The Best Incense Holder

Buying Guide

True incense is actually a raw material made from tree resin found in Africa, the Middle East, or India. Today, the word is used to define a whole collection of woods, gums and plants that release a smell while being burned. They may have added fragrances or other ingredients as well.

Throughout history, incense has been used to improve health and overall well-being, but it’s also been used for spiritual purposes. In recent years, it’s also become a popular way to make spaces smell pleasant. Instead of a candle or spray air freshener, you can burn a little incense and create a nice aroma.

Although the majority of incense is manufactured in India, the U.S. has now become one of the world’s biggest markets for the product, with Brazil and China also being major consumers. Where once you had to visit specialty stores to find incense, you can now get it at big box stores around the country — and, of course, you can purchase it online.

A standard incense stick burns for 20 to 40 minutes and creates ash as it goes. Fortunately, incense burners are designed to hold standard-size sticks as well as collect the ash. In fact, you should definitely invest in one, but avoid smaller-profile holders that allow ash to land on the table underneath. These can actually create a fire hazard if embers land on flammable material. For that reason, it’s important to look for an incense holder made from ceramic or similar flame-retardant materials.

When you’re shopping for incense holders, consider how each one will hold your incense sticks. These sticks can come in a variety of sizes. They have a standard width, but some may be made thicker as well. Some incense holders have flexibility built in that will let you occasionally change things around.

Practicality aside, you’ll likely want an incense holder that matches the décor of the space where you’ll be keeping it. You can find fun, whimsical incense holders as well as classy, neutral holders. You may want to go with a more classic option like bamboo to honor the spiritual roots of incense burning. Whichever way you go, you’ll be able to find the look and functionality you need.

• Even if you’re choosing an incense burner that you think catches all the falling ash, it can’t hurt to put a flame-resistant mat beneath it to protect your table. For best results, look for mats that are coated with a flame-retardant material. Note that flame-resistant material will typically still melt when exposed to fire.
• Never leave a flame unattended, whether it’s incense or a candle you’re burning. Even on flame-retardant material, incense can throw embers occasionally. Stay nearby and keep an eye on things throughout the burn cycle.
• The tip of an incense stick has the power to burn skin when lit. Keep fingers and clothing away, and if you have children in the house, keep an eye on them while your incense is burning.
• Your incense burner can also get extremely hot while in use. Make sure to let it cool completely before touching it.
• Safety is only one consideration when you’re buying an incense holder. You’ll also want one made from durable materials so it will hold up over the months and years you use it.
• You don’t have to limit yourself to just one incense stick per session. Some incense holders allow you to insert multiple sticks and even adjust the angle of each to customize your experience.
• For best results, clean your incense holder after each use. Let the ashes cool completely, then dump them in the trash. Use a warm cloth soaked in water and soap to wipe the surface. If you have stubborn ash residue, you can soak the burner in a bucket or bowl of soapy water until the ash residue loosens, then wipe it clean. It’s best to clean your holder as soon as possible after the ashes have cooled to prevent the ashes from drifting into the surrounding air.