The Best Types of Hookah Charcoal: A Complete Guide
When it comes to setting up your hookah, choosing the right charcoal is just as important as selecting your favorite shisha flavor. Your hookah session can turn into a disappointing experience, without quality coals. With so many different types of shisha charcoals available, it can be overwhelming to know which one is best for you. We'll break down the various materials, shapes, and brands of hookah charcoal to help make your decision easier.
What’s Inside Your Hookah Charcoal?
Many people don’t realize just how crucial the material of their charcoal is. If you've ever had a bad hookah experience—headaches or an unpleasant buzzing feeling—there’s a good chance that poor-quality charcoal was to blame. Instant-light or quick-light charcoals often contain harsh chemicals to speed up the ignition process, which can cause side effects and alter the taste of your shisha.
Some lower-quality charcoals are also made with fillers like wood or sawdust to cut costs. These can produce a bad smell and distort the flavor of your shisha. A good rule of thumb is to check the color of the charcoal when it’s ignited. If it turns white and burns too hot, it’s likely made with cheap chemicals. Higher-quality coals turn a browner shade and burn steadily.
For the best hookah experience, choose charcoals made from 100% natural materials, particularly coconut shells. Coconut shell coals burn cleanly, without any taste or odor, allowing you to enjoy the true flavors of your shisha.
Common Hookah Charcoal Shapes
Not all hookah charcoals are created equal when it comes to shape, and no single shape fits every type of hookah bowl. Here’s a breakdown of the most common shapes you’ll come across:
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Cubes
The most popular type of hookah charcoal, cube-shaped coals have six flat sides, making them stable and ideal for most hookah bowls. They burn slowly, which is great for long sessions. However, to get the best performance, rotate the cubes regularly to avoid blackened flat spots. -
Flats
Flat coals resemble flat bars and burn more quickly than cubes, making them perfect for shorter sessions. These are ideal if you're using foil to cover your shisha, but they don’t fit well in heat management devices (HMDs). -
Cubettes
A smaller variation of cubes, cubettes share many of the same qualities as flat coals, including shorter burn times. -
Finger Charcoals
Also called sticks, these cylindrical coals are easy to manage and fit well on phunnel bowls. Their shape makes them versatile, but they burn faster than cubes. -
Cuboid
Similar to finger coals but rectangular in shape, cuboids are stable but prone to causing heat spikes. Be cautious when using cuboid quick-light charcoals, as they often contain chemical additives. -
Hexagon
Made mostly from coconut shells, hexagonal coals are stable and provide an excellent heating option. They’re a great alternative to finger charcoals. -
Disc or Circle
Avoid disc-shaped charcoals unless you're certain they’re made from 100% natural materials. Many discs contain harmful chemicals that can ruin your hookah session. -
Quarter Circles
Designed for use with lotus-style heat management devices, quarter-circle coals are easy to handle at the start of a session. However, as they burn and lose shape, they can become difficult to manage with tongs.
Top Hookah Charcoal Brands
Now that you know coconut shell charcoal is the best option for clean, consistent heat, here are some top brands to consider:
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Vadra
Known for its high-quality coconut shell coals, Vadra offers large cubes and flats that are perfect for long-lasting sessions. -
Coco Nara
Another excellent choice, Coco Nara coals come in both flat and cube varieties, making them versatile for different hookah setups.
These are just a couple of the top coconut charcoal brands, but there are plenty of other high-quality options available. Just make sure to assess the quality of the coals before using them to ensure the best possible hookah experience.
Conclusion
Choosing the right hookah charcoal can make all the difference in your smoking session. Natural, coconut-based coals provide tasteless, odorless heat, allowing you to fully enjoy the flavor of your shisha. Whether you prefer cubes for longer sessions or flats for a quick smoke, there’s a type of charcoal that’s perfect for you. Keep the tips in this guide in mind the next time you’re shopping for hookah charcoal, and enjoy a great shisha time!
