Knowledge Base
Charcoal Information Center
Basic charcoal 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.
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Types of charcoal
There are 4 main types of hookah charcoals available on the market today.
Japanese or Silver 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.
Processed Natural Charcoal: Commonly referred to as charcoal
fingers and sold under such brand names as Sultan, Noor, and Al Ajdad,
These charcoals originate almost entirely 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.
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.
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.
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Additional Information
For the majority of new hookah smokers, we recommend using either
quick-light charcoal or silver charcoal depending on circumstances. If
lighting silver 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 silver charcoal can conveniently be lit and
used, you may find it will deliver a overall better smoke.
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How to light natural
charcoal
There are a few methods methods out there to heat natural hookah charcoal.
The methods listed below are only for information. Please keep in mind that
anytime fire or high heat is present, all precautions should be taken to
ensure that safety is never compromised. Social Smoke accepts no
responsibility for any damages that may occur when using or lighting any
charcoal. Use at your own Risk.
Obviously, direct flame is the quickest and easiest way to light any hookah
charcoal. Grills, gas stoves, or torches are all quick and convenient.
Although many choose to do so, we do not recommend lighting any hookah
charcoal indoors. First of all, it could become a fire hazard if left
unattended and often times it effects the aroma of the rooms which takes
away from the fragrant smoke about to fill the air. We recommend lighting
natural charcoals outdoors on a concrete patio or another fire safe area. If
you plan on using a gas stove, place the charcoal over the direct flame of
the burner. Remove the coal from the fire and inspect to make sure that the
charcoal is fully heated. If there are still dark areas that have not become
hot, return the coal to the fire, until the charcoal is fully hot and white.
If using silver charcoal, you will notice that the silver coating flakes
off as the coal lights. Many people use a portable propane stove like those
used for camping or even a Butane torch used for kitchen applications such
as making crème brulee. TIP: We have seen new butane torch sell for very
cheap on eBay.
You can also heat the coal directly on the coils of an electric stove or hot
plate. This method is obviously slower than direct fire, but not so much
that it is unpractical. A hot plate resembles an electric stove except that
it is portable and self contained. An added benefit of a hot plate is that
it allows you the convenience of lighting the charcoals anywhere there is a
plug, for example outside on your concrete porch.
The methods outlined here are only meant as examples of ways others have
heated natural hookah charcoals. Just remember that there are many more ways
to successfully light hookah charcoals. As with anything that could be
potentially dangerous, attention and care should be exercised while lighting
and using natural hookah charcoals.
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