Best Hookah: Hookah Pipe Buying Guide For 2023

BY ANTHONY B · UPDATED AUGUST 27 2023

Are you looking to buy your first modern hookah, and it just seems confusing? What makes a good water pipe? Which is the best hookah to buy? 

We at Icon Hookah are here to inform you of all the key factors to look for when buying your first hookah in 2023 to ensure good quality smoke and how to get a hookah that will last you a lifetime. 

Rest assured, IconHookah.com stocks everything you'll need to get started in picking your first or next pipe.

How we classified hookah pipes

We sorted out all hookahs by style, size, cloud output, ease of pull, portability, and durability. In addition, we evaluated each for easiness of assembly and breaking down after a smoking session. 

We also considered things like how universal the pipe is to work with different hookah accessories and the simplicity of cleaning it up after smoking.

Best Overall Hookah

Conceptic Design Smart Carbon

$297 $210 SALEBuy Now, Pay Later

The Conceptic Design Smart Carbon is a compact, easy to carry hookah with an AISI304 stainless steel shaft that measures only 0.4 inches in diameter and features external decoration made from carbon fiber. 

This compact hookah stands 16" tall and only weighs 4.4 lb. All the parts of Smart Carbon Hookah are corrosion-free!

The package includes an easy mounting smart tray, shaft, glass vase, mouthpiece, and a silicone hose. You can also purchase a special bag to store this compact hookah.

Why we love it

• Diversity of accessories
• Five stem/base color variations
• High-quality, durable materials

Best 4 Hose Hookah

Icon Quattro

$129 $99 SALEBuy Now, Pay Later

Introducing the Icon Quattro, an exceptional 4-hose hookah designed to enhance your smoking experience. This comprehensive hookah package equips you with nearly everything you need to indulge in flavorful shisha sessions.

Introducing the Icon Quattro, an exceptional 4-hose hookah designed to enhance your smoking experience. This comprehensive hookah package equips you with nearly everything you need to indulge in flavorful shisha sessions.

The package includes a high-quality silicone hose that offers a seamless draw, along with a stainless steel hose handle designed with your comfort in mind. The handle provides a secure grip and effortless control, enabling you to immerse yourself fully in the smoking experience. Should you wish to expand your hookah circle, the pipe features four hose ports, allowing you to share the enjoyment with friends easily. Additional sets of hoses and handles can be conveniently purchased separately.

To prioritize durability, the Icon Quattro's stem, tray, bowl cone, and hose handle are meticulously crafted from AISI304 stainless steel. This premium-grade material guarantees exceptional longevity, corrosion resistance, and hassle-free maintenance, ensuring your hookah remains a steadfast companion for countless smoking sessions.

Whether you are a seasoned hookah enthusiast seeking elevated pleasure or a beginner venturing into shisha, the Icon Quattro promises an unforgettable smoking experience that seamlessly combines style and convenience. Prepare yourself for an unparalleled journey of flavors and relaxation.

Why we love it

• 4 Hose Ports
• Made of Stainless Steel and Bohemian Crystal Glass
• Trusted Quality From Icon Hookah

Best Modern Hookah

Conceptic Design Carbon 

$259 $240 SALEBuy Now, Pay Later

Conceptic Design Carbon is a modern and easy to assemble hookah that is made from high-quality materials. This model is a taller version of the well-known Conceptic Design Smart Hookah. It features an AISI304 stainless steel shaft for maximum durability, which is decorated with a high-quality carbon fiber sleeve, giving the hookah a sleek appearance. 

The hookah is 27 inches tall and comes with a Drop glass base. You can use any other vase of your choice with this pipe. The 2-pound weight will make it feel sturdy in your hand as well, making this the perfect device for any avid smoker!

