How to Use Coconut Charcoal Briquettes for Shisha

Shisha, also known as hookah or water pipe, has been a popular social activity in many cultures for centuries. It involves smoking flavored tobacco through a water pipe, creating a relaxing and social atmosphere. While the focus of a great shisha experience is undoubtedly the quality of tobacco and the flavorings used, the choice of charcoal is equally important.

In recent years, coconut charcoal briquettes have gained favor among shisha enthusiasts for their clean and efficient burning, which enhances the overall experience. In this article, we’ll explore how to use coconut charcoal briquettes for shisha and make the most of your hookah session.

The Advantages of Coconut Charcoal Briquettes for Shisha

1. Clean and Odorless Burning: Coconut charcoal briquettes are known for their clean and virtually odorless burning. This is a crucial factor for shisha enthusiasts, as it ensures that the charcoal doesn’t interfere with the flavors and aroma of the tobacco and the added flavorings.
2. Low Ash Production: When using coconut charcoal briquettes, you’ll notice significantly less ash compared to other types of charcoal. This not only reduces the mess but also means you won’t have to change the coals as frequently during your shisha session.
3. High Heat Output: Coconut charcoal briquettes burn hot and consistent. This is important for maintaining the right temperature to properly heat the shisha tobacco and create a satisfying smoke.
4. Sustainability: Coconut charcoal is made from a renewable resource – coconut shells. By using these shells for charcoal production, you contribute to reducing waste and promote a more sustainable and eco-friendly choice.

How to Use Coconut Charcoal Briquettes for Shisha

Using coconut charcoal briquettes for your shisha session is relatively straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

You Will Need:

• Coconut charcoal briquettes
• A charcoal burner or a specialized shisha charcoal holder
• Shisha pipe or hookah
• Shisha tobacco
• Aluminum foil or a heat management device (such as a HMD)

Step 1: Preparing the Charcoal

Before lighting the coconut charcoal briquettes, you’ll need to prepare them. It’s essential to break or cut the briquettes into smaller pieces suitable for your shisha setup charcoal briquette. While some prefer to use whole briquettes, smaller pieces are generally more manageable and provide better control over the heat.

Step 2: Lighting the Charcoal

Coconut charcoal briquettes can be ignited using a few different methods:

• Electric Charcoal Starter: This is one of the easiest and safest ways to light your coconut charcoal. Simply place the briquettes on the electric starter and wait for them to glow red. This may take around 5-10 minutes.
• Charcoal Chimney Starter: Similar to an electric starter, a charcoal chimney starter is a handy tool for lighting charcoal. Place the briquettes inside, light a piece of newspaper underneath, and wait for the charcoal to become red-hot.
• Open Flame: You can also light the coconut charcoal briquettes directly on a gas stove, electric stovetop, or open flame. Use tongs to hold the briquette over the heat source until it starts to glow.

Whichever method you choose, make sure the coconut charcoal briquettes are evenly lit and have a layer of white ash before placing them on your shisha bowl.

Step 3: Preparing the Shisha Pipe

While the coconut charcoal is getting ready, prepare your shisha pipe. Fill the bowl with the shisha tobacco, ensuring it’s evenly packed but not too tightly. Cover the bowl with aluminum foil, leaving a little room for airflow. Alternatively, you can use a heat management device (HMD) to simplify the process.

Step 4: Placing the Coconut Charcoal on the Shisha Bowl

Once your coconut charcoal briquettes are ready, place them on top of the aluminum foil or heat management device. Ensure that they are evenly distributed to create even heat across the bowl. Start with one or two pieces and add more as needed to maintain the desired temperature.

Step 5: Enjoying Your Shisha Session

Allow a few minutes for the shisha tobacco to heat up and start producing flavorful smoke. As you enjoy your shisha session, you can periodically rotate the coconut charcoal briquettes or adjust the airflow through your HMD or aluminum foil to control the heat.

Remember that shisha sessions are all about relaxation and enjoyment. Take your time to savor the flavors and share the experience with friends and loved ones. Refill the shisha bowl and add more coconut charcoal briquettes as needed to prolong your session.

Step 6: Safety Precautions

When using coconut charcoal briquettes for shisha, it’s crucial to observe some safety precautions:

• Use a designated charcoal burner or shisha charcoal holder to avoid accidents.
• Keep the coconut charcoal away from children and pets, as it can be extremely hot.
• Be mindful of the hot ash produced by the briquettes, and have a safe place to dispose of it.

Where to Find Coconut Charcoal Briquettes for Shisha

Coconut charcoal briquettes suitable for shisha can be found in many specialty stores, particularly those catering to hookah enthusiasts. You can also purchase them from online retailers that specialize in shisha and hookah accessories. When purchasing coconut charcoal briquettes, make sure to look for high-quality, pure coconut shell briquettes with no added chemicals or fillers for the best results.

In conclusion, using coconut charcoal briquettes for your shisha session can greatly enhance your experience. Their clean and odorless burning, low ash production, high heat output, and sustainability make them a top choice for shisha enthusiasts. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can enjoy a more enjoyable and flavorful shisha session with your friends and family.