The Best Incense Holders
In years gone by, incense was an invaluable commodity utilized for religious worship, meditation, or simply to mask the pungent wafts of pre-industrialized society. Whether you've developed a sacred relationship to the scent, or you just like to tickle your nostrils with the delicate aromas of burning plant matter or essential oils, you'll need a safe and secure holder to put your mind at ease in the process. We've taken stock of a few of the best on the market today, so take a look below and you'll be ready to burn.
What to Look For
With so many varying styles to choose between, don’t allow indecision to burn you out. When comparing models, bear in mind their compatibility with sticks or cones, their material composition, and whether any incense comes included. The rosewood holder from Calmveda tops our list with its supremely versatile design. If you’re looking for a design that departs from the classic with a little tongue-in-cheek humor, we’re sure you’ll appreciate the cheeky frog holder from ChangWanna. It also comes with 45 sandalwood sticks included. Read on below to discover the rest of our favorites.
Calmveda Rosewood Incense Holder For Sticks
One for all
Double up on your fragrance with this dual incense stick holder from Calmveda. This 11-inch handmade burner has plenty of room for incense sticks both short and long, and the deep, concave ashtray means you won’t be rushing to empty it each time one burns out. There’s even a metallic circular base that’s perfect for incense cones, so you can mix and match to your heart’s content.
Pros:
- High-quality natural rosewood and mango wood finish
- Adjustable holding block lets you choose your preferred angle
- Extra-wide ashtray ensures every drop is caught
Cons:
- The wood can get singed by fallen embers
Govinda Wooden Coffin Incense Holder
In an ideal world, burning incense in the home should bring peace and comfort to all within. However, if your household includes a wayward pet or two, or adventurous children, you might be a little wary about leaving burning sticks unattended. This enclosed coffin holder from Govinda offers a happy medium between style and function, with a protective housing that’s sure to keep even the nosiest explorers from harm’s way.
Pros:
- Choose between a range of decorative engraved designs
- Two incense cone holders are also inside
- We love the calming manner in which smoke delicately passes through the carved holes
Cons:
- The stick holder might not be wide enough for some brands
ChangWanna Frog Incense Stick Holder
If you hadn’t already put frogs and incense together in your head, we wouldn’t blame you. If you’re looking for an ornament with a little more character than the rest, this quirky holder from ChangWanna is sure to stand out from the crowd. And once you get a stick lit in this cool amphibian’s mouth, we’re sure you’ll be ready to recline with similar ease.
Pros:
- Dozens of sandalwood incense sticks included
- Handmade with exquisite detail
- Ceramic material is resistant to heat and burns
Cons:
- Expect some fallen ash with this design
Shibusa Ceramic Incense Holder
Wooden incense holders are a sight to behold, but they won’t stand up to the inevitable singes of fallen burning matter as well as resistant ceramic. This sleek holder from Shibusa draws on the minimalist aesthetics of Japanese pottery, and the result is a neutral and characterful ornament that’s sure to find a place in any interior. The four-inch plate is designed to hold a single stick upright, catching any falling ash without leaving a mess.
Pros:
- Ceramic is much easier to clean than wood
- Comes in a cute box that’s ideal for gifting
- Vertically oriented incense sticks will burn for longer
Cons:
- If you like to burn multiple sticks at once, this isn’t the holder for you
U/D Healing Crystal Incense Burner
Glistening in the night
If you’re looking for an incense holder that goes a little beyond the practical call of duty, this ornamental crystal design from U/D is sure to impress. Whether or not you’re invested in crystal mythology, you’re sure to appreciate the effervescent glow of these translucent stones lit by the gentle glow of a burning ember. And with a range of designs to match your color scheme, it will fit effortlessly into any interior decor.
Pros:
- Metal base can be filled with water to extinguish falling debris
- Handmade crafting makes each holder unique
- Metallic design is well-suited to outdoor use
Cons:
- It can be tricky to remove the ends of used sticks from this base by hand
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of incense holder do I need for incense cones?
Incense cones offer a compact alternative to classic sticks. Some prefer them for their immediate fragrance, which is the result of faster combustion when compared to incense sticks. If you prefer cones, you’ll want to find a holder equipped with a round metal plate to sit them on. Don’t burn cones on top of wooden materials, as they could singe or even ignite them as they come to an end.
Is it safe to burn incense on a wooden holder?
While it doesn’t take a physics major to tell you that wood and fire can create a potential hazard in the home, don’t be put off by the wonderful selection of wooden incense holders on offer. With the incense stick elevated above the surface, there’s little risk of anything catching alight during use. Even if the occasional ember does fall onto a wooden component, it’s not likely to suffer more than a small singe mark.
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