Have you ever wondered, “Why does my hookah taste burnt?” And do you feel bothered by the burnt taste when enjoying your hookah? This unwanted flavor can appear due to various factors, ranging from the wrong charcoal to improper temperature control. Below, we will discuss in detail the 7 main causes of why your hookah might taste burnt. Take a look!
The 7 Main Causes of Why Does My Hookah Taste Burnt
If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Why does my hookah taste burnt?” you’re not alone. A burnt flavor can quickly ruin an otherwise enjoyable session, leaving you frustrated and searching for answers. Whether you’re a seasoned smoker or new to the hookah experience, understanding the common culprits behind this unpleasant taste can help you avoid it in the future.
From the quality of your tobacco to the temperature of your charcoal, a variety of factors play a role in ensuring your hookah delivers a smooth, flavorful experience. In this guide, we’ll explore the 7 main causes of a burnt hookah taste and provide tips on how to perfect your setup for an optimal session every time.
Read Also: How to Make Your Hookah Hit Harder Every Time
1. Using the Wrong Charcoal
One common question that arises when someone asks, “Why does hookah taste burnt?” is the use of inappropriate charcoal. Charcoal that is too large or too small can cause uneven heat distribution.
Large charcoal might not burn completely, while small charcoal can burn too quickly and produce an undesirable burnt taste. In addition, charcoal that is not hot enough will not provide optimal combustion for the tobacco, which eventually leads to a burnt taste that will ruin the hookah experience.
To avoid a burnt taste in your hookah, make sure you’re using charcoal that is the right size for your shisha head. The charcoal should be hot enough, glowing red, before placing it on the tobacco. If the charcoal is too cold or not large enough, it’s better to replace it with fresh charcoal so the temperature stays steady and your hookah tastes better without any burnt flavor.
2. Incorrect Temperature Settings
Another cause of a burnt hookah taste is improper temperature settings. If the temperature is too high, the tobacco can burn too quickly and result in a burnt flavor. On the other hand, if the temperature is too low, the tobacco won’t burn properly, diminishing the experience and forcing you to draw more smoke that might feel harsher or drier. This incorrect temperature will cause uneven burning of the tobacco, which in turn adds to the burnt taste in the hookah.
To ensure your hookah doesn’t taste burnt, keep the temperature stable by adjusting the charcoal and monitoring the airflow. You can try adjusting the position of the charcoal if it’s too hot or add more charcoal to increase the temperature if it’s too low. Also, check the air holes in the hose and shisha head to ensure proper airflow and even tobacco combustion.
3. Poor Quality Tobacco
The quality of tobacco is also a major factor in why your hookah might taste burnt. Tobacco that is old or not stored properly can result in an unpleasant burnt taste when heated. Low-quality tobacco also tends to produce a lot of ash, which can change the flavor of your hookah to a burnt and unappealing taste. Why does my hookah taste burnt? It could be because the tobacco is no longer fresh or contains chemicals that do not burn properly.
The solution is to choose fresh, high-quality hookah tobacco to ensure a smoother and more enjoyable flavor. Check the expiration date of the tobacco and make sure you’re buying it from a trusted source. Using high-quality tobacco will also make your hookah session more comfortable without the burnt taste.
4. Tobacco Too Close to the Charcoal
If the tobacco is too close to the charcoal, the direct heat from the charcoal can cause the flavor to turn burnt. Why does my hookah taste burnt? It could be due to the tobacco being positioned incorrectly, leading to excessive burning. Tobacco should be positioned at a proper distance from the charcoal so that the heat is evenly distributed and doesn’t drastically alter the flavor. When the tobacco is too close to the charcoal, you’ll experience a harsh and unpleasant burnt taste.
So, make sure there’s enough distance between the tobacco and the charcoal. You can try using a divider or a shisha head cover to better regulate this distance. With the optimal gap, the heat will spread evenly, and you can enjoy the hookah flavor without the distracting burnt taste.
5. Using the Wrong Shisha Head
A poor or damaged shisha head can lead to uneven burning of the tobacco, which ultimately results in a burnt taste. Why does my hookah taste burnt? It might be due to a damaged, leaking, or incompatible shisha head. If the shisha head is not properly fitted or the tobacco is not evenly spread, some parts of the tobacco will burn faster than others, causing an uneven burnt flavor.
Use a good-quality shisha head and make sure the tobacco is evenly spread inside. Regularly check the shisha head to ensure there are no leaks or damage that could affect your hookah experience. A good-quality shisha head will help achieve more even combustion of the tobacco, avoiding the burnt taste.
6. Restricted Airflow
Restricted airflow is another factor that can cause your hookah to taste burnt. If the airflow is blocked, the heat from the charcoal will not transfer efficiently to the tobacco, which will result in uneven burning and a burnt taste. When you ask, check if the hose or air holes are blocked by dirt or dust.
Make sure the hose and all hookah components are clean and free from obstructions. Regularly clean the hose and ensure that all connectors and air holes are not blocked. With smooth airflow, the tobacco burning process will be more efficient and even, preventing the unwanted burnt taste.
7. Too Much Tobacco Used
Filling the hookah head with too much tobacco can cause uneven burning, which will lead to a burnt hookah flavor. This can be due to overpacking the shisha head, which blocks the airflow and prevents the heat from spreading evenly across the tobacco. As a result, some parts of the tobacco will burn faster, creating an unpleasant burnt taste.
To avoid this, fill the hookah head with the right amount of tobacco according to the shisha head’s capacity. Do not over-pack the tobacco, and ensure there’s enough space for airflow so that the burning can occur evenly. With the proper amount of tobacco, you’ll be able to enjoy a smoother hookah experience without any burnt taste.
Read Also: The Ultimate Guide to the Types of Shisha You Should Try
Coconut Charcoal for a Purity Hookah Flavor
Using the wrong charcoal is a main cause of a burnt hookah taste. To avoid this, it’s important to choose the right charcoal. One of the best charcoals for heating a hookah is coconut charcoal briquettes, as they provide a pure flavor made from natural coconut shell materials.
To get the best quality and an optimal smoking experience, you can buy coconut charcoal briquettes from Little Briquette. Little Briquette is trusted as a producer of high-quality coconut charcoal briquettes, certified for its quality. Contact the admin at this number to enjoy a better hookah smoking experience.