Frankincense is the dried resin of the Boswellia tree. It has been burned as incense for thousands of years, and you'll see it called luban or olibanum. The two common ways to burn it are on a lit charcoal disc and on an electric burner. Burning resin directly on charcoal is the most common reason frankincense smells harsh, so the method you choose matters.

The short answer

Choose an electric burner if you want a cleaner, gentler aroma and less mess. Choose charcoal if you like the traditional ritual and a stronger smoke. If you're new to frankincense, start with an electric burner.

How charcoal works

A lit charcoal disc sits on a heat-safe dish of sand or ash. If you put the resin directly on the disc, it often scorches and gives off a burnt smell that hides the frankincense. To avoid that, put a small mica plate, a piece of foil or a wire screen between the charcoal and the resin. The resin then warms instead of burning, and the scent stays cleaner. You get a bolder, smokier aroma and a lot of room fragrance fast, but you still deal with ash, a hot disc, and a few minutes to light and turn grey.

How an electric burner works

An electric burner warms the resin gently on a plate, so it softens and releases its aroma slowly. There is no flame, almost no smoke, and no ash. A few pieces can last much longer than on charcoal, and you can adjust the temperature. As a starting point, try roughly 100-150°C (about 212-300°F) and adjust to taste. The Subitism Electric Oud Burner covers a wide range, from 60°C to 420°C.

Side by side

Which frankincense to use

Smaller golden pieces suit everyday burning on either method. Our Golden Sudan Frankincense Resin starts at $7.99. For larger, hand-selected tears, try our Premium Sudanese Frankincense Resin Tears. If you also burn oud chips, see our guide to electric burner vs. charcoal for oud.

Quick steps (electric burner)

1. Set the burner to low-medium and let it warm up.
2. Place 1-3 small pieces on the plate.
3. Wait a minute or two while the resin softens and the scent rises.
4. Turn the burner off when you're done and let it cool before cleaning.

Quick steps (charcoal)

1. Light a charcoal disc and let it turn grey-white.
2. Set it in a heat-safe dish on sand or ash.
3. Place a mica plate, foil or screen on top of the disc.
4. Put 1-3 small pieces of resin on the plate, not on the charcoal.

Safety: Burn in a ventilated room, keep it away from children and pets, and never leave burning incense unattended.

Try it yourself

Shop frankincense resin and the Subitism Electric Oud Burner. Free US shipping over $35.