Charcoal Premium coal, cut to size

Finding the right shisha coals

Most shisha coals are made from coconut shell or husk, though some use other materials, such as the bamboo-based Tangiers Silver Tab. What sets one coal apart from another is the size, the shape and how you light it.

Cube size

• 25mm: a smaller cube, as in Narine 25mm Natural Coconut Charcoal. The Kaloud Lotus 1+ takes three 25mm cubes without breaking them.
• 26mm: described as suiting most bowls and heat management devices. Brands such as Black Cocos, Cocobration, Cocoloco and Narine make one.
• 27mm: a bigger cube that holds plenty of heat for larger bowls, for example Cocoloco Coconut Shisha Charcoal 27mm 1kg or the Shisko 27mm Lounge Pack.

Some listings, such as Cocoloco Shisha Coconut Charcoal 1kg, let you pick the cube size as an option, which is handy if you are not sure yet.

Other shapes

• Cut shapes: coals like Starbuzz Quad Cut (quarter circles) and Starbuzz Tri-Cut are cut to sit well in heat management devices.
• Flats: a wide, low shape that sits well on foil, as with HJ Titanium Flats.
• Small cubes: HJ Titanium Cubettes, for example, are a smaller form of the cube for smaller bowls and devices.
• Instant light: round discs such as Starbuzz Premium Coconut Instant Light catch from a lighter or match, so you can use them outdoors without a burner. Let them finish sparking and glow all over before they go on the bowl.

Lighting natural coals

Cubes need steady heat to light, so most people use a coal burner. Light them fully before use. If you smoke often, lounge packs come in bigger quantities, such as a 20kg pack of Narine 26mm. You can also browse just coconut coal or instant coal.

Questions

Which size should I choose?

26mm is the size most often described as fitting most bowls and heat management devices. Go for 27mm for bigger bowls, or 25mm if your device asks for 2.5cm cubes.

How long do the coals burn?

It varies by brand and set-up. Most makers give figures between about an hour and 2 hours, so check the figure on each listing.

Can I light coconut cubes with a lighter?

Natural cubes need a burner's steady heat. Instant light coals are the ones made to catch from a lighter or match.