A variety of resins are pliable enough to allow “molding” into incense pellets. This makes them more attractive and increases their burning duration.
For non-combustible incense such as individual ingredients, loose mixtures or pellets a cup, bowl or saucer shaped vessel filled with sand or natural ash works well. A repurposed wine bottle made into an incense burner is also popular.
Tongs
One of the most useful tools for handling charcoal during incense rituals are a pair of tongs. These help you keep your fingers away from the hot coals while you light and place charcoal discs in your incense burner.
There are many different types of tongs available. Kitchen tongs, for instance, have long handles to keep your hands away from heat while you use them. They may also have a hook for hanging.
Another type of tongs is welding tongs, which are designed for holding metal objects while you weld them. There are even pom tongs, which have the clamp of a spoon or scoop on one side and a fork on the other, to handle delicate foods. These can be great for grabbing sugar cubes, for instance. Lastly, there are a variety of other specialty tongs. For example, there are clear plastic tongs that allow you to see what you’re gripping. They are often used for serving food at parties or other events.
Ash Catchers
Ash catchers are an essential tool for anyone that burns incense regularly. This simple accessory helps to keep your glass pipe clean by catching all of the ashes and preventing them from falling everywhere. This is especially helpful for beginners who may not be used to burning incense.
These wooden ash catchers are carved out of Sheesham wood, also known as Indian rosewood. They have a small hole at one end to insert an incense stick and a carved groove down the middle to catches all of the ashes. They’re also sometimes called flat boat style ash catchers, easy burners or ash catcher funnels.
To ensure your ash catcher will fit with your current water pipe, be sure to check the joint angle and gender of both pieces. An ash catcher that has a female joint won’t work with your downstem that has male joints and vice versa. You also want to make sure your ash catcher isn’t too large or it could overflow while using it.
Box Burners
The type of burner and holder you choose for your incense should be specific to the type of incense you’re burning. Otherwise your living room or office could be covered with incense ash that isn’t part of the overall scent experience you’re hoping for.
For those looking for a more exotic way to burn their incense, try these beautiful natural stone incense burners. One is sculpted to look like Baphomet, the horned goat deity the Knights Templar worshiped, while the other is shaped like a lotus flower that represents rebirth and enlightenment in Buddhist symbolism.
This hand-carved incense box is made from Sheesham wood, a type of Indian rosewood that is also used for furniture. A ridged lid opens to reveal a compartment for sticks and a brass tray that can be used for incense cones. The lid is drilled with Tibetan-style carved holes for the backflow of smoke, and it has an elegant look that will fit in with any decor.
Incense Burners
Burning incense has long been a popular way to cleanse negative energy, set a peaceful mood and enjoy the soothing fragrance. Today, we use incense not only for religious practices but also in yoga studios, wellness offices and our homes to bring a sense of rejuvenation to our daily lives.
Incense burners come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes to suit different types of incense. For example, a brass bowl-shaped burner with about two inches of sand in the bottom is ideal for burning resin or powdered incense. You can also purchase a traditional Japanese censer called a Koro for spiral incense.
Box burners, which have cutouts on the top created specifically for incense cones, make a lovely decorative addition to any room. They are typically less than $20 and are available in many different designs. Backflow incense burners, on the other hand, allow you to control how much smoke is released and are a bit more expensive.