Electric Incense Burners | Top Picks

Are you a fan of the pleasant fragrance of incense but not so fond of the mess that goes along with it? Consider using an electric incense burner.

Electric incense holders are a great alternative to using charcoal incense burners, and they provide similar benefits with less hassle. Burning incense is easier and more fun with them.

Electric Incense Burner (Incense Heater or Incense Warmer)

Electric incense burners are also known as electric incense heaters and electric incense warmers, just so that you know that whichever name is used means the same thing. 

Electric incense holders are a great addition to any household and are very easy to get started with.

Types of Electric Incense Burner

These burners are categorized on the basis of their settings into the following:

Automatic Electric Incense Burners

These burners are easy to control in terms of temperature setting. They come with a thermostat dial, which enables the users to increase or decrease the heat. The energy regulator maintains the heat within the selected range by tuning on and off for a specified time. 

Therefore, you don’t need to monitor the heat manually and you can use this device for a longer period without any security risk.  Usually, these burners come with readings of low, medium and high.

Such devices are great in terms of providing slow and steady scents for longer periods. The moderate heat range burns the incense resin slowly resulting in longer fragrance production

Non-automatic Electric Incense Burners

These burners have a static temperature setting that you cannot increase or decrease. They do not have a thermostat dial for temperature adjustments. If you want to lower the temperature, you need to discontinue the cord, as there is no other way. 

These burners are risky in terms of overheating. You have to be careful about using them for a longer time. It is recommended to use them for a maximum of 10 minutes at a time. This time duration is enough to heat the incense resin and initiate the fragrance production. After 10 minutes, turn off the burner to avoid a power outage.

These burners are good for those who want to have quick aromatherapy sessions within a short period. You will get fast results, as the high temperature burns the incense sticks quickly, resulting in stronger scent production. However, it is not recommended to use them for a longer period.

Now, let’s look at some of the best electric incense burners, so you can compare and decide which one suits your needs the best.

Quick Picks:

Best Overall	The Most Interesting	Branded Product

Arabic Electric Incense Burner

Electric Incense Burner with Regulator (Automatic)

Best Branded Product:

Picture	Product Link [*Amazon]
	AM Regulator Electric Incense Burner

This is an exquisitely decorated gold metal and resin burner. The metal is made in a filigree construction, with a rounded top, and topped off with a crescent moon symbol.

It is quite tall and I think it looks majestic at 11 inches in height. Certainly an eye-catcher in your home. It is most suitable for Oud or frankincense resin, and has a timer and temperature control.

Mabkhara Electric Burner

Attar Mist Electric Incense Burner

Most Elegant:

Picture	Product Link [*Amazon]
	ATTAR MIST Electric Mabkhara Incense Burner

I think this is a beautiful item, in silver metal, inset with colorful crystalline stones. It is finely decorated and has a classic goblet shape with almost a regal appearance, like one of the Crown Jewels.

Without a thermostat, it burns at a relatively high temperature so is more suited to aromatic woods, or incense powders, and probably not suitable for resins.

Electric Incense Burner for Car

Picture	Product Link [*Amazon]
	Electric Incense Burner for Car (Nabil’s)
	Electric Incense Burner for Car (1970)

Small portable burners such as these two are definitely something I will use in my car.

They plug into the cigarette lighter socket and are both very small. They are ideal for a small amount of incense or small aromatic woodchips, to purify the air in your car after a long journey, or to refresh you before you travel to work.

Just remember to switch it off before moving the car, in case of spillage.

Electric Bakhoor Burner for Car

Picture	Product Link [*Amazon]
	YASMEEN Car Electric Incense Bakhoor Burner
	Gold Car Bakhoor Incense Burner

It can be comforting to have the fragrance of incense with you on a car journey, or perhaps you want to mask the odour of pets, food or other scents in your car.

These two burners are ideal for that. In the shape of miniature Bakhoor burners, they plug into the electrical outlet previously used for a cigarette lighter, in your car dashboard.

