Charcoal for Hookah: How & Where To Spot The Best Coal
Do you love smoking hookah? If so, then you know that charcoal is a necessary component. Not all charcoal is created equal, however. In this blog post, we will discuss how to find the best charcoal for hookah and where to buy it. We'll also provide some tips on how to use charcoal for hookah properly so that you can get the most out of your smoking experience!
The main types of charcoal for hookah
When it comes to charcoal for hookah, there are two main types: natural charcoal and quick-light charcoal.
Natural charcoal is made from hardwood that has been slowly burned in a kiln or oven. This type of charcoal burns slowly and evenly, which is ideal for hookah smoking.
Quick-light charcoal, on the other hand, is made from charcoal that has been treated with chemicals. Quick-light charcoal lights quickly and burns hot, but it can also be difficult to control. For this reason, we recommend using natural charcoal for hookah smoking.
Charcoal shapes for hookah
Hookah charcoal generally come in two shapes: cube and briquette. As some HMDs require charcoal that is a certain shape in order to disperse heat, the charcoal size might vary to serve those requirements. Thus, there is a variety of charcoal shapes and sizes on the market.
Finger style & hexagon hookah coals
Two of the most popular charcoal shapes for hookah are finger and hexagon. While it is not a new charcoal shape, many charcoal producers have started to make charcoal in this style.
Finger charcoal is long and slender, while hexagon charcoal is shaped like a finger as well. Both charcoal shapes work well for most hookah smokers, as they cover a larger area of the hookah bowl compared to other charcoal shapes.
The lengths of the coal may vary, so it is important to make sure that the charcoal you select is the right size for your hookah.
Cubed coconut charcoal for hookah
Cubed coconut coal is made from, you guessed it, coconuts! This type of coal is 100% natural and doesn't contain any chemicals or additives. Also, cubed coconut coal lights quickly and burns evenly. That means you'll get a consistent smoking experience every time. And because it's made from coconuts, it has a pleasant, natural scent that won't interfere with the flavor of your tobacco.
As one of the most common options for charcoal, it is widely available both online and in brick-and-mortar stores.
Typically, the size of cubed coconut charcoal for hookah is 25mm x 25mm. Though, a few brands offer them in a 26mm x 26mm size.
Quarter circle coal
Quarter circle for hookah is a semi circle or quarter circle shaped coal. This charcoal shape is designed to be used with an HMD, as it disperses heat across the bowl.
While quarter charcoal is not as widely available as other charcoal shapes, you can find it online and in some stores, like hookah-shisha.
The diameter size of a quarter circle of charcoal for hookah is about 3". And like fitting a puzzle, usually these charcoal pieces fit snugly together in the Kaloud Lotus.
Flat coconut charcoal for hookah
Flat charcoal has a rectangular shape that has a height of about 18 mm and a width of around 22–26 mm. These charcoal bars resemble cubes, but they don't last as much.
Coal producers make this type of charcoal from the same natural materials as cubed coconut charcoal, so it also burns evenly and produces little to no ash. Like cubed charcoal, flat charcoal is widely available both online and in stores.
This type of charcoal for hookah performs best when used on an HMD, like the Kaloud Lotus.
These are the charcoal shapes that you will typically find on the market. However, new charcoal shapes and sizes are always being developed, so be on the lookout for charcoal that fits your smoking style!
How to find the best charcoal for hookah?
Now that you know the different charcoal for hookah, let's talk about how to find the best charcoal. When it comes to charcoal, quality is important. Look for charcoal that is made from natural hardwoods and has been slowly burned in a kiln or oven. Avoid charcoal that has been treated with chemicals, as this can affect the taste of your smoke.
Remember that choosing premium charcoal is essential for a great hookah smoking experience! If you want to know where to find premium charcoal for your hookah, check out the article "Premium Coconut Charcoal: Where To Buy Yours?"
Where to buy charcoal for hookah?
When you're ready to buy charcoal for hookah, there are a few places you can look. Many tobacco shops and hookah lounges sell charcoal, or you can purchase it online at sites like Amazon. We recommend buying charcoal in bulk so that you always have some on hand.
How to use charcoal for hookah
Now that you know how to find the best charcoal for hookah, let's talk about how to use it. When using charcoal for hookah, it's important to start with a clean hookah. Charcoal can be messy, so be sure to empty your hookah of any old tobacco or ash before starting.
Pack your hookah bowl
Next, fill your hookah bowl with tobacco and pack it gently. There are many packing techniques and hookah bowls on the market. So, if you want to learn more about packing your hookah bowl, check out the article "4 packing techniques to try with your Kaloud Samsaris Vitria 2!"
