How to Choose the Perfect Charcoal for Your Hookah Session?

How to Choose the Perfect Charcoal for Your Hookah Session?
7 min read

Could your hookah charcoal contribute to your lack of enjoyment when you smoke hookah? The two things that play a very important role in your hookah smoking sessions are the Charcoal and the tobacco you use. Hookah Charcoal, if not used correctly, can cause major concern in your hookah smoking sessions.  

Lower-quality Charcoal does not burn properly and releases harmful pollutants into the air, affecting your hookah's quality. At the same time, high-quality hookah charcoal will bring a clear difference in the quality of your Shisha Hookah. This is why it's important to understand the various types of hookah charcoal.

What are the different types of Hookah charcoal?

Hookah smoking has been a tradition in many cultures for centuries. Whether you're a regular smoker or a newcomer to hookah, choosing the right type of Charcoal is essential to the overall experience.  

Choosing the right type of shisha coal is an important part of the overall smoking experience. While natural coconut charcoal is widely considered the best option, quick-light Charcoal, bamboo charcoal, and lemonwood charcoal have unique benefits and drawbacks.  

By experimenting with different types of Charcoal, smokers can find the perfect combination of flavours, smoke, shisha accessories, and convenience to suit their preferences.

Several different types of hookah charcoal are available with different characteristics and benefits. Let's explore the various types of Hookah Charcoals:

Natural Coconut Charcoal

The Natural Coconut Charcoal is made from compressed coconut shells and is considered the best option for hookah smoking. Compared to other traditional charcoal options, it is an eco-friendly alternative from a renewable resource. Natural Charcoal burns evenly and lasts for a longer period. It also produces minimal ash and colour. The high heat output of the coconut charcoal ensures even heat distribution resulting in even heating of the shisha tobacco. This results in an enhanced flavour and produces thick and voluminous smoke clouds.

Quick-Light Charcoal

Quick-light Charcoal is a convenient option for those who don't have a stove or other heating source. Quick-light Charcoal, or instant-light or easy-light Charcoal, is called so because it is coated with chemicals that allow it to be lit easily with a lighter or match. These coals typically burn faster than natural coconut shisha coal, producing more ash and odour. The chemicals used to make quick-light Charcoal may affect the flavours of hookah tobacco. However, some smokers have reported a chemical taste and smell when using quick-light Charcoal.

Bamboo Charcoal

Bamboo Charcoal, like coconut charcoal, is an eco-friendly charcoal made from compressed bamboo and is a renewable resource. Bamboo charcoal burns hot and evenly. However, it produces more ash than coconut charcoal. It is less common amongst hookah smokers; hence that might be a reason why it can be a bit difficult to find. 

Lemonwood Charcoal

Lemonwood Charcoal is mostly common among hookah shisha smokers in the middle east. Lemonwood Charcoal is a traditional type of Charcoal made from the wood of the lemon tree. It produces a distinct aromatic flavour. This type of Charcoal burns faster than any other type of Charcoal and produces a lot more ash and odour than coconut charcoal; hence, it must be used sparingly.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Hookah Charcoal?

Hookah charcoal, also known as shisha charcoal or narghile charcoal, is a type of Charcoal used in hookahs to heat tobacco and produce smoke. The health risks of hookah charcoal are significant, as it produces carbon monoxide and other harmful chemicals. Hookah charcoal can also be a fire hazard, difficult to light, and produce ash, which can be messy. Using hookah charcoal safely and responsibly is important to minimize these risks. While there are some advantages to using hookah charcoal, there are also several disadvantages.

Advantages of Hookah Charcoal

Long-lasting burn time

Hookah charcoal burns longer than other types of Charcoal, which means that you don't have to replace the Charcoal as often. This is beneficial when you're smoking for an extended period.

High heat output

Hookah charcoal produces high heat levels necessary to vaporize tobacco and produce smoke. This high heat output also helps to create thick, flavorful smoke.

Natural materials

Hookah charcoal is often made from natural materials like coconut shells or bamboo, which means that it's a more eco-friendly option than other types of Shisha coal that may be made from chemicals or non-renewable materials.

Disadvantages of Hookah Charcoal

Health risks

Hookah charcoal produces carbon monoxide, which is a poisonous gas. Inhaling carbon monoxide can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, and even death in extreme cases. Hookah charcoal also produces other harmful chemicals like benzene and toluene, which can cause cancer.

Fire hazard

Hookah charcoal can be a fire hazard if it's not used properly. The high heat output of hookah charcoal can cause burns, and the Charcoal itself can ignite if it comes into contact with any flammable material.

Difficulty in lighting

Shisha charcoal can be difficult to light, especially if it's made from natural materials like coconut shells or bamboo. This can be frustrating for hookah smokers who want to start smoking quickly. 

Ash and mess

Hookah charcoal produces ash, which can be messy and difficult to clean up. The ash can also clog the hookah's air vents, affecting the smoke quality. 

Wrapping up

Hookah Charcoal comes in various types based on your requirements. When choosing the best Charcoal for your shisha session, you can choose from a wide range of available hookah coals. While hookah charcoal can offer benefits like a long-lasting burn time and high heat output, it poses significant health risks and can be a fire hazard if not used properly.  

Regardless of whichever option, it's important to use hookah charcoal safely and responsibly to minimize the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, and other health hazards. This means following manufacturer instructions carefully, using hookah charcoal in a well-ventilated area, and never leaving the Charcoal unattended. Taking these precautions allows you to enjoy a safer and more enjoyable hookah smoking experience.

Some hookah enthusiasts may prefer the unique taste and experience of using hookah charcoal, while others may opt for safer alternatives like electric heating systems or herbal shisha charcoal. Before purchasing hookah charcoal, weighing the advantages and disadvantages is important. Using this guide, you can select the best hookah for your needs!

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