Buying a Hookah in the Netherlands: Best Tips, Flavors & Accessories (2025)

More and more enthusiasts in the Netherlands are looking to buy a hookah or shisha. In this guide, you'll discover what to look for when purchasing, which flavors are popular, and which accessories complete your setup. Useful for both beginners and experienced smokers looking for the best shisha for their budget.

What is a hookah (shisha)?

A hookah – also known as a shisha – is a smoking device where smoke is drawn through water for cooling and filtering. Learn more on Wikipedia (hookah).

Want to delve deeper into the difference between terms and types? Check out our explanation: Hookah or shisha: difference & buying guide.

What to look for when buying a hookah?

Size & use: A small shisha is compact and portable (handy for a balcony or taking with you), while a large hookah provides a more stable draw, cooler smoke, and is ideal for longer sessions. Opt for a single-hose setup for solo sessions or multi-hose if you often smoke with friends.

Material & finish: Stainless steel and high-quality aluminum alloys are durable, rust-resistant, and easy to clean. Glass provides a luxurious look & feel. Look for a stable base, solid closures (click/screw system), and an airtight connection for optimal draw and airflow.

Brand & parts: Choose brands with available spare parts (hoses, stems, trays, diffusers). See our Amy Deluxe collection for reliable models and consistent quality.

Budget & maintenance: In addition to the hookah, factor in costs for coals, bowls, and cleaning. Good maintenance extends the lifespan and enhances the flavor experience. Preferably use natural coconut coals for pure flavor and less ash.

Popular shisha flavors & tobacco (incl. tobacco-free options)

Are you looking for classic hookah tobacco or rather tobacco-free? Both are popular. Tobacco-free alternatives are ideal for those who primarily want flavor and vapor without nicotine. Think of tropical fruit, mint, citrus, or sweet blends that are highly sought after in lounges.

• True Passion (tobacco): Intense aromas and a wide range of flavors. View True Passion 120gr.
• Shiazo Steam Stones (tobacco-free): Aroma stones with rich vapor and stable output. View Shiazo Steam Stones 100gr.
• Shi-ha (nicotine-free): Modern flavor base without tobacco, loved for full flavor and thick vapor. Shi-ha flavors.

Must-have accessories

With the right shisha accessories, your session will be more consistent, safer, and more hygienic. Essential items include a coal burner (fast and even heating), a suitable bowl (e.g., phunnel for juicy flavors), hygienic mouthpieces, a kaloud/hotscreen for heat management, and a cleaning kit.

• Hookah accessories
• Bowls

Quick tips for a better session

Packing & heat: Start with 2–3 coals and gradually build up. Allow air through the bowl for good airflow and use a heat manager (Kaloud/hotscreen) to prevent burning.

Cleaning: Rinse after each session. Periodically use a brush set and mild cleaner for the base, hose (if washable), and stem for a fresh, pure flavor.

Hygiene: Always use hygienic mouthpieces, especially with multiple smokers.

Bowl choice: A phunnel bowl retains molasses better (less leakage, more consistent flavor), while a multi-hole bowl draws lighter. Match your bowl to your shisha flavors and heat profile.

Coals: Opt for natural coconut coals (long burn time, little ash, pure flavor). Heat them completely on a coal burner and rotate them regularly.

Water & airflow: Fill the base to approximately 1–2 cm above the end of the downstem. Experiment with a diffuser/ice chamber for quieter draw and cooler smoke.

Conclusion

Choose a hookah that suits your usage, combine it with shisha flavors you enjoy, and invest in basic accessories like a coal burner, Kaloud, and phunnel bowl. This way, you'll enjoy longer and more consistent sessions. Ready to start? Check out our Amy Deluxe shishas, True Passion tobacco, and must-have accessories.