Hookah Without Charcoal: Electric Hookah Heads Explained

In this article11 chapters 0% read

1. Can you smoke hookah without charcoal?
2. Two routes to hookah without charcoal
3. How an electric hookah head works
4. What goes into the chamber, and how much?
5. What to check before buying
6. What does a hookah without charcoal cost?
7. Charcoal, HMD or electric head: the practical differences
8. Setting up an electric head: step by step
9. Common mistakes and how to avoid them
10. Electric hookah heads at a glance
11. Frequently asked questions about hookah without charcoal

Can you smoke hookah without charcoal?

Yes. On a hookah, charcoal is only the heat source. It heats the filling in the head so smoke is produced, which you draw through the water and the hose. That heat can just as well come from an electric heating element. The base, water, stem and hose stay the same, and with most solutions so does your usual bowl filling.

What matters is which kind of "hookah without charcoal" you're actually after. Not every device advertised that way even fits your own hookah.

Two routes to hookah without charcoal

1. Complete devices: an electric hookah with its own system

A complete device is a whole hookah in one product: the base, stem, heater and battery all belong together. A well-known example is OOKA. Systems like this work with the manufacturer's own pre-filled capsules instead of a loose bowl filling. That's convenient, but it ties you to their consumables, and your existing hookah stays in the cupboard.

2. Electric hookah heads and E-HMDs

An electric hookah head, often also called an e-head or E-HMD, fits onto your existing hookah. It replaces the charcoal, and depending on the design the clay head as well, with a heated chamber that you fill just as usual. The terms aren't used consistently in the trade: some devices are called E-HMD even though they're fitted onto the stem just like a head. What matters is that you keep using your own hookah and your usual bowl filling. You'll find a selection in our category electric hookah heads & E-HMDs.

How an electric hookah head works

At its core, an electric head is a heated chamber with controls and a battery. We'll show what that looks like in detail using the ShishaX VOLTA, which we carry in our range, as an example.

Chamber and heat zones

The filling sits in a ceramic chamber between two metal screens. Heat comes from two directions: from above via the lid with radiant heat, similar to charcoal, and from the side via the chamber wall with contact heat. You set both zones separately. Devices with only one heat zone are simpler in design, but give you less scope for fine-tuning.

Preheating

Even an electric head needs a warm-up phase. On the ShishaX VOLTA, preheating takes about 8 minutes; you can skip it if you like. Use the time to get the base, water and hose ready.

Temperature and session length

Instead of estimating the heat from the amount and position of charcoal, you set a temperature in degrees and the device holds it. There's also a session length, after which the head switches off. On the ShishaX VOLTA, a double tap extends it in 10-minute steps, up to a maximum of 150 minutes.

Battery and power

The power comes from a battery. On the ShishaX VOLTA it's swappable, has 5000 mAh and lasts around 1 to 1.5 hours per charge, depending on temperature. Via USB-C pass-through, the device also keeps running on the charging cable. With a second battery, you simply swap it instead of waiting.

What goes into the chamber, and how much?

Your usual bowl filling is what goes into an electric head; you don't need a special one. The fill amount depends on the chamber; on the ShishaX VOLTA it's about 10 g per fill. Fill it in loosely and don't pack it down, as the heat needs to be able to pass through the filling.

For temperature, the manufacturer of the ShishaX VOLTA gives a range of about 180–240°C, with 200°C in both zones as a starting point. From there, work your way towards your own taste in small steps.

What to check before buying

The devices differ more than they might look at first glance. These points are worth a close look on the product page:

Heat zones and temperature control

Does the device heat only from above, or from the side as well? Can you set the temperature in degrees, or only choose steps? And can you see what's happening during the session? Two separately adjustable zones give you more control, and a clear display makes adjusting easier.

Battery, swappable battery and pass-through

Three questions matter: how long does one charge last at your usual temperature? Can the battery be swapped? Does the device keep running on the cable? Anyone who likes long evenings does best with a swappable battery and pass-through. Also check which USB-C charger the device needs to charge quickly.