It is recommended that they are not used when the car is moving, to avoid accidents from spilling the hot incense.

Electric Bakhoor Burner (Electric Oud Burner)

Picture	Product Link [*Amazon]
	Maani Oud Essence Electric Incense Bukhoor Burner

The hexagon-shaped Oud burner is in a solid gold-metal design, embossed with curlicue patterns and ruby-like stones.

It does not have a timer or thermostat and is more suitable for coils and aromatic woods.

Portable Electric Bakhoor Burner (Rechargeable)

Dukhoon Electric Portable Incense Burner

Picture	Product Link [*Amazon]
	XKUN Dukhoon Bakhoor USB Incense Burner

This unique little hand-held burner has a rechargeable battery, through a USB port. It comes in black and also in gold colour, and can be used anywhere.

It also has a comb attachment. When the incense smoke is drifting through the top, you can comb your hair with it, and carry the fragrance of Oud or frankinsense with you all day, or all evening, delighting your companions.

Rechargeable Bakhoor Burner

Picture	Product Link [*Amazon]
	TTOP Dukhoon Electric Bukhoor

In keeping with the modern era, the mini-hand held burner has an inbuilt battery that can be recharged through a USB port. It is made from black ABS, which is stronger and more durable than PVC.

There is no heat conductivity through the handle, so it can be carried while incense is burned in the top part.

It would not be my ideal choice in terms of quality but I am impressed with this as a potential gift, since it comes with a well designed black and gold velvet carry bag, which holds the charging cable and other accessories.

Rechargeable Incense Burner (USB Incense Burner)

Mini Electric Incense Burner

The Most Interesting:

Picture	Product Link [*Amazon]
	SHDream Electronic Incense Burner

An excellent choice for aromatherapy, this small cylindrical burner will sit on your desk or coffee table.

In black or a deep red metal, this small but powerful burner can cover rooms up to 1,000 square feet depending on the airflow and location and is battery-driven, which makes it ideal for impromptu parties or meetings. It could also sit in the cup-holder in your car.

The battery is rechargeable through a USB connection.

Electric Incense Burner 110v

Best Overall:

Picture	Product Link [*Amazon]
	Electric Incense Burner Heater

This lotus-shaped burner comes in either black or white ceramic. It has a pedestal base with a heatproof mat fixed under it to avoid furniture damage.

It looks great in any room with its sleek black design.

The burner has a thermostat to control the heat so can be used for any incense including resins and essential oils.

We all know how important it is to get the perfect temperature when we’re trying to burn incense. And with this electric incense burner, you can adjust the temperature from 80-220 C to make sure that your incense always burns perfectly.

Plug in Incense Burner

Picture	Product Link [*Amazon]
	QQAA Plug-in Electric Incense Burner

This electric incense burner is a delight in deep navy blue with gold trim. It sits on a black coaster made from bamboo wood.

It is in a small pot shape with a decorated lid, and can be used for either incense powder, resin or essential oils. It has a thermostat control and a timer for convenience.

Portable Electric Incense Burner

Picture	Product Link [*Amazon]
	NA. Portable Mini Electric Incense Burner

These pretty little burners come in gold, copper, bronze and silver metals and each one has a different design.

They do not have a cable, they have a two-pin plug and can connect straight to a wall socket.

They can be inconspicuous in a corner of the room, but can fill the room with fragrant incense.

Electric Incense Heater with Temperature Control

Most Minimal & Elegant:

Picture	Product Link [*Amazon]
	Electric Incense Heater – 110V 18W 80-220degree C

The white ceramic burner, shaped like an ornamental pot, also comes with a floral design around the bowl.

It is designed mainly for aromatic wood chips or incense powder. It has a small metal tray inside to hold the incense, but a good suggestion is to use aluminum baking cups (not supplied) which can be discarded after use, for easier cleaning.

