created with a fluff pack in mind. There are five large holes on the inside of the bowl that allow a lot of airflow to pass through. This bowl is excellent for those that are looking to get a strong smoke with dark leafs or a nice mellow smoke with blondes.
It holds roughly 15 grams of tobacco with the intended pack. This bowl will smoke well for one to one and a half hours. It can be paired with foil, the Kaloud Lotus, or the Provost. This product comes packed in an ornate wooden box.
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Large capacity
- Braided cord decoration
- Traditional 5-holed structure
BEST VALUE PHUNNEL BOWL
Oblako Phunnel M Glaze Hookah Shisha Bowl
The Oblako Phunnel M Glaze offers exceptional quality at an unbeatable price. Its glazed surface ensures durability and easy cleaning, while the phunnel design prevents flavor loss. With its wide range of color options, this bowl is both functional and stylish.
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Excellent value for money
- Glazed surface for longevity and easy maintenance
- Phunnel design for optimal flavor retention
- Wide variety of color options to match any hookah setup
BEST INNOVATIVE DESIGN
Conceptic Design 3D-11 Hookah Shisha Bowl
The Conceptic Design 3D-11 pushes the boundaries of hookah bowl design with its 3D-printed construction. Made using high-temperature firing, this bowl offers superior durability and heat retention. Its unique design not only looks great but also ensures optimal smoking experience.
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Cutting-edge 3D-printed design
- High-density construction for excellent heat retention
- Glazed top for easy cleaning and flavor purity
- Compatible with Kaloud Lotus and other HMDs
BEST SILICONE BOWL
Silicone Hookah Shisha Bowl With Metal Screen
This silicone hookah bowl offers unparalleled durability and heat resistance. The metal screen provides even heat distribution, while the silicone body makes it virtually unbreakable. It's perfect for travelers or those prone to accidents.
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Virtually indestructible silicone construction
- Metal screen for even heat distribution
- Heat-resistant for safe handling
- Affordable price point for budget-conscious smokers
BEST CLASSIC TURKISH BOWL
Don Classic Hookah Shisha Bowl
The Don Classic Hookah Shisha Bowl represents the epitome of traditional Turkish bowl design. Crafted with precision, this bowl features the classic five-hole bottom structure that ensures optimal airflow and heat distribution. Its thick walls retain heat effectively, providing a consistent and enjoyable smoking experience.
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Authentic Turkish design with five-hole bottom
- Thick walls for excellent heat retention and distribution
- Versatile for various types of shisha tobacco
- Handcrafted for durability and consistent performance
- Perfect for those who appreciate traditional smoking methods
BEST HMD-COMPATIBLE BOWL
Hookain Lit Lip Phunnel Hookah Shisha Bowl
The Hookain Lit Lip Phunnel bowl is engineered specifically for seamless integration with heat management devices. Its innovative lip design ensures a perfect fit for popular HMDs like the Kaloud Lotus, providing optimal heat distribution and minimizing the risk of heat loss. The phunnel style helps retain juices, enhancing flavor longevity during your session.
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Specially designed lip for secure HMD fit
- Phunnel style prevents juice loss for better flavor retention
- High-quality materials for durability and consistent performance
- Ideal for modern hookah enthusiasts who prefer using HMDs
- Sleek design that complements any hookah setup
Additional Knowledge About Hookah Bowls
The bowl is one of the essential components of hookah pipes, being positioned at the top. Some know it as hookah head, and this name seems appropriate in light of its function.
Before smoking the hookah, one has to warm up the bowl. The top of it, as well as sidewalls, need to be heated. That is why when using foil, we place coals close to edges for even heat distribution all around so that a flavorful and cloudy session will happen (unless, of course, something else goes wrong). The way a hookah bowl warms up primarily depends on three things: the material of which it is made, its shape and size.
Types of Hookah Bowls
1. Traditional Hookah Bowl
The hookah bowl, also known as an Egyptian bowl, is a classic design featuring multiple small holes at the bottom. These clay bowls are ideal for drier tobacco and provide consistent smoking sessions.
2. Phunnel Bowl
The phunnel hookah bowl has become increasingly popular due to its unique design. It features a raised center spire with a large hole at the top, preventing juice from dripping into the stem and preserving flavor.
3. Vortex Bowl
Similar to the phunnel, the vortex bowl has a raised center spire but with small holes on the sides. This design offers slightly more restricted airflow compared to phunnel bowls.
