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Last updated on 07.05.2025 | Reading time approx. 04:01 min
Especially in summer, many hookah smokers enjoy smoking outdoors and relaxing with the cool smoke of a hookah. However, lighting hookah charcoal outside can often be a challenge. In this article, we show you how to light your hookah charcoal outdoors so you can enjoy your hookah even when you're on the go. When you're outdoors, you generally have the following options to get your hookah charcoal glowing:
If you can accept compromises in the flavor of your hookah while you're on the go, you can also use quick-light charcoal. It can easily be lit with a lighter because it contains chemical additives that cause the charcoal to glow on its own once one corner has been ignited.
However, we advise against this option because hookah simply doesn’t taste very good with this type of charcoal, and you also expose your health to additional risks beyond those already associated with smoking hookah. This is due to the chemical additives contained in the charcoal.
As mentioned earlier, you basically have three options to light charcoal when you're on the go. This assumes that there is no electricity available at your location. If you are somewhere with electricity, there are many more ways to get your charcoal glowing. We have described those in our guide about lighting hookah charcoal.
The easiest solution is to light hookah charcoal using a gas charcoal lighter. All you need is the lighter, a gas cartridge, and matches or a lighter. Of course, you can also get accessories such as gas stoves and cartridges in our shop.
If you already have these items, you can easily light your charcoal while on the go. Proceed as follows:
1. Insert the gas cartridge into the designated holder of the lighter and screw it in.
2. Light a match or lighter and turn the control knob of the lighter so gas starts flowing. You should now hear a quiet hissing sound. Use the flame of your match or lighter to ignite the burner flame.
Igniting the gas lighter
You can now place the charcoal on the lighter. Just like with an electric charcoal lighter, you should turn the charcoal after about 5 minutes so that all sides heat evenly. After turning, wait another 3 to 5 minutes until the hookah charcoal glows evenly on all sides.
Lighting charcoal on the gas lighter
Do you still have quick-light charcoal left from earlier days? Then you can use it now to ignite your natural hookah charcoal. Simply take 3–6 quick-light charcoals and ignite them. Once the quick-light charcoals begin to glow, place your charcoal cubes on top of them and the natural charcoal should slowly begin to glow as well.
Lighting natural hookah charcoal with quick-light charcoal
If you use 3 quick-light charcoals to ignite 3 natural charcoal cubes, you should turn them once they are halfway lit. Alternatively, you can use 6 quick-light charcoals and place them both above and below the natural charcoal cubes at the same time. This speeds up the process and saves you from having to turn the charcoal pieces.
Another alternative that works similarly to quick-light charcoal is using bio grill starters or a disposable grill. With bio grill starters, you only need to find a way to place the charcoal properly on top of them. The easiest way is probably using a container such as a hookah charcoal basket. Place the starters inside, ignite them and then place the natural charcoal on top.
With a disposable grill, the barbecue charcoal acts as the ignition source and you already have a tray where it sits. Once the grill charcoal glows, simply place your hookah charcoal into the embers and within a few minutes it should be fully glowing.
Lighting hookah charcoal in a disposable grill
If you are already sitting around a cozy campfire with friends in the evening, you can also easily light your charcoal in the glowing embers of the fire. Simply place the natural charcoal cubes into the embers and wait until they are fully glowing.
Lighting charcoal in a campfire
If you choose this method, you should use a sufficiently long charcoal tong, otherwise it can be difficult to place the charcoal in a good position within the embers without burning your fingers. A good option would be charcoal tweezers. You can find all charcoal tongs here:
Hookah charcoal tongsLet us know so we can share your idea with other hookah smokers. Simply send us an email at info@mozeshisha.de or a WhatsApp message at +49 178 1883338.
The easiest way is with a gas charcoal lighter and gas cartridge. Alternatives include a disposable grill, bio grill starters or the embers of a campfire – patience and safety are essential.
We advise against it because quick-light charcoal contains chemical additives, tastes unpleasant and is more concerning for your health. At most, use it to ignite natural charcoal.
Insert the gas cartridge, open the gas supply and ignite it with a lighter. Then place the charcoal on top and turn it after 5 minutes. After another 3–5 minutes it should be fully glowing.
Yes, you can place natural charcoal on glowing quick-light charcoals to ignite it. Ideally use 3–6 pieces to generate even heat from above and below.
Wait until the barbecue charcoal glows and then place the natural charcoal directly into the embers. Within a few minutes it will be fully glowing – ideally using a charcoal basket or tongs.
Yes, place the charcoal directly into the hot embers of the campfire. Use a long charcoal tong to avoid burns.
