Charcoal Discs - Pack of 10 - 40mm

Not all charcoal discs are created equal. Three Kings has been the benchmark for quality incense charcoal for over a century — and for good reason. Here is what sets them apart from generic charcoal discs:

• Instant ignition — Three Kings discs spark and self-ignite within seconds from a single touch of a lighter or match. No extended holding of a flame, no struggling to get an even light — just touch the edge and watch it catch.
• Clean, odourless burn — Three Kings charcoal is formulated to produce minimal smoke and no off-putting chemical odour during the burn, unlike lower-quality discs that can release unpleasant smells that overpower your incense. What you smell is purely your resin or herb — not the charcoal.
• Even, consistent heat — the entire surface of a Three Kings disc heats uniformly, giving you an even platform for your resin or powder and a reliable burn from start to finish.
• Long burn time — the 40mm disc burns for approximately 60 to 75 minutes — giving you a full, extended aromatic experience without needing to change discs mid-practice.
• Larger surface area — the 40mm diameter (vs the standard 33mm) provides significantly more burning surface, allowing you to place more resin or work with larger botanical blends. Ideal for filling a room or for extended group practices.
• Trusted worldwide — used in Catholic cathedrals, Orthodox churches, Buddhist monasteries, and mosques across more than 50 countries. When quality and reliability are non-negotiable, Three Kings is the standard.

What you will need

• A Three Kings charcoal disc from this pack
• A heat-resistant vessel — your abalone shell, a clay or ceramic bowl, or a metal incense burner
• A small layer of sand, salt, or fine soil inside your vessel to insulate from the disc's heat
• Metal tongs to hold and place the disc safely
• A lighter or long match
• Your chosen loose resin, incense powder, or dried herb

Step by step

1. Prepare your vessel. Add a small layer of sand, salt, or fine soil to the base of your abalone shell or bowl. This protects the vessel from the intense heat of the disc — especially important with the larger 40mm Three Kings disc, which burns hotter and longer than standard discs.
2. Pick up the disc with tongs. Always use metal tongs — never hold the disc with bare fingers while lighting. The Three Kings disc heats almost instantly once sparked.
3. Touch a lighter or match to the edge. Hold the flame briefly to the outer rim of the disc. Within 3–5 seconds, you will see it begin to spark rapidly across the surface — the hallmark of Three Kings quality. This self-ignition process will continue to spread across the full disc.
4. Place in your vessel and wait. Set the sparking disc in your prepared vessel and allow 1–2 minutes for it to fully ash over to a glowing grey-white surface. At this point it is at full, even heat and perfectly ready for use.
5. Add your resin or incense. Place a small amount of loose resin (oliban, myrrh, copal, etc.), incense powder, or dried herb on the centre of the glowing disc. Start small — the 40mm disc is generous and a little resin goes a long way. Add more gradually to build your preferred intensity.
6. Enjoy for up to 60–75 minutes. The Three Kings 40mm disc maintains even, reliable heat for the full burn period. Replenish your resin or powder as it burns through.
7. Extinguish safely. Allow the disc to ash out completely and cool fully in the vessel before handling or disposing of it. Never submerge a hot disc in water.

The larger 40mm Three Kings disc is ideal for generous amounts of loose aromatics. Here are some of the finest options to explore:

Always use natural, unprocessed aromatics on charcoal discs. Avoid synthetic fragrance oils, which can release harmful compounds when burned at high temperatures.

• Always use in a well-ventilated space — open a window or door before lighting. Charcoal produces carbon monoxide as it burns and should never be used in a completely sealed room.
• Use sand or salt in your vessel — particularly important with the 40mm disc, which burns hotter than the 33mm. A layer of sand or salt between the disc and the shell or bowl will prevent cracking or scorching.
• Start with a small amount of resin — the generous surface of the 40mm disc can handle more, but starting small allows you to find your ideal intensity without overwhelming the space with smoke.
• Use tongs at all times — Three Kings discs reach temperatures well over 300°C. Always handle with metal tongs, never with bare hands or fabric.
• Wait for the full grey ash — placing resin on a disc that hasn't fully ashed over will produce harsh, acrid smoke. The few minutes of patience make all the difference.
• Store sealed and dry — keep unused discs in the foil roll, sealed in an airtight container or zip-lock bag. Moisture is the primary enemy of charcoal quality — even a small amount of humidity can prevent ignition.
• Set an intention before lighting — as with all ritual practices, the quality of your experience deepens with the clarity of your intention. Breathe, arrive, and decide what you are inviting into the space before you begin.

• Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container or resealable bag. Moisture will prevent the discs from self-igniting properly.
• Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources when not in use.
• Allow used discs to cool and ash out completely before disposing of them.
• Never place a hot disc directly into a plastic bin or on a flammable surface.
• Keep out of reach of children and away from all flammable materials at all times.
• Never leave a lit disc unattended.