E-Shisha – The Electronic Alternative
E-Shisha – the electronic alternative
It’s a classic scene in just about every vape shop: a customer walks in and asks, “Hey, have you got e-shisha?” But in 99% of cases, they don’t mean a version for a hookah at all — they mean a standard e-cigarette. The distinction may sound like splitting hairs, but to me it makes a difference. An e-shisha in the traditional sense — essentially a “mod and atomizer” in one device, used as an attachment for a hookah — has actually been around for quite a while. These days, several manufacturers offer them, giving you a genuinely wider choice. The practical thing about these e-shisha/e-hookah heads is that they fit almost all “standard” hookahs.
Image: 1 = traditional clay bowl, 2 = e-shisha head (on the same hookah)
What exactly is an e-shisha?
Basically, an e-shisha is a battery mod with a built-in tank. They’re usually draw-activated to recreate that shisha feel as closely as possible. There are models with two 18650 batteries and models with four 18650 batteries. Depending on the model, the tank holds 20–30 ml of e-liquid, so you can enjoy a relaxed vaping session without constantly refilling. Of course, that also depends on how many people are using the hookah: with 2–4 people, everyone will be taking plenty of pulls, which pushes up e-liquid consumption. The wattages used are comparatively high (80–120 watts), which is hardly surprising given the amount of vapour “needed”.
Which e-liquids can you use in an e-shisha?
As mentioned, it’s essentially an e-cigarette in a special format, so you can use any e-liquid made for e-cigarettes. From personal experience, I’d advise against using nicotine in the e-liquid. It simply isn’t necessary, because you don’t use an e-shisha to satisfy your “nicotine cravings” — it’s purely for enjoyment. The amount of nicotine you could take in would be fairly high. Even without nicotine, it’s still great fun to vape and bubble away. Some e-liquid manufacturers have launched ranges specifically for devices like these. Surprisingly, they taste very authentic and are every bit as good as a “real” shisha when it comes to flavour.
Who is an e-shisha a good choice for?
An e-shisha is an interesting option for anyone who enjoys shisha but doesn’t fancy dealing with the “ritual” of charcoal, smoke and a scratchy throat. Just like a conventional e-cigarette, an e-shisha is less harmful than the “original”, without losing the feel and atmosphere. Whether you enjoy it on your own or with friends, you get the full shisha experience. Although the initial purchase price is fairly high, the “running costs” can be significantly lower than with smoking (depending on your personal vaping habits). The advantages are obvious: no smoke, no charcoal, no ash, to name just a few.
