Orange, Cinnamon and Clove Simmer Pot
A small pan of water, orange slices and whole spices on low heat fills the house with a warm, festive smell. Here is how to make one, and how to do it safely around children and pets.
A simmer pot is about as simple as home fragrance gets. You put a few slices of orange, a couple of cinnamon sticks and some whole cloves in a pan of water, set it on the lowest heat, and let the steam carry the scent through your kitchen and beyond.
It uses things you probably already have, and there is no flame, wax or spray involved. But it is still a pan of hot water on a stove, so it needs the same care as any cooking. This guide covers the recipe, what a simmer pot really does, and the safety points that matter most.
Why people make simmer pots
Many people like a simmer pot when guests are coming, on cold evenings, or after cooking something with a strong smell. Orange gives a bright, sweet note, cinnamon adds warmth, and cloves bring a deeper, spicy edge.
It is also a good use for things that would otherwise go in the bin, such as orange peel left over from breakfast or spices that have lost some of their flavor for cooking.
Orange, Cinnamon and Clove Simmer Pot
You need
- water, plus more hot water for topping up1 liter (4 cups)
- orange, sliced into rounds, or the peel of 2 oranges1
- cinnamon sticks2
- whole cloves1 tsp
- star anise or a bay leaf (optional)1 or 2
Method
- Put the orange slices, cinnamon sticks and cloves in a small saucepan and pour in the water.
- Bring it just to a gentle boil on medium heat, then turn the heat down to the lowest setting so it barely simmers.
- Set a timer for 20 to 30 minutes. Each time it goes off, check the water level and top up with hot water so the pan never runs dry.
- Stay at home and awake while it is on. When you are done, switch off the heat and let the pan cool on the stove before you move it.
- Strain the cooled mixture and put the solids in a closed bin out of reach of pets. Wash the pan.
Tips
- A slow cooker on low with the lid off works too, but it still needs topping up and should not be left on while you are out.
- Squeeze a few cloves into the orange slices so they float together and are easy to scoop out.
- This is for scent only. Do not drink it, and label it if you keep it in the fridge to reuse the next day.
What the evidence says
A simmer pot does one thing well: while it is warm, it releases a pleasant scent into the room. That is the whole effect. The smell fades soon after you turn the heat off.
It does not clean or purify the air, and it does not remove the source of a bad smell. It simply adds another smell on top. If a room smells musty, of smoke or of something spoiled, the answer is to find and remove the cause and open a window, not to cover it.
There is also no good evidence that breathing in orange or spice steam has health benefits. Think of a simmer pot as a nice way to make your home feel welcoming, not as a wellness treatment.
Fire safety on the stove
Kitchen safety advice from North Dakota State University Extension is clear: do not leave a stove unattended while it is in use. If you have to step out of the kitchen, even for a couple of minutes, set a timer to remind you to come back and check.
With a simmer pot, the main risk is the water boiling away. A dry pan can scorch, warp and fill the house with burnt smells or smoke. Check the level every 20 to 30 minutes and top it up with hot water from the kettle. Never leave it on when you go out or go to bed.
Use a small pan on a back burner and turn the handle toward the back of the stove so nobody knocks it. Keep children about 1 meter (3 feet) away from a hot stove, and have a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
Keeping pets safe
The ASPCA lists the orange plant as toxic to dogs, cats and horses because of its essential oils and psoralens, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea and depression. The fruit flesh is not the main problem, but the peel and plant parts are. Throw used orange slices and peel in a bin your pets cannot open.
Do not add essential oils to your simmer pot. The ASPCA warns that concentrated essential oils can be dangerous to pets, and it advises that birds have very sensitive airways. If you keep birds, keep any scented steam well away from them.
Questions people ask
How long can I keep a simmer pot going?
As long as you are home, awake and checking it. Most people run one for 2 to 3 hours, topping up with hot water every 20 to 30 minutes.
Can I reuse the same mixture?
You can usually reuse it once the next day if you cool it, cover it and keep it in the fridge. Throw it out once the scent is weak or it looks or smells off.
Does a simmer pot get rid of bad smells?
No. It adds a pleasant smell on top, but it does not remove the cause. Clean the source and open a window for real freshness.
Sources
- Prairie Fare: Take Steps to Avoid Kitchen Fires — North Dakota State University Extension
- Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Orange — ASPCA
- Is the Latest Home Trend Harmful to Your Pets? What You Need to Know! — ASPCA
- Burns and scalds — NHS
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Herbs can interact with medicines and health conditions. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before trying a herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, giving it to a child, or taking any medication.