Electric Incense Burner 220v

Picture	Product Link [*Amazon]
	Grey Electric Bakhoor Burner

This burner is in a grey metal similar to pewter. Although not as bright and polished as some others, it has a classical elegance, and is shaped in the traditional Bakhoor style.

It does not have a thermostat and burns at a high temperature, so is more suitable for woods or powders, and not for resin.

It is solidly constructed i a hexagonal shape and is a good functional burner.

Wooden Electric Incense Burner

Picture	Product Link [*Amazon]
	radhna Wooden Electric Incense Burner

This is a very simple wooden burner, shaped like a small cup. It does not have a lid, just a metal incense holder at the top.

It plugs directly into a wall socket with any wires. Simply plug it in and add a pinch of incense powder, and after about 10 minutes the room will fill with fragrant smoke.

Vintage Electric Incense Burner

Best Budget Option:

Picture	Product Link [*Amazon]
	Oud Essence Classic Electric Incense Burner

Embossed with studs and with palm tree designs, this simple Bakhoor style burner is made in a gold metal and strongly constructed.

It does not have a thermostat control so burns at a high temperature, making it suitable for woods and powders, but not for resins like frankincense’

Its traditional shape reminds me of the burners that can be seen in most middle eastern households and have been used for centuries, but with the added advantage of electricity.

Classically Styled:

Picture	Product Link [*Amazon]
	Vintage Style Incense Burner

Like a beautiful lamp, this antique looking burner has a golden candle-stick style base, supporting a black metal bowl shape which is inset with a gold floral design.

It is quite an unusual item, different from many other incense burners, and I would love to have this in my home or give as a gift to a relative or friend for a special celebration.

Most suitable for aromatherapy, the bowl is filled with water, and a few drops of essential oils are added. As the water warms up, the beautiful fragrance spreads, relaxing and calming.

Picture	Product Link [*Amazon]
	Electric Incense Burner with Regulator

Just like a jewelry box, this highly ornate item is crafted in silver and inset with coloured glass stones to imitate precious jewels. It has a timer and temperature control.

It is made in a silver metal and has a small drawer in the base to store small amounts of incense.

I know many people would love to receive this as a gift, either for incense burning or simply as an attractive object to decorate their home.

Attar Mist Electric Incense Burner

Picture	Product Link [*Amazon]
	AM Square Metallic Arabian Motif Electric Burner

Above we have already discussed a few Attar Mist incense burners. Below is another Attar Mist incense burner that is made from copper and designed in a traditional Arab style.

Golden Lotus Electric Incense Burner

Picture	Product Link
Photo: mermadearts.com	Electric Incense Heater – Golden Lotus

The black ceramic Golden Lotus is so named because it is finely decorated with lotus images in gold around the small bowl.

In a small pot shape, this well-decorated burner will make a perfect gift and comes with incense samples, brass implements for portioning and for cleaning, and in a satin-lined gift box.

Loban Electric Burner

Picture	Product Link [*Amazon]
	Hijet Stainless Steel Electric Incense Burner

This is the most simple and functional electric incense burner. Made in stainless steel, this small, unadorned cup shape plugs directly into a wall socket.

There is no thermostat or on/off switch, just a small light in the base to let you know it is heating.

There is nothing decorative about it, but if you just want to release incense into the air, this will do it perfectly.

Ceramic Electric Incense Burner

Picture	Product Link [*Amazon]
	RXBFD Ceramic Electric Incense Burner

This ceramic incense burner is in a very pale blue color, but it also comes in brown and green. I prefer the blue, with the polished bronze lid. The lid is cut with an abstract flower design to allow the smoke to drift up.

The body of the burner is slightly ribbed to provide texture, and the electric cord is insulated for safety.

It has a thermostat for temperature control, and also a timer so it cannot be accidentally left on after use.

A similar burner, ice blue, in a bowl shape. It has an abstract design molded on the bowl which I think represents a fish, and is also available in a cracked glaze style ceramic. It has a metal holder inside, so no incense touches the ceramic finish.

