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Bakhoor vs incense sticks: what is the difference

Bakhoor vs incense sticks: how they are made, how they smell, how each is used at home and what safety steps to take with burners and open flames.

Julien Marchand4 min read

A small incense burner and wood chips on a metal tray
Image by Pexels from Pixabay

Verdict: Pick bakhoor if you want a deep, layered smoke that you can control by heat and amount. Pick incense sticks if you want something simple that you light and leave. Both need care, because both involve heat or flame.

Which wins on

Electric bakhoor burner
Electric bakhoor burnerImage by alondav from Pixabay
FactorBakhoorIncense sticks
FormWood chips or scented pasteThin sticks
How to burnCharcoal or electric burnerLight the tip, it smoulders
SmellLayered, often oud-basedOften single-note
ControlYou choose how muchFixed by the stick
SetupBurner, tongs, trayHolder and ash catcher
RiskHot charcoal, burner, smokeOpen ember, ash

Pick bakhoor if

  • You want an oud-style smoke in a living room or on clothes.
  • You are happy to use a burner and a heat-safe tray.
  • You like to change the amount to match the room.

Pick incense sticks if

  • You want a quick, easy ritual.
  • You do not want to handle charcoal.
  • The room is small and you want a mild scent.

Smoke and air

Both make smoke. Smoke can bother people with breathing problems, pets and small children. Open a window and keep burn time short. If anyone in the home has asthma or another condition, ask a doctor before you burn either one.

A worked example

You want to scent a living room for an evening. With bakhoor on an electric burner, start with two small chips and see how it feels after ten minutes. With a stick, light one and place it in a holder away from curtains. Round numbers, as a start.

Never leave any burning incense alone, and never burn it near fabric, paper or a child.

A caution

Use a heat-safe tray, a stable surface and a snuffer or tongs. Let charcoal and ash cool fully before you clear them. Keep a lid or cup of water nearby, as the maker advises. For safe steps in full, read how to burn bakhoor safely at home.

Cost and effort

Bakhoor needs a burner, a tray and often tongs or a heat source. Sticks need a holder and a safe spot. Sticks cost less to start, bakhoor offers more variety. Neither is cheap in time, because both need you to stay close and watch.

Smell on fabric

Smoke clings to curtains, cushions and clothes. Bakhoor tends to leave a long trail. Sticks leave a lighter one. If you are a guest in someone's home, ask before you burn either.

Try it slowly

  1. Start with the smallest amount, in a room with the window open.
  2. Burn for ten minutes and see how the room feels.
  3. Put it out as the maker advises.
  4. Wait a day before you decide to burn more.

Storage

Keep chips and sticks in a closed tin or jar, away from damp and sun. Keep them, and all lighters and matches, out of reach of children and pets. Old chips may lose their smell, so buy small amounts.

Incense stick holder
Incense stick holderImage by 4174332 from Pixabay

Quick questions

Is bakhoor stronger than incense?

Often it fills a room faster, but it depends on the amount and the product.

Can I use bakhoor without charcoal?

Yes, with an electric burner made for it. Follow the maker's steps.

Can I put either one in my bedroom?

Many people prefer not to, because smoke lingers and fire safety matters most at night. Do not leave any flame or ember while you sleep.

Is the smell the same as oud perfume?

Not exactly. The smoke is a different thing from a perfume on skin. See what does oud smell like.

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