Which Bakhoor Burner Is Right for You? A Buying Guide
The right bakhoor burner depends on how you want to use it: a traditional charcoal burner gives the deepest, most classic aroma, an electric burner works with no flame or charcoal at all, and a self-lighting oud brick is the simplest option since you light it directly with a lighter. All three are available in stock, so the choice comes down to how much smoke, prep and convenience you want.
What are the different types of bakhoor burner?
There are three main types: charcoal burners, electric burners, and self-lighting oud bricks. A charcoal burner needs a quick-light charcoal disc underneath the bakhoor. An electric burner heats bakhoor on a plate with no charcoal or flame. A self-lighting oud brick is lit directly and needs neither charcoal nor electricity - it is a different product entirely, not a burner in the traditional sense.
How does a charcoal bakhoor burner work?
Light a quick-light charcoal disc with a lighter or match, wait until it turns grey-white, then place a small piece of bakhoor on top using tongs on a heat-safe surface. This method gives the strongest, most traditional bakhoor aroma but takes a few minutes to prepare and produces some smoke.
You will also need bakhoor itself to burn on the charcoal - wood chips sold separately from the burner.
How does an electric bakhoor burner work?
Plug it in, add a small amount of loose bakhoor or wood bakhoor sticks, and switch it on - the plate heats gently and releases the fragrance with no charcoal, no lighter and no flame. It is the easiest option for everyday use or for scenting clothes, and you simply fold it away when done.
What are self-lighting oud bricks and how are they different?
Self-lighting oud bricks are lit directly with a lighter and rested in their own glass holder - they need no charcoal and no electric burner at all. Each brick burns for around 30 minutes, and a set comes with the glass holder included, so it is the simplest way to start if you do not want to manage charcoal or plug anything in.
Which bakhoor burner should I choose?
Choose a charcoal burner for the deepest traditional aroma if you do not mind a few minutes of prep and some smoke. Choose an electric burner for flame-free, no-charcoal everyday use. Choose a self-lighting oud brick if you want the least setup, since it is lit directly and needs no charcoal or electricity.
| Burner type | How it works | Needs charcoal? | Best for | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charcoal burner | Light a charcoal disc, let it turn grey-white, place bakhoor on top | Yes | Traditional bakhoor wood chips, the strongest classic aroma | From R299 |
| Electric burner | Plug in, add loose bakhoor or sticks, gentle heat releases fragrance | No | Everyday use, scenting clothes, no flame in the home | From R899 |
| Self-lighting oud brick | Light the brick directly, rest it in the glass holder | No | Least setup, around 30 minutes per brick, no electricity needed | From R599 (set with holder) |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need charcoal for every bakhoor burner?
No. Only a traditional charcoal burner needs a charcoal disc. An electric burner heats bakhoor without charcoal, and a self-lighting oud brick is lit directly with a lighter and needs neither charcoal nor electricity.
Can I put an oud brick in an electric burner?
No. A self-lighting oud brick is lit directly with a flame and rests in its own glass holder - it should never be placed in an electric burner or on a charcoal disc.
How long does a self-lighting oud brick burn for?
Around 30 minutes per brick. The Amaani Oud Bricks pack includes 14 bricks and a glass holder, giving multiple sessions from one set.
Which bakhoor burner is best for everyday use without a flame?
An electric bakhoor burner, since it needs no charcoal or open flame - just add bakhoor and switch it on.
Where can I buy bakhoor burners in South Africa?
Cii Stores, South Africa's Islamic department store, stocks charcoal, electric and self-lighting bakhoor burners online for delivery across South Africa and in person at its Ormonde store in Johannesburg.
Ready to choose? Shop the Bakhoor Burners collection for charcoal, electric and self-lighting options in stock now, or browse Bakhoor for the wood chips and blends to burn in them.
Where to browse next
- Bakhoor Burners - charcoal, electric and self-lighting options
- Bakhoor - wood chips, blends and oud bakhoor
- Fragrances - oud and perfume alongside your bakhoor
- Gifts - bakhoor burners and oud bricks as gift ideas