UPG Phunnel Shisha head

The UPG Phunnel is the Phunnel design from the UPG Classic line — same handcrafted Russian clay, same uncompromising workmanship, but instead of the Egyptian-style multi-hole drilling, a single hole central phunnel hole in crater shape. This type was developed specifically for tobaccos with a high glycerine content: The raised middle The bottom of the bowl catches the dripping molasses so that no syrup runs into the smoke column - the tobacco remains juicy throughout and the taste is clearly defined.

Anyone who smokes Virginia tobacco or wetter Russian Premium varieties benefits significantly from the Phunnel principle compared to classic multi-hole bowls: Sessions from 90 minutes without loss of aroma, even heat distribution across the crater geometry and significantly more relaxed heat management.

Design & workmanship

Classically unglazed, in the typical white-natural color of the Russian UPG clay. The open-pored structure absorbs flavors over the sessions - if you consistently use the bowl for one style of tobacco, you will get an even more intense taste experience over time. Patina is part of the UPG philosophy, not a defect.

The Upgrade form-Logo is imprinted on each head. Since each piece is made by hand, the depth and sharpness of the embossing varies minimally from piece to piece - this is the hallmark of true handcraft. With a height of ~10 cm and a correspondingly deep bowl, the Phunnel has the same substance as the UPG Big, but combines it with the Phunnel design.

Phunnel principle vs. multi-hole – what is the difference?

At a Multi-hole head (like UPG Classic Standard / Big) there are several small holes on the bowl base. Air is distributed evenly across all holes - ideal for drier, less glycerin-rich varieties.

At the Phunnel only a single central hole sits in an elevated crater center. The side tobacco residues fill the bowl around the center elevation. The molasses that normally drips down remains in the bowl thanks to the crater construction - perfect for moist Virginia tobaccos or Russian Premium with a lot of glycerin (Darkside, MustHave, Tangiers Premium). Result: longer sessions, juicier taste, cleaner smoke column.

UPG Phunnel or UPG Multihole – which is right for you?

The choice between UPG Classic Standard, UPG Classic Big and the UPG Phunnel depends above all on your choice of tobacco:

• UPG Classic Standard (10-15g, multi-hole): Smaller, faster all-day head. Ideal for drier dark blend varieties and solo sessions of 60 minutes or more.
• UPG Classic Big (15-25g, multi-hole): Larger version for long sessions of 90 minutes or more and larger setups with several fellow smokers.
• UPG Classic Phunnel (15-20g, Phunnel): Specialist for moist Virginia tobaccos and Russian Premium with lots of glycerin. The crater shape holds back the molasses and ensures particularly juicy sessions.

Setup & tobacco recommendation

Like all UPG heads, the Phunnel is fully compatible with Kaloud Lotus, AOT and other HMDs as well as with a classic aluminum foil setup. The side edges of the bowl are shaped so that HMD attachments fit neatly. Recommendation: 3 dice Natural Charcoal 26-27mm, moderate heat in the heating phase, then keep it constant.

Packing tip: Tobacco loose Insert around the center of the crater, up to just below the edge. DO NOT cover the center riser - it is the air outlet. For moist varieties, a little more tobacco is preferred than with a multi-hole bowl because the phunnel shape holds the glycerin better.

The UPG Phunnel is particularly suitable for:

• Virginia tobaccos (Adalya, Aqua Mentha, Hookain) — the high humidity comes into its own better in the phunnel.
• Russian premium with lots of glycerin (Darkside, MustHave) — the crater shape catches the excess glycerin.
• Tangiers Premium & similar stem tobaccos — the phunnel is the classic design for these types of tobacco.

Highlights at a glance

• Russian handicraft: Each head is individually handcrafted from heat-resistant clay.
• Crater design: Central hole in the raised middle holds back the molasses.
• 15-20 g depot: Enough tobacco for sessions of 90 minutes or more.
• Unglazed: Open-pored clay intensifies flavors over time.
• HMD compatible: Works with Kaloud Lotus, AOT and all common smokeboxes.
• Phunnel specialist: Optimized for moist tobaccos with a high glycerin content.