Romman Natural coals

[eyece]

So I decided to pick up a bag of Romman Lemon Wood coals at my local shop, it is my first time using natural coals so I was a little disappointed my first smoke so before dissing them I'll come here for help. I must admit the taste of the smoke of much nicer and even lighter at that. However.. When lighting these coals, Do I have to make sure the entire outside of the coal is burning red and white ash before using it?
I had 2 coals going at once and on each side it was lit and the tops were semi lit. I didn't know if I was supposed to burn all the way around and leave not black spots or what, I was getting impatient 10 minutes to light the coals is rather bleh...especially when they only lasted an hour. I heat them on a stove, and I use to peices about the size of a disc or a little bigger. Any tips?

[Smashraj84]

You definitely have to light the coal all the way through.  Trying flipping it every couple minutes while it's cooking.

[steve07]

I let mine get red hot which usally takes 5 to6 minutes.

[cymptom]

[quote name='Smashraj84']You definitely have to light the coal all the way through.  Trying flipping it every couple minutes while it's cooking.  [/quote] I've noticed in some of the charcoal reviews on the forums there is a category to rate how easily the coal lights on other coals. I took this to mean that if you need more coal, you can just drop an unlit coal on top of a lit one -- but are you saying you shouldn't smoke while doing this? Should it not be done on the bowl but rather on the tray or elsewhere?

[Joseph]

I wouldn't do it on the bowl, most coals put off a lot of odor when they are being lit, even the naturals.  I don't mind the smell, but I would imagine that it woudn't improve your shisha.  I have lit quicklights with other coals, but never naturals, so I can't say how easy it would be.  I love the romman naturals, they are the only coals I use.

[Sonthert]

Petrified? The coals are made out of stone?