Heat management devices (HMD) for shisha: which one to choose? The complete guid
Heat management devices (HMD) for shisha: which one to choose? The complete guide
The heat management device – also known as an HMD – is probably the accessory that has most transformed the way people smoke shisha over the last fifteen years. When properly chosen, it stabilises temperature, protects your tobacco from burning, extends the session and reveals flavour. When poorly chosen, it can give you flat smoke or a harsh burnt taste.
Kaloud, Provost, Quasar, thermal bowl, chimney or El-Badia HMD: how do you make sense of it all? In this updated guide, we look back at the history of shisha heating, explain the main categories of systems and help you find the one that really matches your way of smoking. All the models mentioned are available in our shisha heat management systems category.
What is a heat management device (HMD)?
An HMD is a device, usually made of aluminium or stainless steel, that sits on top of the shisha bowl instead of (or in addition to) the traditional foil. It holds the coals and acts as an intermediary between the charcoal and the molasses: it distributes heat evenly, limits direct contact with the tobacco and, on closed models, lets you control the airflow to adjust temperature.
The result: more consistent heating, less handling of coals, longer sessions and better preserved flavours than with classic foil-only setups.
A brief history of shisha heating
The early days: hot coals and perforated foil
Historically, shisha was heated with burning coals placed on a perforated sheet of aluminium foil stretched over the molasses. It worked, but required attention: flavours could burn too quickly and you had to change small coals regularly.
Quick-light coals
Then came self-igniting tablets: convenient and ready in a few seconds, they became one of the most common ways to smoke shisha. The trade‑off is a slight side taste that can creep into the session. You will find them in our quick-light coals category.
Chimney systems from Germany and Turkey
In the 2000s, Germany popularised a first heat management system often called Kamin-set or Brohood, after the best-known brand of the time (Badcha also existed). Inspired by Turkish tradition, it combines bowl, screen and chimney to boost the draw. Today this concept lives on notably through the Dschinni Nero Crystal bowl set with Vulcan Air chimney system.
The Kaloud Lotus revolution
In the early 2010s (released around 2012 and arriving in France in 2013), a true revolution landed: the Kaloud Lotus. Created by the American brand Kaloud, founded by Reza Bavar, it is a closed HMD that replaces foil and acts as a container for natural coals placed on the bowl. By regulating airflow and temperature, it delivers even heating, more smoke and better flavour, while simplifying preparation.
The Lotus quickly established itself as the modern HMD benchmark and the standard for using natural coals. Its success inspired many brands (Amy, Skull, Tsar…) to launch their own systems based on the same principle. Discover the full range in our Kaloud section.
The Provost, for demanding packings
In the mid‑2010s, a few years after Kaloud, the Provost from US brand Apple On Top (AOT) appeared and spread across Europe around 2016–2017. This closed stainless steel system sits on top of a bowl covered with foil and is made of a base and a rotating lid with adjustable openings. Praised for strong dark leaf tobaccos and long sessions, it has gone through several generations (Provost 2, then Provost V3 with improved airflow and adapter rings).
The Quasar thermal bowl
Another major revolution, this time from France: Quasar. The brand developed a thermal bowl combining a borosilicate glass body and a patented metal HMD, for precise, self‑regulated heat management. Thanks to its double chamber and airflow, it distributes heat evenly, reduces ash contact with the tobacco and allows very long sessions. After a V2 in the late 2010s, the range now culminates in the Quasar Raas 2, a 2‑in‑1 head (bowl + HMD) focused on flavour. You can find every model in our Quasar section.
The main families of heat management systems
1. Closed HMDs such as Kaloud
Closed HMD placed on a standard bowl, ideal for smooth to medium sessions with 2–3 cubes of natural charcoal. This is the most versatile family and the easiest way to get started. In our range: Kaloud Lotus I+, Kaloud Lotus III and the compact Kaloud Lotus I+3.
2. Thermal bowls (2‑in‑1)
Glass or ceramic bowl with integrated HMD: extremely consistent heating, focused on flavour and comfort, with very little handling. This is the “premium” choice if taste is your priority. Besides the Quasar Raas 2 mentioned above, there is a compact version, the Petit Raas 2, perfect for small shishas and setups with two coals.
3. Provost-style systems
Closed HMD placed on a foil‑covered bowl, perfect for overpacks (very dense loads) and dark leaf tobaccos. Heat is finely adjusted by opening or closing the lid. The go‑to reference: Provost Apple On Top.
4. Chimney systems
Bowl + screen + chimney, inherited from Turkish tradition: very powerful, they suit strong tobaccos and bold sessions. This family includes the Dragon bowl set and dedicated pieces like the Volkan set screen.
