Heidi Norton
Incense burners are a great way to fill your home with fragrance. They are especially useful for those who want to avoid the mess and smoke of traditional incense sticks. Candle incense burners are ideal for people who want to enjoy the gentle fragrance of incense without the hassle of burning sticks or the strong smell of charcoal. The burner works by placing a tea light candle in the bottom tray and lighting it. The heat from the candle flame then warms the incense, releasing its fragrance into the air. This method is perfect for those who are new to incense as it is easy to use and adjust, with the option to control the amount of heat and smoke generated. For best results, it is recommended to use beeswax tea light candles and to place the incense on a piece of aluminium foil for easy cleanup.
How to use a candle incense burner
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of incense burner | Smokeless |
| Type of incense | Stick incense, incense cones, incense grains, incense resins |
| Type of candle | Tea light candle |
| Candle material | Beeswax |
| Candle placement | In the bottom tray |
| Incense placement | On an aluminium foil on the grate |
| Incense burner maintenance | Clean the grate by scraping off carbonized incense, or by freezing and flexing the grate |
| Incense burner safety | Handle with care, keep away from children and pets, and avoid touching the incense burner right after burning |
| Incense lighting | Light the incense with a match or lighter, allow the flame to burn for a few seconds, then fan or blow it out |
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What You'll Learn
Use a candle incense burner for prayer
Burning incense is a liturgical tradition with profound symbolism in many religions. It is believed to symbolise the purification of the faithful and the physical manifestation of their prayers rising to heaven. Many people use incense in their home prayer, and a candle incense burner is a great way to combine the fragrance of incense with the glow of candlelight.
To use a candle incense burner for prayer, start by placing a tea light candle in the bottom tray of the burner and lighting it. You can use any tea light candle, but beeswax tea lights are recommended as regular paraffin candles emit black soot that will quickly coat the bottom of the incense pan. The candle replaces charcoal, which can sometimes produce a smoky odour and overwhelm the fragrance of the incense.
Once the candle is lit, place your chosen incense into the incense pan. The burner will start emitting fragrance within about 30 seconds. You can adjust the amount of heat and smoke by raising or lowering the incense pan. Remember that the burner will become hot during use, so handle it with care and never leave it unattended.
To clean the burner, allow it to cool completely before gently scraping off any carbonised incense from the grate with your fingers or a non-abrasive tool like a toothbrush. Freezing the grate can make stubborn pieces easier to remove. Placing a small piece of aluminium foil on the grate before adding the incense can also make cleanup easier.
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Choose the right candle for your burner
When choosing a candle for your incense burner, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the most out of your candle and burner. Firstly, the size of the candle is important. If you plan on burning your candle for multiple hours at a time, a larger candle or several large candles in your favourite scent are ideal. Larger candles have longer burn times than smaller candles as they contain more wax and fuel for the flame. On the other hand, smaller, mini candle jars are perfect for small spaces like the bath or laundry area, or for gifting or sampling new scents.
The type of wax used to make the candle is another factor that affects burn time. Paraffin wax candles are cheaper and tend to have longer burn times than soy or beeswax candles, but they emit black soot that will quickly coat the bottom of the incense pan. Soy and beeswax candles tend to be more expensive but last longer. Pillar candles typically have longer burn times than container candles. Beeswax tea light candles are recommended for incense burners as they do not emit soot.
The scent of the candle is another important consideration. If you love trying out new fragrances, minis are a great option. You can also choose a candle size based on how often you burn. If you burn candles all the time, larger candles in your favourite scent are a good choice. If you only burn candles occasionally, minis or mediums are more suitable.
Finally, it is important to remember to keep the wax pool clear of any debris, such as wick trimmings, as this can cause the candle to smoke. Trimming the wick will help to prolong the life of your candle. It is recommended to burn a candle for one hour for every inch in diameter of the candle size to prevent tunnelling. For example, a candle that is 2 inches across should burn for 2 hours.
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Clean your burner after use
Cleaning your incense burner after use is important, as it can be made from materials that are toxic if not cleaned properly. Incense burners also tend to collect residue from the burnt incense, which can be hard to remove if left for too long.
Firstly, make sure your burner is completely cool before you start cleaning it. Incense burners can stay hot for a long time after use, so it's important to give it ample time to cool down—typically about 15 to 30 minutes.
Once your burner is cool, dispose of the incense ash. This can be a little tricky, as the ash can be delicate and spread everywhere if you're not careful. You can try using a small vacuum to suck up the ash, or gently tapping the burner over a small trash can or plate to dispose of it.
If your burner is made of metal, ceramic, or glass, and it has thick oil or stubborn residue, you can try the soaking method. Fill a bowl or sink with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap or a tablespoon of baking soda. Submerge the burner or its components in the solution and let it soak for at least 15 to 30 minutes to loosen the buildup. Then, use a soft sponge or brush to gently scrub the surface, paying extra attention to any stained or greasy areas. Finally, rinse the burner under warm running water and dry it completely with a soft towel or let it air dry before using it again.
