Tongs & Pokers
What are Shisha Tongs and Pokers?
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Frequently asked
Questions about Tongs & Pokers
Are shisha tongs different from BBQ or kitchen tongs?
Yes. Shisha tongs are shorter — typically 18–22cm — and have thicker, grippier ends designed for small cube coals. BBQ tongs are too long and loose for precision work on a small bowl. Kitchen tongs bend under repeated heat and don't grip small pieces reliably. A proper pair is a cheap, session-long upgrade.
How often should I rotate the coals during a session?
Every 10–15 minutes, or whenever one side of the bowl starts tasting harsh. Coals burn down unevenly — the side facing inward heats faster and the shisha there scorches first. Rotating brings fresh heat to the cool side and lets the overheated side cool down. It's the single biggest factor in whether a session lasts or dies after 20 minutes.
Do I need tongs if I use a heat management device?
Yes. An HMD like a Kaloud Lotus replaces foil, not tongs. You still need tongs to transfer the lit coals from your burner onto the HMD, and to rotate them inside the device mid-session. The only thing an HMD saves you is the foil poker.
What length tongs should I buy?
18–22cm (7–9 inches) is the sweet spot. Under 15cm puts your knuckles too close to the coal — you'll get singed hairs on your first session. Over 25cm starts to feel clumsy for fine positioning on a small bowl. If you're unsure, err longer rather than shorter.
Sawtooth, hammer, or plain-tip tongs?
Sawtooth for cube coals — the teeth grip the square edges securely, so nothing drops. Hammer tips work better on flat hexagonal or stick coals since their grip surfaces are wider. Plain-tip tongs look cleaner but drop coals the moment you angle them. For most setups, sawtooth is the default.
Do I need a separate poker if my tongs have one built in?
Not for casual use. A built-in poker on the end of a tong handle does the job, just with less precision. If you run foil regularly and want cleanly spaced, identical-size holes every time, a dedicated poker with a single fine point is worth the small extra spend. HMD users skip pokers entirely.
