Best Hookah: Hookah Pipe Buying Guide For 2023
BY ANTHONY B · UPDATED DECEMBER 25 2022
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.
Of the many hookahs we've tested, these are the best hookahs to buy in 2023 (click to jump):
- Best Overall Hookah: Conceptic Design Carbon Smart SALE
- Best Cheap Hookah Kit: Icon Stick SALE
- Best Modern Hookah: Conceptic Design Carbon SALE
- Best Portable Hookah: YKAP Mini STR SALE
- Best Mini Hookah: Vyro One
- Best Small Hookah: Moze Breeze Two
- Best 4 Hose Hookah: Magnum Revolution 4S
- Best Travel Hookah: Agni Travel
- Best Luxury Hookah: Wookah
- Best Stainless Steel Hookah: Steamulation Pro X Prime (Gen. II)
- Best Traditional Hookah: ATH BA Collection Hurrem SALE
- Best Pink Hookah: Amazon Future Godzilla
- Best Professional Hookah: Alpha Kappa
- Best Brass Hookah: VZ Brass
- Best Hi End Hookah: Solomon SALE
Best Overall Hookah
Conceptic Design Smart Carbon
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 Affordable Hookah
Icon Stick Hookah Set
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 $69.99, 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 Modern Hookah
Conceptic Design Carbon
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!
Why we love it
- Minimalistic but high-tech design
- Precisely manufactured details
- Ideal height for desktop as well as floor
Best Portable Hookah
YKAP Mini STR Hookah
The Y.K.A.P Mini STR is a small hookah with an incredible design. It comes with many great features to make it easy for storage and transportation, such as the padded carrying bag included in its package!
The inner tube, diffuser, ashtray, hose handle, and bowl cone cone are made of AISI304 stainless steel, making them durable enough, while the stem decoration is made of beautifully colored epoxy resin, allowing you to choose from seven different colors when buying this product! The blue one is our favorite!
The hookah hose attaches easily, thanks to an O-ring connector, making it quick if you need/want any changes like different hoses during use, cleaning, etc. In addition, the submersible part of the stem has got a removable diffuser.
The Y.K.A.P hookah manufacturing company creates premium quality products at an affordable price! All the parts are made with ultra-precise equipment using only the best materials for production, following all of today's innovative technologies to improve the smoking experience while still providing the top-notch product at a moderate cost!
Why we love it
- Storage bag
- 7 stem decoration color options
- Detachable diffuser
Best Mini Hookah
Vyro One
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.
Why we love it
- Portability
- Stainless Steel and Carbon Fiber Materials
- German Quality
Best Small Hookah
Moze Breeze Two
Moze's newest creation, the Moze Breeze Two is an improved version of their already incredibly innovative shisha pipe. This 39 cm tall hookah is made out stainlees steel and polyacetal, and decorated with colorful resin sleeves that make it look amazing.
Why we love it
- Simple configuration
- Compact size
- Stylish resin decoration
Best 4 Hose Hookah
Magnum Revolution 4S
Magnum Revolution 4S Hookah is the result of many years of development, unique production techniques, and craftsmanship by German experts.
An innovative structure allows for a quicker and less complicated assembly and disassembly than usual. This Magnum hookah is way easier to clean compared to its competitors.
Moreover, the optimized diameter and redesigned inner contours of Revolution 4S produce a remarkable smoking experience that intensifies its flavor. All these features greatly benefit both experienced enthusiasts as well as new users.
Why we love it
- 4 Hose Ports
- Made of Stainless Steel and Bohemian Crystal Glass
- German Quality
Best Travel Hookah
AGNI Travel Hookah Set
Whether you're looking to take your hookah on the go or enjoy it at home, AGNI Hookah has got you covered with their portable Travel hookah kit that satisfies both beginners and experienced shisha smokers alike.
The inner stem of this hookah is made from high-quality stainless steel that will last long in any environment. This travel kit includes all you need on the go, including a clay bowl, glass base, tongs, silicone hose, hose handle, set of grommets, and detachable diffuser.
