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Hookah coals are extremely important if you want to enjoy the taste of your favorite flavors. They perform one of the most important functions – they heat the shisha. Depending on the type of coal, the ignition process has certain features and the taste can surprise you.

There are several types of coals for hookahs: coconut, woody, instant light, or self-igniting. They differ in their composition, ignition time, and smoking qualities. Read, compare, and finally try to feel the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

The comparison table below will give you 5 hookah coals picked by smokers and hookah connoisseurs. Guidelines and tips will help you determine the main points to make the best choice.

SUNLIGHT CHARCOAL Tablets for Incense – the best for the price

Those who like traveling or spending time outside will also find them helpful. A huge pack guarantees that you won’t run out of coals unexpectedly. High-quality and simple in use charcoal discs don’t produce an unpleasant smell, which can spoil your smoking session or meditation.

The seller provides a money-back guarantee for 30 days to ensure the quality and premium customer service, so you risk nothing. If you have trouble with burning the capsule put it in a fireproof bowl and light it up with a candle or a lighter for half a minute. It can help to burn the whole disc as the air comes from all the sides in the bowl.

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STARLIGHT CHARBON CHARCOAL Tablets – the best for outdoor use

These eco-friendly charcoal tablets are great for hookahs too. Small but powerful pieces, which are odor-free and ready for use in several seconds, do the perfect job, and smoking your hookah becomes a total pleasure.

The discs are ideal for outdoor use. But don’t leave them for long especially in humid and cold weather. If you already have problems with lighting keep them indoors in dry and warm conditions for several days and try again. After burning the pieces are very hot, you can cool them down quickly with cold water if needed.

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SUPERIOR COCO Coconut Charcoal– the best for premium quality

The pieces light quickly and burn for two hours, which is a huge advantage. Superior Coco Organic coals are produced from coconut shells and suit burning incenses as well. This 100 % green product makes all experiences unforgettable.

The coconut coals are completely organic chemical-free and due to that are quite difficult to light. You can’t ignite them with an ordinary lighter or torch. Take a hot plate coil burner or open flame and hold them for several minutes. Then put them on the hookah, wait for five more minutes for your shisha to heat, and enjoy an incredible smoking session.

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SUNLIGHT CHARCOAL Coconut Coals– the best for long-lasting burning

Sunlight Coconut coals are green, eco-friendly, free from chemicals, additional tastes, and smells. Those who are health-conscious can feel the pure taste of the shisha and enjoy smoking a hookah without suspicions and worries.

The coals are quite hard to light, so use an electric stove or a propane torch. They are slow to light and slow to burn. This green charcoal helps your hookah produce the purest taste without additional smell or smoke.

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NAAR COAL Coconut Charcoal – the best for pure shisha taste

Durable and consistent flames guarantee heat maintenance and the best taste of shisha, which lasts for 2 hours.

The Naar coals break into pieces easily and produce quite a lot of ash. You can check it before using, just pay attention to the coals when you heat them on a coil burner. If the coals are red, not covered with the layer of ash, they don’t ash much.

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The Hookah Coal Buyer’s Guide

All hookah coals are conventionally divided into two large groups: natural and chemical. You have to perform certain actions to ignite natural coals, but the thermal effect will be several times bigger. Chemical coals have instant ignition.

Do you have a question about hookah coals? We understand that new smokers might not know what they are looking for when it comes to buying the best hookah coals. Our blog will answer all your questions and help you make an informed decision.

What kind of smoker are you? Do you want quick or slow combustion? What size does the coal need to be about the bowl width? Is there anything else I should consider before making my purchase?

The natural category includes three varieties of hookah coal.

Woody

Charcoal is a final substance that is formed when trees or branches are burned. At the production stage, all resinous components are removed. Such coal retains heat longer than other types.

Long-term ignition is required. Ideally, you will have to use a fireplace lighter, if not, an electric or gas stove will do. The process will not take more than 10 minutes.

CoconutCoconut shells are used to obtain coconut charcoal. Coconut charcoal for hookah keeps heat stable. This is its main advantage. It costs more, but most experienced smokers say it’s worth it. The taste of shisha remains unchanged.

