Electronic shisha: how it works
An electronic shisha, also known as an e-shisha or electronic hookah, is a vaping device that captures the spirit of a shisha: an airy draw, dense vapour and the fruity or menthol flavours typical of shisha. Unlike a traditional shisha, it burns neither tobacco nor charcoal and requires neither a hose nor a bowl: an integrated battery powers a coil that heats e-liquid to produce vapour.
This category brings together over 200 products in two families: shisha-style puffs, supplied ready to use with their e-liquids, and rechargeable electronic shisha kits, which work like an e-cigarette with the e-liquid of your choice. Available brands include Al Fakher, Starbuzz, JNR, Aspire, Fumytech and Lost Vape.
Electronic shisha or traditional shisha: the differences
- No combustion: no charcoal or shisha tobacco. Vapour comes from e-liquid heated by a coil.
- A pocket-sized format: an electronic shisha fits in your hand, with no vase, hose or bowl to prepare, just like e-cigarettes.
- A known nicotine strength: this is indicated on the product page and on the e-liquid, from 0 to 6 mg/ml on most models in this category.
- Instant use: no lighting or warm-up time, vapour is activated by inhaling.
Shisha-style puff or rechargeable kit: which should you choose?
Shisha-style puffs, for simplicity
These models are designed for immediate use: a USB-C rechargeable battery, prefilled tank or cartridges, and no compulsory settings. Their draw is designed for direct inhalation, with low-nicotine e-liquid, most often 6 mg/ml, suited to this type of vaping. This is the simplest format for recreating the sensations of shisha, with a capacity of 25,000 to 50,000 puffs depending on the product.
Electronic shisha kits, for freedom
Closer to an e-cigarette kit, they use a cartridge or tank that you refill yourself. You choose your e-liquid, nicotine strength and, depending on the model, the coil or power setting. They require a little more attention (refilling, changing the cartridge) but offer more options.
|
Shisha-style puff |
Rechargeable kit |
| E-liquid |
Supplied, prefilled |
Of your choice |
| Nicotine |
Most often 6 mg/ml |
Depending on the chosen e-liquid, including 0 mg |
| Battery |
850 to 1100 mAh |
1500 to 3800 mAh |
| Settings |
Adjustable airflow on some models |
Adjustable airflow, power or coil depending on the kit |
Shisha-style puffs in the catalogue
Al Fakher Crown Bar
Al Fakher, a historic name in shisha tobacco, is the brand most represented in this category with its Crown Bar puffs. The Crown Bar Hyper Max Prime 50K combines a 1000 mAh battery, two 10 ml prefilled magnetic cartridges and a 2 ml internal tank, with a mesh coil, adjustable airflow and LED screen. The rechargeable Crown Bar Refill Pro features a 20 ml tank for a direct shisha-style draw.
Starbuzz Ultra Max 25K
Another big name in shisha, Starbuzz offers the Ultra Max 25K: an 850 mAh battery, integrated 2 ml tank and two 10 ml prefilled cartridges with 0.6-ohm dual mesh coils, making 22 ml for around 25,000 puffs. Direct draw with adjustable airflow, LED screen and 6 mg/ml nicotine e-liquid. Around twenty flavours are available, from Blue Mist to Watermelon Freeze, including Grape, Spearmint and White Peach.
JNR Shisha Pro 39K
The JNR Shisha Pro 39K is a puff designed for direct inhalation: a 1100 mAh USB-C rechargeable battery, 20 ml tank, 0.40-ohm mesh coil, adjustable airflow and integrated screen. It comes with two 10 ml bottles of nicotine salts at 6 mg/ml, for around 39,000 puffs.
JNR Shisha Plus and Shishasip
JNR expands the concept with the Shisha Plus 28K, developed with French Fighter Fuel e-liquids and fitted with a rechargeable, interchangeable pod cartridge, and the Shishasip 35K, which works with 20 ml prefilled cartridges and a 1050 mAh battery.