4. Alien Hookah Bowl
A smaller version of the phunnel bowl, the alien hookah bowl is perfect for solo sessions or shorter smoking experiences.
5. HMD-Compatible Bowls
These bowls are designed to work seamlessly with heat management devices (HMDs) like the Kaloud Lotus. They feature an interior lip for a secure fit, enhancing overall smoking experience.
6. Evil, or Killer
A bowl with a flat bottom and thick walls built for even tobacco heating. This structure is one of the modern versions of Turkish bowls. The most well-known brands of Evil bowls are Japona Killer, Don, ST, Solaris, and Fox.
Materials and Their Properties
Clay Hookah Bowls
Pros:
- Excellent heat retention
- Affordable
- Wide variety of designs
Cons:
- Fragile
- Susceptible to temperature changes
Best for:
Even heating and flavor preservation
Ceramic Hookah Bowls
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Inexpensive
- Various designs
Cons:
- Less durable than clay
- Uneven heat distribution
Best for:
Budget-conscious smokers
Glass Hookah Bowls
Pros:
- Unique designs
- Doesn't absorb flavors
Cons:
- Fragile
- Less efficient heat transfer
Best for:
Clean-tasting smoke and aesthetic appeal
Silicone Bowls
Pros:
- Shatterproof
- Heat-resistant
- Compatible with many hookahs
Cons:
- Prone to flavor ghosting
- Less even heat transfer
Best for:
Travelers or clumsy smokers
Metal Hookah Bowls (Aluminum)
Pros:
- Durable
- Efficient heat transfer
- Produces thick smoke
Cons:
- Can get extremely hot
- Risk of burning shisha
Best for:
Cloud chasers and experienced smokers
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Hookah Bowl
1. Bowl Size
The size of your hookah bowl affects session length and tobacco consumption. Smaller bowls are ideal for solo sessions, while larger bowls are better for group smoking.
2. Compatibility
Ensure the bowl fits your hookah. Not all bowls are universal, so check compatibility before purchasing.
3. Heat Management
Consider whether you'll be using foil or a heat management device. Some bowls are specifically designed for HMDs.
4. Smoking Style
Your preferred tobacco and smoking duration should influence your choice. Phunnel bowls work well with juicier tobacco, while traditional bowls are better for drier blends.
5. Material
Choose based on your priorities: clay for even heating, glass for pure flavor, or silicone for durability.
Practical Tips for Choosing the Right Bowl
- For longer sessions, opt for larger bowls with thick walls to retain heat.
- If you enjoy modern, juicy shisha, choose a phunnel or vortex bowl to prevent dripping.
- For traditional, drier tobacco, a classic Egyptian bowl works well.
- If you use heat management devices, invest in an HMD-compatible bowl for the best fit.
- Consider glazed bowls if you like to switch flavors frequently, as they're easier to clean.
Which hookah bowl is the best for your favorite flavor?
It depends on how much juice there is in the shisha. Phunnels are indeed recommended if you like moist hookah tobacco. Evil bowls and most glazed bowls make great choices for heat-resistant tobacco as it behaves well inside them, but non-heat sensitive ones might burn quickly. A packing method makes an impact as well; it wouldn't be easy to pack shisha fluffy into a shallow Alien Bowl after all!
Frequently Asked Questions
What bowl is best for hookah?
Best hookah bowl depends on preferences and shisha tobacco. Phunnel hookah bowls, like the Oblako Phunnel M Glaze prevent juice dripping and provide even heat distribution. For traditional sessions, clay bowls with large holes are ideal.
Does hookah bowl matter?
Yes, the hookah bowl significantly matters in your overall smoking experience. The right bowl ensures proper heat management, even heat distribution, and affects the flavor and thickness of the smoke. Choosing the best hookah bowl that suits your tobacco can greatly enhance your smoking sessions. The bowl's material and design play crucial roles in retaining heat and delivering optimal flavor.
What is the best hookah bowl brand?
The best hookah bowl brand varies based on individual preferences, but some of the top brands in the market today include Kaloud, known for their innovative bowls & heat management devices like the Kaloud Lotus, and Japona Hookah, famous for their unique and high-quality bowls like the Japona Mummy and Japona Killer. These brands are recognized for their durability, design, and ability to enhance your hookah experience.
What is the best material for hookah head?
The best material for a hookah head is often clay due to its excellent heat retention and ability to provide even heat distribution. Clay hookah bowls with thick walls, such as the Adalya Phunnel S, maintain consistent heat and enhance the flavor of your shisha tobacco.