Ignition is carried out on a conventional electric stove or gas burner. To do this, it must be placed on the stove surface and heated in turn on both sides. To keep the heat longer, shake off the ash from the coal as it burns, and move it around the perimeter of the bowl. It is necessary to replace such coals 30 minutes after the start of burning. 

The third type of natural coals is not so popular. Such coals are produced from the seeds of olives, lemon, and exotic trees. Due to this, the hookah acquires a special smell. Perhaps this is the most authentic type of coal, which only advanced hookah lovers prefer. 

Chemical Hookah Coals

Self-igniting

It takes only 10-20 seconds to light self-igniting coals with a lighter or matches. They have a special coating of dry alcohol or saltpeter. Take coal with metal tongs. Place the tablet with the notch down. Natural impregnation flashes evenly and can burn quietly for a certain amount of time. The price for such coals is not high, since their smoking qualities are inferior to natural coals.

 Other tips for buyers of hookah coals

• Chemical charcoal often produces an unpleasant smoke and taste, which interfere with the shisha flavor. For the first minutes, it can sparkle a little.  
• Read the instructions and recommendations for ignition on the package before use. 

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FAQ

Are hookah coals bad for you?

No. Hookah coals are healthier than regular charcoal that you would use for a BBQ. They do not give off any harmful fumes or chemicals as they burn and this is what makes them such an ideal alternative to using other types of coal like natural lump charcoals, which can emit carcinogenic-like substances when burning. Using hookah coals also saves you money in the long run, because they are reusable.

Are hookah coals activated charcoal?

No. Activated charcoal is a type of coal that has been treated with oxygen to increase its surface area. This makes it extremely efficient at absorbing all kinds of impurities and chemicals, which is why activated charcoal can be found in hundreds of different products used for purposes ranging from water filtration to toothpaste. Hookah coals are not the same as activated charcoal.

Are hookah coals tobacco?

No, hookah coals are not tobacco. They are made of different materials like coal, wood, or coconut shells.

Hookah coals come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There are three main types of hookah coals: quick lights, natural coals, and charcoals.

Quick lights are the most popular type of coals. They are easy to use and light quickly. However, they do not last as long as natural or charcoals.

Natural coals are made from coconut shells. They burn slowly and last longer than quick lights. However, they can be difficult to light.

Charcoals are made of compressed wood or bamboo. They burn the longest and require the most preparation. Natural coals must be soaked in water before they can be used to prevent them from burning too quickly.

What are hookah coals made of?

Hookah coals are made from a variety of different materials with the most common being coconut shells, bamboo rings, and compressed tobacco.

There are also a few different types of coals to choose from. The most popular type is natural charcoal made from coconut shells. These charcoals light quickly and produce low levels of ash making them ideal for use with hookahs.

Bamboo rings are another popular choice and are considered more environmentally friendly than other materials as they are a renewable resource. Compressed charcoal is another good option and these coals have been around for years but they are still popular because of their low price tag.

Hookah charcoals come in many different sizes so it’s important to know what size you need before purchasing them online or from your local smoke shop. Each brand has its standards so you will always need to check the label before buying.

When are hookah coals ready?

When you’re in a hurry and want to smoke quickly, even the best hookah coals take time. Remember that these specialty briquettes are made from natural ingredients like coconut shell or wood powder. The outer layer will burn off before it reaches its optimum burning stage when compared with other charcoal brands.

Lighting coals on a stovetop is the best way to achieve optimum heat. Place them in an even layer on the surface of your burner and use long-handled tongs to turn them as they start to glow orange. If you have a gas stove, make sure the flames are blue and not licking up around the edges of your burner. If you have an electric stove, make sure all your coils are glowing orange and not white before lighting coals with a lighter or matches.

Hookah coal manufacturers say their coals will be ready in as little as ten minutes but most hookah smokers find this estimate too hasty for the best results.

To achieve optimum burning, wait fifteen minutes after the coals have turned orange to move them from the stovetop burner to a heat-safe surface.

The final stage of heating hookah charcoal is achieved when you can hold your hand over it for five seconds without feeling any discomfort in your palm or fingertips. When this time has elapsed, they are ready to use!

