Hookah, a water pipe used to smoke flavored tobacco (shisha), requires a heat source to work. The type of heat source used is a critical component that can significantly impact the quality of the smoking experience. Hookah charcoals, unlike regular charcoal, are specifically designed to provide a consistent, clean, and odorless heat source for smoking. The right hookah charcoal ensures a smooth, flavorful session without any unpleasant aftertastes.
What are hookah charcoals?
Hookah charcoals are small, compressed briquettes or cubes designed for use with a hookah. They are a crucial part of the hookah experience, serving as the heat source that bakes the shisha tobacco. The best hookah charcoals burn cleanly and evenly, producing a consistent heat that doesn’t overpower the delicate flavors of the shisha. Unlike the briquettes used for grilling, hookah charcoals are typically made from natural materials, such as coconut shells, bamboo, or compressed wood, and are free of chemicals or accelerants that can alter the taste of the smoke. These charcoals are part of the larger category of hookah supplies and hookah accessories.
Is hookah charcoal the same as regular charcoal?
No, hookah charcoal is not the same as regular charcoal. The primary difference lies in their composition and intended use. Regular charcoal, often used for grilling, is typically made from hardwood and often contains chemical additives or lighter fluid to make it easier to ignite. These additives produce a strong odor and can impart a chemical taste to food. Using regular charcoal for a hookah would be a terrible idea, as the chemicals and strong aromas would completely ruin the flavor of the shisha.
Hookah charcoals, on the other hand, are designed to be tasteless and odorless. Another key difference is the shape and size. Hookah charcoals are small cubes or discs that are easy to place on the bowl, allowing for precise heat management.
Can I use grill charcoal for my hookah?
Absolutely not. As mentioned, using grill charcoal for your hookah would be a huge mistake. The chemicals and binders in grill charcoal can release noxious fumes when burned, posing a health risk and, at the very least, completely ruining the taste of your shisha. The odor alone would be overwhelming and would mask any flavor from the tobacco.
Using a product not designed for a hookah is not only a bad idea for the taste but also for the health of the user. Grill charcoal is not food-grade and the smoke it produces is not meant for inhalation. Stick to dedicated hookah coal brands that are created specifically for the purpose of smoking shisha.
How to hit hookah without coals?
It's nearly impossible to "hit" a hookah without a heat source, but you can use an alternative to traditional hookah coals. A popular and effective method is to use an electronic heat management device (HMD) like the Kaloud Lotus or a similar brand. These devices are placed on top of the shisha bowl and contain a heating element that can be plugged in. The HMD heats the shisha just like hookah charcoal would, but without the ash or mess. This method provides a very controlled and consistent temperature, which can be great for beginners or those who prefer a more hands-off experience.
Some people also use electric coil burners, which are essentially small electric stoves that can be used to heat the shisha bowl. However, this method is less common and can be difficult to control. While it's not possible to have a functional hookah session without some form of heat, these modern hookah supplies provide an alternative to the traditional hookah coal method. They are a great way to enjoy your shisha without having to deal with the hassle of lighting and managing hookah coals.
Which hookah coals are best?
The "best" hookah coals often come down to personal preference, but there are a few key factors to consider: material, heat output, and longevity.
Natural Coconut Coals are widely considered the best option for serious hookah smokers. They are made from compressed coconut shells, burn cleanly, produce no odor or taste, and have a long burn time. The key with these is that they require a separate heat source, like an electric coal burner, to get them lit fully. However, once lit, they provide a very stable and consistent heat, which is perfect for extended smoking sessions. Quick-Light Coals are treated with a chemical accelerant that allows them to be lit with a simple lighter or match. While convenient, they have a few downsides. They often produce a strong, foul-smelling smoke when first lit and they tend to burn out faster than natural coals. For these reasons, many experienced hookah smokers avoid them.
Here are the best hookah coal brands you can finds:
Experience a premium smoking session with Arka natural charcoal. Crafted from high-quality coconut shells, these coals provide a clean, odorless burn, allowing the true flavor of your shisha to shine through.
Black Coco's delivers a long-lasting, consistent heat for your hookah. Made from compressed coconut shells, these coals are known for their minimal ash production and extended burn time, perfect for a relaxed and uninterrupted smoke.
These 100% natural coconut coals are designed to burn evenly without any chemical additives, ensuring a smooth, tasteless heat that won't compromise the flavor of your shisha.
The original standard for natural hookah charcoal, Coco Nara provides reliable, clean-burning heat. Known for their consistent quality and long burn time, these coals are a favorite among hookah enthusiasts worldwide.
For a quick and easy setup, Fantasia quick-light coals are your go-to. These charcoals ignite in seconds with a simple lighter, making them ideal for a fast and convenient hookah session without the wait.
Enjoy a hassle-free smoking experience with Le Orange quick-light coals. These self-igniting charcoals are perfect for a spontaneous session, providing a fast and efficient heat source with minimal effort.
Qoco Turbo offers a powerful and quick-lighting solution for your hookah. These coals heat up rapidly, so you can start your session in no time while still getting a quality burn.
Shaman natural charcoal is crafted to deliver a pure and authentic smoking experience. Made from natural materials, these coals burn cleanly and efficiently, preserving the rich flavors of your shisha.
As the name suggests, Superior Coco provides a top-tier hookah session. These charcoals offer a superior burn time and a clean, neutral heat that highlights the subtle notes of your shisha.
Designed for the connoisseur, Tangiers coals are specifically formulated to work with Tangiers shisha. These high-density charcoals provide a unique, long-lasting heat perfect for a dense and flavorful smoke.
Titanium coals are built for performance. Made from premium coconut shells, they offer an exceptional burn time, consistent heat, and minimal ash, ensuring a high-quality session from start to finish.
The classic quick-light charcoal, Three Kings has been a staple in the hookah community for years. Known for their fast ignition and portability, these coals are a reliable choice for any quick-light setup.
No matter the choice, using the right hookah coal is the single most important factor for a great smoking session. The quality of your hookah session hinges almost entirely on one crucial element: the hookah coal. While the shisha flavor, the quality of your pipe, and even your packing technique are all important, a poor-quality hookah coal can ruin a session in an instant, no matter how good everything else is.
If you are new to hookah and want to learn more about how to get a great smoking session, check out this article we published “Tips from a Hookah Lounge”.