Are you curious about the exact difference between Hookah vs Vape? The VapePenZone NZ team revealed eight key differences between the two in terms of ingredients, experience, and health impacts through in-depth research with over 100 users.
- Ingredients and Substances
- Flavour
- Usage
- Purpose
- Portability
- Health and Safety
- Price and Cost
- Popularity
This article will break down the differences between the two and help you make a more informed choice.
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What’s Hookah?
Hookah pen also known as Shisha, is a traditional form of vaping originating in the Middle East and India, in which vapour cooled by a water base is inhaled through a water pipe.
The water pipe consists of a head, a hose and a water dish, which heats moist tobacco containing nicotine, molasses and flavourings over charcoal to produce flavoured vapour.
Hookah is not only a form of vaping, but also a social activity, often shared with family and friends. Today, hookah is globalized with a wide variety of flavours and dedicated hookah lounges.
What Is Vaping?
A vape is a handheld electronic device that produces vapour for inhalation by heating eliquids NZ containing nicotine (or non-nicotine), propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and flavouring agents.
It consists of an atomizer, a power source, and a reservoir, and is popular for its portability, variety of flavours, and as an alternative to traditional cigarettes.
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Hookah Vs Vape: 8 Major Differences
1. Ingredients and Substances
Hookah:
It consists of a blend of tobacco, molasses, glycerin, and flavoring agents, containing nicotine, with sweeteners such as molasses and honey added to enhance the taste.
In addition, herbal hookah blends may contain natural ingredients such as dried herbs, and the vapour is rich and flavorful with layers of flavour and a deep cultural heritage.
Vape:
The main ingredients in e-liquids are propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavouring agents, and nicotine or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Three of the more famous vape juice brands in New Zealand are VaporCave, Chosen Vape Juice, AIRSCREAM 313 E-liquid with over 40+ flavours.
E-liquids offer a wide selection of flavours, but their flavours are usually more homogeneous and lack the complexity and traditional depth of a hookah.
E-liquids may or may not contain nicotine, and other chemical additives are often added to satisfy diverse usage needs.
Flavour
Hookah:
The flavours of hookahs are rich and complex, with rich layers of aroma because their tobacco contains natural sweeteners such as molasses and honey.
The flavour choices of hookah, although relatively limited, focus more on traditional and natural flavours such as fruity, menthol, and spice, and the vapour has a smooth texture with a certain sweetness.
Vape:
Vape flavours options are extremely diverse, with a wide range of modern flavours from fruits and desserts to beverages to meet individual needs.
Flavours are usually more homogeneous and lack the depth and complexity of Hookahs, but their portability and ready-to-use nature make them more suitable for quick flavour satisfaction.
In short, the flavours of Hookahs must the richness and complexity of vapes, but the choices are limited.
Usage
Hookah:
A hookah involves burning charcoal to heat a mixture of flavoured tobaccos or herbs placed in a water-filled base. The resulting vapour is cooled and filtered through the water base and inhaled through a hose and mouthpiece, a complicated process that requires some preparation time.
Vape:
Vapes vaporize e-liquid containing nicotine, flavouring agents and other chemicals directly through a battery-powered heating element, and the resulting vapour is inhaled directly through the mouthpiece, making it easy and convenient to operate and suitable for use anytime, anywhere.
For example, the Inmood Switch 10k simply inserts the Inmood 10k pods into the device and inhales the vapour through the nozzle.
Whereas hookahs are more suited to a slower-paced social experience, vapes are characterized by their speed and portability.
Purpose
Hookah:
Hookahs are primarily used for social and cultural experiences, often shared with family and friends, emphasizing conversation and connection, and are suitable for casual occasions where their rich smoke and complex flavours are slowly savoured.
Vape:
Vapes are more for personal daily use and are often used as a substitute for traditional cigarettes to satisfy the need for rapid nicotine intake or to enjoy a variety of flavours, and are more suitable for use anytime, anywhere.
Whereas hookahs focus on tradition and socialization, vapes tend to be convenient and personalized.
