Other HMD

Other HMD

Heat management devices have evolved into a surprisingly diverse category. Beyond the Kaloud-style classics and the more advanced Badcha-type designs, there is a wide world of alternative HMDs.

This section gathers devices that do not slot neatly into the more established categories but are still worth a serious look.

If you have already spent time with mainstream HMDs and want to expand your collection, or if you are just curious about what else is out there, this is the place to start.

Beyond the Classics

The HMD market has matured to the point where every brand brings its own ideas to the table.

• Some focus on heat retention with thicker walls and denser materials.
• Some prioritise compact form factors for use with smaller bowls or smaller coals.
• Some experiment with novel vent layouts, magnetic lids, or removable sections that make cleaning easier.
• Others stick close to proven designs but refine the details — a better-balanced lid, smoother vent action, or a more secure fit on the bowl.

The variety here is not just for novelty. Each design has practical implications for how it heats your bowl, how long the coals last, and how the session unfolds.

Trying different HMDs is one of the most underrated ways to learn what really suits your smoking style.

What to Look For

When considering a less mainstream HMD, a few questions help narrow things down.

1. What is the diameter, and will it fit your bowls?
2. How heavy is it, and is your bowl stable enough to support that weight?
3. How does it handle airflow — through a single vent system, multiple intakes, or a more passive design?
4. How easy is it to clean, given that all HMDs eventually accumulate residue?

Pairing the HMD With Your Setup

A good HMD only performs as well as the rest of the setup allows. Phunnel bowls and HMDs are essentially made for each other, and most devices in this category assume you are using one.

Coal choice also matters — natural coconut coals in 25mm or 26mm cubes are the most commonly compatible size, but smaller coals like flats work with certain HMDs that are sized accordingly.

If you are switching from foil for the first time, even a modestly priced HMD from this category will probably feel like a major upgrade. If you are an experienced HMD user looking for something different, the range here has plenty to reward your curiosity.

See What’s Out There

Take a browse through the selection and see what catches your eye! You may discover a quietly excellent device from a brand you had not heard of, or a niche design that turns out to be exactly what your sessions were missing.