Shisha charcoal sizes explained: 25mm, 26mm, 27mm and instant light

The short answer: natural coconut charcoal cubes are the standard for shisha. 25mm cubes suit most bowls. 26mm give a little more heat and a longer session. 27mm are for big bowls, heat management devices and long lounge sessions. Instant light coals light in seconds, but most people find coconut cubes taste cleaner.

The sizes

• 25mm cubes: the all-rounder. Easy to control, ideal for standard bowls with foil and for beginners.
• 26mm cubes: a touch bigger, so more heat and more time. A popular choice with heat management devices.
• 27mm cubes: the largest common size. Made for big bowls, HMDs and long sessions; lounges often use them.
• Smaller cuts (such as quad cut): more, smaller pieces for finer heat control.
• Instant light tablets (33mm to 40mm discs): light with a lighter, ready in a minute or two. Handy outdoors and when travelling.

How many coals?

As a starting point:

• Standard bowl with foil: 3 × 25mm.
• Heat management device: 2 to 3 cubes, depending on the device and the size of the cubes.
• Big bowls: 3 × 26mm or 27mm.

Start with fewer, and add one if the flavour feels thin. Too much heat makes the session harsh.

How to light coconut charcoal

1. Put the cubes on an electric charcoal burner.
2. Turn them with tongs every few minutes.
3. They are ready when they are glowing and grey all over, usually after 8 to 10 minutes.

Always light and use charcoal in a well-ventilated space, on a heat-proof surface, and never leave lit coals unattended.

What to look for

• Natural coconut shell, with no added chemicals.
• Low ash, so it burns cleanly.
• No smell or taste once fully lit.

Browse coconut charcoal, instant light charcoal, or all charcoal, from 1kg boxes to 20kg lounge packs. Using an HMD? Read heat management explained.