If you are fond of smoking shisha tobacco, then you must have heard of a hookah charcoal burner. However, it may be confusing for you to use, especially if you are new to it. Believe it or not, using a coal burner to light up the charcoal can significantly enhance your entire smoking experience by burning the coal evenly from all sides. Nevertheless, heating the hookah charcoal can be very intimidating if you are not well aware of the process of using this tool efficiently. Relax; don’t worry; we got your back. In today’s Amy Deluxe’s blog, we will guide you through the right way to use a hookah coal burner to ignite your hookah charcoal like an expert. Without wasting any time, let us get started.

What Is a Hookah Charcoal Burner?

A hookah charcoal or coal burner is a specially designed heating tool that can heat and light up hookah charcoal fast and safely. Using a coal burner significantly reduces the risk of having a fire accident or damaging the hookah.

Today’s hookah market is flooded with various kinds of hookah charcoal burners with numerous features. Among all, the electric coal burner is the most popular one. It basically features a heating component, metal mesh or coil to hold the coal pieces, and a temperature-regulating knob. These days, some of the latest burners have additional features like an automatic switch-off feature or a timer, which make them more safe and secure to work with. They are also available in different wattages. However, charcoal will heat up faster if you are using a higher-wattage burner. Let us check how you can use one efficiently for your upcoming sessions.

Different Types of Hookah Charcoal Burners

Hookah charcoal burners are accessible in various types. 

• One is the portable gas charcoal burner that operates on butane or propane and is excellent for outdoor smoking sessions.
• A stovetop burner is another not-so-popular burner that sits directly on the stove. 
• However, the electric charcoal burner is the most popular charcoal burner and runs on electricity.

Regardless of the burner type, always choose a charcoal burner that is long lasting, made of heat-resistant material, and has a stable base. Check out the manufacturer’s manual and use it very cautiously.

How Does a Hookah Charcoal Burner Operate?

Such coal burners use electricity to warm up their heating element, which then heats up the charcoal pieces sitting on the metal coil. To run the burner, you just need to plug in the tool, switch it on, and adjust the temperature using the control knob according to your liking. Give it a few minutes to heat up, then place the charcoal units on the metal tray, maintaining some space in between them. Never stack them together.

Always read out the manufacturer’s instructions beforehand and be careful. Mishandling the tool can often get dangerous. Never leave a hot or running coal burner unattended. Always place it on a sturdy, heat-resistant surface to avoid any unwanted mishaps.

How Long Does It Take to Heat Up Hookah Charcoal?

Compared to quicklights, natural hookah charcoal takes more time to light up. While natural coals take 7 to 10 minutes to ignite fully, quick-lights heat up in around 3 to 5 minutes. Again, smaller coals heat up faster but also cool down very quickly. They need to be changed more frequently. The wattage of the burner also influences the heating time. Higher the power, faster the coals will be heated.

Using a Hookah Charcoal Burner: A Step-Wise Guide

Here is a step-wise guide to using a hookah charcoal burner to light up the hookah charcoal properly and more efficiently.

1. Set Up. Use a sturdy, heat-resistant base like a countertop or table to place the coal burner on.
2. Power It. Connect it to a reliable and steady power outlet and switch it on. 
3. Heat Up. Adjust the temperature according to your liking and let it heat up for some time depending on its wattage.
4. Place the Charcoal. Now place the coal pieces side by side using tongs. Never pile them up. Distribute them evenly.
5. Heat the Charcoal. Hold on until the coals turn red hot. It usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. Rotate them in between so they get light up from all sides.
6. Handle with Care. Use a pair of tongs to carefully handle or remove the hot coals.
7. Remove the Coals. Place the heated charcoals on top of the packed and prepared hookah bowl using tongs.
8. Turn off the Charcoal Burner. Switch off and unplug the Hookah charcoal burner and let it completely cool down before keeping it away.

How Often Should You Change the Hookah Coal in the Burner?

Small-sized coals burn out faster while the large coals produce more heat. Usually, you need 1 to 2 coals for each session, depending on the size of the bowl and the desired smoke thickness. If you are a regular smoker, you will need to change the coals frequently. However, it is advisable to change the hot coals every 45 to 60 minutes to have a fresh and clean smoke session.

Again, high-quality charcoal burns longer and generates more heat, letting you cherish long sessions without worrying about frequent coal changes. On the other hand, cheap-quality coal burns out fast and seeks more changes. Therefore, you also need to consider the coal quality.

Can Hookah Coal Burners Improve Your Smoking Experience?

Burning coals on a stove or using a lighter may result in uneven heating and also deteriorate the flavor and quality of the shisha smoke. However, using a coal burner enhances your entire smoking experience. Not only does it heat the coals consistently and evenly, but it also minimizes the chances of fire mishaps, as they are particularly designed for this purpose.

Things to Remember When Using a Coal Burner

• Always put it on a non-flammable, stable surface.
• Never leave the hot or plugged coal burner unattended.
• Use it in an open or well-ventilated space, like near an open window, to avoid the accumulation of smoke.
• Use tongs or heat-resistant gloves while handling hot charcoal.
• Always be cautious when adding or removing coal.
• Allow the burner to cool down completely before cleaning, handling, or storing it away.

Following these precautions will only elevate your smoking experience.

Can a Hookah Charcoal Burner Overheat?

When a hookah coal burner is overloaded with too many coals or used in an improperly ventilated space, it can raise the temperature and overheat. So avoid heating too many coals together and use them in a well-ventilated area. If you even notice the burner getting too hot or releasing a strange odor, consider switching it off and cooling it down before using it any further. Read and follow the manufacturer's guide for further safety.

Cleaning a Hookah Charcoal Burner

To begin, let the coal burner cool down completely after turning and unplugging it. Now, remove and dispose of the coal residue carefully. Clean off the debris and coal ash from it using a soft brush or sponge. Use soap water or cleaning if there is a stubborn buildup or stain. Now, rinse it with warm water to remove all the soap before drying it thoroughly with a soft cloth or simply air-dry it before storing it.

For further queries, or if you like to switch, upgrade, or simply buy a new hookah or hookah accessories or shisha tobacco, simply check out our Amy Deluxe online store to get started. We bring you only the best in the market to make your session more fun and relaxing.

Happy smoking!