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Hookah Charcoal

Hookah charcoal is a specially created type of charcoal that was made specifically to heat shisha flavor. It burns at a temperature that is optimized to vaporize the liquid ingredients off of the tobacco while not physically igniting the tobacco leaves (like all other ways of smoking tobacco) and is widely considered to be the most effective heat source when smoking shisha.

Though exact formulas and ingredients may vary from coal to coal, hookah charcoal is made by going through the basic process of turning raw, combustible material (such as wood or coconut husks) into lump charcoal. This is then ground into a powder, mixed with a binding agent, and compressed. Once compressed, this charcoal mixture is formed into all the different shapes and sizes of coals we see today! These pieces then go through a drying process that ultimately results in the small pieces of charcoal you see on hookah bowls all around the world.

Quick lighting hookah coals are coated with a chemical accelerant that allows each piece to be lit quickly using nothing but an open flame (like from a candle lighter or torch). The convenience offered by quick light charcoal is unmatched, however, the chemical accelerant may interfere with the flavor of your shisha. Natural hookah coals do NOT contain any chemical accelerant, so they are only able to be lit using an electric coil stove or charcoal burner. While less convenient, natural coals tend to burn longer and more evenly than quick lighting coals and often provide a cleaner tasting, more accurate flavor profile to your smoke session.

If you're using quick lighting coals, hold a piece of charcoal with metal tongs and hold a standard flame lighter to the edge. After a couple of seconds, the charcoal will begin to rapidly emit sparks and will fully light after 2-3 minutes. If using natural hookah coals, you will need to use an electric coil stove or charcoal burner to properly light them. Place your charcoal directly on the electric coil or burner and crank it up to high. Once the bottom half of the coals are lit, give them a flip with your metal tongs so the other side can light. Depending on the size of coal you're using and the power of the burner, it can take anywhere between 5-15 minutes to fully light natural hookah charcoal.

Depending on the type of hookah charcoal, your shisha flavor, and your bowl, you will typically need to use between 1-4 pieces of charcoal on your bowl at one time - however, this can vary. Check out our blog for a more detailed guide to hookah charcoal and heat management.