How to light shisha charcoal properly?

For a shisha session to go well, the charcoal has to be lit properly. A number of accessories exist for an even, lasting light. Here is how they work.

The shisha session depends on how the charcoal is lit

If you are new to the subject, you may not know that preparing the shisha, and above all lighting the charcoal, are steps not to be neglected. We suggest using natural charcoal rather than self-lighting charcoal. Getting it going does call for specific accessories, though, since it has to be heated first. Here they are.

The gas or electric charcoal burner

These are ideal for lighting shisha charcoal outdoors. Depending on the model, they run on gas or on electricity. They are also easy to carry, as they stay light and compact. To light your charcoal, turn the flame up to maximum on gas models or let the coil glow on electric ones, then place the charcoal in the holder or on the element and simply wait until it turns red. Remember to turn the pieces so that they glow on every side.

As for price, gas or electric charcoal burners can be found for less than 30 euros.

Torch lighters

A practical solution, the torch lighter, also called a flame or blowtorch lighter, will also light shisha charcoal. It is better suited to self-lighting charcoal, however, since it is a fast ignition system. These lighters are affordable, with prices between 5 and 25 euros.

Table lighters

These lighters work on the same principle as torch or blowtorch models. They too are better suited to self-lighting charcoal. On price, entry-level ignition systems cost less than 10 euros, but luxury models can run to several hundred euros.