Lighting Natural Coals?

[Katarina Vidal]

Hey. So I just purchased my first hookah (I've previously only used my friend's at their places and at hookah lounges) and I know that natural coals need to be on heat longer. I have a natural gas stove that doesn't have coils so the coals don't have anything to rest on unless I balance them on the middle. This is a bit of a problem as I'm always worrying about them slipping below. 

 

Tomorrow I'm going to go out and buy a hot plate. I know that a single coil is the best way to go but I know Target and Walmart list them as online only. I'm pretty positive they do sell them local by me though despite this. I'm just wondering, in case I can't find one, is a hot plate like this able to heat them as well? Or should I only stick to the coiled ones?

 

http://www.target.com/p/aroma-single-hot-plate/-/A-10155042#prodSlot=medium_1_3&term=hot+plate

 

Thanks for the help! :)

[Katarina Vidal]

Woops! I meant coals not coils in the title of the post*

[mushrat]

ill fix the title. no dont get one of those. If you can't find the coil burner get a cheap aluminium pot at a thrift store, punch a bunch of holes in it with a drill or big nail, put that on your gas burner. the holes will allow the flame enough access to light the coals, the pot will have a handle, and just set it on a ceramic trivet or something metal when the coals are done. :)

[fuckthatvincekid]

mushies suggestion was probably best,

also advising that if you can't find them anywhere else, try Walgreens, we sell them.

 

[KnightHawk63]

Many hot plates will take a long time to heat the coal up to ignition since it's low-output. Coil burners would be a lot better.

Edited May 8, 2013 by KnightHawk63

[Chreees]

Sylvania single coil electric burner from Walgreen's. Should run you $10-15. What I use and it's awesome. You'll eventually have to replace it, but hell, it's cheap enough that it isn't too big of a deal. Enjoy. :)

[Philmatic]

Like others have said, the "hot plate" style will be frustratingly slow, if it works at all.

 

Walgreens is the only national chain I know of that still carries single coil burners. I've looked all over at Wal-Mart, Target, K-Mart, CVS, Rite-Aid, Lowes, Home Depot, Osh and Ace Hardware. No one carries them other than Walgreens.

 

You could always try Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002TOBFM2

[mushrat]

If you live in a state with a Roses. They carry them.

[hookah hippie]

In lieu of the excellent selection by Mush, you could also grab a metal screen like those found in chem labs and place that atop your stove. 

[mushrat]

In lieu of the excellent selection by Mush, you could also grab a metal screen like those found in chem labs and place that atop your stove. 

 

now why didnt I think of that....

[hookah hippie]

typo meant to type suggestion

[Bawhee]

im with the screen/ holey pot/ anytihng you can get really that can take the heat and allow the flames to pass through on your gas stove. it takes a little but it absolutely works, costs nothing and also wont break!