Coal is an indispensable attribute of a hookah, without which it is impossible to enjoy thick smoke. His choice should be taken seriously. You can make coal yourself, but only as a last resort, when there is no real at hand.
Today, there are two types of coal: natural and chemical. The latter is rarely used among true connoisseurs of hookah. Although it quickly ignites, it cools quickly too. Such coal is not able to hold heat for a long time, and it needs to be changed often. This is very distracting from the process.
Natural coals
Natural coals are fired longer and keep heat much longer. Most often they are made from coconut shell. Such coals do not emit harmful substances during smoking and do not affect the taste of tobacco. They need to be changed every half an hour. During this time, you can enjoy plenty of smoke from a hookah. You can buy coconut coals in any specialized store.
Hookah lovers often use coals made of lemon wood. They also do not spoil the taste of tobacco and do not emit harmful substances during combustion. Compared to coconut coals, they have disadvantages: they need to be pre-crushed and often replaced. But if there are no coconuts at hand, then lemon ones will do.
Chemical coals
Chemical (self-igniting) coals are ignited and cool several times faster than natural ones. An unpleasant odor can come from such coals during the smoking of the hookah. When they are ignited, a lot of sparks are formed.
Chemical coals are made from dry alcohol or nitrate. Coals from saltpeter when fired up smell particularly unpleasant, so you should give preference to coal from alcohol. Both are recommended to be used only in well-ventilated rooms or on the street.
Before you start smoking a hookah, the coal must be completely burnt out. Make sure that no black spots remain.
