In the Arab world, bakhoor is part of everyday life: it scents the home, welcomes guests and is wafted through clothes and hair. In Europe this oriental home fragrance is still little known – yet it is easy to use once you know how. Here you'll learn what bakhoor is, how to burn it on charcoal or electrically, and which burner suits you.
What is bakhoor?
Bakhoor (also spelled bakhour or bukhoor) is incense made from small pieces or chips of wood soaked in fragrance oils and often refined with resins, musk, amber or floral notes. When heated slowly, the wood releases a dense, aromatic smoke that spreads through the room and clings to fabrics.
Traditionally, bakhoor is burned on glowing charcoal in an incense burner called a mabkhara. Today there are also electric burners that work without charcoal or flame.
Bakhoor, oud wood and incense sticks – the difference
- Bakhoor: wood pieces soaked in a fragrance blend – a wide range of scents from woody to floral to sweet-oriental.
- Oud wood (agarwood): pure, resinous wood without added fragrance oils – an intense, woody scent, e.g. our Oud Al-Safwah 75 g.
- Incense sticks: easy to light, no burner or charcoal needed – ideal for beginners, e.g. the Karamat incense sticks.
How to burn bakhoor on charcoal
- Light a charcoal tablet: hold a charcoal tablet with tongs and hold a flame to its edge until it starts to glow.
- Place it in the burner: put the glowing charcoal in the burner's dish and wait until it glows evenly and is covered in grey ash (usually a few minutes).
- Add bakhoor: place one or two small pieces of bakhoor on the charcoal. Less is more – the scent is intense.
- Spread the scent: carry the burner through the room or set it down in a safe place. Traditionally, clothes or hair are held briefly over the rising smoke.
- Air the room: briefly air the room afterwards – the scent stays in fabrics and furniture.
Burning bakhoor electrically
An electric burner heats the bakhoor on a hot plate – no charcoal, no open flame and less smoke. Practical for flats, offices or on the go.
- Switch the burner on and let it heat up briefly.
- Place a small piece of bakhoor on the plate.
- After use, switch it off, let it cool and clean the plate.
Which bakhoor burner suits me?
- Classic with charcoal: the ceramic mabkhara or the wooden burner with metal dish – for the traditional ritual and as a decorative piece.
- Electric with plug: the electric bakhoor burner with EU plug – for everyday use at home.
- Cordless and portable: the USB burners – compact for the office, bedroom or car.
Which bakhoor scent?
Bakhoor comes in very different scent directions. Good choices to start with:
- Woody and noble: Mabsous Oud Malaki
- Floral-oriental: Mabsous Rose & Oud
- Soft and warm: Mabsous Musk & Ambre
Want to try different scents? With Bakhoor of your choice you can choose from 19 oriental scents.
Safety
- Place the burner only on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
- Never leave glowing charcoal or burning bakhoor unattended.
- Keep away from children, pets, curtains and other flammable materials.
- Burn in a well-ventilated room and do not inhale the smoke directly.
- Let charcoal and ash cool completely before disposing of them.
FAQ
How long does the scent of bakhoor last?
Depending on its size, a piece of bakhoor releases scent for a few minutes. Afterwards the scent remains noticeable in fabrics and the room for a long time.
Can I use bakhoor without charcoal?
Yes – with an electric bakhoor burner, which heats the bakhoor without charcoal or an open flame.
How much bakhoor do I need?
One or two small pieces are enough for a normal room. You can add more later if needed.
