Charcoal briquettes are a popular choice for both grilling and shisha, offering high heat and low moisture content, making them ideal for quick ignition and providing a consistent, long-lasting burn. Shisha enthusiasts value the reliable heat provided by charcoal briquettes, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable smoking experience with rich, flavorful clouds of aromatic smoke. Whether used for grilling or shisha sessions, these briquettes are a reliable option to get the job done.
However, there may be occasions when charcoal briquettes become wet due to various factors, such as low-quality storage or accidental exposure to water. So, can wet charcoal briquettes still burn? The answer depends on the extent of wetness. If only a portion of the briquettes is wet, they may still be usable, albeit with reduced quality and performance.
The best way to determine whether wet charcoal briquettes can be used is to try lighting them and assess the experience. If the taste of your food or the quality of your shisha smoke is negatively affected, it’s best not to use them. If the briquettes do not ignite properly, it’s advisable to discard them.
The impact of moisture on charcoal briquettes varies for grilling and shisha:
1. For grilling: If one briquette is wet while the others are dry, it’s generally acceptable because you can place your food over the dry, high-heat section of the grill.
2. For shisha: Charcoal briquettes for shisha are more sensitive to moisture. Even a single wet briquette can significantly affect the flavor of your shisha or hookah. In this case, it’s best to replace the wet briquettes with new, dry ones.
To prevent these issues, the best approach is to protect your charcoal briquettes from exposure to moisture. Here are some tips to mitigate problems related to wet charcoal briquettes:
If you’re grilling outdoors and it starts to rain, move your grilling setup to a sheltered area with a roof. Wait until the rain stops or, if you have adequate indoor ventilation, continue your BBQ session indoors.
To protect your charcoal from moisture, use a waterproof bag to store the briquettes and packaging. Be cautious not to accidentally drop the briquettes in the water by keeping them far away from any potential moisture sources.
Store charcoal briquettes in a cool, dry place, away from heat sources or open flames. If possible, keep them in a refrigerator or any other cool storage area. If a refrigerator is unavailable, store them in a shaded and dry location.
By taking these precautions, you can help preserve the quality of your charcoal briquettes and ensure they remain dry and effective for your grilling and shisha sessions.
