People have been burning incense since ancient times. It is a tradition that we still do today. You can find incense prevalently in rituals, meditation and other spiritual purposes, crossing into many parts of our lives.
Incense comes in a wide variety of scents. Most of us select our incense based on the smell, and we all have our favourites. But what about the vessel? The censer or aroma burner holds onto the incense. This device usually catches ash as it accumulates while allowing for steady airflow.
Since incense burners come in many different sizes and materials, it can take time to decide what to get. Use this guide to pick your burner and enjoy the sensational aromas of your favourite fragrances! Here are the ten different types of incense burners and their characteristics:
Type #1: Boat Incense Burners
A boat burner or ash catcher is one of the most common burners in homes. It is designed to fit incense sticks. As the name implies, the vessel’s shape resembles a boat. Its holes hold the bamboo stick above the boat to catch any ash falling. This type of incense burner is typically made of wood. Likewise, you can also find boat burners that are stone, glass, ceramic or even aluminum.
Type #2: Incense Bowl Burners
These types of incense burners work similarly to the boat burner. However, incense bowls are circular instead of elongated. Also, there is a hole in the middle to attach the incense cone or stick. Incense bowls work well for loose incense. There are many sizes and colours to choose from, various materials used, and decorative elements inside the bowl.
Type #3: Backflow Incense Burners
A backflow burner is designed for backflow incense cones, which release smoke from the base rather than the top. The burner is made to glide the smoke from the bottom. This effect resembles flowing water, often called an incense waterfall. These types of incense burners give you a vibrant aroma with a dynamic visual effect. Although easy to use, they cost more than the average incense burner. Nonetheless, they are favourites among luxury homeowners.
Type #4: Coffin Incense Burners
How about a burner that looks like a coffin? These box burners are typically hand-carved with rich wood. They have decorative cut-outs to allow for airflow and incense release. The top, hinged with small brass hardware, opens up to load incense. This design has lots of variety. The pattern can get intricate, adding a beautiful aesthetic to your space.
Type #5: Hanging Incense Burners
For burning spiral incense, you can get an attractive hanging spiral burner for your home. These compact incense burners can hang on walls easily, so they don’t take up counter or shelf space. Although they can be hard to find, hanging burners add vintage elegance wherever you put them.
Type #6: Cone Incense Burners
A cone burner is a small container that encloses an incense cone, so it is safe for long-term burning. You can add sand to protect the incense burner from excess heat as it collects the ash. The smoke is funnelled through the burner top and released into your room, making for an efficient design.
Type #7: Tower Incense Burners
While you have the cone burners for cone incense, a tower burner accommodates the incense sticks. They are very ornamental and stylish to sit on a side table or mantel. The top towel has removable decorative cut-outs, allowing you to place one or two incense sticks.
Type #8: Smudge Bowl Burners
A smudge bowl is typically for burning smudge bundles like sage or sacred medicines. It also works perfectly for loose herbs and incense. Smudging is a traditional ceremony used for cleansing and blessing in indigenous cultures. Traditionally, you use these bowls to burn incense by fanning the smoke and aromatics around a room or toward people.
Type #9: Resin Incense Burners
Some incense comes in resin, which may be powdered or granulated. You will need a unique vessel to burn these types of incense. You may use bowl-shaped burners with ash or sand on the bottom to absorb the heat. Since resin doesn’t burn on its own, charcoal is used as the steady heat source. Once the charcoal reaches full temperature, place some of the resin on top to release its fragrance and smoke.
Type #10: Electric Incense Burners
Electric burners are a new way to burn your resin incense, and it doesn’t require any fire or charcoal. You plug it in, put on the resin, and turn it on. It is a safe and effective way to burn incense. Also, some models can adjust the temperature and have an auto shut-off feature.