Choosing a Cauldron, Charcoal Burner or Smudge Bowl

The right vessel depends on what you want to burn and how you plan to use it. Natural resins and loose incense are typically heated over charcoal, while smudge sticks, Palo Santo and other directly burned botanicals need a suitable vessel for resting the material and catching hot ash or embers.

For Resin & Loose Incense

Natural resins, wood chips and many loose ritual incense blends are gently heated over a lit charcoal disc rather than being lit directly.

For charcoal burning, choose a cast iron cauldron or charcoal burner designed to withstand the heat generated by the charcoal. Cast iron cauldrons offer a substantial option for altar and ritual spaces, while dedicated charcoal and resin burners provide a practical vessel for this method of burning incense.

Charcoal tongs make it easier to handle charcoal when lighting and positioning it without touching the hot disc directly.

New to natural incense? Read our How to Burn Resin & Loose Incense on Charcoal guide for step-by-step instructions on lighting charcoal, adding your incense and using your burner.

For Smudge Sticks, Palo Santo & Herbs

Smudge sticks, Palo Santo and other botanicals intended for direct burning don't require charcoal. Instead, choose an appropriate vessel to rest the material and catch falling ash or embers during your ritual.

Cast iron cauldrons and suitable smudge bowls can provide a stable resting place for smouldering materials. Natural abalone shells are also traditionally associated with smoke-cleansing practices and offer a beautiful natural vessel for holding herbs and catching ash.

Because natural shells should not be assumed to be heatproof, use them with care and place them on a stable, heat-resistant surface. Allow all ash, embers and materials to cool completely before handling or disposal.

Charcoal & Ritual Accessories

If you're burning resin or loose incense over charcoal, you'll generally need three things: an appropriate burner or cauldron, quick-light charcoal, and charcoal tongs for handling the disc.

Having the right tools ready before lighting your charcoal makes the process simpler and allows you to focus on the incense and ritual itself.

Burning Incense & Herbs with Care

Always burn incense and herbs in a well-ventilated area with good airflow and place your vessel on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from flammable materials.

Charcoal, burning botanicals, ash and the vessels holding them can become extremely hot. Never leave burning or smouldering materials unattended, keep them away from children and pets, and allow everything to cool completely before handling, cleaning or disposal.

Explore Herbs, Resins & Incense

Pair your cauldron, burner or smudge bowl with our Herbs, Resins & Incense, including natural resins, ritual incense blends, herbs, smudge sticks, Palo Santo and other aromatic botanicals.

For incense sticks and cones, explore our Incense Holders, Trays & Ash Catchers collection to find holders specifically designed for those forms of incense.