Best Hookah Charcoal of 2026

Bonnie Salem Avatar
Bonnie Salem
Last Updated: Jan 27, 2026

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Hookah charcoal is an essential component for smoking shisha or hookah. It is a small, cylindrical piece of coal that is used to heat the tobacco in the bowl. Hookah charcoal comes in various sizes and shapes, including natural coconut coals or quick-lighting coals. Natural coconut coals are made from compressed coconut husks and are considered the healthier option, as they do not contain any chemicals or additives. Quick-lighting coals, on the other hand, are infused with chemicals that help them ignite quickly and are ideal for those who want a fast and easy smoking experience. Hookah charcoal is a must-have for any hookah enthusiast and can be found at most smoke shops or online retailers.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Coco Nara Hookah Shisha Charcoals, 120 count Cover #TOP 1
Coco Nara Hookah Shisha Charcoals, 120 count
ftb score rating icon 9.8
CocoNara 2 - Coconut Shell Hookah Charcoal Cover #TOP 2
CocoNara 2 - Coconut Shell Hookah Charcoal
ftb score rating icon 9.7
MEKER Quick Light Charcoal Briquettes Cover #TOP 3
MEKER Quick Light Charcoal Briquettes
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Hookah Charcoal

#TOP 1

Coco Nara Hookah Shisha Charcoals, 120 count

CN 120pcs - FLAT
Coco Nara Hookah Shisha Charcoals, 120 count Cover
CocoNara Hookah Shisha Natural Charcoals, 120 Count

Coco Nara Hookah Shisha Charcoals are made from 100% natural coconut shells, making them a clean-burning and tasteless option for hookah enthusiasts. These non-quick lite coals contain no sulphur and leave less than 5% in ashes. With each coal burning up to 60 minutes, they are also an environmentally friendly and economical choice. Plus, no trees were cut down to make this product! Each box weighs over 1kg and has dimensions of 25mm x 25mm x 17mm.

What We Like
Long-lasting burn time
No chemical taste or odor
Even, clean heat
Minimal ash production
Natural coconut shell material
What We Don't Like
Slower ignition time
#TOP 2

CocoNara 2 - Coconut Shell Hookah Charcoal

2pk-coconara
CocoNara 2 - Coconut Shell Hookah Charcoal Cover
CocoNara 2 Boxes of 120 Piece Coconut Coco Nara Premium Hookah Charcoal Coals - 2 Count

CocoNara 2 is a box of 120 pieces of 100% natural coconut shell hookah charcoal, which burns 3x longer than any other charcoal. This clean burning, odorless and tasteless charcoal contains no Sulphur, making it a healthier and better-tasting option for hookah enthusiasts. With 120 pieces and 1,250 grams, you can enjoy an extended hookah session without the need for frequent coal changes.

What We Like
Long-lasting burn time
No strong or unpleasant odor
Great value for price
Retains pure shisha flavor
Easy to ignite
What We Don't Like
Burns quickly for some users
#TOP 3

MEKER Quick Light Charcoal Briquettes

Meker-MT
Black
MEKER Quick Light Charcoal Briquettes Cover
MEKER Quick Light Charcoal Briquettes, Charcoal Disk Lights, 33 mm Nature Coal Disks, Instant Fire Coal Tablet, Charcoal Burner (100Pcs)

Experience the best flavor and restore the natural life with MEKER Quick Light Charcoal. Whether you're offering sacrifices to gods, beautifying the environment, or simply using charcoal for BBQ, this high-quality charcoal is what you need. It's easy to use with instant fire coal tablets that catch fire instantly with just a lighter or a matchbox. The 33 mm nature coal disks are durable and odorless, ensuring a continuous and smooth burning experience. With a slow burning time of up to 50 minutes, you can enjoy the aroma of your choice while barbecuing indoors or outdoors. MEKER Quick Light Charcoal guarantees customer satisfaction with premium support and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

What We Like
Quick and easy lighting
Consistent heat output
Good value pack size
Ideal for incense burning
Lasts about an hour
What We Don't Like
Slight charcoal odor
Some lighting inconsistency
#TOP 4

Coals Instant Light – Incense Instant Coal Disks – Coal Tablets – Charcoal Disks – Set of 100 Coals – 33 mm Quick Light Charcoal Briquettes – Natural Coal Disks – Slow Burn and Low Smoke (100, 33mm) by Sunlight Charcoal

