Without charcoal, nothing works! This applies both in life and with your shisha. But the charcoal cubes alone won’t help you enjoy your hookah! To fully enjoy the experience, you need to light the shisha charcoal properly. In this article, we'll explain exactly how to do it.
First, you need to distinguish between two types of charcoal: quick-light (self-igniting) charcoal and natural charcoal.
Self-Igniting Charcoal - Easy to Light with a Lighter
To light self-igniting shisha charcoal, all you need is a lighter. Hold the flame to the charcoal for 20-30 seconds, and it will begin to glow on its own. No additional equipment is necessary.
Note: Even though self-igniting charcoal is easy to light, we advise against using it. These coals contain chemical additives that allow them to ignite quickly, but they also release more harmful substances while burning, which can affect the taste of your shisha. Additionally, they produce a significant amount of ash during combustion. For these reasons, we do not sell this type of charcoal in our shisha shop.
High-Quality Natural Charcoal - Requires a Charcoal Burner
The second option is natural shisha charcoal, which is exclusively used by experienced shisha smokers. As the name suggests, this charcoal is made from natural materials, specifically coconut shells, which is why it is sometimes called coconut charcoal.
Packaging of Natural Shisha Charcoal
To use this charcoal, you need a charcoal burner. This can be either an electric charcoal burner or a gas charcoal burner. Both options work equally well and cost around 20-25 euros.
Charcoal Burner Comparison Check out our charcoal burner comparison to find the best option for you.
For home use, electric burners are typically preferred. There are several variations available.
Tip: Choose a charcoal burner with a coil or a metal grid to allow oxygen to reach the bottom of the charcoal. Otherwise, the charcoal will not glow evenly.
Comparison of Charcoal Types
Criteria
Natural Charcoal
Self-Igniting Charcoal
Composition
100% natural coconut shell
Pressed charcoal dust with chemical additives
Ignition Method
Charcoal burner
Lighter
Time Required
6-10 minutes
20-30 seconds
Burn Duration
75-90 minutes
30-40 minutes
Taste
Neutral
Alters shisha flavor
Temperature
High burning temperature
Medium burning temperature
Burn Consistency
Even
Often uneven
How to Light Shisha Charcoal!
As previously mentioned, you can ignite your charcoal using either an electric charcoal lighter or a gas charcoal lighter. The process is relatively similar. The only difference is that turning on the gas version is slightly more complex. However, once you've done it following this guide, it will be no problem!
Consider when choosing a charcoal lighter: You should choose a lighter equipped with a coil or a grid where the shisha charcoals are placed during heating, allowing oxygen to reach the underside. Otherwise, the bottom part will not fully ignite!
Lighting Charcoal with an Electric Charcoal Lighter
You can use an electric charcoal lighter anywhere with access to a power outlet. Unfortunately, there are no battery-operated or rechargeable lighters, as the required power is too high, making such a device extremely heavy and expensive.
*Place the charcoal on the grid and turn on the lighter
First, place your electric lighter on a flat surface. It should also be fireproof in case the charcoal slips from the tongs while removing it from the lighter.
Next, place the desired number of charcoal cubes on the provided grid of the lighter.
Note: Most charcoal lighters come with a grid to prevent charcoals from directly contacting the heating coil. This ensures the coil lasts longer and prevents the issue of the lighter failing after just a few months.
In the next step, turn on the charcoal lighter, usually done using a dial. You can safely set it to the highest level. The lighter should heat up within seconds.
After about 5 minutes, you should turn the shisha charcoal to ensure it ignites evenly on all sides. After another 3-5 minutes, your shisha charcoal should be ready for use, and you can enjoy your shisha.
Turn the charcoal and wait a bit longer
After a few minutes, remove the charcoals from the lighter and place them in the basket
Lighting takes too long? Here are some tips to speed up the process.
Lighting Charcoal with a Gas Lighter
For gas-operated lighters (usually a gas stove or Bunsen burner), you first need to insert a gas cartridge into the lighter. Simply unscrew the bottom, insert the cartridge, and screw the cover back on.
Place the gas cartridge in the gas lighter.
Warning! Once you've inserted the cartridge, do not open the lighter again until the cartridge is empty. The lighter punctures a small hole in the cartridge when screwed in. If you remove the cover too early, gas will escape into the environment and is highly flammable!
Once the cartridge is in place, have a lighter or match ready and turn the dial of the lighter. You should hear a faint hissing sound from the escaping gas. Now, ignite the flame using the lighter or match.
Tip: Hold the flame from below when lighting the gas lighter to avoid burning your fingers!
Here's how to safely light a gas lighter.
Now place the charcoal on the lighter. As with the electric version, turn the charcoal after about 5 minutes to ensure even ignition. After another 3-5 minutes, your charcoal should be ready.
Things to Consider When Lighting Shisha Charcoal
It is crucial only to remove the natural charcoal from the lighter once it is fully ignited! During ignition, charcoal emits a lot of carbon monoxide.
If you place half-lit charcoal with black spots on your shisha bowl, it will continue to burn while you inhale carbon monoxide. Avoid this at all costs!
Summary of Lighting Shisha Charcoal
As you’ve noticed, the process for both lighters is very similar and can be summarized as follows:
1. Place charcoal on the lighter 2. Turn on the lighter 3. Turn the charcoal after about 5 minutes 4. Remove charcoal after another 3-5 minutes
Tips for Lighting Shisha Natural Charcoal
All objects in contact with charcoal will become very hot. Always be mindful of where you touch them to avoid burns.
