Hookah smoking has been a popular pastime for centennials, and it is not hard to understand why. The sweet aroma of flavored tobacco combined with the relaxing buzz from inhaling the smoke makes for a perfect evening activity.
However, before you light up your hookah, there is a pivotal decision you need to make: which type of shisha charcoal should you use? Generally, there are two alternatives: Natural charcoal or quick-light charcoal. But picking the correct one can be a challenge for real. But not with us!
We have fabricated this blog for you to make an informed decision. Get ready to master everything you need about natural vs. quick-light hooka coals!
Table of Contents
What is natural hookah charcoal?
Natural hookah charcoal is made from coconut shells or other woody materials. These natural materials are heated and carbonized to create solid, heat-emitting pieces used for hookah smoking. Natural hooka charcoal typically comes in the form of cube-shaped or finger-shaped pieces.
It burns slowly and evenly, giving you a consistent smoking experience. However, it can be difficult to light it and keep it lit, so you may need to use a coal heater.
What are the advantages of natural charcoal?
- Natural hookah charcoal is known for its clean and pure burning characteristics. It produces minimal smoke, ash, and odor. So you can enjoy the flavors without any undesirable aftertaste.
- It burns at a higher temperature and provides a consistent heat source. This ensures a longer-lasting session.
- It is generally free from chemicals, additives, and fillers. It does not contain sulfur or other harmful substances that can potentially affect your health.
- It has a neutral flavor profile, which means it will not impart any unwanted flavors or alter the taste of your hookah tobacco.
- Natural hookah charcoal is considered eco-friendly, especially those made from coconut husks or bamboo. These materials are renewable, sustainable, and typically sourced from environmentally responsible processes.
- It can be used with various heat management systems, such as heat management devices, foil, or traditional hookah bowls.
- It provides even heat distribution throughout the shisha hookah bowl. This helps prevent hot spots or uneven burning, improving flavor and smoke quality.
What are the disadvantages of natural charcoal?
- Natural hookah charcoal typically takes longer to ignite than quick-light or instant hookah charcoals infused with chemical accelerants.
- Using natural hooka charcoal effectively may require additional equipment, such as a charcoal burner or stove.
- Natural hookah charcoal tends to produce more ash compared to quick-light alternatives.
What is quick light charcoal?
Quick-light hookah charcoal is specifically designed for convenient and fast ignition. It is also known as instant light or self-lighting shisha charcoal.
Unlike natural hookah charcoal, which requires an external heat source, quick-light charcoals are infused with chemical accelerants that ignite quickly and easily with a lighter or match.
What are the advantages of quick-light charcoal?
- Quick-light charcoal is designed for easy and quick ignition.
- It requires minimal time to reach the desired temperature for smoking. It ignites rapidly, allowing you to start your hookah session without much delay.
- It is beginner-friendly and straightforward to use. So, newbie hookah smokers or people who may not be familiar with more traditional shisha charcoal lighting techniques can greatly benefit.
- It is designed to provide a consistent heat source throughout your hookah session.
- It is readily available in many hookah supply stores and online retailers. A popular and widely distributed option, quick-light charcoal is easy to find and purchase when needed.
- It often comes in compact and lightweight packaging, which makes it convenient for travel or outdoor shisha hookah sessions.
- It is generally more affordable compared to some natural charcoal options.
What are the disadvantages of quick-light charcoal?
- Quick-light charcoal is infused with chemical accelerants to facilitate rapid ignition. The presence of these additives can introduce a noticeable chemical odor during the lighting process.
- The chemicals can also affect the original flavor of tobacco.
- It typically has a shorter burn time compared to natural charcoal. So, it requires more replacement during a hookah session to maintain consistent heat.
- It can produce significant ash and residue during the burning process.
- It provides less control over the heat level compared to natural charcoal. Also, it burns at a higher temperature and may require extra caution to avoid overheating the tobacco.
- It relies on an external ignition source for lighting, such as a lighter or match. If you cannot access these ignition tools, it may be challenging to light the shisha charcoal and start your hookah session.
Tips for selecting the right charcoal
- Consider your flavor preference: If you value the pure flavor of tobacco, choose natural charcoal.
- If convenience matters: If convenience is more important, opt for quick-light charcoal.
- Assess burn time: If you prefer longer smoking sessions, natural charcoal usually lasts longer than quick-light charcoal.
- Evaluate heat control: Natural charcoal offers better heat control, while quick-light charcoal may require more attention to avoid overheating.
- Check availability: Ensure that your preferred type of charcoal is readily available in your area or through online retailers.
- Try yourself: Experiment with both types to determine which one suits your taste and smoking style best.
Wrapping up!
Ultimately, deciding which type of hookah coal to use boils down to personal preference and budget. If you are finding a more cost-effective option that still produces quality smoke, quick light coals may be the right choice for you. However, if flavor is your top priority, natural coals will give you a better smoking experience.
Whichever type of shisha charcoal you decide to go with, make sure you practice safe handling and storage procedures so that your setup remains both enjoyable and safe at all times!
