How does the electronic shisha work?

After the electronic cigarette and the electronic cigar comes the electronic shisha. Built on the same model as its two cousins, it runs on a battery. Here is a closer look at how the electronic shisha works.

What is an electronic shisha?

It did not take long for the shisha, an emblem of the Middle East, to move to its 2.0 version. Thanks to technology, it can now be used without charcoal and without any particular expertise.

Because the liquid is vaporised, there is no combustion of tobacco. There is no smoke either, but users can still exhale a cloud of flavoured vapour.

How does an electronic shisha work?

Unlike the classic shisha, which calls for real know-how when it comes to preparation and lighting, the electronic shisha is far simpler. It is made up of three parts: a tank for the e-liquid of your choice, a battery to power the device, and an atomiser whose role is to turn the liquid into vapour.

In principle, the user repeats the same gestures and habits as with a classic shisha, simply drawing on the mouthpiece. There is, however, no water, no charcoal and no tobacco. The atomiser heats the e-liquid held in the tank, and the vapour produced is then inhaled. Its texture differs from that of a classic shisha.

In practice, all you have to do is fill your e-shisha with the liquid of your choice, then switch it on with the on/off button. Do not hold the button down, to avoid overheating, which alters the taste of the e-liquid. Depending on the type of electronic shisha you own, you can expect between 200 and 300 draws before the battery runs flat.

Why choose the electronic version of the shisha?

Users put forward several practical arguments. The device works without combustion: neither charcoal nor tobacco is burned. It is also easier to live with, since it is ready in no time. No expertise is required, and there is nothing to light.

The choice of flavours is very wide thanks to e-liquids, from fruit to neutral and more complex blends. The electronic shisha can also be used indoors, unlike its classic counterpart: it produces neither smoke nor the smell of tobacco, and there is no glowing charcoal to handle. It is also far easier to clean.

Purists may nevertheless notice a difference in the density of what reaches the mouth. Vapour is lighter than tobacco smoke, which can be surprising at first. The one real drawback is price, as electronic shishas remain more expensive to buy, as can be the e-liquids.