Top 10 Best Hookah Pipes of 2023

Hookah pipe, also known as shisha or water pipe, is a smoking device that originated in the Middle East and is now enjoyed worldwide making the history of hookah a rich four hundred year story. Traditionally, it was and still is to this day used for smoking flavored tobacco or herbal molasses, which is then filtered through water before being inhaled through a hose.

In many cultures, hookah smoking is a social activity that brings people together and fosters conversation. It is a popular pastime in many parts of the world, from the Middle East and India to Europe and North America. There are lots of places you can go to smoke hookah, and there is bound to be a hookah bar nearby.

This article aims to provide readers with a comprehensive list of the best hookah pipes of 2023, available in the market, right now. Whether you’re a seasoned hookah smoker or just getting started, we have included a range of different types of hookah pipes, from traditional wood to more modern and contemporary luxury glass hookah like the one’s we sell here at Fumo.

We’ll also discuss the hookah accessories that can enhance your hookah smoking experience, as well as tips on how to properly maintain and clean your hookah pipe. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need to choose the best hookah pipe that suits your preferences and budget.

If you need more information on how to smoke hookah, or where you can go and smoke if you’re out and about and looking for a hookah bar in NYC or hookah bar in Houston, then we can help you there too.

Types of hookah pipe –

Traditional Hookah Pipes

Traditional hookah pipes have a rich history and cultural significance, especially in the Middle East and South Asia. These hookah pipes are made of materials such as brass, copper, or silver and are handcrafted by skilled artisans.

The traditional hookah pipe consists of a base that holds water, a stem with a bowl at the top for the tobacco or herbal molasses, and a hose for smoking. They are often decorated with intricate designs and patterns, making them aesthetically pleasing.

Traditional hookah pipes are known for their durability and longevity. They have stood the test of time and are still popular among hookah enthusiasts worldwide. Some popular traditional hookah pipes include the Syrian, Egyptian, and Turkish hookahs.

Modern Hookah Pipes

Modern hookah pipes have evolved over time and are designed to cater to the changing needs and preferences of hookah smokers. These hookah pipes are often made of materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, or glass and are designed with a sleek and modern look.

Modern hookah pipes come with features such as interchangeable bowls, adjustable airflow, and LED lighting. They also come in a variety of shapes and sizes, making them more portable and easy to transport.

Modern hookah pipes have gained popularity due to their convenience and ease of use. They are also easy to clean and maintain, making them a preferred choice for many hookah enthusiasts. Some popular modern hookah pipes include the Steamulation, Hekkpipe and insahAR hookahs although much of the modern pipes available tend to be mass produced in places like China, and sold very cheaply. The materials are often poor quality with fittings that do not always last meaning you’ll need to repair or replace down the line. With some of the cheaper vase materials especially the metallic one’s, you can adulterate the smoke creating unwanted flavours. For this reason we don’t recommend a metallic hookah pipe even if they are nice to look at.

Luxury Hookah Pipes

Luxury hookah pipes are a step above traditional and modern hookah pipes and are more often used for special occasions, as display pieces, or as daily pipes for those who prefer a touch of class and luxury in their life. These hookah pipes are made of premium materials such as crystal glass or borosilicate glass which is much harder wearing, and adorned with intricate designs and patterns using expensive materials. The fittings tend to be much higher quality, lasting the test of time and not falling to pieces after their first use.

Luxury hookah pipes are sinetimes custom made, personalized to the user’s preferences. They are designed with features such as multiple hoses, can cater for the use of ice, or lighting, and have high-end bowls and wind guards for a more consistent and luxurious smoking experience.

Luxury hookah pipes are sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike and are often considered a status symbol. Some popular luxury hookah pipes include the Anima, Desvall and Meduse however from our reviews it’s clear to see the best luxury hookah pipe of all is the Fumo Design Circulos.

Hookah Pipe Accessories –

There are several hookah accessories that can enhance your hookah smoking experience. These accessories are designed to improve the flavor, longevity, and overall quality of your hookah session.

Hookah Bowl

The hookah bowl is the part of the hookah pipe where the tobacco or herbal molasses is placed. There are different types of hookah bowls available in the market, from traditional clay bowls to modern glass or stainless steel bowls. These bowls are designed to provide better heat management and improve the flavor of the tobacco with prices ranging from $20 to $60.

