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  4. 10 Incense Holders in the UK 2024 | Shoyeido, Tom Dixon and More
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10 Incense Holders in the UK 2024 | Shoyeido, Tom Dixon and More

Incense has been burned in religious temples for hundreds of years but, although it can be an effective meditation aid, by no means is it to be only enjoyed during spiritual practice. Incense now comes in such a variety of aromas, that it can be used by just about anyone as a means of setting the scene or relaxing. 


However, to burn incense safely and effectively, you’ll need an incense holder. The function of an incense burner is simple, but as with any purchase, it’s always a good idea to know what’s out there before you hand over your money. In this buying guide, we're here to help you find the right holders for incense sticks and cones, ranking the top 10 best in the UK on Amazon, John Lewis, Japan Centre and more!

Last updated 26/03/2024
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Table of Contents

How to Choose an Incense Stick Holder in the UK - Buying Guide

Now you know why incense holders are so important, it’s time to begin the process of picking the right one! In this guide, we’ll give you some tips on what to consider before buying, and even introduce you to some of the different types of incense burners that are available.

1

Pick a Style of Incense Holder That Suits You

The visual presence of an incense holder is incredibly important, whether it sits in the corner of your room as an ornament, or it accompanies you as part of your daily meditation practice. Read on as we discuss some of the styles available.

Traditional Incense Holders Draw Upon Eastern Aesthetics

Traditional Incense Holders Draw Upon Eastern Aesthetics

Considering the associations incense has with eastern religions and spiritual practice, it’s unsurprising that many incense holders utilise styles that draw upon Buddhist themes, eastern aesthetics and iconography.


A large number of incense holders are made of wood as it is a timeless material that suggests hundreds of years of tradition. You will also find many adorned with lotus flowers, or plum blossoms which are steeped in significance within certain cultures and belief systems. 


If you appreciate Eastern aesthetics, or wish to acknowledge the historic roots of your incense as you enjoy it, a traditionally-styled incense holder may be just the thing for you!

Contemporary Styles Will Fit The Modern Home

Contemporary Styles Will Fit The Modern Home

Perhaps you don’t plan on meditating, or the traditional wooden style doesn’t really go with your décor? If so, don’t fear, as there are plenty of incense holders whose aesthetic departs significantly from the more commonly found woods and browns.


Incense holders made from alternative materials are a little harder to find, but it’ll be worth it for how great your new incense holder will look in your home. For example, ceramic incense holders can be found in a range of colours to suit any household, from muted yellows and greens, to brighter reds and blues. 


If ceramic seems a little too fragile for your home, look for ones made from metals such as steel and brass. In fact, some metal burners are so uniquely styled, that they’re barely recognisable as incense holders! 

Novelty Incense Holders Offer a Bit of Fun

Novelty Incense Holders Offer a Bit of Fun

For those with a sense of humour, it may come as a relief to find that incense holders aren’t all deadpan expressions of a commitment to religion and spirituality. Thankfully, there are holders that come instilled with a sense of fun. Humorous incense holders may be less popular with meditators, but that’s by no means a given - after all, there aren’t many people who don’t appreciate a laugh every now and then. 


But be warned, many of these irreverent incense holders feature rather morbid characters, such as skeletons or the grim reaper. These will certainly suit some tastes, but if the darker side of life isn’t your cup of tea, you may want to steer clear!

Some Incense Holders Combine Eastern Practices With Alternative Therapies

Some Incense Holders Combine Eastern Practices With Alternative Therapies

If you’re a fan of alternative therapies, as well as burning incense, you might be pleased to know that the two sometimes cross over. Rather than wood or metal, some incense holders are made from crystals instead. 


For example, you can find incense holders that are actually made from rose quartz. So as you appreciate the aromatherapeutic effects of the incense, you can also enjoy the soothing properties of the rose quartz holder. It’s not for everyone, but if it’s your thing, you can practice both at the same time.

2

Sticks or Cones? Make Sure Your Incense Holder Is Suitable for Your Preferred Type

Sticks or Cones? Make Sure Your Incense Holder Is Suitable for Your Preferred Type

Incense most commonly comes in two forms, cones or sticks. In terms of their efficacy, there’s not a lot of difference between the two. However, their shape means that cones burn faster and more intensely, but that’s about it. 


That said, they are significantly different in size. Compared to sticks, which are long and thin, cones have a much wider base, which means they'll require differently sized holes to hold them. Many incense holders include holes for both types of incense, allowing you to burn both at the same time if you wish. But if you’re particularly committed to either variant, it’s worth checking before you buy.