RED33-HOOKAH-BOX
Black
100 Count
Coals Instant Light – Incense Instant Coal Disks – Coal Tablets – Charcoal Disks – Set of 100 Coals – 33 mm Quick Light Charcoal Briquettes – Natural Coal Disks – Slow Burn and Low Smoke (100, 33mm) by Sunlight Charcoal Cover
Instant Light Coals– Incense Coal Disks – Coal Tablets – Charcoal Disks – 100 Coals – 33 mm Quick Light Briquettes – Slow Burn/Low Smoke

If you're looking for the perfect way to enhance your aromatic treatment or resin incense burning ritual, Sunlight Charcoal Coals are a must-have. These natural coal disks are well-known for their slow burn and low smoke, which means you can enjoy your experience for longer without any hassle. The coals are easy to use and require no blow torch, as they light instantly with just a match or lighter. Each package contains 100 charcoal disks, which are 33mm in size. To get the best experience, place 2-3 coals on a pre-arranged bowl with holes underneath, ensuring they cover 60% of the bowl. Sunlight Charcoal Coals are perfect for use at home, in religious institutions, and even in spas. Plus, with premium support and a 30-day money-back guarantee, customer satisfaction is always a top priority.

What We Like
Quick lighting
Good burning duration
Great value
No unpleasant smell
Easy cleanup
What We Don't Like
Occasional lighting issues
#TOP 5

Hookah Charcoal Coconut Cubes – XL Pack 84 Count

Hookah Charcoal Coconut Cubes – XL Pack 84 Count Cover
Hookah Charcoal Hookah Coals Coconut – XL Pack 84 Count & 1.2 KG (2.6 lbs) – Premium Quality 25mm (1x1x1 in) – 100% Natural Coconut Coals for Hookah Cubes – NOT Quick Light

Enjoy longer smoking sessions with the Hookah Charcoal Coconut Cubes. Made of natural coconut shell with 0% impurities, these briquettes burn 6 times longer than quick light coals, up to 90 minutes without changing coals. They have extreme density and leave less ash, no mess. The 84 Coconut Coals Briquettes are very strong, organic, dense pressed & stay lit longer. They are odorless, tasteless, and easy to use with a hookah burner or another electric or gas stove.

What We Like
Long-lasting burn
Even and consistent heat
Low ash output
No chemical smell
Easy to light
What We Don't Like
Occasional coal breakage
Slightly unpleasant lighting smell
#TOP 6

Sunlight Charcoal Coal Disks for Incense - Pack of 100

Sunlight Charcoal Coal Disks for Incense - Pack of 100 Cover
Coal Disks for Incense - Pack of 100 Coal Briquettes - 10 Rolls of 10 Tablets - Quicklighting - Slow Burning

Introducing the Sunlight Charcoal Incense Disks - the perfect solution for your incense burning needs. These easy-to-use disks come in a pack of 100 and offer a slow-burning experience that lasts up to 45 minutes. They are also quick-lighting, requiring only a few seconds over an open flame before you can sit back and enjoy. With 75 hours of burn time per order, you'll have plenty of time to relax and unwind. Whether you're a seasoned incense burner or just starting out, the Sunlight Charcoal Incense Disks are a must-have for any home.

What We Like
Long-lasting burn
Quick and easy lighting
Clean burn, no bad smell
Good value for price
Reliable quality
What We Don't Like
Some pieces fail to ignite
Incomplete burning in rare cases
#TOP 7

Sunlight Charcoal 40mm Coal Rolls

SL40-MAIN
Black
100 Count
Sunlight Charcoal 40mm Coal Rolls Cover
Sunlight® Charcoal Tablets for Incense – Quick Light Coal Tablets – Charcoal Disks – 40 mm Coal Rolls – Coal Briquettes – Slow Burn - Instant Lighting [100]

Introducing Sunlight Charcoal Rolls, the perfect solution for your incense needs. With a larger surface area than the 33mm size, these charcoal disks offer a longer burn time and more space for your incense. The jumbo pack comes with 100 coal disks, each lasting up to 45 minutes with a constant flame. The quick-lighting feature allows you to light them up instantly with just one match. The odorless tablets let you enjoy the full aroma of your incense. These charcoal rolls are perfect for aromatherapy and Turkish treatments.

What We Like
Fast lighting and ignition
Burns hot and evenly
No chemical odor
Compatible with large resins
Reliable shipping and packaging
What We Don't Like
Occasional cracked disk
Initial learning curve for beginners
#TOP 8

Charcoal Tablets for Incense

B1MJ EMERGENCY
Dark Grey
Charcoal Tablets for Incense Cover
Sunlight® Charcoal Tablets for Incense– Quick Light Charcoal Tablets – Charcoal Disk Lights – 33 mm Resin Burner Rolls – – Charcoal Burner - Instant Fire Coal Tablet (100 Count (Pack of 1))

Charcoal Tablets for Incense is a must-have accessory for those who enjoy a nice and aromatic treatment or love burning resin. It is the best value deal with 100 coal disks per every order. The charcoal rounds light up in an instant with a single match and have absolutely zero odor. The coal briquette for incense lasts up to 45 minutes with a constant flame, allowing you to enjoy the intense aroma of herbal flavor. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee for a risk-free purchase.

