Katrina Rosales
Burning incense resin is a great way to fill your home with fragrance. The most popular way to burn it is by using charcoal, but this method produces a lot of smoke and can cause breathing problems for some people. Fortunately, there are other ways to burn resin incense with little to no smoke. You can use an aromatherapy oil warmer, an electric burner, or a tea light incense stove/burner. These methods offer greater flexibility and control over the incense-burning process, allowing you to select the amount of fragrance you want to release.
How to Make an Incense Resin Burner
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Charcoal, tongs, incense resin, ceramic bowl or tray, tea light candles, oil, empty soda can, liquid dish soap, hand soap, vegetable oil, almond oil, essential oils |
| Steps | Place charcoal on a bed of sand or in a resin burner. Place resin on or near the charcoal. Light the charcoal. Alternatively, use an oil burner or tea light burner. Add a small amount of almond oil to the bowl of an oil warmer, then add a few pieces of resin. Light the tea light underneath or plug in the electric warmer. |
| Safety | Never leave burning incense unattended. Always ensure proper ventilation when burning incense, especially indoors. Avoid burning incense in a confined space. |
| Tips | Charcoal designed for incense burning is 33mm in diameter and can be purchased from a reputable retailer. Use tongs or another tool to handle hot charcoal. Use a heat-resistant surface to burn your incense on, such as a ceramic plate. |
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What You'll Learn
Using an electric burner
Electric burners are a great way to burn incense resins, especially if you want to avoid the smoke and charred scent that comes with burning charcoal. They are also a good option if you want to burn incense in a place where producing large quantities of smoke is not allowed or not possible.
To use an electric burner, simply place the burner on a table or any other heat-resistant surface, plug it in, and turn it on. You can then adjust the temperature to your desired setting. Once the burner has heated up, you can place your incense resins or powders in a metal dish on top of the hot plate. The heat from the burner will cause the incense to produce a vapor or smoke, depending on the temperature you have selected. It is important to note that different aromatics have different ideal temperatures, so you may need to experiment to find the perfect setting for your chosen incense.
One advantage of using an electric burner is that you can vaporize the volatile aromatic oils present in the incense, which gives a pure and true aroma. This can also help you learn what individual aromatics smell like, enhancing your enjoyment and understanding of blended incense. Additionally, electric burners are safer than charcoal burners as they do not produce flames or sparks.
However, there are a few drawbacks to using electric burners. Firstly, there is a learning curve involved in figuring out the ideal temperature for different types of aromatics. Secondly, the process can be messy, especially as resins liquefy, so it is recommended to line the hot plate with tin foil for easier cleanup. Lastly, electric burners may be more expensive than other options, with prices ranging from under $50 to over $100.
Overall, electric burners offer a convenient, smoke-free way to enjoy the aroma of incense resins, but they require some experimentation to find the right temperature settings and may be more costly than other alternatives.
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Choosing a heat-resistant surface
Material Type:
The material of the surface you choose is vital. Avoid surfaces made from flammable or heat-sensitive materials such as wood, plastic, or any synthetic materials. These materials can catch fire or melt, creating a hazardous situation. Instead, opt for materials that are known for their heat resistance, such as metal, ceramic, glass, or stone. These materials have high melting points and are less likely to be affected by the heat of the burner.
Thickness and Mass:
Consider choosing a surface that is relatively thick and has a substantial mass. A thicker surface will provide better insulation and help dissipate heat more evenly, reducing the risk of damage to the underlying structure. A heavier surface with more mass will also be more stable and less likely to tip over, providing a safer platform for your burner.
Flat and Stable:
Select a surface that is flat and stable. A flat surface ensures that the burner remains level and stable, reducing the risk of accidental spills or tipping. Look for a surface with a broad, sturdy base that can accommodate the size and weight of your burner comfortably.
Heat Conduction:
Different materials have varying rates of heat conduction. Some materials, like metals, are excellent conductors of heat and will quickly reach high temperatures. Other materials, such as ceramics or stoneware, have lower thermal conductivity, meaning they absorb and transfer heat more slowly. Consider the heat conduction properties of the surface material and choose one that aligns with your safety and performance needs.
Heat Capacity:
Choose a surface with a suitable heat capacity. Heat capacity refers to the amount of heat energy a substance can absorb or release without significantly changing its temperature. Surfaces with higher heat capacities will be better at absorbing and dissipating the heat from the burner, reducing the risk of overheating. Materials like stone or ceramic often have higher heat capacities, making them effective choices.
By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a heat-resistant surface that prioritizes safety while also meeting your functional needs when making an incense resin burner.