Best Small Hookah

Icon Pomp

$99 Buy NowBuy Now, Pay Later

Presenting the Icon Pomp: A sleek small hookah crafted from stainless steel, standing proud at 43 cm and weighing in at 6.6 lb (3kg), complete with all accessories. This set includes a clay bowl, crystal-clear glass base, durable silicone hose, hose connector, stylish hose handle, hose spring, chimney-style coal holder, tongs, and an adjustable diffuser.

Every component speaks of quality: the stem, ashtray, bowl cone, and mouthpiece are carved from AISI304 stainless steel. Further enhancing its aesthetics, the stem is adorned with a sleeve beautifully made from epoxy resin and stabilized wood. Even the valve and diffuser haven't been compromised, crafted meticulously from polyacetal.

Priced at just $89, the Icon Pomp is an elegant hookah and a testament to affordable luxury. 

Why we love it

• Simple configuration
• Compact size
• Stylish resin and wood decoration

Best Affordable Hookah

Icon Stick Hookah Set

$79  $69 SALEBuy Now, Pay Later

The Icon Stick Hookah was designed to be small (41 cm), portable, and efficient. 

This stainless steel mini hookah comes with everything you need for an enjoyable experience, including a clay bowl, coal holder (no need to use foil), glass base, tongs, silicone hose, hose handle, set of grommets, and detachable diffuser. 

The stem, ashtray, and mouthpiece are made of rust-free stainless steel. These parts, along with a glass base and silicone hose, are straightforward to clean and store - you'll love how smoothly everything functions! 

For $69, this compact hookah set offers an excellent option for budget-conscious smokers looking to enjoy their favorite shisha flavor in style without spending too much money on extra accessories. 

Why we love it

• It is a complete hookah set
• Affordable price
• Ease of cleaning

Best Stainless Steel Hookah

Steamulation Pro X Mini

$299 Buy NowBuy Now, Pay Later

The Steamulation Pro X Mini hookahs are made of quality stainless steel, which makes them highly resistant to corrosion and wear. This means that even after years of use, your hookah will still look good as new. 

The base of this pipe is handcrafted from premium crystal glass, and it's already impressive enough to make your hookah stand out. But the real treat comes with its distinctive shape, classy color collection, and weight 1.6 lb - which means it is thick and sturdy. 

The unique and revolutionary Steamulation Closed Chamber System, where the balls are integrated directly into the chambers, is an innovation that provides the most sophisticated smoking experience possible.

The Pro X Mini represents the vanguard of the next-gen Steamulation Blow-Off systems. Experience the marvel of 15 distinct blow-off combinations! Plus, it's fully compatible with the Steamulation Cooling Diffuser.

The Diffuser combines a host of features in a compact design to revolutionize your shisha session:
- Hookah bowl cooling through 4 adjustable purge valves,
- A dip tube that can be adjusted to 10 different lengths,
- A 16-nozzle diffuser with a self-cleaning mechanism,
- A special diffuser valve that ensures the water level remains constant.

Though the Steamulation Pro X Mini hookah may be compact, it doesn't compromise performance. This model stands out, boasting the world's most sophisticated and user-friendly hookah, embodying intricate craftsmanship.

Why we love it

• Durable stainless steel construction
• Precisely manufactured details
• High-end technology

Best Portable Hookah

Amotion Roam

$159 Buy NowBuy Now, Pay Later

Whether you're lounging at the beach, picnicking in the park, or nestled amidst nature while camping, Amotion Roam ensures you don't miss out on that perfect hookah experience.

Engineered with resilience for outdoor adventures, the Roam hookah stands tall against dirt and external elements, making it a quintessential choice for those on the move. Its soft-touch exterior adds to its aesthetic appeal and ensures effortless cleaning, repelling grime with ease. With the Amotion Roam hookah by your side, you can indulge wherever your journey takes you.

But this hookah is more than just its sturdy exterior. It encapsulates the essence of a premium hookah, delivering a mesmerizing blowoff and impeccable smoking properties. Dive deep into the nuances, from its intricate details to standout features, and allow yourself the luxury of a hookah moment in every chapter of your adventures!