What We Like
Fast and easy lighting
Consistent, even burn
Low smoke and odor
Long-lasting burn time
Convenient sealed packaging
What We Don't Like
Slow to ignite occasionally
May extinguish if not attended
#TOP 9

BLACK HEAT Hookah Charcoal Burner: Turbo Heating, Unrivaled Quality, Durable, Safe & Compact

BLACK HEAT
Black
BLACK HEAT Hookah Charcoal Burner: Turbo Heating, Unrivaled Quality, Durable, Safe & Compact Cover
M. ROSENFELD Hookah Coal Burner 500W with Grid - Coal Burner for Hooka Cubes Black Heat Hookah Charcoal Burner Electric for Shisha with Grill & Free Hooka Tongs Hooka Stove - 304 Stainless Steel

The BLACK HEAT Hookah Charcoal Burner is a 500W power hookah burner that lights any natural charcoal hookah in minutes. It is also suitable for wood charcoal, quick-light coals and all other hookah supplies. Made of high-quality materials, such as fire-resistant paint and 304 stainless steel coil burner, this hookah charcoal burner is durable, resistant to rust and with an extreme long life. The smart thermostat heat control prevents overheating and allows you to easily control the heater temperature. The BLACK HEAT Hookah Charcoal Burner comes with a full hookah shisha starter set, including free extra hookah tongs and an extra grid for coals.

What We Like
Heats coals quickly
Efficient coal burning
Compact design
Highly recommended by users
What We Don't Like
Strong smell during use
Small size concerns
#TOP 10

Premium Electric Hookah Coal Burner

FRTWR800
Black
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Premium Electric Hookah Coal Burner Cover
Hookah Coal Burner for Hookah – Premium FIRE Tower Multipurpose Electric Stove for Hookah Coals Burner for Shisha, Free Hookah Tongs, overheat Protection, Hookah Charcoal Burner for Hookah Cubes

The Premium Hookah Coal Burner is a 450-watt electric grill that can make any kind of hookah coal burn red in just 10 minutes. It comes with a hot plate, portable coals basket, and extra hookah tongs for shifting coals. Its 60" long cable provides flexibility for use in any location, and it has a smart thermostat heat control for safety. The coal starter is durable and ETL approved, and comes with a 60-day free return policy. Plus, it includes free tongs for handling burning charcoals.

What We Like
Long-lasting durability
Quick and even heating
Easy coal transport
Great value for price
Responsive customer service
What We Don't Like
Occasional unit failure
Short lifespan for some users
Buying Guide Image

A Guide to Selecting Hookah Charcoal

Hookah charcoal is mainly used for producing smoke from shisha tobaccos. Hookah charcoal is trendy amongst shisha smokers as it cooks the shisha tobacco to produce smoke. It’s safe to note that hookah charcoals are made by different brands, giving you a wide range of options to choose from. If you smoke shisha, then there are some important things you need to know about hookah charcoal. If you want to buy hookah charcoal, you may also need Hookah BowlsHookah Hoses and Hookahs.

When the charcoals are lit, they are then placed underneath your shisha tobacco. After the placement, your shisha tobacco starts producing smoke. This makes it easier for you to cook your shisha without wasting much time. However, before buying your hookah charcoal, there are some factors you have to consider.

Factors to consider before buying a hookah charcoal

Charcoal types: there are different hookah charcoal types, leaving you with some charcoal brands to choose from. One of the known hookah charcoal is the quick light hookah charcoal. These hookah charcoals burn very fast, being aided by a chemical accelerant. The problem with the quick lighting is the change in taste and smell of the smoke. Many shisha smokers prefer natural hookah charcoal because they believe it preserves the shisha smell. Natural hookah charcoals burn slower, taking more time than quick light charcoals.

Shape: hookah charcoals come in different shapes, and you can buy any charcoal that suits your taste. The shapes don’t determine the taste or smell of the shisha smoke, but you can decide to pick a preference for personal reasons. Hookah charcoals come in flats, hexagons, and cubes. Hookah charcoal shapes are primarily determined by the brand you are buying from.

