Choosing the right hookah charcoal can be a challenge with so many options on the market. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced hookah smoker, our guide will help you choose the ideal charcoal for your session.
1. What is hookah charcoal used for?
The primary function of hookah charcoal is to provide heat that will heat the tobacco and produce smoke. Once the charcoal is lit, it is placed on top of the foil or in a heat management device, depending on your smoking style.
2. What types of coal are there?
There are different types of hookah charcoal, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Self-igniting coal
Self-igniting charcoal is very popular among hookah smokers because of its simplicity. This charcoal comes in the form of small black discs (similar to hockey pucks) and is coated with a chemical accelerator that allows for quick ignition, usually with a cigarette lighter.
Advantages:
- It burns quickly.
- No need for an additional heater or gas stove
- Suitable for outdoor sessions
Disadvantages:
- May have a stronger odor and affect the taste of tobacco
- Given the accelerants, it burns very hot, which may be undesirable for some smokers
When you light the self-igniting charcoal, you will notice that it begins to glow and change color from black to orange-red. When it reaches a completely gray-white color, it is ready to use.
Available products:
- Instant Lite - self-igniting charcoal (40 mm)
- Golden River - self-igniting charcoal (40 mm)
- Golden River - self-igniting charcoal (33 mm)
The package usually contains 10 pieces.
Natural coconut charcoal
Natural charcoal is made from compressed coconut shells and comes in a variety of shapes, most often square or flat. It contains no chemicals, so it takes longer to heat up, but once lit, it burns longer and has minimal impact on the taste and smell of the tobacco.
Advantages:
- Works without chemicals and accelerators
- Less effect on tobacco flavor
- Burns longer and more steadily
Disadvantages:
- It takes more time to warm up.
- A lighter or heater should be used.
When lit, the coal will first turn red-orange, and then, when fully lit, will turn a gray-white color.
The carbon content of this coal is usually between 80% and 85%, which affects the heat and ash content. A higher carbon percentage means more heat, but also a stronger smell when lit.
Standard dimensions of charcoal cubes: 26 x 26 x 26 mm (1 kg package contains 64 pieces, which is enough for approximately 21 sessions).
3. How much charcoal should I use?
The amount of charcoal you need depends on the type of charcoal, hookah tobacco and bowl you use, as well as your personal preferences.
a) Self-igniting coal:
- It is recommended to use 1-2 pieces per session.
- For greater control over the heat, you can cut the coals in half before lighting them.
- Self-igniting charcoal reaches a high temperature quickly, so it can be helpful to turn the charcoal occasionally during a session.
b) Natural coal:
- Usually 3-4 pieces are used at a time, depending on the size of the bowl and the type of tobacco.
- For a smaller bowl, 2-3 pieces may be enough, while larger bowls or juicy tobaccos will require more heat.
4. Can hookah charcoal be reused?
Although it has been popular lately to try to reuse charcoal, this is not recommended. Charcoal that has already been used can have reduced effectiveness and create a bad taste. We recommend that you always use fresh charcoal for the best smoking experience.
We hope this guide has helped you choose the ideal hookah charcoal. The right type of charcoal can significantly enhance your experience, so play around with different options to find the one that works best for you. Happy smoking!