How to Light Natural Shisha or Hookah Charcoal Safely?
To safely light natural shisha (hookah) charcoal:
- Place your coals on a charcoal heater for 5 to 7 minutes, turning them regularly until they're fully glowing red and covered with a fine ash layer.
- Never use a lighter—only strong heat ensures perfect ignition and no unwanted smell.
- Always handle hot coals with dedicated shisha tongs.
- For moving hot coals between rooms, use a secure charcoal holder.
- Set the fully lit coals onto your heat system or bowl—never use half-lit coals on fresh shisha tobacco or flavour.
- Keep children, pets, and flammable materials away, and never leave coals unattended.
Safety tip: Always dip used coals in water after your session to avoid accidental reignition.
Find all the essentials for safe lighting: Charcoal heaters, tongs, and charcoal holders.
FAQs From Same Category
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure that your shisha lasts as long as possible and always provides a pleasant experience. Here are a few tips to keep your shisha in top condition:
- Cleaning after each use
Rinse the vase in hot water immediately after use. Use a special shisha brush to remove any residue. Also clean the body of the shisha with a special brush designed specifically to reach hard-to-reach areas. Find our different shisha cleaning products and shisha brushes here.
- Deep cleaning
For a more thorough clean, we recommend using EL-BADIA SHISHA CLEANER Powder. This powerful solution offers several benefits: it effectively removes stubborn stains, unwanted odors and lime deposits. It disinfects your hookah for a more hygienic experience and makes your hookah shine, restoring its original shine.
To use Shisha Cleaner, dilute two teaspoons of powder in 1 litre of hot water. Immerse your shisha parts in this solution for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water. This method ensures thorough cleaning and optimum disinfection of your shisha.
- Maintenance of the various parts
Firebox: Empty it after each use and clean it with a sponge and liquid soap.
Pipe: Make sure it is washable, then rinse it with water and shake it to remove any residue.
Seals: Simply rinse with water, or soak briefly in soapy water if necessary.
By following these regular maintenance tips, you'll considerably extend the life of your shisha while guaranteeing quality sessions every time you use it.
To get the best from your heat management device available at El-Badia—whether it’s a Kaloud Lotus (I+, II, III), a Quasar Raas, a ARC V3, ONMO HMD, Na Grani, or other models—follow these basic steps:
- Light your natural coals (cubed 25-27mm) on an electric burner until fully glowing.
- Fill the compatible bowl with your preferred tobacco or herbal mix—airy, not overpacked.
- Place your heat system (Kaloud, Quasar, ARC V3, ONMO, Na Grani…) directly on the bowl, according to compatibility.
- Put the glowing coals in the device’s chamber (2-3 cubes recommended, except 1 for Cyclop/El-Badia P1 HMD). If your system has a lid, close it.
- Wait 4–5 minutes for the session to reach optimal temperature and then begin smoking.
Warning: Never preheat your device on a burner—this risks serious damage. All heat should come naturally from the coals.
- Adjust the amount of coal based on desired intensity and device recommendations.
- Handle hot parts using isolated handles or tongs.
- Clean thoroughly after use—for hygiene, taste, and maximum device lifespan.
Find detailed tips, guides, and all listed systems in the El-Badia Heat Management category.
For a smooth, flavorful, and worry-free shisha (hookah) experience, these accessories are true game changers:
- Hoses & Mouthpieces: Enjoy smooth airflow and hygienic sharing with shisha hose accessories (silicone, aluminum) and disposable tips tailored for friends and parties.
- Bowls: Choose the right bowl, from classic clay to modern phunnel or OBLAKO or El-Badia P1, to get the best from any blend or modern vapor stone.
- Heat management: Get precision with a top heat management device (HMD) (Kaloud, Quasar, ARC V3, Onmo…) for reliable and rich clouds every session.
- Charcoal & dedicated tools: Ignite easily with an electric charcoal heater, handle coals with proper tongs, and carry them safely using all charcoal accessories (trays, windcovers, foil, etc).
- Cleaning & maintenance: Keep your shisha tasting fresh: use cleaning brushes and solutions adapted to each part (body brushes, vase cleaners…), plus pro tips for keeping gear spotless.
- Bases & spare parts: Upgrade or repair easily with breathtaking bases and a full range of replacement parts.
- Prep & smart tools: Save time with precision tools, pokers, forks, and pro setup kits designed for hassle-free sessions.
- Customization, LEDs & style: Make your shisha or hookah a showpiece with design options, colored rings, LED lights, diffusers and more—your setup, your vibe!
See the full El-Badia accessories selection for shisha lovers: comfort, hygiene, and originality at every session!
For faithful flavor and dense clouds, pick a premium heat system like Quasar Raas 2: its integrated thermal technology ensures even heat distribution and optimizes flavor delivery throughout each session, with either natural or quick-light charcoal.
Alternatively, the Kaloud Lotus paired with compatible bowls guarantees stable heating and pure taste. Fluff the mix and avoid overpacking for best airflow and no bitterness.
Want even more flavor without nicotine? Try HookahSqueeze (aroma gel/cream): perfect solo or in a mix, it delivers a powerful, steady layer of aroma—ideal with precision heat systems. Also consider mineral stones and other modern alternatives.
Cleaning tip: a clean bowl, residue-free hose, and fresh water ensure clear and lasting taste. El-Badia supports your sessions with expert advice and top choices.