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Top 10 Best Incense Holders in the UK

Now that you know a little more about how incense holders can differ, you're likely itching to get shopping. We’ve gathered together some of the best and most exciting incense holders currently available online in the UK, so read on to find out which ones made our top 10 ranking!
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Esteban

Rosewood Incense Holder

Esteban Rosewood Incense Holder 1

£18.00

High Mid

Beauty in Simplicity

2

Boao

Lotus Incense HolderPack of 2

Boao Lotus Incense Holder 1

£9.99

Mid

Loaded With Meaning and Absolutely Beautiful

3

vr.idea

Backflow Incense Burner

vr.idea Backflow Incense Burner 1

£11.99

Mid

Cascading Smoke That Creates a Sense of Calm

4

Newquay-Bonsai

Sheesham Wood Tower Burner

Newquay-Bonsai Sheesham Wood Tower Burner 1

£10.75

Mid

Traditional Incense Tower With Buddhist Iconography

5

Psychic Sisters

Rose Quartz Incense Holder and Incense Set

Psychic Sisters Rose Quartz Incense Holder and Incense Set 1

£30.00

High Mid

A Rugged Incense Holder With Soothing Qualities

6

Shoyeido

Plum Blossom Incense Holder

Shoyeido Plum Blossom Incense Holder 1

£9.98

Mid

A Beautifully Crafted Incense Holder Loaded With Positive Symbolism

7

Spirit of Equinox

Skeleton Incense Holder

Spirit of Equinox Skeleton Incense Holder 1

£9.99

Mid

An Irreverent Holder For Those With a Wicked Sense of Humour

8

Tom Dixon

Fog Orientalist Incense Holder

Tom Dixon Fog Orientalist Incense Holder 1

£45.00

High

A Sleek, Aesthetically-Pleasing Design That Breaks Convention

9

Shoyeido

White Cat Incense Holder

Shoyeido White Cat Incense Holder 1

£9.98

Mid

A Cute Design for Cat Lovers

10

Boao

Incense Stick HolderPack of 5

Boao Incense Stick Holder 1

£4.99

Low

The Cheapest Incense Holders You'll Find

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

EstebanRosewood Incense Holder

Rosewood Incense Holder 1
Source:johnlewis.com
Reference price
£18.00
High Mid
Reference price
£18.00
High Mid

Beauty in Simplicity

After all of the wildly different incense holders that we've featured in this list, this incense holder may look a little plain, but it's within its simplicity that beauty is found.


Merging tradition and modernity, the deep red rosewood and sleek shape are instantly eye-catching, without being garish. In a way, it's the perfect symbol of contentment, and the idea that happiness is found, not in relentlessly striving for more, but in appreciating the simple things in life.

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No.2

BoaoLotus Incense HolderPack of 2

Lotus Incense Holder 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£9.99
Mid
Reference price
£9.99
Mid

Loaded With Meaning and Absolutely Beautiful

The Lotus Flower is unique in nature for its ability to persevere through difficult conditions, blossoming into a truly beautiful flower. For this reason, the lotus flower is a central symbol of Buddhist teachings and thought. It's representative of enlightenment, the ultimate pursuit of meditation.


These incense aren't just heavily imbued with meaning, they look absolutely stunning too. The intricate design is complemented by the gorgeous bronze and gold hues that will look great anywhere, be it temple or townhouse. 

No.3

vr.ideaBackflow Incense Burner

Backflow Incense Burner 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£11.99
Mid
Reference price
£11.99
Mid

Cascading Smoke That Creates a Sense of Calm

This playful holder takes the manipulation of smoke to a new level, in order to create a truly awe-inspiring visual effect. Place your incense cone at the top of the 'waterfall' and watch as the the smoke slowly drips down into the basin at the bottom.


If meditation isn't going too well today, the sight of the smoke slowly trickling down may be enough to tame your monkey mind. Even if you don't meditate, this incense holder makes a great ornament while reading or resting. Turn off your mind, relax and float downstream. 

No.4

Newquay-BonsaiSheesham Wood Tower Burner

Sheesham Wood Tower Burner 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£10.75
Mid
Reference price
£10.75
Mid

Traditional Incense Tower With Buddhist Iconography

The wooden ornamentation, hexagonal shape, and Buddhist iconography of this incense holder wouldn't look out of place inside a temple. It's perfect for meditation and prayer, or those looking to be more mindful of the origins of their own spiritual practice.


This incense holder is also novel in the way it traps smoke, allowing it only to emit from small grooves cut into the side of the holder. The result is gorgeous waves of smoke that slowly spill out as they fill the room with your chosen scent.

No.5

Psychic SistersRose Quartz Incense Holder and Incense Set

Rose Quartz Incense Holder and Incense Set 1
Source:asos.com
Reference price
£30.00
High Mid
Reference price
£30.00
High Mid

A Rugged Incense Holder With Soothing Qualities

We've got to hand it to this one for its originality. Rather than an elaborate design, this holder is a rose quartz crystal with a hole in the top for your incense. Not something you see every day! 


Regardless of your beliefs surrounding the healing power of crystals, the physical appearance of rose quartz is soothing and aesthetically pleasing, making a nice alternative to many obviously man-made incense holders. You also get 15 incense sticks infused with essential oil, which isn't a bad extra. 

