New
Clay Hookah Bowls
Traditional clay bowls that hold heat evenly — phunnel for wet molasses, Egyptian for drier leaf.
−15%New
Why clay
Clay absorbs and holds heat, which gives a steadier bowl than silicone once it is up to temperature. It also takes a little longer to heat, so give a clay bowl five minutes to settle before judging it.
Phunnel or Egyptian
- Phunnel — a single raised spire in the centre. Juice cannot drain into the stem, so wet molasses keeps its flavour for longer. The default choice for most modern shisha.
- Egyptian — multiple holes in a flat base. Better for drier, dark leaf tobacco, and the traditional shape for foil.
Packing
Fluff the tobacco and drop it in loosely. Packing tight restricts airflow and scorches the top layer. Leave a few millimetres below the foil or heat management device so nothing touches the heat directly.
Cleaning clay
Soak in warm water and rinse without soap, then dry fully. Soap soaks into porous clay and taints the next bowl. Dark molasses leaves residue that fades with use.
Handling
Clay cracks if dropped or cooled suddenly. Never run cold water over a hot bowl; let it cool first.
Frequently asked questions
Phunnel or Egyptian, which should I choose?
Phunnel for wet molasses, which is most modern shisha. Egyptian suits drier dark leaf and traditional foil setups.
Why does clay take longer to heat?
It absorbs heat before radiating it. Give a clay bowl about five minutes to settle before judging the session.
Can I use soap to clean it?
No. Clay is porous and absorbs soap, which taints the next bowl. Soak in warm water and rinse.
How much tobacco does a bowl take?
Typically 10 to 20g, packed loosely.
Will it crack?
If dropped, or if cooled suddenly with cold water while hot. Let it cool naturally.