How many hookah coals to use?

You should use about 20 pieces of hookah coals for a one-hour session. Make sure to check the number on the box and not just count them out, since most come in different quantities.

Some smokers like to use more coals, while others prefer less. Experiment until you find what works best for you. If the tobacco starts tasting too strong or harsh, use fewer coals next time.

If your hookah is smoking well and producing lots of clouds, you can add a few extra pieces of coal to increase the heat.

If you are experiencing difficulty with your hookah smoking, then try using fewer coals to see if that helps. It is recommended not to use less than 15 pieces of hookah coal for a one-hour session since it can produce an unpleasant taste and affect the quality of smoke produced by reducing heat generation below optimum levels.

Can hookah coals start a fire?

Hookah coals need to be lit on fire and the heat they produce is enough to smoke your shisha. The coals can start a small fire that will not spread out of control if you follow the proper procedure for lighting them up. However, since hookah coal lighters are available in stores now it’s better that you use those to avoid any accidents.

Can hookah coals go bad?

Yes, hookah coals can go bad. They will usually have white or gray ash, and they will not light as easily. If your hookah coal is black, then it is most likely already burned out and you should replace it.

Hookah coals usually last around 30 minutes, but this will depend on the type of coal and the size of your bowl. If you are using a foil or ceramic bowl, then you will need to use more coals than if you are using a silicone bowl.

Can hookah coal be used for cooking?

While some people do use hookah coal for cooking, it is not recommended. The high levels of sulfur in the coal can make food taste bad. In addition, the ash from the coal can also contaminate food. For these reasons, it is best to use a different type of charcoal for cooking.

If you are looking for a type of charcoal that is specifically designed for cooking, we recommend using natural hardwood charcoal. This type of charcoal burns hotter and cleaner than other types of charcoal, making it perfect for cooking.

Does hookah coal expire?

No, hookah coal does not expire. It will last indefinitely as long as it is stored in a dry and cool place. It will last much longer if it is stored in a tin can.

Can you bring hookah coals on a plane?

While you can bring hookah coals on a plane, it is not recommended. The TSA may confiscate them, and they could potentially start a fire. Make sure to check with your airline before bringing any type of flammable material on board.

Can you heat hookah coals on a pan?

No. Hookah coals are designed to be heated on top of the hookah bowl. If you try using a pan, it will likely damage them and they won’t work properly after that point.

If you’re looking for a way to speed up the healing process, consider using an electric coil burner. These can be found relatively cheaply and will heat your coals quickly and evenly. Just make sure that whatever you use is meant for cooking with charcoal – if it’s not, you could end up damaging your burner.

Can you heat hookah coals on an electric stove?

You can heat hookah coals on an electric stove. However, it’s not the best choice and we do not advise using this method for heating your coals. Electric stoves may damage or discolor them and they will taste very different from those that are lit with a traditional charcoal lighter flame. There is also the risk of damaging your stovetop. If you choose to heat your coals on an electric stove, we recommend using a low or medium setting and stirring them often. You should also allow for plenty of ventilation in the room as the fumes from the coal can be harmful.

Can you light hookah coals on a flat-top stove?

No, hookah coals cannot be lighted on a flat top stove. To achieve the best results for your shisha it is recommended to use either charcoal barbecue lighters or electric coil lighters as they will provide you with the most even and consistent heat that can reach up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit.

There are also other options like using an electric hot plate, gas stove, or even a standard oven. The only downside to using these is that they can take up some time and will not be as efficient as the previously mentioned methods, but if you need something quick then this may work for you.

How many hookah coals to use?

This will depend on the size of your hookah bowl, and how long you want your session to last. We recommend using between two and four coals for a standard bowl. For larger bowls or longer sessions, use more coals. If you’re new to smoking hookah, start with two coals and add more as needed.

How to light hookah coals?

There are a few ways to light hookah coals. The most common is to use a stovetop burner. You can also use a lighter, or even an oven.

To light using a stovetop burner:

• Place the coals in the burner and turn on the heat to medium-high.
• wait until the coals are red hot (this should take about five minutes).
• using tongs, carefully place the coals on the hookah bowl.