Pros: Better heat management, improved flavor, and longevity of the session.

Cons: Some bowls require a specific type of coal or heat source, and are not always interchangable depending on which brand you opt for.

Hookah Hoses

The hookah hose is an essential accessory that allows you to inhale the smoke from the hookah pipe. There are different types of hookah hoses available in the market, from traditional leather hoses to modern silicone hoses. These hoses are designed to provide better airflow, durability, and ease of cleaning. Prices range from $15 to $150.

Pros: Better airflow, durability, and ease of cleaning. They are more hygenic.

Cons: Some hoses may not fit all hookah pipes, and some materials may affect the flavor of the smoke.

Hookah Coal

The hookah coal is an essential accessory that provides the heat necessary to smoke the tobacco or herbal molasses. There are different types of hookah coals available in the market, from natural coconut coals to quick-light coals and even coal stones. The more expensive coals are designed to provide consistent heat and long-lasting sessions, and the coal stones are re-usable as once they cool you can simply place back on the stove to bring them back up to the right temperature for burning the tobacco. Prices range from $10 to $25.

Pros: Consistent heat, long-lasting sessions.

Cons: Some coals may contain chemicals that affect the flavor of the smoke, and some require special lighting equipment.

Hookah Wind Cover

The hookah wind cover is an accessory that protects the hookah coal from wind or drafts. It also helps to retain heat, which improves the longevity of the session. These covers are designed to fit most hookah bowls and are made of durable materials such as aluminum or stainless steel. Prices range from $15 to $100.

Pros: Protects the coal from wind or drafts, improves the longevity of the session.

Cons: May not fit all hookah bowls.

Hookah Cleaning Kit

The hookah cleaning kit is an essential accessory that helps to maintain and clean your hookah pipe. It includes brushes, tongs, and cleaning solutions. These kits are designed to be easy to use and help to keep your hookah pipe in top condition. Although before you invest in a kit, make sure any cleaning products or materials are compatible with the materials used in the manufacture of your pipe. Prices range from $20 to $40.

Pros: Helps to maintain and clean your hookah pipe giving it a longer life.

Cons: May not be necessary for all users, and some solutions may contain harsh chemicals.

In conclusion, hookah accessories can enhance your hookah smoking experience and improve the quality of your sessions. However, it is important to choose the accessories that best fit your preferences and budget. Whether you’re looking for better heat management, improved airflow, or easier cleaning, there is an accessory out there for you.

Best Hookah Pipes of 2023 –

So down to the pipes themselves, and here we review some of the top selling hookah pipes targeting various parts of the market from budget to premium.

We have included a range of different products, but essentially they are all doing the same thing. So when shopping around for your next pipe, you should consider a few things from budget to lifespan and cleaning – and we’ve tried to include all of this information for you.

Brand	Price Range	Stand out feature	Country of supply	Materials Used	Score out of 5
Wookah Hookah	$479 – $795	Wookah ‘quick lock system’.	Poland	Nox Wood, Stainless Steel	3.5
Meduse	$650 – $4,500	Nautically themed designs are quirky.	Czech Republic	Glass, stainless steel	3.8
Steamulation	$199 – $869	Gold plated components.	Germany	Glass, plated gold	3.75
Anima Hookahs	$1054 – $3,073	Integrated light source.	Czech Republic	Aluminium, glass, porcelain	4.1
Desvall Shisha pipes	$40,000 – $100,000+	Available in very large sizes, some unusal materials, and are incredibly expensive.	Stockholm	Glass, ceramic, leather, gold, silver, carbon fibre, titanium.	3.8
Hekkpipe	$149	Portable, deconstructable hexagon design is unique for the budget end of the market.	Estonia	Wood, steel	4.1
Fumo Design	$250 – $565	Hand blown Bohemian cut crystal, medical grade stainless steel meaning virtually no component degradation!	USA	Borosilicate glass, stainless steel, silicone	4.9
Shisha Original	$488 – $698	Nothing to note	Czech Republic	Glass, stainless steel	3.2
Hi-Tech Club	$550 – $1,320	Patented heat management to negate burning and to soften the smoke.	Yugoslavia	Borosilicate glass, medical grade stainless steel	4.2
insahAR hookah	$124	Ceramic glazed clay bowl.	Slovak Republic	Glass, metal, silicone	3.6

1.Wookah Hookah

Price range $479 – $795

Stand out feature : Wookah’s quick lock system, which is basically the way they have engineered their mouthpiece fitting to be more easily and quickly attached / removed from the body.

