Preparing the perfect hookah requires a suitable heat source. Many Hookah enthusiasts wonder what to replace shisha coals with. In the following article, we’ll take a look at the various options available to replace traditional coals, analyzing their advantages, disadvantages and impact on the smoking experience.
Hookah coals – why are they so popular?
Before we move on to what to replace the Hookah coals with, it is worth considering: what this heat source is and what advantages and disadvantages it has.
There are 2 types of hookah coals:
- Natural charcoal – this is the most traditional form of coals used in hookah. They are mainly produced from walnut shells, but can also be found in a version made from coconut. The advantage of such coals is their natural origin, which provides clean and stable embers without additional chemicals. They burn longer and are less harmful to health, which translates into better smoke quality and a deeper, more authentic flavor;
- Self-lighting coals – these coals are enriched with chemicals that make them easier to light. This makes them convenient to use, as they ignite quickly and easily, even with a small fire source like a lighter. However, these same substances can affect the taste of the smoke, which can be an undesirable effect for some users.
Advantages of Hookah coals
- Temperature stability – Hookah coals provide a consistent temperature, which is crucial for even smoking of tobacco and production of thick, aromatic smoke.
- Long-lasting smoking – compared to other heat sources, coals can maintain the right temperature for a long time, which is important during longer Hookah smoking sessions.
Disadvantages of Hookah coals
- Harmful emissions – burning coals, especially self-burning ones, can lead to harmful emissions.
- Preparation time – it takes time and proper kindling technique for the coals to reach the right temperature and start glowing evenly. For some users, this can be a nuisance, especially if you expect to start a session quickly.
- Clutter and cleaning – using coals involves cleaning after a session. Ash and cigarette butts can be difficult to remove.
What to replace the hookah coals with?
What to replace hookah coals with? Currently, the only alternative to hookah coals is the use of electric heaters, which were created for inhalation. This is an innovative solution that eliminates the need for traditional coals, and is based on electrically heating the tobacco to the right temperature.
Advantages of electric heaters
- No open flame – electric heaters do not require an open flame, which greatly increases safety when smoking a Hookah, especially in enclosed spaces or places where an open flame could pose a danger.
- Constant temperature control – the user can precisely regulate the temperature, which is crucial for optimal burning of tobacco and prevents burning, which can happen when using coals.
- No impact on taste – electric heaters do not affect the taste of the smoke, as they do not generate any additional substances to mix with the smoke, unlike self-burning coals.
- Ease of use – the heaters are very easy to use and do not require the same level of experience as managing traditional coals.
Disadvantages of electric heaters
- Power dependency – heaters require access to a power source, which can limit their mobility and use outdoors.
- Warm-up time – some heater models may require more time to reach the right temperature compared to the rapid ignition of self-igniting coals.
- Cost – the initial cost of purchasing an electric heater may be higher than traditional coals, but in the long run it may prove to be a savings, thanks to the lower consumption of consumables.
Summary
In summary, electric heaters are a modern, safe and effective alternative to traditional coals. The decision to use them depends on the individual preferences of users and the conditions in which the hookah is most often used. However, for many people , it is the coals that give maximum satisfaction from using a Hookah, which is why they remain very popular. Many enthusiasts believe that traditional coals not only better regulate the flow of heat, but also add authenticity to the whole Hookah smoking experience. For them, the ritual of preparing the coals and watching them glow is an integral part of the total experience.
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