Hookah vs. e-cigarettes: What’s the difference?
The market is flooded with smoking devices, and if you're confused about the differences between them, you're not alone.
Electronic cigarettes, also known as "vapes," are becoming a better alternative to "smoking" due to their smooth and consistent taste. However, electronic cigarettes don't actually produce smoke - more on that later.
Hookahs are also extremely popular, but for different reasons, including the equipment used, as well as the unique form of shisha tobacco. So, what is the difference between the two? What is a shisha? What is an e-cigarette? Are they the same? Do they both contain nicotine or other chemicals?
Here’s an in-depth look at the differences between hookah and e-cigarettes.
What is Shisha?
Hookah is a culturally traditional form of smoking that originated in Turkey, Egypt, Persia, India and other Middle Eastern cultures. The modern form of the hookah first entered the global market in the 16th century through the British East India Company. India's glass export trade spread the hookah around the world and it became a popular pastime for the upper class.
The cultural significance of hookah is to promote conversation and communication. People usually sit together with family and friends, share the hookah, and enjoy the flavor of the smoke by passing the straw. This core of communication and connection remains one of the legacies of hookah culture.
A typical hookah consists of the following parts:
- Tobacco trough : This is where the moist hookah tobacco (called "shisha") is placed.
- Straws and mouthpieces : used for smoking.
- Water tank : Contains water at the bottom to filter smoke.
- Smoke pipe : connects the tobacco trough and the water trough.
When using, put the wet hookah tobacco into the tobacco slot, gently heat the charcoal fire until the tobacco is heated but not directly burned. After the smoke is filtered through water, it is inhaled into the mouth through the straw.
Shisha is different from other forms of tobacco, but can still be addictive because it contains tobacco. Typically, it is made from a mixture of molasses or honey, vegetable glycerin, flavors, and nicotine. The humidification of vegetable glycerin and other ingredients makes shisha smoke smooth and easy to inhale, and the nicotine content is lower than other smoking methods.
In recent years, with the development of globalization and the increase in flavor options, hookah has evolved from its traditional form. Today, chemical technology can create new flavors to meet different taste requirements. You can choose to go to a hookah bar to experience it, or buy your own hookah equipment. Although it is popular in many cultures, hookah remains a rich cultural symbol.
What are e-cigarettes?
E-cigarettes don’t have as deep a history as hookahs, but they have exploded in popularity around the world in less than 20 years. E-cigarettes first appeared in 2003 and have evolved into the e-cigarette pen format we are familiar with today.
Some e-cigarette devices contain nicotine, but there are also nicotine-free options. E-cigarettes containing nicotine may cause addiction.
E-cigarettes produce smoke mechanically. The device usually includes an atomizer, a power source, and a liquid reservoir or cartridge. When the liquid in the reservoir is heated, the device produces steam ("vapor"), hence the name "vape". The chemical components of the e-liquid are activated by heating, releasing a rich flavor.
The main differences between hookah and e-cigarettes
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Tobacco and non-tobacco
- Shisha is a special form of tobacco that is still considered a tobacco product.
- There is no tobacco in the ordinary sense in e-cigarettes, but some cartridges may contain nicotine or tobacco leaves.
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Heating method
- Shisha requires the use of charcoal to heat the tobacco, but it cannot be burned directly.
- E-cigarettes use a battery-powered atomizer that converts e-liquid into vapor through a heated coil.
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Equipment form
- Hookahs are larger in size and usually have a groove at the bottom and a hose nozzle.
- E-cigarette devices are small and portable, usually in a pen-like design with a simpler mouthpiece.
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Produced substances
- Hookah produces smoke because it involves the burning of tobacco.
- E-cigarettes produce vapor, not smoke.
Electricity vs. charcoal
Shisha smoking requires heating tobacco over a charcoal fire, usually coconut shell or charcoal. This method may produce carbon monoxide, but it usually does not reach harmful levels. However, it is recommended to use shisha in a well-ventilated environment to reduce the accumulation of carbon monoxide.
Electronic cigarettes are powered by batteries. The atomizer heats the e-liquid and turns it into vapor. Electronic cigarette devices usually have automatic temperature control functions to prevent overheating or underheating.
Portability
Electronic cigarette devices are small and portable, and can be easily put into a pocket and carried around. However, hookah devices are larger in size and usually require a fixed place to use. If you want to experience the portability of hookah, you can try a "hookah pen", but its effect is different from that of traditional hookah.
Cultural differences
Hookah originated in India in the 16th century and has a deep cultural background, symbolizing communication and social interaction. In contrast, e-cigarettes have rapidly become popular in a short period of time since their invention in 2003, mainly as a modern way of smoking.
Summarize
Whether hookah or e-cigarette is better depends on your needs and preferences. If you are looking for portability and want to use it at any time, e-cigarettes may be more suitable for you. Hookah focuses more on social experience and rich flavor selection, suitable for sharing with friends.