5. Open and alternative HMDs
Designed to optimise heating (fast start, coal‑saving setups, open configurations) or specific preparations. The Cyclop is made for a single coal; the Na Grani HMD and Russian Spirit HMD are cornerstones of the “Russian prep”; the HMD Hooky and Onmo HMD complete this design‑driven family.
6. The sweet spot: the El-Badia HMD
Among all these systems, the El-Badia HMD stands out for its excellent value for money: a great way to enjoy controlled heating without breaking the bank. To go further, the brand also offers the adjustable El-Badia ARC V3 combo (up to 3 natural cubes) and the El-Badia P1 HMD.
Comparison table: which system for which use?
| Family | Best suited for | Session style | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Closed HMD (Kaloud) | Versatility, blonde and balanced tobaccos | Smooth to medium, 2–3 coals | Beginner to advanced |
| Thermal bowl (Quasar) | Flavour, comfort, low maintenance | Long, flavour‑focused | All levels (premium) |
| Provost | Dark leaf, overpacks, intense sessions | Highly adjustable, strong intensity | Advanced |
| Chimney (Dragon, Volkan…) | Strong/traditional tobaccos, heavy draw | Very powerful, punchy | Advanced |
| Open HMD (Na Grani, Cyclop) | Russian prep, dense hit, coal savings | Aggressive or very targeted | Advanced to expert |
| El-Badia HMD | Value for money, daily use | Balanced, versatile | Beginner to advanced |
Associated preparation methods
The “classic” foil method
The clay or phunnel bowl covered with perforated foil and coals on top remains the foundation. With the arrival of coconut coals, HMDs have been introduced to replace or complement foil, to stabilise heat and protect the tobacco.
The “Turkish style” / chimney bowls
Inspired by Turkish tradition: wide bowl, loosely packed tobacco, metal screen, coals on top and a chimney to boost airflow. Lots of heat and a powerful draw, popular for dark/traditional tobaccos and very intense sessions.
The “Russian prep” and Na Grani systems
Built around an open HMD such as Na Grani and a very generous bowl packing: often a small, deep bowl, dark or darkblend tobacco in overpack, aggressive heat management with coals placed on the edge. The goal: maximum hit and extremely dense smoke.
Overpack and the Provost style
For very dense loads (tobacco mounded above the rim), the Provost is the best option: it “tames” the large amount of tobacco by finely adjusting the heat. There are also “American” variants (phunnel + overpack + Provost/Kaloud, very glycerinated tobaccos) and cloud‑chasing oriented setups.
Our tips for using your HMD properly
- Use only high‑quality natural coals: they deliver clean, long‑lasting heat with no off‑flavours.
- Never preheat an HMD directly on a coal burner or with a lighter: let fully lit coals bring the system up to temperature.
- Match the number of coals to the bowl size and session style (2 cubes for flavour, 3 for intensity).
- Rotate or move coals during the session to spread heat evenly, especially with closed systems.
- Clean your HMD regularly: caramelised molasses residues spoil flavour and heat distribution.
Frequently asked questions
Does an HMD completely replace foil?
Most closed HMDs (Kaloud, thermal bowls) replace foil entirely. Others, such as the Provost, are designed to be used on top of a foil‑covered bowl to optimise heat management on dark tobaccos.
Which system should I choose as a beginner?
A versatile closed HMD is the easiest option: the El-Badia HMD for great value, or a Kaloud Lotus as the market reference. You reduce handling and get stable heating right from your first sessions.
Thermal bowl or classic HMD?
A thermal bowl (such as Quasar Raas 2) combines bowl and HMD in one piece: ultra‑stable, flavour‑oriented heating and maximum comfort. A classic HMD sits on top of your existing bowl: more modular and often more affordable.
How many coals should I use in a heat management system?
In most cases, 2 to 3 cubes of 25–27 mm natural coal. Two coals prioritise flavour and gentle heating, three give more intensity. Thermal bowls are often able to deliver very long sessions with only two coals.
Is there a “Brazilian method” for shisha?
No. Enthusiast communities clearly describe “Turkish” (chimney setups) and “Russian” (Na Grani, dark overpack) styles, but there is no standardised “Brazilian” method in the shisha world — the term is more associated with smoked culinary recipes.
Conclusion
From glowing coals on foil to 2‑in‑1 thermal bowls, heat management has become more precise and comfortable year after year. The “right” system mainly depends on your style: simplicity and versatility with a Kaloud or El-Badia HMD, flavour and comfort with a Quasar thermal bowl, intensity and dark tobaccos with a Provost or a chimney system, hardcore performance with an open HMD.
To compare every model and find your favourite, explore our shisha packs with HMD systems and the full selection of shisha heat management devices.
