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Hookah Bowl: Multi-Hole, Phunnel Bowl & More

The hookah bowl is the heart of your hookah. Everything that happens in this part of your water pipe ultimately determines the flavor when smoking. It’s crucial to pay special attention to the bowl and your HMD (Heat Management Device) – because if you want the best results, you can’t just buy any hookah bowl! At our shop, you’ll find a huge selection, and once you’ve made your choice, you can easily buy your favorite hookah bowl! No idea what to look for when buying a new bowl? No worries, we’ve gathered and summarized all the essential information for you!

Where to Start When Buying a Hookah Bowl?

Hookah Phunnel or Multi-Hole Bowl, glazed or unglazed – what do these terms mean in relation to a hookah bowl? If you’re not yet familiar with the world of hookahs, finding the perfect bowl isn’t easy.

Or maybe you already have a hookah bowl and use it regularly? Why not try a new bowl and discover how it can change your smoking experience? With the right bowl, you can unlock entirely new flavors from your favorite hookah tobacco.


What is the Purpose of a Hookah Bowl?

The hookah bowl (often referred to as a hookah head or simply bowl) is essential for smoking – tobacco is placed in the bowl and heated with charcoal to produce smoke. Without a bowl, smoking wouldn’t work at all.

It’s also incredibly important because it has a significant influence on the flavor of the tobacco. Depending on the material and shape, hookah bowls heat up differently, affecting how intense the tobacco tastes and which notes stand out most.

This means: When buying a hookah bowl, always focus on quality! A water pipe is only as good as its bowl – a low-quality bowl can ruin the entire smoking experience, no matter how premium your hookah is.

✔️ Good to know: Did you know that hookah bowls are called “hookah bowls” in English? In German, however, “bowl” refers to the glass base of the hookah.

There are different types of hookah bowls to choose from. They primarily differ in two key factors: shape (e.g., multi-hole or phunnel bowl) and material.


Phunnel Bowl or Multi-Hole Bowl: Bowl Shapes

There are two particularly popular and widely used types of hookah bowls: Phunnel and Multi-Hole Bowls. They differ significantly in one key factor.

The Number of Holes Makes the Difference

The Phunnel Bowl, often simply called a hookah phunnel, has only one large central hole. It is typically used with a hookah heat management device (HMD) or foil.

  • This setup ensures that heat is evenly distributed through the tobacco in the phunnel bowl, maximizing flavor extraction.
  • A chimney attachment is not used here, as air would pass through the middle without properly heating the tobacco.

The multi-hole bowl, as the name suggests, has multiple holes in the tobacco chamber, allowing for efficient air circulation.

  • It is commonly used with a chimney attachment or foil. However, in Russian hookah culture, using a multi-hole bowl with an HMD is increasingly common, particularly among experienced smokers.
  • It is suitable for various types of tobacco and offers strong airflow, though it provides less control over tobacco molasses compared to a phunnel bowl.
✔️ Note: Many shops recommend a chimney head set for beginners. However, we believe the flavor suffers and recommend starting directly with a phunnel setup!

The Best Hookah Bowl for Beginners: Multi-Hole or Phunnel?

Which bowl shape is better largely comes down to personal preference. It depends on the type of tobacco you smoke, whether you prefer strong or mild tobacco, and whether you’re a beginner or an experienced smoker.

  • For beginners, we recommend a phunnel with an HMD, as the tobacco flavor is smooth and the aroma is very intense. This setup is ideal for Virginia tobacco, which most beginners start with.
  • More experienced smokers can try a phunnel with foil. The setup is similar, but heat management is trickier than with an HMD. Some tobacco flavors shine differently in this setup!
  • Advanced users can also experiment with a multi-hole bowl and HMD. This setup is perfect for dark blend tobaccos like Darkside or Blackburn, commonly used in Russia.
📄 Want to smoke with a multi-hole bowl and HMD? Check out our guide on Hookah bowl packing: How to pack the perfect hookah with maximum flavor for detailed instructions!


Stone or Clay Bowl? Hookah Bowl Materials

A hookah bowl can be made from various materials, including clay, stoneware, ceramic, silicone, or glass. These materials are heat-resistant and help transfer heat to the hookah tobacco to produce smoke. At Moze, you'll find high-quality hookah bowls made from the most common and practical materials: stone, clay, and porcelain.

Different materials have unique advantages and suit different smoking preferences. While a clay bowl is great for intense flavor, a stone bowl offers durability and longevity for longer smoking sessions. The choice depends on personal preference and the desired smoking experience.

By far the most popular option is clay, although there are also differences within this category.