Best Luxury Hookah

Steamulation Ultimate

$565 Buy NowBuy Now, Pay Later

We are presenting the pinnacle of hookah design: the Steamulation Ultimate! This masterpiece represents the zenith of seven years of relentless innovation from the Steamulation lineage. Every hallmark feature Steamulation is renowned for - from AirFlow Control and Advanced Diffuser to Purge Pro - finds its place in this luxury hookah. But the Ultimate doesn't stop at familiar features. 

DUAL CONNECTION SYSTEM: In an unparalleled move, they've merged the industry's two most avant-garde closure technologies: the SteamClick 360° and Xpansion. This union ensures unprecedented adaptability, letting you tailor your hookah experience without the need for any hose adapters.
MOON GRAVITY: Elevate your four-hose hookah experience to cosmic heights. Thanks to an ingeniously optimized design, the gravitational pull on the valve balls is diminished by a staggering 83%, mirroring conditions on the moon. The outcome? An impeccable, resistance-free draught that emulates a single hose experience!

Dive into a realm of unmatched luxury and innovation with the Steamulation Ultimate – where the celestial meets the terrestrial.

Why we love it

• Eye-catching design
• The most advanced technology 
• Luxury crystal glass vase

Best Mini Hookah

Vyro One

$155 Buy NowBuy Now, Pay Later

The VYRO One is a unique, high-quality German hookah that you can easily take on your next adventure. It has been created and developed by AEON since the summer of 2018.

The stainless steel, acrylic glass and carbon fiber body make it durable enough to use anywhere without worry of breakage or rust. VYRO One has been designed to keep its balance. The center of gravity for this device falls at the bottom so that it can stand very stable and secure. 

The newly developed blow-out system makes it possible for the first time in the hookah world to blow out the smoke below the water. The hose connection and blow-out valve are located at the hookah's bottom. This structure prevents the hose from bending or the hookah from being knocked over when the hose is pulled. 

Best Professional Hookah

Aeon Edition 4 Lounge

$373 Buy NowBuy Now, Pay Later

Introducing the AEON Hookah - Edition 4, the enhanced successor to the revered Edition 3. Born from over a year of rigorous development and testing, every AEON hookah reflects a commitment to excellence. Crafted in Germany, AEON hookahs are sculpted from premium V2A stainless steel (1.4305 V2A stainless steel, imported from Switzerland). 

Adhering to the highest quality benchmarks, every component is inspected after production. The hookah bases, mouth-blown with impeccable artistry, undergo a stringent quality check before being bonded with superior 2-component adhesive. 

Simplistic yet modern, its design captivates, while the signature blow-off valve ensures it remains the centerpiece of any hookah lounge. The diffuser is intentionally absent to retain the traditional "bubbling" sound, but those seeking a quieter experience can easily attach the available diffuser. The unified stem, with a 29/2 joint, ensures durability, even allowing the entire hookah to be carried by the stem. An 18/8 ground joint beneath the ashtray facilitates easy removal, and its versatile design accommodates molasses catchers. Looking for customization? Downstems across versions are interchangeable.

Elevate your hookah experience with AEON - where tradition meets innovation.

Why we love it

• Many colors to choose from
• Durable materials
• Precise quality

Best Hi-End Hookah

Solomon

$2450 SALEBuy Now, Pay Later

Solomon is a luxurious Russian hookah pipe that will make all your friends jealous. With only 15 being manufactured each month, you'll stand out in the crowd with this masterpiece.

 Its stainless steel stem measures 11 mm in diameter and is decorated with marbled carbon fiber, while its base is entirely made of marbled carbon, making it very durable compared to glass bases. Its carbon fiber handle (mouthpiece) features a black rope for decoration while being stainless steel on the tip - providing durability as well as an aesthetic appeal! 

The steel ashtray has been decorated by chasing, making it stand out from other more hookahs in the marketplace with its engraved pattern. The hose comes equipped with an o-ring connector to ensure that it remains firmly attached without any risk of slipping off or being pulled away like grommets do.