Rechargeable electronic shisha kits
Aspire Magnum
The Aspire Magnum range comes in two formats. The Magnum Nano is a compact electronic shisha: an 1800 mAh battery with 2 A USB-C charging, a 6 ml 0.4-ohm cartridge (20 to 25 W, direct inhalation), compatible with a 0.6-ohm cartridge (14 to 18 W). It is draw-activated and its airflow is adjusted from the top. It is available in several colours: Black, Blue, Gold, Silver, Pink, Red or Violet. The larger Magnum, with its metal body in the shape of a luminous tube, features a 3800 mAh battery and a 6 ml cartridge compatible with 0.25- or 0.4-ohm mesh coils.
Fumytech Hookah Air Mini
Fumytech, an electronic hookah specialist, offers the Hookah Air Mini: a 1500 mAh integrated battery, automatic power up to 30 W, a 3 ml side-fill cartridge with a 0.4-ohm mesh coil, adjustable airflow for a tight or airy draw, and switchable LED effects. The Hookah Air 6 ml cartridges, with integrated 0.4-ohm coils, are also available in packs of two.
Lost Vape Astara
For regular direct inhalation users, the Astara kit from Lost Vape features a 3800 mAh battery and delivers up to 80 W of power, with three modes (Soft, Norm, Turbo). Its 6 ml cartridge accepts 0.15-ohm (50 to 80 W) or 0.3-ohm (30 to 50 W) coils. Its 360° screen and shisha-inspired sound effects can be switched off.
Which e-liquid for an electronic shisha?
Shisha-style puffs come with their own e-liquids: simply recharge the battery and fill the tank when the model allows it. For a rechargeable kit, the choice of e-liquid depends on the device:
- for direct inhalation with a low-resistance coil (0.15 to 0.4 ohm), choose an e-liquid high in vegetable glycerine (VG), at least 50%, or even 70% for Hookah Air cartridges: it supports vapour production and limits leaks;
- keep the nicotine strength moderate: with direct vaping, each puff contains more vapour, and high strengths quickly become uncomfortable;
- typical shisha flavours (mint, grape, watermelon, double apple, red berries) can be found in dedicated ranges such as Adalya or in our e-liquids category.
Choosing the right electronic shisha
- Simplicity: for no settings, choose a prefilled shisha-style puff (Al Fakher Crown Bar, Starbuzz Ultra Max, JNR Shisha Pro);
- Freedom of choice: choose a rechargeable kit (Aspire Magnum, Fumytech Hookah Air Mini, Lost Vape Astara) with the e-liquid of your choice;
- Battery life: compare battery capacity in mAh, from 850 mAh for the Starbuzz to 3800 mAh for the Astara or Magnum;
- Draw: adjustable airflow lets you switch from a tight draw to a very airy draw;
- Power: automatic on most models, adjustable up to 80 W on the Astara;
- Nicotine: 6 mg/ml on most shisha-style puffs, your choice on rechargeable kits.
To find out more, our article Electronic shisha: introduction and top 4 best e-shishas compares these models in detail.
Frequently asked questions about electronic shisha
Does an electronic shisha contain tobacco?
No. It vaporises e-liquid, with or without nicotine. There is no shisha tobacco, charcoal or combustion.
Can you use an electronic shisha without nicotine?
Yes: with rechargeable kits, simply choose a 0 mg/ml e-liquid. Shisha-style puffs are supplied with e-liquid at the strength indicated on the product page.
How long does an electronic shisha last?
Battery life depends on the product. Depending on the puff, the stated number of puffs ranges from around 25,000 to 50,000. Rechargeable kits last as long as the battery works: only the cartridges or coils need replacing.
Is a cartridge compatible from one model to another?
No: each cartridge is designed for its own device. Magnum cartridges fit Aspire Magnum kits, Hookah Air cartridges fit the Fumytech Hookah Air, and Astara cartridges fit the Lost Vape kit.
Vaping products are for adults only.
