Fanning the coals
Clearing the stem.
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Clearing the stem.
Fill the base with cold water. Water level: the downstem should be submerged 2-3cm. Too much water — heavy draw, too little — smoke isn't filtered. Add ice for cooling.
Insert the stem into the base. Connection must be airtight. Test: cover the top and try inhaling through the hose — if no air flows, the seal is good.
Insert the hose into the port. Ensure airtight connection. Close unused ports with plugs.
Put the ash tray on the stem for collecting coal ash.
Choose your packing method. Apply foil (2 layers, shiny side down, pulled tight) or HMD. For foil, poke holes with a needle.
Set the bowl on the stem with a grommet for seal.
Light coconut coals on electric burner (10-12 min until fully red). Place 3-4 coals on foil or 2-3 in HMD. Wait 3-5 minutes for bowl warmup, then enjoy.
How many centimeters should the downstem be submerged?
2-3 cm — too much water gives a heavy draw, too little means the smoke isn't filtered.
How do you test the airtightness of the stem-to-base connection?
Cover the top of the stem with your hand and try to inhale through the hose — if no air flows, the seal is good.
How should foil be stretched over the bowl?
In 2 layers, shiny side down, pulled tight, then poked with holes using a needle or toothpick.
Where should holes go for a phunnel bowl versus a Turkish bowl?
For a phunnel bowl, holes go in a circle, not in the center; for a Turkish bowl, they're spread evenly across the whole surface.
How long does it take to light coconut coal on an electric burner?
10-12 minutes, until fully heated — the coal should turn red on all sides.