Just add coals, foil, and your favorite shisha flavor! AGNI Travel is easy to clean and maintain, plus it comes with a travel bag for when you're on the go!
Why we love it
- Comes with all essential hookah accessories
- Easy-to-clean parts
- Travel bag
Best Luxury Hookah
Wookah
The Wookah collection of hookahs is a premium smoking experience that offers many different styles and colors to choose from. Wookah hookahs are handmade in Poland using exotic European wood, giving each one its own character; there are no two alike!
They also feature superior finishes for lasting quality so that you can enjoy your purchase over time. You'll find eleven design options if luxury crystal glass bases - they all have beautiful deep engravings with solid weights.
Why we love it
- Eye-catching design
- Color and wood options
- Luxury crystal glass vase
Best Stainless Steel Hookah
Steamulation Pro X Prime (Gen. II)
The Steamulation Prime Pro X II 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.
Why we love it
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Precisely manufactured details
- Ideal height for desktop as well as floor
Best Traditional Hookah
ATH T-Steel BA Collection Hurrem
The ATH T-Steel BA Collection Hookahs are gaining popularity due to their extraordinary quality and smoking characteristics. In the design of this model, Adalya combined traditional Turkish water pipe style with contemporary trends.
The engravings on the base of this hookah were made by hand, picturing a blend of unique Anatolian patterns from both past and present eras.
The hookahs' stem, adapters, and ashtray are made of polished stainless steel, and therefore these parts are acid-resistant and corrosion-resistant. Steel is a great material that can offer a timeless, authentic look. This hookah is a work of art that will wow all your friends!
Why we love it
- Hand-drawn decor
- Screw-on stainless steel stem
- Crystal glass vase
Best Pink Hookah
Amazon Future Godzilla
Amazon Future Godzilla hookah is a new release from Amazon Hookah. It has been designed in Brasil with innovation and classic styling, composed of pure anodized aluminum that will give you a fantastic smoking experience every time!
The average size makes it easy for anyone to enjoy this gorgeous hookah set, while the attractive pink design gets compliments wherever they go.
This hookah has everything you need to enjoy your smoking session in style: a glass base, hose, an aluminum hose handle, and a clay bowl.
Why we love it
- Superior Brasilian quality
- Classic copper color
- Solid weight
Best Professional Hookah
Alpha Kappa
Alpha Kappa professional version of the Alpha Model X. This means the hookah is built for usage at hookah lounges. But it a great for personal use too.
Why doesn't this pipe works for the lounges well?
- It is convenient to put on the floor, which frees up space on the tables.
- This hookah is a taller version of Alpha X, which offers the same extensive variety of colors. More than 12 colors are available, allowing each venue to choose hookahs that match its interior.
- All parts that are in contact with water (downstem, diffuser, bowl connector, tip of the mouthpiece) are made of high-quality stainless steel.
- The Alpha's unique system of a vertical purge is an absolute aesthetic pleasure!
The mouthpiece and decorative sleeve are made of powder-coated anodized aluminum. The tray is made of stainless steel and also powder-coated with heat-resistant paint. The material of the base and connector is German polyacetal.
High-class modern materials provide thick clouds and durability even with often usage.
You might already know that Alpha's packaging is true art. This manufacturer believes that every small detail is important, and a stylish package emphasizes the high class of the brand.
Why we love it
- Over 12 colors to choose from
- Durable materials
- Piece-of-art packaging
Best Brass Hookah
VZ Brass
The VZ Brass hookahs are handmade from gold brass and stainless steel. These hookahs have a very unusual "SteamPunk" look, making these pipes stand out in any room.
The brass structure means that they won't rust-but you'll want to clean this device with a suitable cleaning product for shining up its metal surfaces.
The VZ Brass hookah has a unique diffuser. The diffusers' grommet either opens or covers the holes for you to draw smoothly with this hookah; just move it up or down along its stem until all of your desired draw is achieved.
Why we love it
- Appealing "Steampunk" look
- Extreme quality of materials
Best Hi-End Hookah
Solomon
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!
This is waay better from what I read on best hookahs so far.