Portability
Hookah:
Hookahs typically feature a tall, upright design with a large vapour and considerable weight, especially when the base is filled with water, which can make them weigh over ten pounds.
This makes them difficult to carry and more suitable for indoor or fixed locations. Additionally, they require a complex setup and careful handling of hot coals.
Vape:
Vapes are designed to be compact, often taking the form of a slim, portable pen-like device (RELX NZ), making them easy to slip into a pocket and ideal for on-the-go use. They are suitable for various indoor or outdoor environments and require no complicated setup, offering simple and independent operation.
Overall, vapes hold a clear advantage in terms of portability, while hookahs are better suited for a more immersive experience in fixed settings.
Health and Safety
Hookah:
Due to the burning of charcoal in hookahs, users are exposed to carbon monoxide, tar, heavy metals, and other harmful substances.
According to research by the World Health Organization (WHO), a typical hookah session (approximately 1 hour) produces a volume of smoke equivalent to smoking 100 cigarettes, with significantly higher concentrations of carbon monoxide inhaled compared to traditional cigarettes.
Long-term use of hookahs may lead to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and an increased risk of oral cancer.
Vape:
Although vapes avoid the combustion process and reduce the production of tar and carbon monoxide, there are still health risks.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that certain chemicals in vape liquids, such as diacetyl, may be associated with lung diseases such as “popcorn lung.”
Overall, the health risks of hookah cigarettes stem primarily from the toxins produced by combustion, while the risks of vapes are more related to the chemical composition and the uncertainty of long-term use.
Watch the video to learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLMcm8s0MiU
Price and Cost
Hookah:
The initial cost of a hookah, which includes the hookah, accessories, and flavoured tobacco, ranges from $30 to $200 and requires ongoing purchases of charcoal, tobacco, and other consumables, which are costly in the long run.
Vape:
While the initial device cost of vapes may also be higher ($30 to $100), the long-term cost of use is more economical due to the relatively low price of e-liquids and the availability of refillable cartridges.
In summary, hookahs have higher ongoing expenditures, whereas vapes are more cost-effective in long-term use.
Popularity
Hookah:
The renaissance of hookah has been fueled by its deep cultural traditions and social attributes, with hookah lounges and bars opening in many cities across the globe, attracting new users to experience its unique social atmosphere and traditional appeal.
Vape:
The popularity of vapes is largely driven by technological advances and product innovations, such as the rise of nicotine salts, pod systems, and customizable modules, which cater to users’ demands for convenience, variety, and personalization.
Therefore, the popularity of hookah is more in its cultural value and social experience, while vapes are rapidly gaining popularity because of technological innovation and the demands of modern lifestyles.
Similarities between hookah and vapes
Rich Flavours
Both hookahs and vapes are known for their original flavours that far surpass other smoking methods. Vapes produce vapour by heating nicotine and flavoured cartridges.
Hookah heat-flavoured tobacco releases intense flavours, and both offer a unique and enjoyable smoking experience.
Non-Combustion Smoke Generation Method
Neither hookahs nor vapes rely on combustion to produce vapour. Hookahs heat flavoured tobacco through charcoal, while vapes produce vapour by heating e-liquid.
This non-combustion method lowers the temperature of the vapour, reducing direct irritation to the lungs and throat and potentially posing less of a health risk compared to traditional combustion-based vaping.
Modernizing the vaping experience
Both hookahs and vapes represent a modern evolution in the way smoking is practised. Whereas hookahs incorporate traditional social culture, vapes rely on technological advances to provide more convenient and personalized options. Both are attracting a large number of users, especially among younger demographics.
Conclusion: Which One Is Better for You?
Hookah vs vape each have unique features. Your choice depends on personal needs and usage scenarios.
Choose hookah if you value social experiences, cultural traditions, and rich flavours. It’s ideal for leisurely gatherings, offering deep sensory enjoyment and a unique cultural atmosphere.
Choose vape if you prioritize portability, convenience, and diverse flavours. It’s perfect for on-the-go use, quickly satisfying nicotine cravings or exploring modern tastes.
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