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Preparing the charcoal
Firstly, choose a high-quality charcoal disc or tablet from a reputable retailer. The standard size for charcoal tablets used in incense burning is typically 33mm in diameter. It is important to select a suitable type of charcoal designed specifically for burning incense resin to ensure a safe and effective burn.
When handling the charcoal, always use tongs or another appropriate tool to hold the hot charcoal tablet. Avoid touching it with your bare hands to prevent burns. Place the charcoal disc or tablet onto a heat-resistant surface or burner. A ceramic incense bowl or tray is commonly used for this purpose, with a raised centre to hold the charcoal securely in place. Some burners may also have a metal screen that fits over the charcoal to prevent direct contact with the hot surface.
Before lighting the charcoal, decide on the amount of incense resin you want to burn and place it onto the heat-resistant surface or directly onto the charcoal. Then, light the charcoal disc with a lighter or other ignition source.
Once the charcoal is properly lit and has turned grey or white, indicating that it is hot, you can carefully place it on a bed of white ash in your incense burner. Ensure that your burner is made of metal and is large enough to hold sufficient ash to prevent overheating.
Finally, you may need to adjust the height of the burner to control the burn rate and fragrance release. Remember always to follow safety precautions when burning incense resin, such as proper ventilation and never leaving burning incense unattended.
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Using an oil burner
To use an oil burner, start by adding a small amount of oil to the bowl, followed by the resin. If using a tea light burner, light a tea light candle and place it underneath the bowl. You can also use an electric burner by plugging it into the wall and turning it on. Allow the oil to heat up, which typically takes a few minutes, and the resin will begin to soften and release its fragrance. Be cautious as the burner can become very hot, and never leave it unattended.
It is important to note that oil burners may not be suitable for all types of resins. Some resins, such as gum resins like myrrh, guggul, and opoponax, may not work as well with this method. Additionally, the fragrance produced by the oil burner method is more subtle compared to burning resin on charcoal.
If you want a stronger fragrance, you can try using a brass resin burner or a metal incense burner with charcoal. However, these methods produce more smoke, which may be undesirable for some people. It is crucial to use caution when burning resin incense and always place the burner on a heat-resistant surface.
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Safety considerations
Safety should always be a priority when making and using an incense resin burner. Here are some essential safety considerations to keep in mind:
Use a heat-resistant surface: Always place your burner on a heat-resistant surface, such as a ceramic plate. Avoid using flammable or heat-sensitive materials like wood, plastic, or tablecloths, as they can catch fire or melt. Opt for a heat-resistant dish or mat to protect your surfaces.
Proper ventilation: When burning incense, ensure proper ventilation, especially indoors. Open a window or turn on a fan to allow fresh air to circulate and avoid inhaling excessive smoke. Do not burn incense in confined spaces, such as closets or small bathrooms.
Never leave unattended: It is crucial to never leave burning incense unattended. Always ensure that someone is supervising the incense while it is lit.
Handle with care: When using charcoal tablets, use tongs or appropriate tools to handle the hot charcoal. Avoid touching it with your bare hands to prevent burns.
Choose the right burner: Select a burner designed for incense resin. Some burners have a metal screen that prevents the resin from coming into direct contact with the hot charcoal, reducing the risk of overheating.
Avoid flammable materials: Keep the burner away from flammable materials, such as curtains, paper, or other combustible objects.
Use caution with oil: If using oil in your burner, never pour oil directly into the burner bowl. Always use a carrier oil, such as cooking oil or almond oil, and add the resin to the oil before placing it in the burner.
Clean your burner: Regularly clean your burner to remove any built-up residue. Allow the burner to cool completely before cleaning.
Use appropriate resins: Some resins produce more smoke than others. Choose resins that are suitable for indoor use and follow the recommended amounts to avoid excessive smoke.
Avoid draughts: While ventilation is important, avoid placing your burner in a draught, as it may cause the flame to flicker or the burner to tip over.
By following these safety considerations, you can enjoy your homemade incense resin burner while minimising potential risks.
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Frequently asked questions
Resin incense is made from the dried sap of certain plants.
You will need incense resin, a charcoal tablet, a holder or oil burner, and a lighter.
Place the desired amount of resin onto a heat-resistant burner. Light a charcoal disc and place it in the centre of the resin. Wait for the charcoal to turn grey or white, indicating that it is ready.
You can use an aromatherapy oil warmer, also known as an aroma lamp or oil burner. Add a teaspoon of almond oil to the bowl of the warmer, along with a few pieces of resin. Light a tealight underneath or plug it in if using an electric warmer.
Never leave burning incense unattended. Always ensure proper ventilation when burning incense indoors. Choose a heat-resistant burner and avoid surfaces that could catch fire or melt, such as plastic or wood.
