What Are Simmering Granules and How Do You Use Them?

If you enjoy home fragrance but would prefer something without melted wax or measuring out fragrance oil, simmering granules are worth discovering. A small spoonful, warmed in a suitable burner, releases fragrance into your room — and changing to another scent is straightforward.

Here’s what simmering granules are, how to use them and what to expect when you try them for the first time.

Simmering granules are small, fragranced, salt-based crystals used to scent your home. They sit in the upper dish of a suitable oil burner, where gentle heat helps release their fragrance.

You use them without adding water or oil. The fragrance is already in the granules, so there is nothing to mix before getting started.

Despite the name, you do not simmer them in a saucepan. They are a home fragrance product designed for use according to the instructions on their packaging.

You’ll need your chosen granules, a burner suitable for simmering granules and an unscented tealight of the size recommended for your burner.

Always follow the instructions for both your burner and your granules. Place the burner on a stable, heat-resistant surface, away from draughts and flammable materials. Keep it out of reach of children and pets, and never leave a lit tealight unattended.

Salt-based simmering granules do not melt into a pool of wax like wax melts. You should expect granules to remain in the dish while their fragrance is released.

That means you do not need to wait for the contents to turn liquid before they start working. It also makes changing fragrances convenient: once everything has cooled, you can empty out the old granules rather than removing a solid layer of wax.

There isn’t one fixed fragrance time that applies to every packet. The product, quantity used and conditions in your room can all affect the experience.

Follow any guidance on the packaging and replace the granules when they no longer give off a noticeable fragrance during normal use. You do not need to wait for them to disappear.

For unused granules, close the packet securely and follow the storage instructions on the label.

Both offer a way to enjoy fragrance using a suitable warmer, but they behave differently.

Wax melts soften into liquid wax as they warm, then solidify again as they cool. Once their fragrance is spent, you need to remove the remaining wax.

Simmering granules provide fragrance without a pool of melted wax. Used granules can be tipped out once completely cool, making them an appealing option if you like to change scents regularly.

Your choice may simply come down to which fragrances you enjoy and which method you find easiest. Check your burner’s instructions before switching between products, as compatibility varies.

Some simmering granules can also be used in a small dish to provide fragrance in a similar way to potpourri. Check that your particular product is suitable for this use.

Place the dish somewhere secure, away from children, pets and food preparation areas. Keep the granules contained rather than scattering them directly onto furniture or fabrics.

Start with a scent you already enjoy elsewhere in your home. If you usually choose sweet candles, try Vanilla Simmering Granules. For a woody direction, explore Sandalwood Simmering Granules. If florals are your favourite, consider Jasmine Simmering Granules.

Choosing a familiar fragrance lets you get to know the granules themselves before experimenting with something different.

Only if the warmer’s manufacturer confirms that it is suitable for simmering granules. An appliance designed for wax melts should not automatically be assumed to work with other fragrance products.

No. Although these granules are salt based, they are sold for home fragrance. Do not add them to bathwater or use them on your skin.

Use only the heat source recommended for your burner. Avoid fitting a larger tealight or adding extra candles to increase the temperature. If the granules have lost their scent, let everything cool and replace them.

Whether you enjoy soft florals, sweet favourites or deeper woody notes, simmering granules make it easy to try a different fragrance whenever you fancy a change. Explore our selection below to find a familiar favourite or discover something new for your home.