Harsh Smoke?

[hookahadict]

Hello

Been smoking shisha for a while now....anyway

sometimes i get very harsh smoke, is it because i dont pack it enough ? I use instant lighting coal

Thanks ALl!

[dattebayo]

Edited September 4, 2008 by dattebayo

[dattebayo]

Normally there is harsh smoke, and then there is burnt smoke. If it tastes harsh, like just hot or very very thick, you probably just need to manage your heat better. Take a coal off, or move it more to the edge. If it's burnt, you may have left a coal that's very hot on a place for too long and packed too much. If the tobacco is touching the aluminum, it will be in direct contact with the coal and that will cause it to burn immediately, destroying the taste. Some will argue, but I have had them most success leaving a tiny gap between the tobacco and foil. Also, if the holes are too numerous or too large then a lot of oxygen will get in and burn the tobacco.

So don't be afraid to tamp the tobacco ever so slightly on the top just so the tobacco doesn't touch the foil. Then when you start your smoke, keep your coals on the side to manage the heat so you don't burn the tobacco immediately. Then as the coal burns down, move it more toward the center. That should keep you good. Edited September 4, 2008 by dattebayo

[hookahadict]

Normally there is harsh smoke, and then there is burnt smoke. If it tastes harsh, like just hot or very very thick, you probably just need to manage your heat better. Take a coal off, or move it more to the edge. If it's burnt, you may have left a coal that's very hot on a place for too long and packed too much. If the tobacco is touching the aluminum, it will be in direct contact with the coal and that will cause it to burn immediately, destroying the taste. Some will argue, but I have had them most success leaving a tiny gap between the tobacco and foil. Also, if the holes are too numerous or too large then a lot of oxygen will get in and burn the tobacco.

So don't be afraid to tamp the tobacco ever so slightly on the top just so the tobacco doesn't touch the foil. Then when you start your smoke, keep your coals on the side to manage the heat so you don't burn the tobacco immediately. Then as the coal burns down, move it more toward the center. That should keep you good.

ill buy this to keep a gap between the foil and the foil?
http://www.theshishashop.com/shop/charcoal...c7f23bafd9caca3

and ill be buying a Funnel Bowl and maybe it will be better.


but thanks!

[Nick187]

or you could just pack the shisha a little lower than the brim of the bowl.

[SimplexCoda]

ill buy this to keep a gap between the foil and the foil?
http://www.theshishashop.com/shop/charcoal...c7f23bafd9caca3

and ill be buying a Funnel Bowl and maybe it will be better.


but thanks!

That is something that can be used instead of foil, but its a trick, dont use it. all i can say for gettin rid of harsh smoke is better heat management.

[Kusk]

The general rule is,

Too little smoke -> Put more heat

Harsh smoke -> Put less heat


Coals gathered in the middle of the bowl = more heat
Coals spread to the edges = less heat

If there is smoke rising from the bowl itself, the shisha is burning. Either move the coal to the outer edge for a while, or do what dattebayo says.


Also, coals screens are things used more for convenience more than anything. It doesn't really affect the smoke, so don't bother unless you know that you will run out of foil or something.

[hookahadict]

thankssssssssssss alll