Quick-ignition charcoal: Quick Light for your hookah explained

Quick-light charcoal – often referred to internationally as quick-light charcoal – consists of compressed charcoal dust particles coated with an ignition agent. This ignition agent is usually potassium nitrate or a similar oxidiser. This means the charcoal ignites on contact with a spark, whereas natural charcoal made from coconut shells or wood charcoal requires a direct heat source of 500–700 °C.

Typical formats are round tablets with a diameter of 33 mm or 40 mm; smaller 22 mm versions for mini shishas or incense cones are less common. The tablets are often individually wrapped in aluminium foil to prevent the oxidiser from absorbing moisture and to ensure it remains ignitable.

The main difference from natural charcoal: quick-light charcoal burns for a shorter time (around 30–45 minutes), produces less heat and gives off a slight smell of sulphur or saltpetre when lit. However, it works without any preparation and without an electric heat source.

Lighting your hookah charcoal quickly is particularly useful when you’re out and about or want to smoke on the spur of the moment. At campsites, in holiday homes or at picnics, there’s usually no charcoal lighter available – a lighter is sufficient here.

Typical uses

• On the go and travelling: lighter than an electric lighter, compact packaging
• Incense and aromatherapy: the small tablets are also suitable for incense and incense resins
• Backup at home: as a spare in case the charcoal lighter is faulty
• Short sessions: when you only want to smoke for 20–30 minutes and don’t need a large piece of natural charcoal

For long shisha evenings at home, natural charcoal remains the better choice: it burns for 60–90 minutes, provides more even heat and is flavourless. Quick Light charcoal complements the range, but does not replace it entirely.

Not all quick-lighting charcoal is the same. Quality and handling make a significant difference to the taste.

• Diameter to fit the bowl: 33 mm is the standard for classic clay bowls, 40 mm for larger phunnel or vortex bowls
• Check the packaging: aluminium foil rolls must be intact; damp charcoal lights poorly and crumbles
• Allow to burn through completely: The charcoal must be completely red and the black spots must have disappeared; otherwise, you will clearly taste the oxidiser
• Light only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area: Lighting produces smoke and a sulphur smell, which you don’t want in your living room
• Use tongs: Never use your bare fingers; despite the low heat, the charcoal reaches around 400 °C on the surface
• Always place on a heat-resistant surface: an aluminium tray or charcoal plate protects furniture and floors

A common mistake: turning the charcoal upside down immediately after lighting. Wait 30–60 seconds until a white layer of ash appears – only then has the ignition coating burned off and the tobacco tastes clean.

Is quick-lighting charcoal more harmful than natural charcoal?

The ignition coating contains chemical oxidisers that burn off when lit. If you let the charcoal burn through completely, the residues are minimal. For regular home use, however, natural charcoal is the cleaner choice.

How long does a Quick Light charcoal briquette burn for?

A 33 mm tablet lasts around 30–45 minutes, a 40 mm version around 40–55 minutes. The burning time depends on draught, bowl size and smoking style.

Can I light Quick Light charcoal with a charcoal lighter?

Yes, this works fine and reduces the smell. However, this means you lose the advantage of Quick Light shisha charcoal – lighting it with a lighter.

Why does my tobacco taste different after switching to Quick Light charcoal?

As long as the ignition coating hasn’t completely burned off, slight chemical notes will be present in the smoke. Let the charcoal burn through for longer, or switch to natural charcoal for sessions at home.

Quick-light charcoal is practical, ready to use in no time and hard to beat when you’re on the go. For the best flavour at home, it’s better to opt for natural charcoal; for spontaneous sessions or when travelling, Quick Light charcoal remains the practical solution. Take your time to browse our selection of shisha charcoal and compare quick-light tablets with natural charcoal cubes – you’ll also find matching shisha accessories such as charcoal tongs and aluminium trays.