No.6

ShoyeidoPlum Blossom Incense Holder

Reference price
£9.98
Mid
Reference price
£9.98
Mid

A Beautifully Crafted Incense Holder Loaded With Positive Symbolism

This traditional incense holder is hand-decorated with plum blossoms, using a minimalistic red and white colour scheme that is as calming as it is aesthetically pleasing. 


However, there's an extra level of depth within the design. Plum blossoms hold great significance in some eastern cultures as a symbol of perseverance through the adversity of a harsh winter - a symbol that we could all benefit from during difficult times.

No.7

Spirit of EquinoxSkeleton Incense Holder

Skeleton Incense Holder 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£9.99
Mid
Reference price
£9.99
Mid

An Irreverent Holder For Those With a Wicked Sense of Humour

We had to feature this incense holder that really breaks the mould. Rather than the traditional lotus leaf or Buddha, this holder instead features a skeleton laying in his coffin - simply pop your incense stick in his mouth and watch it burn! 


This irreverent incense holder is perfect for those with a wicked sense of humour, or who want to make clear that they have no intention of meditating while burning their incense. 

No.8

Tom DixonFog Orientalist Incense Holder

Fog Orientalist Incense Holder 1
Source:johnlewis.com
Reference price
£45.00
High
Reference price
£45.00
High

A Sleek, Aesthetically-Pleasing Design That Breaks Convention

Rather than adopting the wooden tones that are more traditionally associated with meditation and mindfulness, this incense holder embraces a futuristic aesthetic instead. 


Its shiny brass finish and small size make it subtle, yet pleasing to the eye, and it will better suit those who aren't particularly fond of the Eastern decorative style. Traditionalists may scoff, but set against the right décor, this incense holder looks absolutely gorgeous!

No.9

ShoyeidoWhite Cat Incense Holder

Reference price
£9.98
Mid
Reference price
£9.98
Mid

A Cute Design for Cat Lovers

This tray-style holder features two incense holders to account for varying sizes of incense stick. Its ceramic base is large, and is sure to be effective at catching any ash that falls from your incense sticks as you burn them.


However, the biggest draw has to be the huge cat face in the middle. It's up to you to interpret exactly what's going on within the design, is he staring dreamily into the night sky while wishing for a fishy dish? But if meditation doesn't relax you, then pondering upon this question will. 

No.10

BoaoIncense Stick HolderPack of 5

Incense Stick Holder 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£4.99
Low
Reference price
£4.99
Low

The Cheapest Incense Holders You'll Find

There's nothing fancy at all about this set of 5 wooden incense holders. In fact, they're really rather plain, but they'll do the job. After all, you've got everything you need, a hole for inserting your incense stick and a tray for catching ash.


Without beating around the bush here, the real selling point of these incense holders is the price. At a pound per holder, they're insanely cheap! If you need an inexpensive backup, or are just dipping your toes into meditation, these are a great choice.

What Is an Incense Holder and Why Do You Need One?

What Is an Incense Holder and Why Do You Need One?

First and foremost, incense holders are an important safety precaution. Incense doesn’t require an open flame, but it can still get very hot and can be a fire hazard if it comes into contact with the wrong sort of material. 


An incense holder grants an extra level of security by creating distance between the burning incense and the surface it’s placed upon. An incense holder also serves a practical purpose, catching the falling ash to be easily disposed of at a later point.

How to Use Incense for Meditation

How to Use Incense for Meditation

Done safely, the practice of burning incense can also be an effective meditation aid. Meditation has been practiced in various countries and cultures for thousands of years, and although it’s taken a little longer for it to take off in the UK, more and more people are beginning to incorporate it into their lives.


Meditation is not exclusively a religious practice, and there is plenty of scientific evidence of its benefits coming from prestigious establishments including Oxford and Harvard. Mindfulness practices are even being recommended by the NHS.


Incense pairs well with meditation because it can set a relaxing atmosphere, a sanctuary completely separate from the rest of your busy world. By bringing your awareness to your senses, it can also encourage present moment awareness - a central tenet of meditation.

Buy Your Goods Mindfully

Buy Your Goods Mindfully

Incense holders are just one of the means by which you can begin to tread the path to spiritual enlightenment or, at the very least, feel a bit more grounded in the present moment. If you’re considering taking your meditations a little more seriously, we’ve got a few more guides on how to find the best mindfulness and spirituality related products available online.

Summary

Incense holders are an essential tool for burning incense, whether you’re a keen meditator or you simply want to create some ambience. Some incense holders can even look great as part of the furniture. They may be simple, but we hope our guide has helped you find one that you’re truly happy with!


Author: Ben Willimett

Top 5 Incense Holders

No. 1: EstebanRosewood Incense Holder

No. 2: BoaoLotus Incense HolderPack of 2

No. 3: vr.ideaBackflow Incense Burner

No. 4: Newquay-BonsaiSheesham Wood Tower Burner

No. 5: Psychic SistersRose Quartz Incense Holder and Incense Set

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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