Want your home to smell like you’ve been baking all afternoon without so much as preheating the oven? Meet the simmer pot: an all-natural, low-effort way to scent your space. This fall and winter ritual will fill your home with warm, welcoming scents that last for hours. Think bright citrus, cinnamon and other cozy spices — the kind of combinations that make someone ask, “Is there a pie in the oven?”
Best of all, the ingredients can be just as budget-friendly as the ritual. Raid your spice cabinet, rescue those apple peels or give leftover citrus and herbs one last job before they hit the compost bin. Try orange slices, cinnamon sticks and cloves for a classic fall blend, or combine cranberries and star anise with a sprig of rosemary for a holiday blend.
To get started, add your ingredients to a pot, cover them generously with water and bring to a gentle boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and let the good smells do their thing. Just remember to check the water regularly and top it off as needed — you should never leave the pot unattended or let it boil dry.
Shop glass simmer pots
Any pot in your cabinet can get the job done, but clear glass pots have gone viral on TikTok because they make the whole setup feel a little more special — like a window into your stovetop potpourri. Of course, before you add a glass pot to your cart, just make sure it’s designed for stovetop use and compatible with your cooktop.
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Cozy scents are just the beginning, as this 67-ounce glass pot can pull double duty beyond your simmer-pot creations. The brand says it’s also great for oatmeal, soups, sauces, pasta, tea and coffee. A steam vent in the lid helps keep boil-overs in check, and cleanup is easy. You can wash it by hand or pop it in the dishwasher.
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With a 50-ounce capacity and clear glass design, this simple covered pot is perfect for turning your favorite simmer-pot recipe into a kitchen centerpiece — and it lets you keep an eye on the water level too.
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Meet your new cozy-season sidekick! This 50-ounce borosilicate glass pot lets your ingredients steal the show (though that adorable reindeer lid is nothing to sneeze at). It’s heat-resistant up to 400°F. Plus, it’s compatible with both electric stovetops and gas ranges.
Shop simmer pot mixes
If you don’t have simmer-pot staples on hand, no worries: Premade mixes take the prep work off your plate. You just have to add water and follow the package directions. These packets also make sweet hostess presents and easy stocking stuffers.
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Bring a little Christmas cheer into your home with this bestselling simmer pot set, which includes six bags of the same holiday-inspired scent. Add a little seasonal fragrance to your home throughout December, whether you’re decorating the tree, hosting friends or settling in for a cozy evening of holiday movies.
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Fall is in the air, and this three-bag set brings the season’s cozy aromas into your home. Each bag features a different autumn-inspired blend, with ingredients including dried orange and lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, rosemary, ginger, cardamom and pumpkin spice.
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Each of these kits includes six different blends of dried fruit slices, spices and botanicals to fill your home with seasonal fragrances. From fall harvest and pumpkin spice to gingerbread and winter-inspired scents, there’s a blend for everyone.