What types of hookah charcoal are there?

There are two main types: quick-light charcoal, which lights easily with a lighter but contains more pollutants, and natural charcoal, which burns longer, is cleaner, and offers better flavor.

How do you properly light natural hookah charcoal?

It’s best to use an electric or gas-powered charcoal heater. Place the charcoal on the grid, flip it after about 5 minutes, and it will be ready after another 3–5 minutes. Always ensure proper ventilation!

How does an electric charcoal heater work?

It usually consists of a heating coil and a grid. Place the charcoal on top, set the device to high, and turn the charcoal after 5 minutes. After 6–10 minutes, the charcoal is fully lit. Only use on a fireproof surface!

Lighting Shisha Charcoal – How to Do It Safely and Easily

Q: Which is better: natural charcoal or quick-light charcoal?

Natural charcoal outperforms in almost every aspect: it has a more neutral flavor, burns longer, produces fewer pollutants, and provides a more pleasant smoking experience – but it requires a heater.

Q: What safety precautions should you take when lighting charcoal?

Always use on a fireproof surface, ensure proper ventilation (open windows!), handle charcoal only with tongs, and use a charcoal basket for transport. Only replace gas cartridges when empty!

Last updated on 04/23/2025 | Reading time approx. 5:55 min

Summary

There are two types of shisha charcoal: classic shisha charcoal (also known as natural charcoal) and quick-light charcoal.
Natural charcoal = better flavor, but requires a charcoal burner.
Quick-light charcoal = easy to light, but unpleasant taste and more questionable from a health perspective.
Both types of burners (electric & gas-powered) work well.
Safety and good ventilation are essential!

What types of shisha charcoal are there?

Quick-light charcoal – easy, but not ideal

This charcoal can be lit with a lighter and will start glowing on its own within 20–30 seconds. Sounds practical, but it’s far from ideal:

Contains chemicals
Alters the flavor
Releases more harmful substances
Produces a lot of ash

Note: We don’t carry quick-light charcoal in our shop – and for good reason!

Natural charcoal – the shisha standard

Made from coconut shells, this charcoal requires a burner. In return, it offers:

Better flavor
Fewer harmful substances
Longer burn time

Packaging of natural shisha charcoal

Which charcoal burner is right for you?

Electric charcoal burner

An electric charcoal burner is the ideal solution for home use. Prices usually range between €20 and €25. When buying one, make sure it has a grate or coil.

Make sure it has a grate – only then can air circulate from below!

Gas charcoal burner

A gas charcoal burner is more portable and just as effective, but it does require a bit more caution and preparation.

Safety first! Only change the gas cartridge when it’s empty – risk of explosion!

Lighting natural charcoal properly – step by step

Using an electric charcoal burner

Place the burner on a stable, fireproof surface.
Put the charcoal on the grate.
Set the burner to the highest level.
Turn the charcoal after 5 minutes.
After another 3–5 minutes, the charcoal is ready to use.

Using a gas charcoal burner

Insert the gas cartridge.
Open the gas valve until you hear hissing.
Ignite with a lighter or match.
Place the charcoal on top and turn it after 5 minutes.
After another 3–5 minutes, the charcoal is ready.

Important notes

Only use charcoal once it is fully glowing.
Open windows when using indoors – risk of carbon monoxide!

Comparison: natural charcoal vs. quick-light charcoal

Criteria	Natural charcoal	Quick-light charcoal
Ingredients	Coconut shell	Chemical additives
Lighting method	Charcoal burner	Lighter
Time required	6–10 minutes	20–30 seconds
Burn time	75–90 minutes	30–40 minutes
Flavor	Neutral	Altered
Temperature	High	Medium
Consistency	Very even	Rather uneven

Tips for safe lighting

Use a fireproof surface
Only handle charcoal with tongs
Open windows when used indoors
Use a charcoal basket for transport

Did you know? In the Moze Online Shop you’ll find plenty of hookah charcoal. So if you’re looking to buy hookah charcoal, you’ll find everything you need – from small 1 kg packs to 20 kg hookah charcoal. You’ll also discover many other products related to hookahs – from tobacco to accessories!

FAQ: Lighting shisha charcoal – safe and easy

What types of shisha charcoal are there?

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There are two main types: quick-light charcoal, which can easily be lit with a lighter but contains chemical additives, and natural charcoal, which burns longer, is cleaner, and provides better flavor.

How do you properly light natural shisha charcoal?

expand_more

The best way is to use an electric or gas-powered charcoal burner. Place the charcoal on the grate, turn it after about 5 minutes, and it’s ready after another 3–5 minutes. Always ensure good ventilation!

Which is better: natural charcoal or quick-light charcoal?

expand_more

Natural charcoal performs better in almost every category: it’s more flavor-neutral, burns longer, releases fewer harmful substances, and provides a better smoking experience – but it does require a burner.

How does an electric charcoal burner work?

expand_more

It usually consists of a heating coil and a grate. Place the charcoal on top, set the device to the highest level, and turn the charcoal after 5 minutes. After 6–10 minutes, it’s fully lit. Always use on a fireproof surface!

What safety measures should be followed when lighting charcoal?

expand_more

Always work on a fireproof surface, ensure good ventilation (open windows!), handle charcoal only with tongs, and use a charcoal basket for transport. Only change gas cartridges when they are empty!