Ash level: another factor is the ash level you want for your hookah charcoal. While some people love ashes after cooking their shisha tobaccos, others prefer a low ash level. You can easily pick one that suits your preference by keeping up with hookah charcoal reviews online.

Benefits of hookah charcoal

Heat: hookah charcoal helps cook the shisha tobacco, allowing it to produce smoke loved by shisha enthusiasts. It's a faster way to get your smoke ready for events, parties, and private use. In addition, the heat helps shisha flavors come out stronger and better.

Preservation: the hookah charcoal helps preserve the taste and smell of the smoke. Shisha with flavors is easily enjoyed when shisha enthusiasts cook their shisha tobacco with hookah charcoal. Hookah charcoal for shisha is growing popular due to increasing demands.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can hookah charcoal be used to cook flavored shisha?

Yes, you can use hookah charcoal for different shisha types. It’s excellent for flavored and unflavored shisha tobaccos.

Is hookah charcoal reusable?

Yes, hookah charcoal is reusable. However, to best enjoy your shisha smoke, you should always use new ones.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What charcoal is used for hookah?

Cubed coconut charcoal is commonly used for hookah. It is 100% natural, without any chemicals or additives. Cubed coconut charcoal lights quickly and burns evenly, providing a consistent smoking experience.

2. Can you use regular grill charcoal for hookah?

Regular grill charcoal should not be used for hookah. It needs to be charcoal specifically made for hookah. Lighting methods may also differ, such as using an electric coil hotplate.

3. Why won't my hookah coals stay lit?

Hookah coals may not stay lit due to a lack of oxygen. If the coals are tightly covered with foil or deprived of oxygen for a long time, they may stop burning. It's important to ensure proper airflow to maintain the burning of the coals.

4. Do I need coal for my hookah?

Yes, coal is necessary for hookah smoking. Coconut shell charcoal is a popular choice. It is placed on top of the hookah bowl, covered with a metal bulkhead or aluminum foil.

5. How many coals should I put on my hookah?

The number of coals needed for hookah smoking can vary. Generally, two coals are enough for a comfortable smoking session lasting 40-50 minutes. However, certain factors like the type of bowl used may require more coals.

6. Are coconut coals better for hookah?

Yes, coconut charcoal briquettes are preferred for hookah. They produce less ash and smoke compared to traditional charcoal, resulting in a cleaner smoking experience and better-tasting tobacco.

7. How long should hookah coals heat up?

Hookah coals should be fully lit before smoking. This is indicated by a light layer of ash and a glowing red/orange appearance. Coconut coals typically take around 8-12 minutes to fully light, depending on their size.

8. Why do my coals keep burning out?

If the dampers are closed, the charcoal won't receive enough air, causing it to burn out. It's important to ensure sufficient airflow by partially opening the dampers once the charcoal is white-hot and food is added.

9. What to do with coals when done with hookah?

Once the hookah coals are burnt out, they can be extinguished with water and disposed of with normal household waste or organic waste. Alternatively, they can be used as fertilizer for gardens when they are no longer glowing.

Editor's Notes

During our hookah charcoal research, we found 24 hookah charcoal products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 215,828 customer reviews through our big data system to write the hookah charcoal list. We found that most customers choose hookah charcoal with an average price of $15.96.

The hookah charcoal are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of hookah charcoal, including CocoNara, MEKER, Sunlight Charcoal, M. ROSENFELD. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 15,107 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Bonnie Salem Avatar

Bonnie Salem is a stay-at-home mother with two-year-old twins and has spent almost half of her life surrounded by baby products. As a mother and a professional copywriter, she has an insightful and unique eye for researching products suitable for infants. Bonnie Salem is an expert in health and nutrition who lives with her family in New Jersey. She has over 15 years of working experience in an institute of medicine after graduating from the University of Toronto. She is highly interested in personal health and wellness.

Hookah Charcoal Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand CocoNara CocoNara MEKER Sunlight Charcoal M. ROSENFELD Sunlight Charcoal Sunlight Charcoal Sunlight Charcoal M. ROSENFELD M. ROSENFELD
Item Weight 2.5 Pounds 5 pounds 1.1 pounds 1.7 pounds 2.86 pounds 1.7 pounds 3.05 pounds 1.65 pounds 16 ounces 2.43 pounds
Material Coconut Shell Coconut Wood Charcoal Firewood Coconut Wood Charcoal Charcoal Charcoal Steel Coal Burner for Hookah Cubes -
Flavor Flavorless Flavorless 100PCS Natural Wood unflavored Natural Wood Mesquite Herbal - -
Item Form FLAT Flat Tablet Tablet Hookah Charcoal Cubes Tablet Tablet Disc - -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.8
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