Hookah charcoal is one of the key components affecting flavour and quality. Lighting it incorrectly ruins the session and can affect your health. Here is how to heat charcoal the right way.
Types of hookah charcoal
- Coconut charcoal — the most popular. Long burn, even heat, minimal ash and no foreign odour.
- Quick-light (self-igniting) charcoal — contains chemical additives. Convenient, but affects the taste.
- Wood charcoal — less common, needs more time to light.
For a premium session, use coconut charcoal — such as IZZY COCO.
Lighting methods
- Electric stove. Heat for 5–10 minutes, flipping the cubes. The most convenient and safe method.
- Gas burner. Hold the charcoal with tongs over a medium flame, rotating evenly.
- Open fire. Outdoor use only.
Common mistakes
- Under-heating — the charcoal smoulders and adds bitterness.
- Using unsuitable equipment.
- Over-fanning the charcoal.
Safety
Always use tongs, ventilate the room and keep the lighting process under control.
Signs of readiness
Charcoal is ready when it turns an even red colour with a light grey coating across the whole surface. Only then place it on the hookah.