Burning incense is an ancient ritual with numerous religious, spiritual and aesthetic benefits. It can promote relaxation, aid sleep, enhance concentration and lift moods.
Incense burners come in a range of styles to accommodate various types of incense. Get to know what an incense burner does and how it works so you can find the one best suited to your needs.
Burner Types
When selecting an incense burner, there are various styles to choose from. Some are straightforward and user-friendly while others require more intricate work to use them effectively. Ultimately, the type of incense you intend on burning and how it’s burned will ultimately determine which burner type works best for your needs.
Censers are vessels made of metal, stone or ceramic used to burn incense or fragrance during religious ceremonies or rituals. They’re also sometimes referred to as incense burners or holders.
These resemble an elongated tube with one end perforated to catch ash from the burning incense stick. They come in a range of materials such as wood, aluminum, porcelain and brass.
These incense holders can accommodate both dhoop incense and solid sticks of incense that do not have a bamboo core. They come in an array of colors and designs, from simple to ornate.
Boat Burners
Boat burners, also referred to as ash catchers, are one of the most popular types of incense burners. They come in various shapes and sizes and typically cost $10 to $20.
These containers come in a range of materials and are often decorated with simple designs or engravings. Some even feature a hole at the bottom for holding incense sticks or cones while they burn.
The ashes that collect in the groove at the end of a burner can be used for cleaning purposes and thrown away in either a garbage receptacle or compost container.
An increasingly popular alternative fuel for narrowboat stoves is alcohol, which produces similar levels of heat while being better for the environment. Unlike coal, alcohol doesn’t release particles or carbon monoxide that are detrimental to air quality.
Bowl Burners
Bowl burners for incense are circular vessels with a hole at the center, ideal for burning an incense cone or stick. They come in various sizes, shapes, and materials to suit everyone’s preferences and needs.
An incense censer is a coffeepot-shaped metal container used by priests and altar servers to burn incense during Mass. These come in various styles and materials, such as Baroque style bronze censers, stainless steel options, and more durable options.
Smudge bowls are also available, which can be used to burn smudge bundles like sage or sacred medicines. These come in an array of designs and colors and usually cost a few dollars on average.
Backflow incense cones are unique types of incense cones that send the smoke out instead of up into the air, providing a relaxing scent and beautiful appearance. Prices for these burners vary greatly – with the lowest-end models going for $15 and reaching into the $100s.
Resin Burners
Resin burners are ideal for those who prefer less smoke and a stronger fragrance than burning on charcoal. You can use them with various resins, such as Frankincense or Myrrh, in centuries-old processes that often produce an entrancing atmosphere during meditation or prayer.
Burning resins in a metal burner is an age-old tradition that involves placing a charcoal tablet inside, lighting it with either a match or lighter, then placing a small piece of resin atop. As soon as this resin melts and bubbles, releasing its scent, these types of incense burners are ideal for firmer resins such as Frankincense or Myrrh, but can also be used with softer materials.
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