Fit on your hookah

An electric head is usually fitted onto the stem's head adapter with a silicone grommet. Check which grommets are included. On the ShishaX VOLTA it's 18 mm and 16 mm, which fits most hookahs. Also think about size and weight: on a very small hookah, an electric head can quickly feel top-heavy.

Chamber and fill amount

What material is the chamber made of, how much fits in, and can you buy spare chambers or pods? A second chamber is handy: you prepare it while the first one is still smoking.

App or buttons

An app can bring presets, remote start and live readings. But it should be optional, so the device works fully without a phone too. Check whether an account is needed, how the iPhone is supported, and which Wi-Fi the device needs. The ShishaX VOLTA, for example, runs entirely without the app and only connects to 2.4 GHz networks.

Cleaning

Electric heads are electronics. Read in advance which parts can get wet and which can't. On the ShishaX VOLTA: never rinse the device and never put it in the dishwasher, while the screens can be rinsed and reused.

Running costs for consumables

Charcoal, foil and lighters are gone. Instead you'll need screens, occasionally a new chamber or new pods, and eventually a spare battery. Check whether these parts are available individually and what they cost. For the ShishaX VOLTA there's a battery, ceramic chambers and screens individually and in the Accessory Set.

Warranty and service

Manufacturer's warranties are often tied to registration. ShishaX, for instance, provides 1 year on the device and 6 months on the battery if you register the ShishaX VOLTA on the manufacturer's portal. Your statutory warranty against the retailer applies regardless.

What does a hookah without charcoal cost?

What you spend depends heavily on which of the two routes you choose, and the purchase price is only part of the equation. With an electric head you pay once for the device. After that, instead of charcoal, foil and lighters, you only pay for consumables and power: screens, occasionally a chamber and, if you want, a second battery. With complete devices that use capsules, on the other hand, you keep buying the manufacturer's material.

A reliable figure "per session" can't be given across the board. It depends on how often you replace screens, how long a chamber lasts, and what your charcoal used to cost you. Current device prices are shown directly in the category Electric Heads & HMDs.

Charcoal, HMD or electric head: the practical differences

In the end, taste comes down to your own preference. In terms of process, the differences are clear:

Prefer to stay classic? Then take a look at shisha charcoal and chimneys & HMDs.

Setting up an electric head: step by step

Using the ShishaX VOLTA as an example. Buttons and grommets differ on other devices, but the process is similar.

1. Before first use: unscrew the base cap, pull out the battery, remove the insulation strip between the battery and the device, fit the battery and screw the base cap back on firmly. Then fully charge the battery via USB-C.
2. Prepare the hookah: fill the base only enough that the downstem just sits in the water. Ice slush and thick additives make the draw harder.
3. Fill the chamber: place a lower screen in the ceramic chamber, fill in about 10 g of bowl filling loosely, add the upper screen and wipe the chamber rim clean.
4. Assemble: put the chamber into the heating chamber and screw the lid on firmly, without overtightening it.
5. Fit it: put the silicone grommet into the base cap (usually 18 mm, or 16 mm if it sits loosely) and press the device onto the head adapter. To test, cover the top and take a draw: resistance means it's sealed.
6. Set it: switch on, choose the session length, then set the top and side temperatures. 200°C in both zones is a good starting point.
7. Preheat: double-tap the power button and wait about 8 minutes. Use the time to get the hose and mouthpiece ready.
8. Smoke and adjust: fine-tune during the first draws. Tastes burnt on top? Lower the top zone. Too hot at the edge? Lower the side zone. A double tap extends it by 10 minutes.
9. Afterwards: switch off and let it cool for at least 30 minutes. Only take the chamber out with tweezers, dispose of leftovers, and rinse or replace the screens.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Packed too tightly: the draw gets hard and little smoke comes through. Fill it in loosely and only fluff it up.
• Started too hot: the session quickly tastes burnt. Start at 200°C instead and adjust each zone individually in small steps.
• Filling on the chamber rim: leftovers on the rim scorch during the session. Wipe the rim clean before fitting the chamber.
• Too much water in the base: if the downstem sits too deep in the water, the draw gets hard. Keep the water level just above the end of the downstem.
• Wrong grommet: if the head sits loosely, it draws in false air. Try the other grommet size.
• HMD or foil added on top: an electric head replaces both. Don't put anything underneath or on top of it.
• Started with the battery half empty: fully charge it before the session, or smoke straight away on the cable with pass-through.
• Cleaned wet: never rinse the device or put it in the dishwasher. Take the battery out before a deep clean and only brush it out dry.
• App can't find the Wi-Fi: many devices, including the ShishaX VOLTA, only connect to 2.4 GHz networks. Switch your phone to the 2.4 GHz network for setup.