For wooden burners, you can use incense ash itself as a gentle yet effective cleaning agent. Collect some ash from burnt incense and dampen a soft cloth or wet wipe with water. Dip the wet cloth into the incense ash and use it to gently scrub the surface of your burner in small circular motions, focusing on greasy or sooty areas. Finally, rinse and dry the burner thoroughly before reuse.
For brass burners, you can try using mineral oil, soap, and water, followed by rubbing alcohol if there is still gunk left. Alternatively, an ultrasonic cleaner with water and a little dish soap can be very effective at cleaning brass burners.
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Use incense sticks with your burner
Using incense sticks with your burner is a straightforward process, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you're doing it correctly and safely. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Choosing the Right Incense and Burner
Select the incense sticks that appeal to your senses and suit your purpose, whether it's for relaxation, religious practices, or simply enjoying the fragrance. Opt for pure, naturally scented incense rather than those with chemical fragrances and bonding agents. If you're using a candle incense burner, choose a smokeless variety to avoid setting off smoke alarms and opt for beeswax tea light candles over regular paraffin candles to prevent soot buildup.
Preparing the Incense and Burner
Place a small piece of aluminium foil on the incense pan or grate of your burner. This will make cleanup easier, especially if you're using incense with a low melting point or resin incense, which can be flammable. Do not overload the incense pan; one to three incense sticks are usually enough. Always use tongs or a spoon to handle incense grains or pieces.
Lighting the Incense
Insert the incense stick into the holder, using the end that isn't covered with incense material. Light the tip of the incense stick with a match or lighter, and hold the flame to it until it ignites. Let the flame burn for about 10 seconds, and then gently blow it out. You should see a glowing ember and a wisp of smoke without any visible flame.
Enjoying the Fragrance
Place the lit incense stick in the burner, ensuring it is stable and secure. Depending on the type of burner you have, you may need to adjust the height of the incense pan or the distance between the incense and the candle flame to control the amount of heat and smoke. With a candle incense burner, you can enjoy the gentle fragrance of the incense combined with the soft glow of candlelight.
Safety and Cleanup
Always exercise caution when using incense burners, as they can become very hot during use. Handle them with care and keep them stationary. Never leave burning incense unattended, and ensure it is placed in a well-ventilated area. To clean your burner after use, allow it to cool completely before gently scraping off any carbonised incense with your fingers or a non-abrasive tool. For stubborn residue, freeze the grate or pan to make it more brittle and easier to remove.
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Safety precautions when using a burner
Using a candle incense burner is a great way to fill your space with fragrance, but it's important to follow some safety precautions to ensure a pleasant and safe experience. Here are some essential safety guidelines to keep in mind:
Use a Proper Holder: Always use a proper holder that is specifically designed for candle incense burners. Ensure that the holder is stable and firm, preventing the burner from falling over or being knocked over easily. This is crucial to avoid any potential fire hazards.
Heat-Resistant Surface: Place the burner on a heat-resistant surface, away from flammable materials such as curtains, fabrics, or draughts. Metal incense holders can get extremely hot and may even melt plastic, so be cautious about the surrounding area.
Keep a Safe Distance: Maintain a safe distance from the burner to avoid any accidents. Keep the burner out of reach of children and pets. If there is a chance you might forget about the burning incense, place it somewhere that is easily visible and away from flammable objects.
Never Leave Unattended: Never leave burning incense or a candle unattended. Always ensure that someone is responsible for monitoring the burner and that it is extinguished before leaving the room. It is also crucial to never go to sleep with incense or a candle still burning.
Proper Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation when burning incense. While enjoying the fragrance, be mindful that insufficient ventilation can lead to a smoke-filled room or, worse, a potential fire hazard.
Clean and Maintain: Regularly clean and maintain your burner to prevent a buildup of soot or carbonized incense. Allow the burner to cool completely before cleaning. Use a non-abrasive tool, such as a toothbrush, to gently scrape off any residue. Additionally, consider using aluminum foil on the grate or pan to catch any drippings and make cleanup easier.
Follow these safety precautions to confidently enjoy your candle incense burner while maintaining a safe and pleasant environment. Remember to always handle with care and never leave burning incense unattended.
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Frequently asked questions
Smokeless incense burners are recommended for indoor use as they produce less smoke and mess.
Beeswax tea light candles are recommended for the best results. Regular paraffin candles emit black soot that will quickly coat the bottom of the incense pan.
Light one end of the incense stick with a match or lighter, ensuring the incense is immersed in the flame. Allow the flame to burn for a few seconds, then gently fan or blow it out. If you see a small glowing ember and a small amount of smoke, the incense has been correctly lit.
Allow the burner to cool completely, then gently scrape the carbonized incense off the grate with a non-abrasive tool. To remove stubborn pieces, freeze the grate and gently flex it to make the pieces more brittle.
While it is possible to use incense sticks in a wax warmer, it may not be as effective as using a dedicated incense burner. Some users have reported success by crushing up incense sticks and placing them in a carrier oil such as almond oil.
