Shisha Charcoal Guide
26mm vs 28mm vs Hexagon Coals – Which Is Best?
When it comes to shisha, your charcoal matters just as much as your bowl and flavour. The size and shape of your coals directly affect heat management, session length, flavour intensity, and overall smoothness.
Many people invest heavily in premium shishas and bowls but overlook charcoal. That’s a mistake.
Let’s break down the difference between 26mm cubes, 28mm cubes, and hexagon coals, which sessions they suit best, and how they perform with HMDs and mesh screens.
Why Shisha Charcoal Is So Important
Charcoal controls:
• How quickly your bowl heats up
• How long your session lasts
• How intense your flavour tastes
• Whether your smoke is smooth or harsh
Too much heat burns flavour. Too little heat gives weak clouds. The right coal size makes heat management easier and more consistent.
26mm Charcoal Cubes
26mm cubes are the most common and versatile size.
What They’re Like:
• Moderate heat output
• Balanced burn time
• Easy heat control
• Beginner friendly
Best For:
• Small to medium bowls
• Solo sessions
• Lighter flavour packs
• Beginners learning heat management
26mm cubes are forgiving. If you’re new to shisha or using standard phunnel bowls, this is usually the safest option.
26mm Cubes and HMD Devices
26mm cubes work extremely well with HMD devices like the Kaloud Lotus or ONMO HMD.
You can comfortably fit two 26mm cubes inside most HMDs, making heat management simple and controlled. This is why 26mm is the most popular size for HMD users.
For everyday sessions with an HMD, 26mm cubes are the all-rounder.
26mm Cubes and Mesh Screens
While cubes can be used with mesh screens, they are not usually the ideal option. Mesh screens tend to perform better with hexagon charcoal, which provides steadier heat.
That said, 26mm cubes will still work on a mesh screen if managed properly.
28mm Charcoal Cubes
28mm cubes are larger and generate more heat.
What They’re Like:
• Stronger heat output
• Longer burn time
• Faster bowl heat up
• Less forgiving if unmanaged
Best For:
• Larger bowls
• Dense or heavy flavour packs
• Dark leaf tobacco
• Longer group sessions
Because 28mm cubes produce more heat, they are great for experienced smokers who understand heat management.
28mm Cubes and HMD Devices
With most HMD devices like the Kaloud Lotus or ONMO HMD, you can typically only fit one 28mm cube inside the HMD at a time.
To get proper heat output, smokers often use the Micky Mouse technique:
• One 28mm cube inside the HMD
• Two additional cubes sitting on top at an angle
This setup provides strong, extended heat and is commonly used for longer or heavier sessions. However, it requires proper control to avoid overheating the bowl.
28mm Cubes and Mesh Screens
Like 26mm cubes, 28mm cubes can be used with mesh screens, but they are not usually recommended as the primary choice.
They produce strong heat and can sometimes overpower a bowl when used directly on a mesh screen unless carefully managed.
Hexagon Charcoal
Hexagon coals are cylindrical with a hollow centre. They burn differently compared to cubes.
What They’re Like:
• Slower, steady burn
• Long-lasting
• Even heat distribution
• Less aggressive heat spikes
Best For:
• Traditional bowls
• Extended sessions
• Lounge-style setups
• Smokers who prefer steady heat
Hexagon charcoal is known for its stable and consistent burn, making it ideal for longer sessions.
Hexagon Charcoal and Mesh Screens
Hexagons work exceptionally well with mesh screens.
Their shape allows for:
• Stable positioning on the mesh
• Even heat distribution
• Less direct aggressive heat
For mesh screen users, hexagon charcoal is generally the preferred choice.
Hexagon Charcoal and HMD Devices
Hexagon charcoal is not recommended for use inside HMD devices like the Kaloud Lotus or ONMO HMD.
Because of their shape and size:
• They often do not fit properly
• They restrict airflow inside the HMD
• Heat control becomes inconsistent
Cubes are always the better option when using an HMD.
Which Coal Suits Your Session?
Here’s a simple breakdown:
Using an HMD (Kaloud, ONMO, etc.)
Go with 26mm cubes for easy control
Use 28mm with the Micky Mouse technique for stronger, longer sessions
Avoid hexagons inside HMDs
Using a Mesh Screen
Go with hexagon charcoal for steady, balanced heat
Cubes can work but require more heat management
Quick Solo Session
26mm cubes
Long Social Session
28mm cubes or hexagons
Dark Leaf or Dense Pack
28mm cubes with careful heat management
Final Verdict
There is no single “best” charcoal. It depends on your setup.
• 26mm cubes are the most versatile and HMD-friendly
• 28mm cubes are powerful and ideal for longer, heavier sessions
• Hexagons are steady, long-lasting, and best for mesh screen setups
Matching your charcoal to your bowl and heat system makes a massive difference.
The right coal size means better flavour, longer sessions, and smoother smoke.