Electric hookah heads at a glance

The market is young and the choice is still limited. We carry two lines in our shop, and there are further systems on the market.

ShishaX VOLTA

An electric head that replaces the clay head and the charcoal: a ceramic chamber for about 10 g of bowl filling, two separately adjustable heat zones, a swappable battery with 5000 mAh, USB-C pass-through, a colour display and an optional app. There's also a battery, ceramic chambers, screens and several bundles. More on the product page ShishaX VOLTA and on our ShishaX brand page.

XKAH Pro and XKAH Lite

The XKAH Pro works with its own pods and a battery pack, charged via USB-C. We carry XKAH Pro and XKAH Lite in several colours, and for the XKAH Pro also spare pods and a spare battery. Everything about the brand is on the XKAH brand page.

Other systems

OOKA is a well-known complete device that uses capsules. There are also further electric heads from various manufacturers. Which device suits you is best decided with the checklist above: heat zones, battery, fit, chamber, app, cleaning and running costs. All the devices we carry are listed in the category Electric Heads & HMDs.

Frequently asked questions about hookah without charcoal

Can you smoke hookah without charcoal?

Yes. Charcoal only supplies the heat. An electric hookah head supplies it with a heating element and a battery. The base, water and hose stay the same.

What can you use instead of shisha charcoal?

If you want to go entirely without charcoal, choose an electric hookah head or an E-HMD for your own hookah, or a complete device with capsules. If you just want to make better use of your charcoal, go for an HMD, but you will still need charcoal.

What does an electric hookah cost?

It depends on the type. With an electric head you pay once for the device, then only for consumables like screens, chambers or a spare battery. Complete devices need capsules from the manufacturer on an ongoing basis. Current prices are in the category Electric Heads & HMDs.

Which hookah head is the best?

There's no single best one. What matters is what's important to you: one or two heat zones, a swappable battery and pass-through, fit on your hookah, chamber size, app or buttons, easy cleaning, and available spare parts.

What is an E-HMD or an electric hookah head?

A device that replaces the charcoal on a hookah with electric heat. Depending on the design, it also replaces the clay head. You fill the chamber, set the temperature, and a battery supplies the power.

Which filling goes into the chamber, and how much?

Your usual bowl filling works. The amount depends on the chamber; on the ShishaX VOLTA it's about 10 g per fill, loosely filled in.

How long does preheating take?

This varies by device. On the ShishaX VOLTA it's about 8 minutes, and preheating can also be skipped.

How long does the battery last?

It depends on the device and the temperature. On the ShishaX VOLTA, one charge lasts around 1 to 1.5 hours. With pass-through or a second battery, you can go longer.

Can I use an electric head while it's charging?

If the device supports pass-through, yes. The ShishaX VOLTA keeps running on the USB-C cable as long as the battery is fitted.

Will an electric head fit every hookah?

On most, yes. The connection usually works via silicone grommets on the head adapter. On the ShishaX VOLTA, grommets in 18 mm and 16 mm are included. On very small or unusual hookahs, it's worth checking the measurements.

What is an OOKA hookah, and how does an electric head differ from it?

OOKA is a complete device: its own electric hookah that works with the manufacturer's pre-filled capsules. An electric head like the ShishaX VOLTA, on the other hand, fits onto your existing hookah and uses your usual bowl filling.