Our offer is only for you if you are of legal age. Please confirm that you are at least 18 years old to proceed.
Burning In Your Hookah Smokebox – Here’s How It’s Done!
Last updated on 05.08.2025 | Approx. reading time: 02:02 min
Short Summary of the Article:
- Before the first use, every smokebox should be burned in – whether it’s made of aluminum or stainless steel.
- Reason: Production residues such as oils can release harmful fumes when heated.
- Place the smokebox on a fireproof surface, put two coals underneath and two inside.
- Let everything glow through completely – ideally outside and never on your coal burner!
- Optional: Burn it in inside a coal basket for extra safety.
- Conclusion: Minimal effort, big impact – protects your health and ensures clean smoke.
How Do I Burn In a Smokebox?
You’ve probably heard that you should burn in your hookah smokebox before using it for the first time, right? If not, now’s the time – and we’ll explain what burning in a smokebox or HMD actually means. After explaining why it’s important, we’ll give you a step-by-step guide so you can easily follow the process at home.
Why You Should Always Burn In Your Smokebox
Hookah HMDs or smokeboxes are made of metal. The Kaloud Lotus or the very popular ONMO HMD are made of aluminum, while models like the Na Grani HMD or the AO HMD 912 are made of stainless steel. Basically, all relevant models use one of these two materials. During manufacturing, oils are used to make metal processing possible. When the smokebox heats up during a hookah session through the direct contact with the coal, these oils evaporate – and you inhale them. That’s exactly why burning in your smokebox before the first use is so important.
Step-by-Step Guide: Burning In Your Hookah HMD & Removing Production Residues
After taking your smokebox out of the packaging, you might think there are no oils or residues on the metal and burning in isn’t necessary. However, we strongly recommend doing it anyway, since the residues can form an ultra-thin layer that isn’t visible to the naked eye. Better safe than sorry – so let’s burn in the smokebox instead of risking inhaling toxic fumes created when these residues evaporate. Here’s how it works:
- Place the smokebox on a fireproof surface – ideally outside on paving stones.
- Light four coal cubes on your hookah coal burner.
- Place two of the glowing hookah charcoal cubes underneath the smokebox and two inside.
- Let the coals glow through completely so the HMD reaches maximum temperature.
Tip: If you want to be extra safe and avoid sparks or anything catching fire, you can also burn in your HMD inside a hookah coal basket. Follow the same steps as above – just place the coals and the smokebox inside the basket.
WARNING: Some customers have tried placing their new smokebox directly on the coal burner to burn it in. We strongly advise against this! The metal can overheat and melt – destroying not only the smokebox but also the burner!
Our Conclusion on Burning In
Hookah smoking is harmful to your health, but we still believe you should at least avoid inhaling toxic fumes from production oils. That’s why we consider burning in the smokebox essential and strongly recommend that every customer does it.
To make sure your next bowl doesn’t taste burnt, your HMD also needs proper cleaning after each session. Learn how to clean your smokebox after smoking and what you absolutely shouldn’t do in our article: Cleaning Your Hookah Smokebox – How to Get Your HMD Truly Clean Again.
Want to clean your hookah the right way? You’ll find all pro tips in our category: Hookah Cleaning
FAQ: Burning In a Hookah Smokebox
Why should You burn in a new hookah smokebox?
During the manufacturing process, residues such as oils can remain on the metal, which may release unpleasant or harmful fumes during the first heating. Burning in removes these residues.
How does burning in a smokebox work?
Place the smokebox on a fireproof surface, put two glowing coals underneath it and two inside the smokebox. Let everything heat through completely – ideally outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
Can You place the smokebox on the charcoal burner to burn it in?
No, this is explicitly not recommended. The direct heat on the charcoal burner can damage or deform the metal of the smokebox and, in the worst case, also damage the burner itself.
Is a charcoal basket necessary when burning in?
A charcoal basket is not absolutely necessary, but it offers additional protection against flying sparks and is a practical and safe solution, especially in windy weather.
Do stainless steel smokeboxes also need to be burned in?
Yes, regardless of the material – whether aluminum or stainless steel – new smokeboxes should be burned in before first use to remove possible production residues.