If you're a hookah smoker, you know that charcoal is essential. Without it, your hookah just isn't going to work properly. In fact, without the right kind of charcoal, your hookah will not only be ineffective but may also leave your shisha tasting less than desirable.
The good news is that there are several kinds of charcoal designed for smoking with a hookah available on the market. Each kind has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. To get the most out of your shisha experience, it's important to find a charcoal that works best for you and your setup.
There are so many choices out there - how can you tell which one is the best? We have done some research so that you don't have to!
How We Choose
You want the best hookah experience, but you don't know where to start.
The good news is that there are plenty of things you can do to make your hookah experience better. One way to do this is by using high-quality charcoal. Hookah charcoal is essential for getting a smooth smoke session, so it's important to choose a good one.
We've done the research for you and rounded up the five best hookah charcoals on the market today. Whether you're looking for quick lighting or long lasting coals, we've got you covered.
Charcoal Burner - Instant Fire Coal Tablet
The Sunlight Charcoal Incense Burner is a simple and effective way to burn incense. It has a metal base, so it's not the most sturdy or reliable option if you're looking for a long-term incense burner, but it's perfect if you want to try burning incense without committing to buying expensive glassware.
The charcoal disc burns quickly and cleanly, leaving no ash behind. The metal stand also holds the disc in place securely, so there's little worry about your incense falling off mid-ritual. The wooden handle makes lighting the charcoal easy and safe – just use one match per coal briquette.
This resin incense burner comes with 100 discs per order, so you can get started right away without having to buy any other supplies separately. It's an affordable way to try out burning incense without breaking the bank while still providing a safe and effective experience.
100% Natural Coconut Charcoal Hookah Cubes
The M. Rosenfeld Coconut Hookah Charcoal Coals are a great option for anyone looking to smoke shisha or hookah tobacco with minimal fuss. These charcoal briquettes are designed specifically for hookahs and other water pipes, so they're built to handle the heat and smoke of these devices without causing any damage.
They're also odorless and tasteless, meaning you won't have to worry about your hookah tobacco tasting burnt or like it was burned in a traditional grill. The coconut shell used in these coals is natural, meaning there's no chemical additives involved - which makes them a safe choice for those who prefer an eco-friendly smoke session experience.
Finally, these coals burn up to 90 minutes before needing to be replaced, providing plenty of time for even the most avid shisha fan to enjoy their favorite flavors without interruption.
Coco Nara Hookah Shisha Natural Charcoals
As someone who loves the authentic taste of charcoal, I was immediately drawn to this product. It's made from coconut shell, which is 100% natural and contains no Sulphur.
It burns up to 60 minutes, leaving less than 5% in ashes. Clean-burning and tasteless, it doesn't produce any sparks when lighting or using. This charcoal is economical and not a single tree was cut to make it - so that's something special right there!
Dimensions: 25mm x 25mm x 17mm - pretty small for a 1kg box of coals though.
Cocous Natural Coconut Charcoal
If you're looking for a high-quality charcoal that will last longer and burn more efficiently, then look no further than CocoU! These coconut briquettes are made from real coconut shells, which means they have zero chemicals involved.
They also burn at a much higher temperature than quick lights, so you'll end up with less coals per session. They're odorless and tasteless, so there's no need to worry about your hookah being affected by them. And since they're 100% natural, there won't be any impact on the flavor of your shisha.
Overall these briquettes are great for those who want to save time during their hookah sessions and want something that burns hotter and lasts longer. They do cost a little more than some other brands but considering the quality of the product - it's worth it!
Naar Coal Natural Coconut Charcoal Cubes
Naar Coal is a 100% natural charcoal made from coconut shells. It's carefully manufactured in the suburbs of Indonesia by strict supervision and goes through vagarious and careful production to validate that the charcoals does not include any inferior natural or raw material such as soft lumber, shrubs or saw dust.
We confidently guarantee you that Naar Coal products are also free of any unnatural ingredients such as brown coal, mineral carbo, borax sodium nitrate, limestone or any other additives therefore creating a green product as it is tasteless and odorless. The cubes are precisely cut by our state-of-the-art machinery in the exact size of 25mm x 25mm x25mm with cleanest burning properties for up to 2 hours of steady temperature.