Picture	Product Link [*Amazon]
	Ceramic Electric Incense Burner

The ceramic body can get quite hot, and it comes with a natural wood plinth to protect furnishings.

Electric Porcelain Incense Burner

Electric Incense Burner with Timer

Picture	Product Link [*Amazon]
	ZYFA Electric Incense Burner

The aqua-blue porcelain electric burner has an antique, weathered stone finish. The lid is perforated with round holes to release the smoke, and it sits on a dark stained wood plinth.

It has a wide-range thermostat, controlling temperature between 80 and 240 degrees celsius. The sealed unit burner heats up in seconds, and the timer can be set for up to 8 hours.

It also comes in a black stone style porcelain, which I like because of the texture, and it looks like it might have come from an old Chinese home.

Electric Incense Powder Burner

Most Minimal:

Picture	Product Link [*Amazon]
	ZYFA Electric Incense Burner Porcelain Ceramic

Shaped almost like a pumpkin, this electric ceramic burner is in a pink glaze, and the top has perforations in the shape of seeds.

The thermostat ranges from 50 to 330 degrees celsius, and the low temperature allows essential oils to be used for aromatherapy. The temperature can be quickly increased to burn incense in powder, coil or resin form.

It has a round wood plinth, the circular shape complementing the bowl of the burner.

Frankincense Burner (Electric)

Picture	Product Link [*Amazon]
	Oud Frankincense Resin Electric Burner

Made from copper and resin, and inset with red stones reminiscent of rubies, this electric burner for frankincense has a strong Arabic influence. It has a metal cup inside to hold the incense, and it is removable for easy cleaning.

This middle eastern style burner can be used as a censer in religious ceremonies, and I would use it for meditation and for home decor.

Japanese Electric Incense Burner

Picture	Product Link [*Amazon]
	Japan Genuine Ceramic Electric Incense

The Japanese-made incense burner is in the shape of a classic Arabic Bakhoor burner. It is made in a cream color ceramic with gold trim, and has a molded motif inset, picturing a mosque and palm trees.

The metal tray in the top can hold coils, powders or aromatic woods, and is removable for cleaning. I would give this as an engagement or wedding gift; the design and color suits special occasions.

A second Japanese incense burner is battery-operated, making it easy for traveling. At 4 inches high, I can see it being easily carried in a pocket or in the glove compartment of a car, but of course not when it is hot from use.

Picture	Product Link
Photo: japanincense.com	Shoyeido Battery Operated Wood Chip Heater

It is ideal for burning small wood chips and comes with a starter pack of sandalwood.

Orthodox Electric Incense Burner

It is rare to find an orthodox electric incense burner. Nevertheless, the following electric incense burner can be used in an orthodox setting or church:

Lotus Black Incense Burner (*Amazon)

As an organic alternative, this brass censer burns charcoal tablets, and is made in a finely etched brass design, and is engraved with Christian symbols.

Picture	Product Link [*Amazon]
	Orthodox Christian Brass Censer Incense Burner

It is shaped like a goblet or chalice, and the religious aspect is compounded by a cross on top of the lid, in a Greek or Russian orthodox style.

How to Use Electic Incense Burners Effectively

Electricity provides enough heat to burn the resin of incense. It comes with a cord you need to connect. When you turn on the switch, it starts getting hot. After a while, the device is ready to place the incense for getting fragrance. 

For the safe and effective use of these ingredients, you need to wrap the plate in aluminium foil before turning it on. After that, switch on the burner and, after a while, place the incense over the aluminium foil-wrapped plate. Why is aluminium foil necessary? If you directly place the incense on the plate, it will get burn stains. So, using aluminium foil keeps the plate in its original colour without any stains. 

