2.Size matters. Well at least somewhat. There is a constant debate over whether bigger hookahs are better than smaller ones. In truth, there is not much difference, as one of the articles in the resources explains.
3.Glass is the most popular and traditional hookah base material. However, acrylic hookahs are becoming more popular. They are essential unbreakable, which is good if your hookah is going to be used at parties or if you plan to travel with it.
4.If you are going to smoke alone, a one-hose hookah is fine. However, hookah smoking is a traditionally social activity, and thus you will want at least 2 hoses if you plan to smoke with more than just 2 people. Most stems have the option to add another hose with an adaptor, which is nice, but 3-hose and 4-hose hookahs are much more expensive, because the stem is different.
5.Auto-sealing is something to consider. This means that there is a ball-bearing in the hose adaptor (where it attaches to the stem). This prevents smoke/air escaping while the other person drags on their hose. Before auto-sealing hoses, people would have to cover the tip of their hose with the their finger.
6.Alot of the time, you can get a great deal on a beginner hookah package. These come with everything you need to begin smoking. Hookah-shisha.com is one of the best sites out there to buy hookahs, because every hookah they sell comes with free premium shisha tobacco, tongs, grommets, bags, and other accessories.
7.A good-sized hookah is around 18-30 inches. This is the size that most people can comfortably store and bring places. A hookah that is going to sit and look pretty can obviously be bigger and more decorative, but something like this just isn't practical for every-day use.