Choosing Your Shisha Heat Management Device (HMD): The El-Badia Expert Guide

Choosing the right heat management system—or Heat Management Device (HMD)—is now essential for enjoying successful shisha or hookah sessions, whether you’re a beginner, enthusiast, or professional. As a pioneer in this market, El-Badia was the first to bring Kaloud to Europe and now holds the exclusive worldwide distribution of Quasar, the brand that’s revolutionizing heat control. This comprehensive guide will help you step by step to choose the best heat management system for your needs, showcasing El-Badia’s expertise.

Understanding Shisha Heat Management Systems

A heat management system, also known as an HMD (Heat Management Device), is an accessory placed on the shisha bowl to regulate heat transfer from natural charcoal to the tobacco. It’s a modern alternative to traditional foil, offering even heating, better flavor, and easier handling.

Why adopt a heat management system?

• Optimizes natural charcoal combustion

• Reduces the risk of burning tobacco

• Extends session duration

• Makes preparation and cleaning easier

• Improves smoke quality and flavor

The main families of Heat Management Systems

1. 1. Complete Systems: Quasar, the French Revolution

Quasar, a pioneering brand and exclusive partner of El-Badia, offers all-in-one systems combining a borosilicate glass thermal bowl and an aluminum heat regulator. The Quasar Raas 2, acclaimed by both professionals and enthusiasts, features a double chamber for even heating and pure flavor. The Petit Raas 2, more compact, is ideal for shorter, more economical sessions.

• Materials: Borosilicate glass & aluminum

• Compatibility: Complete, ready-to-use system

• For: All levels, flavor lovers

• Advantages: Elegant design, even heat, long lifespan

• Discover Quasar Raas 2

2. Kaloud systems: the global Standard

Kaloud is the brand that popularized the HMD with its closed heat transfer systems. Lotus I+, Lotus III, and the new Lotus I+3 are compatible with many bowls (Kalys, Zenith, Oblako, etc.) and provide precise heat management for long, tasty sessions.

• Materials: Aerospace aluminum

• Capacity: 2 to 4 cubes of natural charcoal

• For: Everyone, from beginners to experts

• Advantages: Easy to use, clean, versatile

• See Kaloud Systems

3. Chimney Systems (Brohood, Dragon, Badcha, Volkan, AO Stainless)

These traditional systems combine a terracotta hearth with a metal chimney and grate. They offer intense heating and manual intensity control, ideal for fans of powerful or 'Russian prep' sessions.

• Materials: stainless steel, terracotta

• Audience: power lovers, traditionalists

• Advantages: rapid heating, high intensity, robustness

4. Open systems: ONMO, Na Grani, Cyclop

For "Russian-style" heating, open systems such as Na Grani (stainless steel) or Cyclop (mono-coal) allow direct heat management by adding or removing coals. They are compatible with many fireplaces(Oblako, Solaris, etc.) and offer a raw, customisable experience.

5. Specific and hybrid systems

• Provost AOT: ideal for dark tobaccos (Tangiers, Darkside, Musthave...), it can be used with aluminium and a classic firebox for long, tasty sessions.

• El-Badia ARC V3: hybrid system combining the longevity of a closed HMD with the power of a chimney system.

• HMD P1: designed for the El-Badia P1 portable shisha, it adapts perfectly to this nomadic format.

• WindGard Fumo: a scalable system for precise heat management.

6. Other new-generation HMDs

El-Badia also offers a selection of innovative and Kaloud-compatible HMDs: AO HMD V2, APOCALYPSE ZEUS, HMD Sheeshaya X Smokezilla Obsidius, Zidclouds Zeppelin HMD, Invi Scalar...

Practical Tips for Using Your HMD

Preparation and safety

• Never preheat an HMD on a charcoal plate or lighter, as this could damage it.

• Use only premium natural coals(320°, Blackcoco's, Cococha, Dream, Volcano) for clean, long-lasting heat.

• Wait until the HMD has cooled before handling.

• Keep out of reach of children.

Setup and Heat Management

• Place hot coals in the HMD and wait about 5 minutes before starting your shisha.

• Flip the coals before your first puff for even burning.

• Adjust the number of coals based on your desired intensity and the system used (2–3 cubes for Kaloud, 1 for Cyclop, etc.).

• Vent or remove the lid to adjust heat intensity (for closed systems).

• For more tips, see our bowl preparation guide.

Maintenance

• Clean the HMD regularly with lukewarm water to prevent residue build-up.

• Check seals and fittings (especially for Quasar) for safety and performance.

• Key Benefits of El-Badia Heat Management DevicesInnovation and exclusivity: El-Badia exclusively offers Quasar and Kaloud, the market’s two references.

• Universal compatibility: Wide choice of compatible bowls (Kalys, Zenith, Oblako, Alpaca, etc.).

• Performance: Even heat, pure flavor, longer sessions.

• Safety and simplicity: Easy handling, reduced burn risk, easy maintenance.

• Design: Elegant, robust systems built to last.

• Versatility: Solutions for all profiles and tobacco types.

Quick comparison: Quasar vs Kaloud

FAQ: everything you need to know about heating systems

FAQ: All About Shisha Heat Management

1. What is an HMD for shisha?
   A Heat Management Device replaces foil and optimizes heating of shisha tobacco.

2. Differences between Quasar and Kaloud?
   Quasar is a complete system (bowl + HMD) for even heat and pure flavor, while Kaloud is a universal HMD known for simplicity and versatility.

3. Which bowls are compatible with Kaloud?
   Kalys, Zenith, Oblako, Alpaca, Werkbund, HookahJohn, and many others.

4. Can you use quick-light charcoal with an HMD?
   Quasar Raas 2 works with both natural and some quick-light coals, but natural charcoal is recommended for better smoke quality.

5. How much charcoal to use in an HMD?
   Generally, 2–3 cubes of 26mm natural charcoal for closed systems like Kaloud or Quasar; for Cyclop, just one.

6. How to maintain your HMD?
   Rinse with water and dry thoroughly, avoid abrasive products, and check seals regularly.

7. Can you preheat an HMD?
   Never preheat an HMD on a stove or burner.

8. What are the benefits of a chimney system like Brohood?
   It delivers intense, fast heat, ideal for powerful sessions or “Russian style.”

9. Is the Provost system only for dark tobaccos?
   Provost is especially popular for dark blends but also works with classic tobaccos.

10. Where to buy original Quasar or Kaloud HMDs?
    El-Badia is the exclusive global distributor for Quasar and the official Kaloud distributor in France. Find all models on el-badia.com.

For more answers, see our buyer's guides and shisha blog.

Choosing your shisha heat management device means guaranteed, flavorful, and safe sessions. Thanks to its expertise, El-Badia offers the best HMDs on the market—Quasar, Kaloud, ARC V3, Provost, and more—to meet every need, from beginner to expert. Enjoy universal compatibility, innovation, and performance with El-Badia.

Order your HMD on el-badia.com and join the shisha community!