A brazier was a very common means of heating larger homes in ancient Greece and ancient Rome. It was a portable metal device in which a fire would be kindled.

Today, some use the term brazier to refer to an incense censer, thurible, or burner. The incense brazier is usually made of metal, is ornate, and is often designed to be suspended on a chain. It may be partly filled with sand so that incense sticks may be inserted, or charcoal briquettes can be used.