Place your hookah charcoal
Once you have packed your bowl, place the charcoal on top of the tobacco. Be sure to use enough charcoal to cover the entire surface of the tobacco. Note that you will need to cover your hookah bowl with foil or a reliable HMD, like the Kaloud Lotus.
Light your hookah charcoal
Light the charcoal and wait for it to turn white. This typically takes about 5 minutes. Once the charcoal is lit, blow gently on it to help distribute the heat evenly. Lighting charcoal can be tricky, so if you need some help, check out the article "How To Warm Up Shisha For A Better Experience".
Enjoy your hookah session!
Now that your charcoal is lit, it's time to enjoy your hookah session! Now it's time to smoke! Place the hookah hose on the hookah system and inhale gently. You should start to see smoke coming through the hose. Enjoy your hookah smoke!
Hookah accessories for hookah charcoal
Finding the perfect charcoal for your hookah is only the first step in creating the perfect hookah experience. You will also need to find the right hookah bowl, charcoal holder, and other accessories to make your smoking experience complete.
There are different hookahs and hookah accessories on the market. Though, if you want to elevate your shisha session, you need the best hookahs and hookah accessories on the market. Therefore, we recommend you try some of our top selling hookah products like the:
- Lotus III heat management device
- Samsaris Lapis II hookah bowl
- Ayara Activated Carbon Filter
- Sitra Thermal Diffuser
- Vestara Niris Tongs
These are just a few of the products that we offer to help you create the perfect hookah experience. Are you ready to elevate your entire hookah system?
Check out our Krysalis Eltheria hookahs today!
FAQs about charcoal for hookah
Now that you know all about charcoal for hookah, let's answer some frequently asked questions.
What is hookah charcoal?
Hookah charcoal is a type of charcoal that is used to heat tobacco in a hookah pipe. Hookah charcoal is made from natural hardwoods and is burned slowly in a kiln or oven.
How long does charcoal last?
Typically, charcoal lasts for about an hour. However, this will vary depending on the type of charcoal you're using and how often you're smoking. If you want your charcoal to last longer, we recommend using a charcoal holder.
What is the best charcoal for hookah?
Coconut charcoal is widely considered the best charcoal for hookah. It lights easily and burns evenly, providing you with a consistent smoking experience.
Can I use regular charcoal briquettes for hookah?
No, we do not recommend using regular charcoal briquettes for hookah. Briquettes are made of wood and other materials that can affect the taste of your tobacco.
How much charcoal do I need for hookah?
You will need about 4-5 charcoal pieces for hookah. This will vary depending on the size of your hookah bowl and how often you smoke.
Where can I buy hookah coal?
You can find hookah charcoal at most tobacco shops or online. We recommend purchasing charcoal from a reputable source to ensure you're getting the best quality charcoal for your money.
What charcoal can you use for a hookah?
To achieve a great smoking result, you must use high-end charcoal. When you smoke something lower than premium charcoal, it can cause irritation and a headache. The best quality charcoal produces heat and is essential to smoke shisha. Many shisha lovers prefer Coconara coals. If you want to know whether the Coconara coals are the best charcoal for hookah, you can read this article "Coconara Charcoal: Is It Worth Using?"
Is hookah charcoal safe?
Yes, charcoal for hookah is safe when used correctly. Be sure to only use charcoal that is specially made for hookah and always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Why are coconut coals better for hookah?
Coconut charcoal is non-toxic, unlike the quick-lit charcoal people normally use. They also don't produce any smell when burned and they don't add any flavor to your tobacco.
How do you light charcoal for hookah without a stove?
If you don't have a stove, you can use charcoal lighter. We recommend using a butane torch lighter for the best results.
Do I need a diffuser with charcoal?
A diffuser is not necessary, but it can help to improve the quality of your smoke. A diffuser helps to disperse the heat from the charcoal, which gives you a smoother smoking experience.
Last thoughts
Charcoal for hookah is essential to enjoy tobacco with friends. It's important to use high-quality charcoal for the best smoking experience. We recommend buying charcoal from a reputable source to ensure you're taking the best quality charcoal. Be sure to only use charcoal that is specifically made for hookah and always observe the manufacturer's instructions.
And if you want to improve your hookah system, check out our hookah products today!
We have a wide selection of hookahs, HMDs, hookah bowls, diffusers and more to choose from. Visit us today and get everything you need to enjoy the perfect hookah experience.
