You can purchase these in just about any store that sells candles and candle stands. The ceramic oil warmers are typically labeled for wax cubes or wax melts, but they will still work. The set up is still the same.
You can use other types of liquid oil, such as olive oil or sunflower seed oil. These will add some fragrance to the burning incense. Vegetable oil has little to no fragrance. Thick oils, like argan, jojoba, and coconut are not good choices. Essential oils are not a good option either, because you won’t smell the incense anymore. You must put some oil into the dish, otherwise you risk the dish becoming too hot and cracking. Don’t use water as it will evaporate. [3] X Research source
There are different types of resin incense coming from different trees, such as amber, copal, frankincense, and myrrh. [6] X Research source
Don’t use a votive candle. They are too tall. You need to use a tea light. Use an plain, unfragranced tea light, otherwise the aroma will mix with that of the incense.
As the oil heats up, the resin will heat up too and release its aroma. You’ll know when the oil is hot enough once you start to smell the resin. Once the oil is hot enough, you don’t need to do anything.
Never leave the oil warmer unattended. Even though this method is still relatively safe, you are working with an open flame.
You don’t have to use the incense every day. Blow out the candle and let the oil warmer cool completely before you clean it.
You can also use other types of drink cans, but be aware that they may be made from thicker metal and will be harder to cut. You need to use a drink with a bowl-shaped bottom. Do not use a regular can, like from canned beans or soup.
It would be even better to cut the can two-thirds of the way from the bottom. This will allow you to trim the can without cutting too much off. Discard the top half of the can and keep the bottom half.
The bottom part of the can needs to be facing up. It will become the bowl part of the oil warmer. Make sure that the can is dry on the inside. If it is damp, dry it off with a paper towel. Be careful of the sharp edges.
You can use painter’s tape, a narrow strip of duct tape, or even electrical tape. This tape will cover up the cut edges of the can and prevent it from accidentally cutting you.
It does not matter if the V-shapes are pointing up or down. Their purpose is to allow air to reach the flame and provide oxygen. The size of the V-shapes doesn’t really matter, but something around 1⁄2 to 1 inch (1. 3 to 2. 5 cm) would be ideal. Don’t use your finger to poke the V-shapes into the can, or you risk cutting yourself on the sharp metal. Use a pen or a pair of closed scissors, if you have to.
You can add 3 to 4 more holes around the first hole. Make sure that they can all fit under a tea light.
Don’t use a votive candle; it is too tall. Avoid using fragranced candles, or you won’t smell the incense. The surface must be heat-safe, such as a ceramic plate. Do not use this on a wooden table or a tablecloth.
Never put oil and resin directly into the bowl. Use a cooking oil, such as vegetable oil. Don’t use essential oil. You can also put some foil over the bowl and make a small dip in it so that it becomes bowl-shaped but doesn’t actually conform to the shape of the bowl. You can reuse this oil warmer as many times as you want, as long as it stays clean and intact. Once it gets dented, discard it and make a new one.
