Excelsior Swift-Lite Charcoal Discs
Excelsior Swift-Lite Charcoal is designed to provide the sustained heat needed for burning loose incense and aromatic resins.
Unlike incense sticks or cones, where the fragrance is already built into the product, many loose incense blends need a separate heat source.
The charcoal disc provides that hot base.
Once the disc has ignited fully and developed a grey surface, small amounts of resin, loose incense or aromatic material can be added on top and allowed to smoulder.
Charcoal for Resin & Loose Incense
These discs are especially suited to aromatic materials that cannot simply be lit directly.
They can be used with resin incense, frankincense and similar resins, loose incense blends, incense powders and aromatic herbs intended for charcoal burning.
Start with a small amount and add more gradually if needed.
Using too much at once can smother the charcoal or create more smoke than necessary.
Excelsior Charcoal
Excelsior Charcoal forms part of the Swift-Lite charcoal range and is supplied here as 33mm discs designed for fast ignition and steady burning.
The purpose is simple: to create a reliable hot surface for burning loose aromatic materials.
For anyone already familiar with Excelsior Charcoal or Excelsior Swift-Lite Charcoal, this roll contains 10 individual discs for regular incense use.
Incense Charcoal Tablets
Incense charcoal discs are also commonly called incense charcoal tablets.
The terms generally describe the same type of compact charcoal used as a heat source beneath loose incense or resin.
For this product, Incense Charcoal Discs remains the clearest description because each piece is formed as a round 33mm disc.
Quick Light Charcoal
Excelsior is a quick light charcoal, meaning it is designed to ignite more easily than traditional natural charcoal.
When lit, the surface may spark or crackle as the ignition process spreads across the disc.
Allow the charcoal to ignite fully before adding incense.
The surface should begin to look grey or ashy before use.
How to Use Excelsior Charcoal
Place one disc in a suitable charcoal incense burner, censer or thurible on a stable, fire-resistant surface.
If handling the disc directly, use appropriate metal tongs.
Light one edge and allow the quick-lighting process to spread across the surface.
Once the charcoal is glowing and developing a grey ash layer, add a small amount of resin or loose incense to the centre.
Add more gradually as required.
Resin Incense & Frankincense
These discs work particularly well for resin incense such as frankincense and similar aromatic resins.
When placed onto the hot charcoal, the resin softens and releases fragrant smoke.
Begin with one small piece or a small pinch.
This gives you better control over fragrance strength and smoke levels while helping the charcoal continue to burn evenly.
Church Incense & Thurible Use
These charcoal discs are also suitable for traditional church incense, where loose resin incense is burned over charcoal in an appropriate censer or thurible.
The charcoal provides the heat source beneath the incense, allowing frankincense and other aromatic resins to release their fragrance gradually.
They can be used for home ritual practice as well as liturgical settings, provided the burner is specifically designed for charcoal use.
Burn Time
Each 33mm disc burns for approximately 30–40 minutes under typical conditions.
Actual burn time varies with airflow, room conditions and how much incense is placed on the charcoal.
The disc may remain extremely hot after the visible glow has disappeared, so allow it to cool completely before handling or disposal.
Burners, Censers & Accessories
Charcoal reaches much higher temperatures than an ordinary incense stick.
Use only a purpose-made charcoal burner, censer, thurible or heat-resistant resin burner.
Metal tongs and a small incense spoon can also make lighting and adding resin safer and easier.
Some burners use a layer of sand beneath the charcoal to help insulate the base and distribute heat.
Always follow the instructions supplied with your particular burner.
Ventilation & Safety
Burn charcoal only in a well-ventilated area.
Both the charcoal and incense placed on top produce combustion products and airborne particles.
Open a window or provide suitable airflow where practical and avoid positioning your face directly above the burner.
Never leave lit or hot charcoal unattended.
Keep away from children, pets, curtains, paper, fabrics and other flammable materials.
Quick FAQs
What are incense charcoal discs used for?
They provide a hot base for burning loose incense, resin incense, incense powders and other aromatic materials that need sustained heat.
Are these Excelsior Swift-Lite Charcoal discs?
Yes. They are Excelsior charcoal discs supplied within the Swift-Lite charcoal range.
What size are the discs?
Approximately 33mm in diameter.
How many discs are in a roll?
10 charcoal discs.
Are these quick light charcoal discs?
Yes. They are designed for quick / instant lighting.
What does charcoal for incense mean?
It refers to charcoal used as a heat source beneath loose incense or resin rather than as a fragrance product itself.
Are incense charcoal tablets the same thing?
Incense charcoal tablets is another common name for this type of product. These particular pieces are formed as round discs.
Can I burn frankincense on them?
Yes. They are suitable for frankincense-style resins and other aromatic resins intended for charcoal burning.
Can they be used with loose incense?
Yes. Loose incense is one of their main uses.
Are they suitable for church incense?
Yes. They can be used for traditional church incense in an appropriate censer or thurible.
Can I use them in a normal incense-stick holder?
No. Charcoal becomes extremely hot and must be used in a burner designed for charcoal temperatures.
How long does one disc burn?
Approximately 30–40 minutes, depending on conditions.
When should I add resin?
Wait until the disc has ignited fully and developed a grey or ashy surface.
Why does the charcoal spark when lit?
That is part of the quick-light ignition process.
How much incense should I add?
Start with a very small amount and add more gradually if required.
Does the charcoal need ventilation?
Yes. Always use burning charcoal in a well-ventilated space.
Can it be left unattended?
No. Never leave burning or hot charcoal unattended.
Can these be used for shisha or hookah?
This Sacred Essence listing is intended for incense burning, resin incense, loose incense and church incense rather than shisha or hookah use.
NB
Burn time can vary depending on airflow, room conditions and the amount of incense placed on the charcoal.
The charcoal becomes extremely hot during use and can remain hot after it stops visibly glowing.
Allow both the disc and burner to cool completely before handling or disposal.
Please Note / Safety
Use only in a purpose-made heat-resistant charcoal incense burner, censer or thurible positioned on a stable, fire-resistant surface.
Keep hot charcoal away from curtains, paper, fabrics and other combustible materials.
Never leave burning or hot charcoal unattended.
Keep away from children and pets.
Use only with good ventilation and avoid directly inhaling charcoal or incense smoke.
Do not handle a lit, glowing or recently extinguished disc with bare hands.