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Hookah Charcoal Guide
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Basic Charcoal
information:
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Main Types:
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Additional Information:
Hookah Charcoal is charcoal that has been processed to
ensure it burns extra clean with not noticeable taste or smell.
Please Note: Never use any
charcoal briquettes or lump wood charcoal not specifically designed for hookah
smoking without first knowing its properties.
There are 4 main types of hookah charcoals available on the market today.
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Japanese Charcoal:
Characterized by their tablet form and silver coating, these charcoals get their name because they originated in Japan and until recently was exclusively manufactured there. Japanese made charcoals are still among the best quality charcoals available and are quite expensive. As such, recently new brands from China such as Easy Lite have sprung up at a fraction of the original Japanese charcoal prices.
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Processed Natural Charcoal:
Commonly referred to as charcoal “fingers” and sold under such brand names as Sultan, Noor, and Al Ajdad,
These charcoals almost entirely originate in the Middle East and are a
popular type of charcoal. Commonly advertised to be a natural charcoal this
is not accurate since they are in fact processed into uniform rods and thus
require the use of a binder such as starch to remain together. As such they
are not 100% natural.
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Natural Wood Charcoal:
The two most commonly found natural wood charcoals are Olive Wood Charcoal and citrus (Lemon/Orange) wood charcoal. These charcoals are unprocessed (with the exception of the charcoaling process) natural lump pieces of wood. Due to this, they are not uniform in size and shape, however this is often a good trait as they are very easy to control when being used and can be mixed and matched to achieve optimal heat quite easily. They are also very economical and many feel that using these natural wood charcoals will ensure the best smoking experience possible. The differences between the two charcoals is somewhat noticeable as citrus woods often give off a hint of citrus when being burned and ash very fine. With Olive wood charcoals there is no noticeable taste or smell and
its ash flakes of cleaner and in layers, which produce less overall mess. Keep in mind that these charcoals, like processed natural charcoals below, do require some form of sustained heat source such as a stove or hot plate to become ready for use.
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Quick Light Charcoal: The most commonly
used type of hookah charcoal in America. Quick-light charcoals such as
Belgian Charcoal & Three
Kings are enormously popular due to their high quality and ease of use.
These charcoals are characterized by being very easy to light needing only a
match and can be ready for use in under a minute. While lighting, these
charcoal will give off an unpleasant smell and smoke, so they should always
be lit in a well ventilated area or preferably outside. Once fully lit, the
charcoal burns without noticeable flavor or taste.
For the majority of new hookah smokers, we recommend using either quick-light
charcoal or natural wood charcoal depending on circumstances. If lighting
natural charcoal is difficult or too time consuming then quick-light charcoal
is your best bet. However, you regularly smoke at home or at another location
where natural charcoal can conveniently be lit and used, you may find it will
deliver a overall better smoke. In general, Charcoals such as Japanese or
processed natural charcoals are preferred by some, but the majority of hookah
smokers still prefer Natural or quick-light charcoals. For more information on
hookah charcoals or other hookah related issues please visit our Hookah 101
page or our additional charcoal information pages found in our charcoal
categories and also linked to below for your reference.
Natural Charcoal
Information
How to Light Natural Charcoal
Hookah 101
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