Shisha

Choosing the right charcoal is crucial for a successful hookah session. Many beginners underestimate how much the charcoal influences the entire smoking experience. The two main categories are natural charcoal and quick-lighting charcoal, and both have their specific advantages and disadvantages. The right choice depends on various factors, including personal preference, available equipment, and the intended use. In this article, we will compare both types of charcoal in detail and help you make the best decision for your needs.

What is natural charcoal?

Natural charcoal is made from natural, organic materials, primarily coconut shells. These are carbonized, pressed into cubes or other shapes, and processed without any chemical additives. The result is a pure, natural charcoal that has virtually no taste of its own and burns significantly longer than quick-lighting charcoal. High-quality natural charcoal consists of 100% coconut shell and contains no binders or chemical additives.

The production of natural charcoal is a multi-stage process. First, coconut shells are collected and cleaned. Then, they are carbonized in ovens at high temperatures, which removes most of the volatile components. The resulting material is crushed, mixed with a small amount of water, and pressed under high pressure into cubes or briquettes. After a further drying phase, the charcoal is ready for packaging. This process guarantees a pure product without harmful additives.

The most popular shapes are cubes in various sizes, typically 25x25 millimeters or 26x26 millimeters. There are also flats, which are flat rectangular pieces used especially for specific bowl setups. The size of the charcoal affects how many pieces you need for your session and how long they burn. Larger pieces burn longer, while smaller pieces heat up faster and are practical for shorter sessions.

What is quick-start carbon?

Quick-lighting charcoal, also known as self-lighting charcoal, is impregnated with chemical additives that allow for rapid ignition. This charcoal can be lit within 30 to 60 seconds with a simple lighter or match and is ready for use within minutes. The chemical coating produces the characteristic sparks upon ignition. These charcoals are typically round and flat, about the size of a coin.

The manufacturing process involves impregnating charcoal or other carbon materials with potassium nitrate or similar oxidizing chemicals. These substances enable rapid ignition and the characteristic sparking. Binders may also be used to stabilize the shape. These chemical additives are the main reason why quick-lighting hookahs are unpopular with serious hookah smokers.

Quick-lighting charcoal is available in various sizes, usually between 33 and 40 millimeters in diameter. Some brands also offer smaller or larger versions. The thickness also varies, with thinner charcoal burning faster. The quality of quick-lighting charcoal varies considerably between different brands. Higher-quality products have less of a chemical aftertaste, but even these can affect the flavor of the hookah.

Advantages of natural charcoal

The biggest advantage of natural charcoal is its neutral taste. Since it contains no chemical additives, it doesn't interfere with the tobacco's aroma. This is especially important with subtle or complex flavors, where any aftertaste is distracting. Experienced hookah smokers swear by natural charcoal because it allows the pure tobacco flavor to shine through.Investing in good natural charcoal pays off with a significantly better taste experience.

The burn time is another significant advantage. Natural charcoal typically burns for 60 to 90 minutes, depending on its size and quality. This means fewer charcoal changes during a session and more consistent heat over longer periods. This is ideal for extended sessions with friends. You don't have to constantly add more charcoal, but can focus on the conversation and the enjoyment.

Natural charcoal produces significantly less ash than quick-light charcoal. The ash is finer and forms more slowly, resulting in more consistent heat distribution. Less ash also means less mess and easier cleanup after your session. The charcoal burns cleaner and leaves less residue on the bowl and foil. From a health perspective, natural charcoal is the better choice because it produces fewer harmful emissions. While natural charcoal also produces carbon monoxide, it lacks the additional chemical fumes of quick-light charcoal.

Disadvantages of natural charcoal

The most obvious drawback is the long lighting time. Natural charcoal takes 5 to 10 minutes to reach full heat. It can't be lit with a simple lighter; you need an electric charcoal lighter or a gas stove. This requires patience and planning. You have to prepare your session in advance and can't just start spontaneously in a few minutes. This can be frustrating for impatient smokers or those who prefer spontaneous sessions.

The need for special equipment is another disadvantage. An electric charcoal lighter costs between €15 and €40 and requires a power outlet. These devices get very hot and must be used in a safe location. Gas stoves are an alternative, especially for outdoor use, but require gas cylinders and are less practical for indoor use. This additional investment and the space required are factors that need to be considered.

Natural charcoal is more expensive to buy than quick-lighting charcoal. A one-kilogram pack of high-quality natural charcoal typically costs between 8 and 15 euros, while quick-lighting charcoal is often cheaper. However, this price difference is offset by the longer burning time and better quality. In the long run, natural charcoal is often more economical, but the higher initial cost can be a deterrent for some. Storage also requires more space, as you need larger quantities.

Advantages of quick-lighting carbon

The main advantage is in the name: quick-light cigarettes are extremely fast to light. You can start smoking within one to two minutes. This makes them ideal for spontaneous sessions or situations where time is short. A simple lighter or match is all you need to light them; no special equipment is required. This convenience is why many casual smokers and beginners opt for quick-light cigarettes.

Portability is another advantage. Quick-light coals are perfect for on the go, camping, or outdoor sessions. They don't require a power source or bulky lighters. Simply light the coals with a lighter, wait until they're glowing, and you're ready to go. This flexibility makes them the preferred choice for mobile hookah sessions. Quick-light coals are also frequently used in hookah bars because they can be quickly prepared for new customers.