It's worth noting that due to its nature of our charcoals being 100% additive free, it will take longer to light up the charcoals so be patient when lighting your shisha hookah with this brand.
Hookah Charcoal FAQs
You've decided that a hookah is the perfect gift for your friend, but you're not sure which charcoals are best for them to use.
There's a ton of different types of coals out there and it can be hard to figure out which ones are the best fit. Luckily, we've done some of the heavy lifting for you! We've created a list of Frequently Asked Questions about hookah coals so that you can rest easy knowing that your gift will be used with ease and enjoyment.
What Kind Of Charcoal Is Used For Hookah?
Charcoal is what fuels a hookah and gives it its flavor, so you'll want to make sure you have the right kind of charcoal for your specific model. Most commonly, you'll find three types of hookah charcoals: coconut shell, quick-lighting cube and briquette.
Coconut shell coals are often considered the best choice as they burn very hot and produce lots of smoke. Quick-lighting cubes are another popular option because they're easy to light and typically release more flavor than standard briquettes. Briquettes are a budget option but don't burn as hot or last as long; however, some smokers prefer this consistency because it creates less heat under the bowl which makes it easier to inhale without getting dizzy. If you're new to the hobby, experiment with all three options before choosing one that feels best for you!
Is Hookah Charcoal Safe?
Most hookah coals are made of coconut shell, which is basically compressed coconut fiber. Coconut shell is biodegradable and burns cleaner than other charcoals, so it won't leave a lasting mess in your bowl or on the tray. You should dispose of coals responsibly—don't throw them into the trash or down a sink drain. If you can't bring yourself to bury them in the backyard, put used coals in an empty coffee can with holes punched in the lid (or buy a special composting charcoal container). Then place the can outside where animals can't get to it—not inside your home's garbage cans.
Some people prefer natural lump charcoal for its strong flavor, but that type comes pre-soaked and might release excess moisture into your shisha base. Some brands have solved this problem by using heat-proof ceramic briquettes instead; look for those if you want consistent heat without extra water vapor.
What Is Shisha Charcoal Used For?
Charcoal is one of the most important components of your hookah smoking experience. Not only does it provide the heat needed to create that flavorful smoke, but it also gives your shisha pipe its unique look and style.
Of course, you can use any type of charcoal for your hookah. However, we recommend using natural coconut shell or quick-lighting self-striking coals for a better flavor and improved smoking experience. These types of charcoals are specifically designed to minimize foul tastes and smells associated with traditional briquette coals. With these coals, you'll be able to enjoy great taste without an unpleasant aftertaste.
Self-striking coals make setting up your shisha easy by eliminating the need for a separate self-starter tool or matchbox. They're also super easy to light thanks to their integrated self-starter mechanism that lets you turn the coal around like a wheel until it catches fire on all sides. This feature makes them very convenient for those who plan on smoking frequently throughout the week due to their faster lighting time compared to regular briquette coals.
Coconut shell coals are among the few types of charcoals made from renewable resources rather than fossil fuels like coal or petroleum products like cardboard and paper logs (which actually produce more harmful emissions in comparison). Plus, they don't burn as hot as other types of charcoals which helps preserve flavor much better than heavier brands like mesquite or hickory do while still producing plenty of heat once lit properly with a flameproof lighter or self-striking coal starter tool/nozzle included with many popular shisha pipes sold online today including our top pick from Vortex Tech AquaPro 2 Pack .
What Is Hookah Charcoal Made Of?
Charcoal is a crucial ingredient in any hookah session, be it shisha or tobacco. While most people tend to think of charcoal as the briquettes that you can find at your local grocery store, these are actually not recommended for use with a hookah. Instead, look for natural chunks of 100% hardwood charcoal. These chunks will burn slowly and evenly, so your shisha bowl won't go out and the flavor of your tobacco or blend will be consistent throughout the session.
It's also worth noting that regular briquettes contain additives like petroleum products that can leave an unwanted taste in your smoke. As such, we recommend using 100% natural chunk charcoal whenever possible.