Wookah Hookah are a Polish based manufacturer, who use a material called Nox wood, which appears to be a form of engineered and treated wood with a laminate coating to enable water filling. They recently added a glass model to their range.

2.Meduse Hookah

Price Range : $650- $5,500

From the Czechg Reupblic are Meduse , whom lead on their careful selection of the best glass blowers and blacksmiths to produce their pipes.

Some of their products are incredibly expensive, and we can’t quite work out why as they seem to be quite standard in the way they are constructed and assembled.

Stand out feature – the nautical themed designs are quirky and fun.

3.Steamulation

Price Range : $199 – $869

Stand out feature : gold plated components.

The Steamulation Pro X III is on of the more advanced hookahs using attractive materials for a luxury experience.

Although gold plating, whilst attractive, does tend to wear away over time.

4.Anima Hookah

Price range : $1054 – $3,073

Stand out feature : Integrated light source.

The Anima Hookah uses an interesting bayonet style of design that allows the vase to attach to the bowl, with space to slide into two different sizes of stand – a table stand and a floor stand.

The diameter of the base neck is wide enough for easy cleaning or to add ice or fruit, which we like as a feature.

Although one of the more expensive available, it is an unusual and quirky design that has a certain martian feel to it, and it’s supplied well packed with a protective case.

5.Deshvall

Price range : $40,000 – $100,000+

Stand out feature : Available in very large sizes, some unusal materials, and are incredibly expensive.

Deshvall pipes are some of the most expensive pipes available to market. Their operation is no different in that functionally, they burn tobacco that is cooled in the vase and inhaled – but the difference being, and clearly aimed at the very wealthy, they are made with some unique materials such as titanium, carbon fibre, gold and silver. These pipes are out of reach to most people’s budgets. They wouldn’t look out of situ in a royal palace or olligarchs yacht, however we feel they are perhaps a little over the top for the typical high end smoker looking for a luxury experience.

6.Hekkpipe

Price range : $149

Stand out feature : Their portable hexagon design is truly unique for the budget end of the market.

Hekkpipe Hexagon is a handmade and completely portable hookah that certainly has a unique appearance. Each Hexagon is nicely detailed, constructed with wood, and designed to fit together by hand hence being so portable.

Being made from wood we are not sure how hard wearing the materials will be if they are being constructed / deconstructed regularly, but it is certainly lightweight and is an attractive hookah pipe with a very unique concept.

Clever use of magnets make sure the pipe won’t move around if placed on a metal surface.

7.Fumo Design

Price range –  $250 – $565

Stand out feature : Fumo use the finest hand blown Bohemian cut crystal, and other components of supreme quality meaning virtually nothing will degrade!

At 62 cm high and delivered in a boldly mature wooden storage box, the Fumo Circulos has been designed so as to be able to deliver a smoking experience that is unmatched with any other pipe.

The quality and clarity of the Bohemian Crystal base is beautiful to look at. The stainless steel is super high quality and extremely durable. The high grade porcelain is very easy to clean with high levels of hygeine and durability.

Key features include :

-Two purge valves, one of which can be used for an additional hose

-Hand stitched leather hosing is an option

-Replaceable parts are fully available although will rarely need replacement, if atall. The product is easiluy disassembled for cleaning. (if necessary) and easy product disassembly for through cleaning.

Delivering the cleanest, most purest smoke of all the pipes we reviewed, this hookah will bring the user a lifetime of use and joy.

8.Shisha Original

Price range : $488 – $698

Stand out feature : Nothing to note

The Shisha Original is a glass vase and porcelain body with silicon hose and LED module.

We like the compact design, and they do offer engraving which is fun.

Standing at 49cm high, and 4kg in weight it comes with 150cm of hose.

9.Hi-Tech Club

Price range : $440 – $1,320

Stand out feature : Patented heat management system.