The lower price is attractive to budget-conscious buyers. Quick-lighting hookahs often cost only half or a third of the price of natural charcoal. For occasional smokers who only rarely consume hookah, this can be a decisive factor.The lower initial investment, both for the charcoal itself and due to the elimination of special lighters, lowers the barrier to entry. Some smokers are not bothered by the chemical taste or do not perceive it, especially with strongly flavored tobaccos.

Disadvantages of quick-lighting carbon

The biggest problem with quick-light coals is the chemical taste. The impregnation leaves a distinct aftertaste that overpowers the tobacco aroma. Even after the coals are fully lit, a subtle chemical taste often remains. This is particularly bothersome with high-quality tobaccos that have delicate aromas. Many experienced smokers find this taste unacceptable and would never use quick-light coals.

The burning time is significantly shorter than with natural charcoal. Quick-light charcoal typically only burns for 15 to 30 minutes. This means frequent refueling during longer sessions. Each time new charcoal is added, there's a brief period when the heat isn't optimal. This can lead to inconsistent smoke quality. For sessions of an hour or more, you may need to add new charcoal two or three times.

Quick-lighting firelighters produce significantly more ash. This ash is coarser and forms more quickly, which impairs heat output. You need to tap off the ash more frequently to maintain optimal heat. The chemical residues in the ash can also be more hazardous to your health. The amount of smoke produced when lighting the fire is considerable, and the fumes are unpleasant. Always light quick-lighting firelighters outdoors or in very well-ventilated areas, never directly overhead.

Which type of coal for which purpose

For regular home use, natural charcoal is the clear recommendation. If you smoke shisha several times a week or daily, investing in good quality natural charcoal and a charcoal lighter is worthwhile. Its superior quality, pure flavor, and longer burning time make it the best choice for serious enthusiasts. The extra preparation time quickly becomes routine and is a small price to pay for the significantly better experience.

For outdoor sessions, camping, or spontaneous occasions, quick-lighting hookahs can be practical. If you're on the go and don't have access to an electric lighter, they're the only realistic option. Quick-lighting hookahs can also offer a low-barrier entry point for absolute beginners who want to try hookah smoking. However, once you're smoking regularly, you should switch to natural charcoal.

The situation is more complex for hookah bars. Some bars use quick-lighting charcoal for practical reasons, especially during busy times. High-end bars and lounges that prioritize quality use only natural charcoal. As a customer, you can often tell how seriously a bar takes the hookah experience by the type of charcoal used. Premium venues invest in good charcoal because they know it makes a difference.

The best natural charcoal brands

Several brands have established themselves as leaders in the natural charcoal segment. CocoNara from Indonesia is one of the best-known and most popular brands worldwide. Their charcoal cubes burn evenly and for a long time, with virtually no flavor of their own. They are available in various sizes and offer excellent value for money. Many hookah bars use CocoNara as their standard charcoal.

Tom Cococha is a German brand synonymous with top quality. Their charcoal is somewhat more expensive, but the consistency and burning quality are outstanding. Tom Cococha offers various product lines, including Gold, Silver, and Yellow, which differ in size and burning time.Blackcoco's is another premium brand that is particularly popular in Europe. Their charcoal is known for low ash production and long burning time.

OneNation and 26er are other recommended brands. OneNation offers large cubes that burn particularly long and are ideal for extended sessions. 26er, as the name suggests, produces 26x26 millimeter cubes that are characterized by consistent quality. When choosing a brand, it's worth trying different ones to find out which best suits your setup and preferences.

Proper use and storage

Proper use of charcoal is crucial for optimal results. Natural charcoal must be fully lit before being placed on the grill. It should glow orange from all sides, without any black spots. This takes approximately 8 to 10 minutes on an electric lighter. Rotate the charcoal several times during lighting to ensure even burning. Never use charcoal that still has any black areas.

Quick-light coals must also be fully lit. After the sparks have stopped, wait another 30 to 60 seconds until the entire chemical layer has burned off. The coal should have an even layer of gray ash. Only then should you place it on the bowl. Adding underlit quick-light coals too soon is a common mistake that results in extremely bad flavor.

Proper storage of coal is crucial for its quality. Store coal in a dry, cool place. Moisture can damage natural coal and impair its burning properties. Sealed containers or the original packaging protect against moisture. Quick-light coals are more sensitive to moisture, as it can affect their chemical coating. Airtight storage is especially important for these. Coal should be kept out of the reach of children.

Summary

Choosing between natural charcoal and quick-lighting charcoal is one of the most important decisions for hookah enthusiasts. Natural charcoal made from coconut shells offers superior flavor without chemical additives, a significantly longer burning time of 60 to 90 minutes, and less ash production, but requires special lighting equipment and 5 to 10 minutes of preparation time. Quick-lighting charcoal scores points for extreme convenience and being ready to use within a minute, but has significant drawbacks such as a chemical aftertaste, shorter burning time, and more ash production. For regular home use, natural charcoal is the clear recommendation, while quick-lighting charcoal can be practical for outdoor sessions or spontaneous occasions.