This guide will walk you through how to use the Turkish Lid, a popular tool for connoisseurs, in three easy steps.
- Pack the Flavor
- Set the Coals
- Raise the Smoke
The "Turkish Lid" is a common item seen in shisha shops. Among the many heat management systems available, it is the most simple yet profound and fascinating tool.
Simple Tutorial Video (2 minutes)
This video will help you understand all the content of this article clearly.
First, as basic knowledge, we will explain the Turkish Lid and suitable bowls for it.
What is a Turkish Lid?
It is one of the tools, called heat management, used to control the heat of coals placed on top of a bowl. While there are several sizes, those suitable for bowls (tops) up to 6cm in diameter are common.
What is a suitable bowl for a Turkish Lid?
A bowl designed to fit the common size of a Turkish Lid (approx. 6.6cm). Here, we will explain using our original product, the Dr. Bowl.
Right now, we recommend the advantageous set of a Turkish Lid and a dedicated bowl.
◾️ How to Use a Turkish Lid (Steps 1-3 Explained)
Step 1: Pack the Flavor
Use 9g of flavor.
*Adjust the height so that it doesn't touch the aluminum foil placed on top. (If the flavor touches the aluminum, the smoke will taste burnt.)
- Make a 'koyori' (paper twist)
Roll a thin strip of aluminum foil into a 'koyori' (about 3cm long).
*This is used to prevent the air holes of the bowl from being blocked when the aluminum foil is placed over it.
- Place the 'koyori' in the center of the hole and cover with aluminum foil.
Cover the bowl with one piece of aluminum foil about 15cm square. (Make sure the 'koyori' does not shift.)
- Pierce holes in the aluminum foil.
Do not make holes in the center, only around the edges.
Step 2: Set the Coals
Prepare the coals to be placed on top.
- The coals are ready when their centers are red and their surfaces are white.
*We recommend using an electric burner to light the coals.
An electric stove is recommended for safely lighting coals at home.
【Important】How to place coals and pre-heat
Place the coals facing each other in a triangular formation.
Place the Turkish Lid on the bowl and pre-heat the flavor for 7 minutes.
*Since it's placed by fitting it into the bowl, bowls of unsuitable sizes cannot be used.
Step 3: Raise the Smoke
After pre-heating the flavor for 7 minutes, continue inhaling until smoke appears.
- Once smoke starts to appear, reduce the coals to two.
*Place the coals facing each other.
Once rich smoke and delicious flavor are produced, it's complete. You can usually enjoy it for about 1.5 to 2 hours.
For enjoying delicious shisha.
- If the coal smoke is too strong: The heat is too high, so reduce the number of coals to lower the temperature.
(First, try opening the air vents of the Lotus or removing the lid to observe.)
- If no smoke is produced: The heat is too low, so add more coals to increase the temperature.
(First, try closing the air vents of the Lotus to observe.)
Frequently Asked Questions: Difference from Lotus
The Lotus, another type of heat management system, is often compared to the Turkish Lid. The Turkish Lid requires a bit more skill due to the preparation involved. Therefore, it tends to be favored by enthusiasts. For beginners, the Lotus is likely easier to handle.
【Summary】
Despite its simple appearance, the Turkish Lid is a profoundly deep tool. In fact, you often see it used in more authentic shisha shops. If you want to put in a little extra effort and create a specialized shisha, definitely give it a try!
