Best Hookah Charcoal of 2025

Bonnie Salem Avatar
Bonnie Salem
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

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

Hookah Charcoal Coconut Cubes – XL Pack 84 Count Cover #TOP 1
Hookah Charcoal Coconut Cubes – XL Pack 84 Count
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Coco Nara Hookah Shisha Charcoals, 120 count Cover #TOP 2
Coco Nara Hookah Shisha Charcoals, 120 count
ftb score rating icon 9.7
CocoNara 2 - Coconut Shell Hookah Charcoal Cover #TOP 3
CocoNara 2 - Coconut Shell Hookah Charcoal
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Hookah Charcoal

#TOP 1

Hookah Charcoal Coconut Cubes – XL Pack 84 Count

Square 25 mm
Hookah Charcoal Coconut Cubes – XL Pack 84 Count Cover
M. ROSENFELD 84 pcs Premium Hookah Charcoal Hookah Coals for Hookah Coconut 25mm Cubes – 84 pcs - 1.2 KG (2.6 lbs) – Premium Quality – 100% Natural Coconut Charcoal 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
No harsh taste
Heats quickly
Long-lasting burn
Good price
Favorable smell when lighting
What We Don't Like
Inconsistent burning
Unpleasant smell when heating
#TOP 2

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
Smooth flavor experience
No chemical smell or taste
Easy cleanup
Good value for price
What We Don't Like
Takes time to light
Variable sizes of coals
#TOP 3

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
Eco-friendly materials
Higher heat output
Clean smoking experience
Cost-effective compared to shops
What We Don't Like
Thinner size burns faster
Requires coil burner to ignite
#TOP 4

M. ROSENFELD Charcoal Tablets

M. ROSENFELD Charcoal Tablets Cover
30 pcs Charcoal Tablets for Incense - Hookah Charcoal Hookah Coals for Hookah - Quick Light Charcoal Tablets - 33 mm Premium Quality Incense Charcoal Discs - 30 Charcoal for Incense Burning

M. ROSENFELD Charcoal Coals are designed for your convenience and enjoyment. These quick-light tablets ignite with just a match, allowing you to start your hookah or incense session without delay. With a burn time of up to 60 minutes, you can savor the rich aromas of your favorite herbs without interruption. The coals are completely odorless, ensuring that nothing detracts from your aromatic experience. Plus, their versatility means you can use them not only for hookah but also for grilling and other activities, making them a great addition to your charcoal collection.

What We Like
Great quality
Easy to light
Good burn time
Decent smell
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Burns super fast
#TOP 5

Coco Java Coconut Charcoal Hookah Coal

CJ108PC
Coco Java Coconut Charcoal Hookah Coal Cover
Coco Java Coconut Charcoal Natural Hookah Coal 108 Pieces / 1 KG Flats

The Coco Java Coconut Charcoal Natural Hookah Coal is made from 100% natural coconut shells and burns consistently for over 60 minutes, producing no odor or taste. Each box contains 108 pieces of FLATS, with dimensions of 1"x 1" x 0.6" (25mm x 25mm x 17mm). Note that this is not instant light charcoal and requires a hookah charcoal burner.

What We Like
Clean burning
Long-lasting
No harsh chemical taste
Minimal odor
Good packaging
What We Don't Like
May take time to light
Potential difficulty in lighting
#TOP 6

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
Easy to light
Good heat retention
Great value for money
Large quantity in pack
Self-starting feature
What We Don't Like
Some discs may arrive broken
Burns a little fast
#TOP 7

Charcoal Tablets for Incense

B1MJ EMERGENCY
Dark Grey
Charcoal Tablets for Incense Cover
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
Quick ignition
Slow, consistent burn
Good for various uses
Quality product
What We Don't Like
Initial sparks during lighting
Longer lighting time for some
#TOP 8

Coco Nara Coconut Shell Hookah Charcoal

CN 120pcs - FLAT
Coco Nara Coconut Shell Hookah Charcoal Cover
CocoNara Natural Coconut Shell Hookah Charcoal by Coco Nara 120 Count Pieces

Coco Nara Hookah Charcoal is made from 100% natural coconut shell, ensuring a clean and safe smoking experience for you. Unlike quick-light coals, these charcoals do not contain any sulphur, providing a purer taste. You can enjoy uninterrupted sessions as they burn for up to 60 minutes, giving you ample time to savor your hookah. Plus, with less than 5% ash produced, you'll spend less time cleaning up, allowing you to focus on relaxation and enjoyment.

What We Like
Long-lasting
Smooth burn
Even burning
Great value for price
#TOP 9

CocoNara Premium Hookah Charcoal Coals

482-ONE
CocoNara Premium Hookah Charcoal Coals Cover
CocoNara 2 Boxes of 60 Piece Coconut Coco Nara Premium Hookah Charcoal Coals - 2 Count

CocoNara Charcoal is a high-quality hookah charcoal that offers a convenient and enjoyable smoking experience. Made by CocoNara in Indonesia, these non-quick light shisha coals come in a 60-piece box, providing you with a long-lasting supply. Each coal offers 40-50 minutes of burn time, allowing you to relax and enjoy your hookah session without constantly replacing the coals. The all-natural composition of CocoNara Charcoal ensures that it is tasteless, odorless, and chemical-free, guaranteeing a pure and authentic flavor from your shisha. With CocoNara Charcoal, you can enhance your hookah experience and indulge in a smooth and satisfying smoke.

What We Like
High-quality charcoal
Long-lasting burn
Low ash production
Good value for money
Convenient and quick delivery
What We Don't Like
Occasional lighting issues
#TOP 10

Charcoal Masters Hookah Coals - 100 Pack

Charcoal Masters Hookah Coals - 100 Pack Cover
Charcoal Masters Hookah Coals Instant Light - Premium Charcoal Briquettes for Hookah Set, Smoking, Incense - 45 Minute Burn, Low Smoke, No Artificial Flavors - 33mm Coal Disks for Shisha, 100 Pack

Get the most out of every smoking session with Charcoal Masters Hookah Coals. These 33mm coal disks light up quickly and burn for up to 45 minutes, ensuring a slow and consistent burn. Made from fruit tree wood, these natural and chemical-free charcoal discs don't affect the flavor of your shisha. Not just for hookah, they're also suitable for aromatherapy and incense burning. Plus, with 100 pieces in each box, you get great value for your money.

What We Like
Instant lighting
Consistent burn
Minimal odor
Good value
What We Don't Like
Moderate ash production
Small tablet size
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 133,826 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 $15.64.

The hookah charcoal are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of hookah charcoal, including M. ROSENFELD, CocoNara, Coco Java, MEKER, Sunlight Charcoal. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 374 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 M. ROSENFELD CocoNara CocoNara M. ROSENFELD Coco Java MEKER Sunlight Charcoal CocoNara CocoNara CHARCOAL MASTER
Flavor unflavored Flavorless Flavorless Flavorless Flavorless 100PCS Herbal Flavorless Flavorless Flavorless
Item Form Hookah Charcoal Cubes FLAT Flat Tablet Cube Tablet Disc FLAT Cube Disc
Material Coconut Shells Coconut Shell Coconut Shells - - Charcoal Charcoal - Coconut Shell Wood
Item Weight 2.6 Pounds - 5 pounds - 2.2 pounds 0.7 Kilograms 1.65 pounds 2.75 pounds - -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.7
ftb score rating icon 8.6
ftb score rating icon 8.6
ftb score rating icon 8.5
Where to Buy