Always place the lighter on a fireproof surface to prevent fires if charcoal falls off.
Turning the charcoal is crucial for even burning. Flip it after about 5 minutes to maintain its shape.
Use a charcoal basket to transport glowing charcoal safely to prevent damage from falling pieces.
If lighting charcoal indoors, open windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide buildup, which can cause severe headaches, nausea, or even death in high concentrations.
Did you know: We offer everything related to shishas in our online shop. You can find all top brands for shisha tobacco, various types of shisha coal burners, and plenty of additional shisha accessories!
Heat should no longer be a problem! Or is it?
We hope this article has answered all your questions about lighting shisha charcoal. If not, you can always contact our customer service on WhatsApp at +49 178 1883338 or via email at info@mozeshisha.de!
FAQ: Properly Lighting Shisha Charcoal
What types of shisha charcoal are there?
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There are two types of shisha charcoal:
Natural charcoal: Made from natural materials (e.g., coconut shells) and has a long burn time. However, it requires a coal burner to ignite.
Self-lighting charcoal (Quick-Light-Coal): Contains chemical additives that allow it to be lit quickly with a lighter but negatively affect the flavor and release more harmful substances.
What is the best method to light shisha charcoal?
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For natural charcoal, we recommend using an electric charcoal burner or a gas charcoal burner. Both methods ensure even and complete ignition of the coal.
How long does it take for natural charcoal to fully ignite?
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Natural charcoal takes about 6-10 minutes to fully ignite. After approximately 5 minutes, it should be turned to ensure even heating on all sides.
How do I light shisha charcoal with an electric charcoal burner?
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Place the burner on a fireproof surface.
Put the charcoal on the burner's grid.
Set the burner to the highest level.
Turn the charcoal with tongs after 5 minutes.
After another 3-5 minutes, the charcoal will be fully ignited and ready to use.
How does lighting work with a gas charcoal burner?
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Insert a gas cartridge into the burner.
Slowly open the gas valve until a hissing sound is heard.
Ignite the flame with a lighter or match.
Place the charcoal on the burner.
Turn the charcoal after 5 minutes; after another 3-5 minutes, it will be ready.
Why is it important for the charcoal to be fully ignited?
expand_more
Partially ignited charcoal can release harmful carbon monoxide. Therefore, it should only be placed on the bowl once it has no more black spots.
How can I speed up the process of lighting shisha charcoal?
expand_more
Use a high-powered electric charcoal burner with a coil or grid to heat the charcoal evenly.
Do not place the charcoal directly on the heating coil to avoid damage to the burner.
Turn the charcoal after about 5 minutes to ensure even ignition on all sides.
How do I safely transport glowing shisha charcoal?
expand_more
Use a coal basket to safely transport glowing charcoal to the shisha bowl. This prevents charcoal from falling on the floor and causing damage.
What safety precautions should I take when lighting shisha charcoal?
expand_more
Place the charcoal burner on a fireproof surface.
Open windows to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
Never leave the burner unattended, as it reaches high temperatures.
Always use tongs to handle charcoal to avoid burns.
Do not remove gas cartridges prematurely to prevent uncontrolled gas leaks.
FAQ: Properly Lighting Shisha Charcoal
What types of shisha charcoal are there?
expand_more
There are two types of shisha charcoal:
Natural charcoal: Made from natural materials (e.g., coconut shells) and has a long burn time. However, it requires a coal burner to ignite.
Self-lighting charcoal (Quick-Light-Coal): Contains chemical additives that allow it to be lit quickly with a lighter, but negatively affect the flavor and release more harmful substances.
What is the best method for lighting shisha charcoal?
expand_more
For natural charcoal, we recommend using an electric coal burner or a gas coal burner. Both methods ensure even and complete ignition of the coal.
How long does it take for natural charcoal to fully ignite?
expand_more
Natural charcoal takes about 6-10 minutes to fully ignite. After about 5 minutes, it should be turned to ensure even heating on all sides.
How do I light shisha charcoal with an electric coal burner?
expand_more
Place the burner on a fireproof surface.
Put the charcoal on the burner's grid.
Set the burner to the highest level.
Turn the charcoal with tongs after 5 minutes.
After another 3-5 minutes, the charcoal will be fully ignited and ready to use.
How does lighting work with a gas coal burner?
expand_more
Insert a gas cartridge into the burner.
Slowly open the gas valve until a hissing sound is heard.
Ignite the flame with a lighter or match.
Place the charcoal on the burner.
Turn the charcoal after 5 minutes; after another 3-5 minutes, it will be ready.
Why is it important for the charcoal to be fully ignited?
expand_more
Partially ignited charcoal can release harmful carbon monoxide. Therefore, it should only be placed on the bowl once it has no more black spots.
How can I speed up the process of lighting shisha charcoal?
expand_more
Use a high-powered electric coal burner with a coil or grid to heat the charcoal evenly.
Do not place the charcoal directly on the heating coil to avoid damage to the burner.
Turn the charcoal after about 5 minutes to ensure even ignition on all sides.
How do I safely transport glowing shisha charcoal?
expand_more
Use a coal basket to safely transport glowing charcoal to the shisha bowl. This prevents charcoal from falling on the floor and causing damage.
What safety precautions should I take when lighting shisha charcoal?
expand_more
Place the coal burner on a fireproof surface.
Open windows to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
Never leave the burner unattended, as it reaches high temperatures.
Always use tongs to handle charcoal to avoid burns.
Do not remove gas cartridges prematurely to prevent uncontrolled gas leaks.
