Bakhoor Buying Guide: Types, Grades and How to Choose
Bakhoor is fragrant wood, resin or blended chips burned to scent a room, and it comes in three main forms: loose wood chips burned on charcoal, pre-blended loose bakhoor, and self-lighting oud bricks that need no charcoal at all. This guide walks through each type, what they cost, and how to pick one, all from stock available at Cii Stores.
What Is Bakhoor?
Bakhoor is the Arabic word for fragrant wood chips or resin blends that are heated to release scented smoke, traditionally agarwood (oud) based. It is burned at home, in the masjid and for guests, and it also makes a popular Eid, Ramadan and Nikah gift.
What Types of Bakhoor Can You Buy?
There are three types on the market: loose wood chips, pre-blended loose bakhoor, and self-lighting bricks. The table below compares how each is burned, whether you need charcoal, and typical pricing at Cii Stores.
| Type | How it is burned | Needs charcoal? | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loose wood chips | Warmed over a glowing charcoal disc in a burner | Yes | From R99 for 20g |
| Pre-blended loose bakhoor | A small amount added onto a glowing charcoal disc | Yes | From R40 |
| Self-lighting oud bricks | Lit directly and rested in a glass holder | No | From R599 per set, R399 for refills |
Here is one of each type, plus the charcoal you need for the first two.
How Do You Burn Bakhoor at Home?
Light a quick-light charcoal disc with tongs until it glows and ashes over, then add a small amount of wood chips or loose bakhoor directly onto it in a heatproof burner. Self-lighting oud bricks skip this step entirely: light the brick itself and rest it in its glass holder. For a full walkthrough of burner types, see our bakhoor burner buying guide, and browse the Bakhoor Burners collection to shop one.
What Determines Bakhoor Quality?
Quality comes down to the agarwood and resin content, how the scent develops as it burns, and how long it lasts in the smoke. Amaani grades its blends into tiers such as the Gold Collection, which lean on more resin and layered oud for a deeper, longer-lasting scent than lighter, everyday blends.
How Much Does Bakhoor Cost in South Africa?
At Cii Stores, loose bakhoor blends start from R40, wood chips from R99 for 20g, quick-light charcoal is R30 for a pack of 10, and self-lighting oud brick sets run R599 with R399 refill packs once you own the glass holder.
Is Bakhoor a Good Gift?
Yes. Bakhoor is one of the most popular Islamic gifts for Eid, Ramadan and a Nikah, because it is used and appreciated in almost every home. Browse our Gifts collection for bakhoor sets and hampers ready to give.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does bakhoor always need charcoal?
No. Loose wood chips and pre-blended loose bakhoor need a charcoal disc, but self-lighting oud bricks are lit directly and do not use charcoal at all.
Can I use an electric burner instead of charcoal?
Yes, an electric burner gently heats loose wood chips or loose bakhoor without any flame or charcoal. See our bakhoor burner guide for how electric and charcoal burners compare.
How much bakhoor do I use per burn?
A small amount, a pinch of loose bakhoor or a couple of wood chips, is enough to scent a room, since the fragrance spreads quickly once it starts smoking.
What is the difference between bakhoor and oud bricks?
Bakhoor is the general term for scented wood chips or blends burned on charcoal, while oud bricks like the Amaani range are a self-lighting format that skips charcoal and burns for about 30 minutes each.
Where can I buy bakhoor in South Africa?
Cii Stores, South Africa's Islamic department store, carries a full range of loose bakhoor, wood chips and self-lighting oud bricks in-store at Ormonde Shopping Centre, Johannesburg, and online with delivery nationwide.
Where to Browse Next
- Bakhoor collection - the full range of loose bakhoor and wood chips
- Bakhoor Burners collection - charcoal, electric and self-lighting options
- Fragrances collection - perfumes and attars to pair with your bakhoor
- Gifts collection - bakhoor sets and hampers for Eid, Ramadan and Nikah
Ready to pick one? Shop the Bakhoor collection at Cii Stores for wood chips, loose blends and self-lighting oud bricks, in-store at Ormonde or delivered anywhere in South Africa.