To light using a lighter:

• Place the coals in the burner and hold the lighter to them until they start to glow red
• wait until the coals are red hot (this should take about five minutes).
• using tongs, carefully place the coals on the hookah bowl.

To light using an oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the coals on a baking sheet and bake for about five minutes.
• wait until the coals are red hot (this should take about five minutes).
• using tongs, carefully place the coals on the hookah bowl.

How to heat hookah coals?

There are three ways to heat hookah coals: using a stove, an oven, or a microwave.

To use a stove, place the coals on top of the burner and turn it up to high. wait until the coals are red hot before placing them in the bowl.

To use an oven, preheat it to the lowest setting (usually 200 degrees Fahrenheit). Place the coals on a baking sheet and place in the oven for about five minutes, until they are red hot.

To use a microwave, heat them in intervals of ten seconds until they are red hot.

How to light hookah coals without a stove?

One way for you to light hookah coals without a stove is by using an electric burner. It’s simple and easy too! Just set your electric coil on top of the container provided in most kits when they don’t come with their own. Be sure to place the coals in a single layer on top of the burner and wait until they are glowing red before using them.

Another option is using a stovetop. Place an appropriate pan or skillet on your stove’s heating element and let it heat up for a minute or two before placing the coals in it. Again, make sure to place them in a single layer and wait until they are glowing red before using.

A third option is using an oven. Preheat your oven to 550 degrees Fahrenheit then place the coals on the bottom rack. Make sure that there is nothing above or around them so they can get plenty of airflows. Again, wait until they are glowing red before using.

How to light hookah coals with a lighter?

Lighting hookah coals is very simple. You simply need to take the coal and light it with a lighter or matchstick until they are red hot. Make sure that you hold them by using tongs as this will help prevent burning your hands!

There are also specific ways to light coals for different types of hookahs. For example, if you have a three-hose hookah, then you will want to light the center coal and both of the side coals. If you have a one or two-hose hookah, then you will just need to light the coal that is on the side.

Once you have lit your coals, wait for them to turn bright orange and let them sit for about 30 seconds before putting them on top of your bowl so they can warm up with the shisha tobacco inside. You will need to make sure that there are no juices or excess juice from the fruit used in the shisha as this will prevent the coal from burning properly.

Which hookah coals are best?

Coals are one of the most essential parts of a hookah session. They heat the tobacco, offering you that sweet-flavored smoke for your enjoyment. There is nothing more disappointing than trying to light coals just before guests arrive only to have them die out quickly or not be ready in time. Your best bet, therefore, is to invest in top-of-the-line coals that will not let you down.

First of all, you should look for coals that are made in the United States. American hookah charcoals have a higher quality standard than those made overseas. They will light easily and quickly but not too fast – they must be ready when your guests arrive! As a bonus, because these brands care about their reputations as being the best, they often have long-burn times so you won’t have to worry about constantly refueling.

Some of the most popular brands are CocoNara, Starbuzz, and Pharaohs. They all come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit any hookah bowl. You can buy them in either packages or bulk, depending on how often you smoke and with whom. CocoNara is known for having a lump of high-quality coal that lights easily, lasts long, lumping, and has no chemical smell or aftertaste. Starbuzz coals are produced in the United States but they come from natural coconut husk trees, which makes them eco-friendly as well as an excellent choice.

The way you light your coals is also important. You should never use lighter fluid, as it can leave an unpleasant taste on the tobacco and might even make it difficult to inhale because of the chemicals in the fluid.

What can you replace hookah coals with?

You can use coconut briquettes for your hookah coals, but it will produce a lot of smoke and the flavor might not be as good. Another alternative is to use natural wood charcoal, but once again you’ll have some carbon soot residue on your hookah bowl and stem which isn’t ideal either.

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Video Tutorial: How to Light Natural Hookah Coals

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Conclusion

If you want a high-quality hookah, which makes the evening unforgettable with sweet and spicy aromas, every detail is important including the correct choice of coal. A wide range often baffles beginners. Despite your choice figure out what is important for you and pick your best coal for a hookah.