Precautions to use Electric Incense Burners Safely

Just like coal burners, electric burners also require some safety measures both automatic and non-automatic. You have to take the following precautions to avoid any unpleasant incident:

1. Keep the burner out of the reach of children and pets. It is extremely hot, like any other burner. 
2. Do not handle the plate of the burner with a naked hand when it is plugged in. 
3. Use the handle of the burner to take it anywhere.
4. Avoid changing the position of the burner when it is turned on.  
5. After switching it off, let the burner cool down for an hour. Don’t touch the plate before that. 
6. Keep the burner on a moisture-free surface. 
7. Start the burner at a low-temperature setting in case of automatic incense burners and increase the temperature gradually. 
8. Don’t use the burner in high-temperature settings for too long to avoid quick incense burn. 
9. Use the non-automatic burner with pauses to avoid the overheating issue.

Electric Incense Burner vs Charcoal

Incense burners have been around for many centuries since incense was first used in homes and religious ceremonies.

A charcoal tablet has been traditionally used inside the burner for powdered incense or, for resins and for aromatic woods.

In recent years however, electric burners have become popular for their convenience.

Charcoal tablets can take some time to ignite and smolder and must reach the right temperature before the incense is added.

Electric burners are at the desired temperature within seconds of being switched on. Not only that, the charcoal tablet has only one temperature – very hot! whereas an electric burner allows for temperature control to different levels.

An electric burner is preferred by some because only the incense is burned, and with a charcoal burner there is also smoke and odor from the charcoal tablet. Of course, traditionalists are used to that and feel that there is something missing from the smoke of an electric burner.

A charcoal burner can be used anywhere, outside the home, on a beach at sunset, places where there is no access to electricity.

Also, when the charcoal is burnt out, the burner process is finished. Electric burners have to be either switched off manually, or you have to set the timer so it does not continue to heat.

As with anything, it is a matter of personal taste, and for many, the lighting of a charcoal tablet is part of a ritual reaching back into history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which method provides long-lasting fragrance, electric incense or coal burner?

Electric burners are moderate in terms of heating the incense. They heat the inside resin of incense sticks slowly which results in a slow-burning process. You will get the fragrance for a longer time in a light range. In the case of coal burners, incense burns quickly with its high heat. So, its fragrance disperses in the air for a shorter period with more strength. 

Q: Do electric incense burners smokey in nature.?

The production of smoke is not associated with incense sticks. Rather, burning coal produces smoke. When you use an electric incense burner, you will get the fragrance from the incense without any smoke. With electricity, no coal is involved, and the incense resin is heated by an electric coil. 

Q: What types of incense are suitable for electric incense burners?

You can use this burner for a variety of incense types like:

• Frankincense
• Agarwood 
• Lavender
• Sandalwood
• Myrrh
• Lotus flower
• Bakhoor
• Fragrance oils
• Essential oils
• Incense powder

Q: What is the limitation of an electric incense burner?

These burners are only beneficial and provide the required results when the power is on. You need to keep the plug connected to get the fragrance continuously. Whenever the power is turned off, its plate cools down quickly resulting in no scent production. 

Q: How can I set the temperature of an electric incense burner before placing incense?

These burners come with a thermostat dial where you can set the required temperature. Connect the cord of the burner and then set the temperature. It takes a few minutes to reach that temperature level. After that, you can place the incense on its plate to get the fragrance. 

Q: Which is less cost-effective, coal burner or electric burner?

Different types of burners have different prices. However, electric burners are usually more costly than coal burners but they last longer in terms of functionality. You also don’t need to invest money in buying charcoal.

Parting Words

Burning incense is an easy and inexpensive way to have your home or office smell great. It is also useful for masking odors. 

As the popularity of incense grows, the amount of burners on the market has grown as well. Now you can have coal or electric burners with automatic or non-automatic functioning. 

With an electric incense burner, your incense will last longer because they allow you to preserve incense longer. You will get smoke free aromatherapy session without any safety risk.

Electric incense holders can be used on daily and can help improve the atmosphere of your home and office as they do not require fire or charcoal, they are easy to use and safe.