First things first, these coals are truly amazing. There are so many coals to choose from out there and there are several applications they are used for. For the intents of this review, these coals are used for smoking shisha out of a hookah. With consideration to smoking there are also many coals popularly used by most people: quick-ignites, finger coals, and natural coals (usually made of coconut shells). The great part about these coals are that they provide nearly nothing to the shisha you are smoking. In the case of the quick-ignites and sometimes the finger coals, there is an accelerant coating the coals themselves so that you don't need a major heat source to ignite said coals. The accelerant provides the coals to ignite quickly, but the accelerant also gives off an odor and if you don't let them burn it all off before you place it on your bowl, you will have that taste lend itself into your shisha. Many people do not realize that these natural coals (coconaras) do not have an accelerant and, therefore, do not ignite easily or quickly. You need an exterior source that can maintain a good heat without going out. For this reason, a lighter will simply not cut it. Using a portable stove, a regular stove (gas/electric), a blowtorch, or even a BBQ are all reasonable methods to ignite these coals. Now, onto the review - Coco Nara coals are natural coals made from coconut shells. The density of the coal allows a solid burning time to be around an hour, unless you're smoking consistently through your session, then the coals will burn out faster (~45 minutes or so). The coals provide nearly no taste into the bowl you are smoking, and therefore you can get the full flavour from your shisha. The downside, that isn't really a downside, is that these coals take some time before they're "cooked". In that you need to let them sit on the stove until they are fully glowing red or on fire. These coals have become essential to my hookah sessions and even though the prices often fluctuate here, they're still much cheaper than through my local smoke shop. Read more
These are hands down the best coals on the market. Many new users get discouraged that they cannot be lit easily or do not perform as expected. It is very important to note that these should not be lit using open flame. I as well as many other users have discovered that a coil burner is all-but-required. Furthermore, even using the coil burner, these can take 5-10 minutes to fully light. Once lit however; they are fantastic. There is very little ash left over, they burn hot, and for at least an hour with no chemical smells or tastes. Be advised that if using a 3rd party dealer, Coco Nara has had an issue recently with imitation coals being sold on the market. These coals have near identical packaging and can be difficult to discern from the originals. At the time of review, 06/2013, some simple ways to determine an authentic package are as follows: 1) The box should be of good quality with a glossy sheen. 2) The distributor labeled on the box should be Master Sales LLC. 3) In most cases, the lid is stamped inside (either by stamp or sticker). Mine usually have a USA sticker. 4) The plastic bag is a good solid quality, not a cheap wrapper. The wrapper can be clear. Again, I personally feel there are no better coals on the market so long as you understand and research what you are purchasing ahead of time. Read more
Great coals, as some have posted the pieces are slightly different sizes but I wouldn't expect less of natural charcoal. Hard to light, tried a propane blowtorch and I didn't want to try my stove(concerned it might ruin it, probably wouldn't but better safe than sorry) but the tongs heated faster than the charcoal. Much, much, much better taste than quick lights, burns a lot longer as well. What I did was use a small camping stove(those that screw onto a propane canister) and set it on top of the burner, then ignited it. On half-flame it would light within about 5 minutes to perfect heat. The first piece was a bit too small so I added a second onto the bowl and it was great. Pros: Better taste, lasts longer, burns hotter, great value, better/more smoke from shisha Cons: Longer to light, sparks a bit more, depending on size of hookah bowl might have to use 2 coals, still worth it by a long-shot compared to quick lights. Definitely recommend these to other coals, 9.8/10 Read more
Good quality hookah coals. Clean burning, and smooth smoking, likely genuine Coco Naras. (I know sometimes it can be a concern if they are genuine on Amazon or not. These seem legit.) I will be buying these again. Read more
The CocoNara Hookah Shisha Natural Charcoals (120 Count) are honestly some of the best coals I’ve used. They light up evenly, last a long time, and give a clean, consistent heat without any weird smell or taste. I love that they’re made from natural coconut shells — they feel much healthier and more eco-friendly than quick-light coals. They do take a few minutes longer to light, but once they’re ready, they burn steady and produce very little ash. Definitely worth it if you want a smooth hookah session without constant relighting. Highly recommend! Read more
