photo credit: normalityrelief

Hookah coals, are an often overlooked part of the hookah smoking experience. I guess because it doesn’t seem that important. However it really is. For a great flavorsome smoke every part of your hookah pipe should be working in concert with the other and the hookah coal is no less, nor more, important than any other part of your hookah.

You can find a link to good-quality hookah coals at the end of this article.

What To Look For In Hookah Coals

Ideally you’re looking for hookah coals that are;

Long lasting with an even burn – you don’t want to have to mess about replacing coals during your session, nor do you want uneven temperatures that will make charcoal management difficult.

Odorless – As much as is possible you want to be tasting your tobacco, not the charcoal. Sounds obvious but some hookah coals do have a definite unpleasant taste to them.

What Kinds Of Coals Are There?

photo credit: quinn.anya

Basically hookah coals, or charcoal come in two different kinds. These are Quick-Light and Natural.

Of the two, natural hookah coals are the superior. The choice of the connoisseur, odorless and with a great long-lasting, low-temperature, even burn. However, you do require a special stove and a little more time to get them going. Usually about 10 minutes or so depending on the brand.

Quick-light hookah coals are a lot simpler to use. You can light them with any disposable lighter and within a minute or two you have a hookah coal that is ready to be placed atop your bowl. As with most short cuts though there is a down side. You sometimes get a slight unpleasant odor with these kind of hookah coals. Nothing over-the-top if you choose a good quality brand, but still slightly noticeable to the experienced smoker. This odor is from the expedient which is added to the hookah coals to make them light so quickly.

So Which Kind Of Hookah Coals Should I Use?

Well, I generally have both kinds to hand. If I’m at home and with time on my hands then sure, I’ll fire up the stove and use the superior natural hookah coals.

However when time is an issue, or I’m somewhere without a stove, then quick lights come in very, very useful. The odor really isn’t that noticeable and I’m not particularly precious about it.

Where Can I Buy Hookah Coals?

You can find both types of hookah coals, here. These are good-quality coals made by reputable brands, and at very reasonable prices.

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