#56: Coal Guide - 2

Hookah charcoal comes in three major varieties. “Natural”, lump natural and quick light varieties.

Correct use of coals is very important for a perfect smoke and is called heat management. Read our complete guide to hookah heat management. Whatever kind of charcoal you us make sure that the coal is entirely lit. Nasty flavors and harsh smoke can result if the coal is not glowing red.

Quick Light Coals

Coated in easily ignited chemicals so that they light very quickly.

• Pros: They start burning very fast in less than a minute. Some can easily be lit with a single match.
• Cons: They cost more than natural coals. Some of them add unwanted flavor to the tobacco. An unpleasant smell is released when lighting.

Belgian

Belgian makes two kinds of coals. A reformed natural that comes in a 40mm disk and a quick light version that comes in 33mm and 40mm sizes.

Three Kings

Three Kings are the most commonly used quick light coals.

Akhla

A very fast lighting charcoal best used outside because of how violently they light. Lots of smell when lighting but very clean smoking. A very coarse texture.

Golden Coals

A quick light coal with a very fine texture. See Golden Hookah Coals page for more information.

Rolland

Widely considered a bad brand that causes headaches and off flavors.