Can You Get High Off Hookah Coals?
Although hookah coals are made from natural materials, they aren't the same as cannabis or hashish. You won't get high from smoking them in a hookah, and you absolutely shouldn't try to smoke them by themselves.
Not only are hookah coals not intended for human consumption, but they're also much more intense than regular cigarettes. This is because of the large amount of tobacco that's used when producing these coals compared with regular cigarettes. They're also wrapped in paper, so it wouldn't be easy for you to inhale one anyway.
Can I Use A Hookah Without Coals?
If you don't have any coals handy, your hookah will still smoke without them. You'll need a heatproof bowl or plate and something to elevate it above the base of your hookah. You can use an oven mit, a metal plate protector or a small bowl that fits inside the downstem. Make sure to elevate your smoking vessel just high enough so there's no pressure against the shisha pack and yet low enough so there's constant airflow; otherwise, you may burn your tobacco.
We recommend using apple slices or raisins as elevators because they won't impart their flavor on the tobacco; however, paper plates are another popular choice and allow for easier cleanup afterwards. Evenly distribute about 2 tablespoons of shisha tobacco into the bowl or plate then place it over the top of the hookah and light your coals as you normally would (or with an electric lighter).
Can Hookah Burn Your Lungs?
While hookah smoking is less dangerous than cigarette smoking, it is still a health risk. Hookahs smoke tobacco and shisha (or molasses), which contains nicotine and other chemicals that can irritate your lungs. While hookah smokers typically puff much less frequently than cigarette smokers, the large volume of smoke in a hookah pipe means you're inhaling far more smoke overall. Most hookah smokers don't inhale deeply enough to shut off their windpipes, so they continue to breathe in as much of the smoke as possible for several minutes.
In addition to nicotine and other additives, this water pipe smoke also contains tar from the tobacco or shisha, along with any flavorings added to the base mixture in many cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that one hour of hookah smoking delivers about as much nicotine as up to three packs of cigarettes and about as much tar as up to 12 cigarettes.
Is A Hookah Worse Than A Vape?
The question of whether hookah is worse for you than vaping might seem like an odd one. After all, both are smoking devices and so obviously involve inhaling smoke into your lungs. However, the fact that hookahs use shisha tobacco – which can contain up to 100 times more nicotine than cigarettes according to some sources – means it's a no-brainer really. Hookah tobacco contains far more nicotine than e-cigarettes or traditional cigarettes, so we'd say it's much worse for you in every sense.
Is Smoking Shisha Harmful?
Like smoking any tobacco product, inhaling the smoke from shisha is harmful to your health. The main concern with shisha is the fact that it often contains additional flavorings and sweeteners in addition to tobacco. These additives can make the shisha taste better but also increase the risk of you developing a nicotine addiction or other health conditions such as diabetes.
Smoke also has tar, which is linked to causing lung cancer. Smoking even one bowl of shisha is considered to be more dangerous than a single cigarette by some doctors because there's more time spent drawing smoke into your lungs in between each puff of air. It's important not to underestimate how damaging smoking shisha can be, so we recommend avoiding it if possible and quitting if you do smoke it regularly.
How Long Do You Let Coals Sit On Hookah?
As a general rule, you want to find that sweet spot where the coals are lit enough to provide consistent smoke, but not so hot that they burn through quickly. Generally speaking, this means you'll be lighting new coals about every 30 minutes. You can let the coals sit on the hookah without smoking for an hour or two if need be, but if you're going to leave your setup unattended for a long period of time, it's best to remove the bowl and replace any live coals with fresh ones so as not to damage your base and hose.
Conclusion
The best hookah charcoal is a must-have for any smoker. Not only does it help to enhance the flavor of your shisha, but it also helps keep your pipe cleaner and more efficient.
With so many different types of charcoal on the market, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. To help you make an informed decision, we've put together this blog post so that you can find the best hookah charcoal for your needs.
So what are you waiting for? Get reading and get ready to explore all the amazing flavors that await you when using the right type of hookah charcoal!