The modern take on the age-old traditions, Solomon hookahs are made of strong and durable material. The carbon fiber used in their construction is threaded with metal to make it highly sturdy but still light enough.

Why we love it

• The marbled carbon fiber structure
• Breathtaking look
• Limited edition product

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hookah made of?

The majority of modern style hookah pipes are made with stainless steel construction. Stainless steel is the best choice because of how easy it is to clean and the durability of the material. A solid stainless steel hookah pipe is made to last many years. 

In the hookah world, like all others, you get what you pay for.

Purchasing a high quality stainless steel hookah will guarantee you're buying something that will stand the test of time. All of the pipes we carry were chosen with this in mind.

What are the key hookah elements?

Draw

Let's discuss the draw of the pipe. Modern hookahs tend to have a wide open draw. This makes for an effortless pull. The smoke will be able to move faster into your mouth, which means you'll be able to create larger clouds with ease. 

The downside of this is that you'll be getting less flavor. Don't worry! A benefit of having a wide-open draw is that you can restrict it to your liking with your accessory choices such as your hookah hose and bowl along with your water level and packing method. 

The higher your water level the more restriction you will create. Having a wide-open draw gives you options that you just can't get from a pipe that is already restricted.

Diffuser

Another thing to note is that the bulk of modern pipes come with a diffuser of some sort, whether it be screw-on, attachable, or built into the stem.

What a hookah diffuser does is create many smaller bubbles instead of much fewer larger bubbles in the water. This will make the draw more smooth and quieter. In our opinion, the best diffusers do not restrict the airflow of the downstem while also giving you the benefits of having one.

Purge

The purge of your shisha pipe is another key factor to consider when purchasing it. How easy is it to get rid of the stale smoke in your base and cool off your bowl when it gets hot? Sometimes your bowl will retain too much heat, and if you can release all of the stale smoke in the base quicker, you will put in less effort to clear it. 

Typically you will find that a good purge will clear the base in as little as one attempt. Some can take as many as three. 

Hookah is all about enjoyment at the end of the day, and why spend time doing something to take away from your enjoyment?

How to store a hookah?

Something else to consider when purchasing a modern hookah is how much does it break down, store, and take with you in case you need to bring it somewhere or store it away? 

The majority of modern pipes can be broken down to a much smaller and compact size, which makes for easy cleaning, storage, and portability. The ability to take everything apart and clean it with ease is a great way to keep your pipe in good shape in the long run. 

Not everyone can display their pipes out in the open, or maybe they just don't have space. You'll be able to keep everything neatly stored in a drawer or even a cabinet. This functionality isn't something that everyone requires or wants, but it's a nice choice to have.

For instance, Conceptic Design Smart mini hookahs come with a bag that can be used to carry or store your hookah.

How much should you spend on a hookah?

The last topic we would like to discuss is the price point of modern pipes. What are you willing to pay? What are you getting for your hard-earned money? How much does a hookah cost? 

Modern hookahs can cost you anywhere from roughly $60 to upwards of $2900+. There are many factors to consider, including design, unique functionality, and the quality of materials used. What can be expensive to some might be cheap for others. 

In the end, it all comes down to getting a hookah that you will enjoy. Find what budget is right for you, and you are bound to find something out there. There is something for everyone, and you should find a mixture of these criteria to decide on the right price range for you.

Where to buy hookah?

When it comes to purchasing a hookah, the best advice would be to shop online. Of course, you can check out your local smoke shops, but usually, hookahs are not a top priority for them, and you'll end up with a poor selection and likely poor quality as well. On the other hand, a specialized online hookah shop can offer a wide selection of hookahs for sale, as well as quick delivery and 24/7 customer support.

We at Icon Hookah hope this was helpful, insightful, and fun to read! Feel free to contact us if you have any further questions about the topics discussed or any of the products that we sell, and we will be glad to help!

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