Hi-tech produce a high quality pipe although it does push the boundaries of spend going well above $1,000. As you’d expect at this price point the materials are high quality.

The Hi-tech Club hookah is attractive to look at, and can be found in some of the higher-end hookah lounges.

It seems they have gone to some length to design an effecftive bowl to prevent overheating, and with the addition of cooling fins to help with heat distribution.

It certainly sounds the part, but in reality whether the smoking experience truly benefits from ‘cooling fins’ is yet to be confirmed.

What is good to see is the use of borosilicate glass, which is in our opinion an essential material to be used in the construction of hookah pipes.

10.InsahAR hookah

Price range : $124

Stand out feature : Ceramic glazed clay bowl.

The insahAR hookah is aimed at the budget end of the market with a product that is well made and functional.

The fired, glazed clay bowl is a nice natural touch. The metal fittings seem to appear well made and easy to use.

In fact the components such as the bowl, stem and vase are interchangable with small or large fittings, which is a nice feature as means can cater for different uses.  

Maintenance and Cleaning Tips

Whichever hookah setup you opt for, proper maintenance and cleaning of your hookah pipe are essential for a better smoking experience. A well-maintained hookah pipe not only provides a better flavor but also extends the life of your hookah. Here are some tips on how to properly maintain and clean your hookah pipe:

1. Clean your hookah pipe after each use. This will help to prevent residue buildup and ensure that your next session is as fresh as possible.
2. Use warm water and a mild soap to clean the hookah stem, bowl, and hose. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the hookah pipe.
3. Use a brush to clean the inside of the hookah stem and bowl. A soft-bristled brush is ideal for removing residue buildup and ensuring that your hookah is clean and fresh.
4. Replace the water in the base of your hookah after each use. This will help to prevent bacteria growth and ensure that your next session is fresh and enjoyable.
5. Use a wind cover to protect your hookah from wind or drafts. This will help to prevent ash or debris from getting into your hookah and ensure that your smoke is clean and smooth.
6. Store your hookah pipe in a cool, dry place. This will help to prevent rust or corrosion and ensure that your hookah is in good condition for future use.
7. Better still, store in a bespoke container or box that is designed to fit your pipe perfectly thus keeping it safe and secure for its lifetime.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your hookah pipe is clean, fresh, and ready for your next session. Remember, a well-maintained hookah pipe not only provides a better flavor but also extends the life of your hookah.

Top 10 Best Hookah Conclusion –

So there you have it, the top 10 best hookah pipes of 2023 laid out in detail.

With a pipe for every budget and taste, there is something perfect for you. Though on balance, and we might be biased, but, Fumo Design comes out top for where luxury glass hookah pipes are concerned.

Why? Several reasons are clear –

– Fumo sells an entire hookah system with all parts included, and each being constructed with the highest quality materials. Check out the full range of luxury glass hookah all available as bespoke sets.

– All Fumo parts are replaceable meaning that if a certain part is lost, broken or damaged, it can easily be replaced or upgraded.

– Using medical grade stainless steel and laboratory grade borosilicate glass, the Fumo pipes are extremely durable and will not break down over time. Fumo hookahs in reality will be around forever if not dropped or broken; there are almost no degradable parts and that means its built to last.

Furthermore, in comparison to the other brands, most sell their products ‘á-la carte’, so the standard kit will include the very basics required to get up and running but not include many of the more expensive parts of the hookah, such as the bowl, the heat management and the hose set up. Most so-called ‘custom hookah’ manufacturers do not even make or manufacture these components and use other brands to supply often shipping cheaply from China and assembling locally before shipment. This means that beneath the exterior guise of a ‘unique design’, many of the pipes on the market are often using the same components – nothing custom about that!

So, when comparing Fumo products in terms of price with cheaper copy-cat equivalent pipes, the Fumo pipe ‘sets’ are generally less expensive yet much higher quality and available with all the required accessories, thus representing an overall superior and cost effective option to other so-called luxury hookah brands. With the cheaper pipes, once you add in the missing components, what appears to be cheaper will actually cost a lot more once the full set has been assembled.

Choose carefully, friend – there are many imposters out there, and nothing that quite meets the quality, detail, integrity, and longevity of a truly authentic Fumo Design glass hookah pipe.