The Impact of Firing Temperature on a Hookah Clay Bowl

One key difference in clay bowls is the temperature at which they are fired. The higher the temperature, the denser the final material becomes. This generally has a positive effect on the bowl's heat properties:

  • Extremely high firing temperatures seal the material's pores – a high-temperature hookah bowl has a very high density.
  • This results in excellent heat conduction in highly fired clay bowls.
✔️ Good to know: Examples of high-temperature hookah bowls include the Moze Epos Phunnel, the Hookain Popo, and the Hookain Low Load!

Additionally, there’s another important difference in hookah bowl production: some bowls are glazed during a second firing process, while others remain unglazed after the first firing.

Clay Bowls for Hookah: Glazed or Natural

Most hookah bowls are coated with a glaze that covers at least the tobacco chamber. This is the part of the bowl where the tobacco is placed during smoking. Many bowls are also glazed on the exterior, but this is mainly for aesthetic purposes.

But what’s the purpose of glazing the tobacco chamber? Simply put: Because hookah tobacco contains molasses and the heat causes pores in the clay to open, molasses can quickly penetrate the clay in an unglazed bowl. This can lead to what's known as “bleeding,” where molasses seeps out of the bowl during a smoking session.

✔️ Almost every bowl will bleed over time – even if the bowl's tobacco chamber is glazed. Due to the heat, tiny micro-cracks can form in the glaze, allowing molasses to seep into the clay!

What Else Should You Consider When Buying a Hookah Bowl?

Generally, bowls hold 10g to 25g of hookah tobacco. This is an important factor to consider when buying a hookah bowl. For some people, a bowl with a large capacity simply isn't practical and would be a waste of both money and tobacco.

✔️ Rule of thumb: A hookah bowl with more than 20g capacity is unnecessary if you're using a single-hose hookah and don’t plan on lighting a second set of charcoal during your session.

How long you can smoke with a hookah bowl depends on the amount of tobacco in the bowl. Other factors include how many people are sharing the hookah and how frequently you draw from the hose. Typically, a hookah bowl can last between 60 and 120 minutes.


Huge Selection of Hookah Bowls at Moze

Not sure where to start with so many different brands available? Check out these brands when buying a hookah bowl – they offer some of the most popular models in our shop:

✔️ By the way: In addition to a hookah bowl, you can also order your hookah heat management device (HMD) directly from us – even in a bundle as a hookah bowl with smokebox.

A Year of Development for the Perfect Hookah Bowl: The Moze Epos Phunnel

The Epos Phunnel is the first hookah bowl from our brand, and we’re very proud of the result. With our years of experience, we’ve developed the perfectly shaped tobacco chamber to achieve a maximum flavor and smoke output during your hookah session. The result is a high-quality bowl made from stoneware clay, available in vibrant designs.

If you don’t have an Epos bowl yet, now is the perfect time to add one to your cart! Enjoy your tobacco with maximum flavor. Alongside our own hookah bowl models, we also offer many other brands, ensuring you’ll find the perfect bowl for your needs.

✔️ For the Amotion Roam Hookah, the Amotion Dot Phunnel is a perfect match. It’s designed to complement the water pipe's style and is available in various colors.

Decision Made? Buy Your Hookah Bowl Now and Enjoy!

At Moze Hookah Shop, you can buy the perfect hookah bowl and start enjoying it almost immediately – thanks to our fast shipping! Also, consider whether you need any additional accessories for your hookah setup. We’ve got all the essentials to make your hookah experience smooth and hassle-free.

FAQ: The Most Common Questions About Hookah Bowls


What is the best hookah bowl?

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Some of the most popular and high-quality hookah bowls include the Moze Epos, AMOTION Dot, and Hookain Phunnel. If you're looking for a multi-hole bowl, manufacturers like Cosmo Bowl or UPG are excellent choices!


Which is better: Phunnel or multi-hole hookah bowl?

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Whether a multi-hole or Phunnel bowl is better depends on your desired smoking experience. A Phunnel bowl is ideal for moist tobacco as it prevents dripping. It offers a longer smoking duration and more intense flavor. A multi-hole bowl is best for dark blend tobacco and allows better airflow, resulting in denser smoke production.


What is a hookah Phunnel bowl?

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A Phunnel is a specialized hookah bowl with a central hole and a raised rim around the hole. This design prevents molasses from dripping into the bowl. It ensures intense flavor and a longer smoking session. The hookah Phunnel is suitable for both beginners and experienced smokers.


How long can you smoke with a hookah bowl?

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The smoking duration of a hookah bowl can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as the type of bowl, the type of tobacco, heat management, and personal smoking habits. Generally, a hookah bowl can last between 60 and 120 minutes or even longer.


How much tobacco should go into a hookah bowl?

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The amount of tobacco in a hookah bowl varies depending on the bowl size, type of tobacco, and personal preference. As a general guideline, an average bowl requires about 10g to 25g of tobacco. It’s important not to pack the tobacco too tightly to ensure optimal airflow.