There’s a certain ritual to setting up an outdoor evening—dragging chairs into a circle, lighting a few candles, and hoping the mosquitoes don’t gatecrash. Incense coils have been a staple of that routine for decades, and this particular two-pack from an unnamed brand promises 48 coils and two metal stands. That’s a lot of smoky evenings for the price, but does the performance match the quantity?
I tested these coils over several nights on a patio and during a camping trip. The burn time claim of 5–7 hours per coil is fairly accurate in my experience—most coils lasted around six hours with a steady, slow smolder. That’s genuinely useful if you want coverage for an entire evening without swapping out a new coil halfway through. The packaging is straightforward: each coil comes individually wrapped in thin plastic, and the metal stands are simple but functional. You slot the coil’s center hole over the stand’s prong, light the outer edge, and let it smolder. No frills, no assembly fuss.
The scent is where things get more complicated. The citronella aroma is noticeable when you’re within a few feet of the coil, but it fades quickly with distance. On a breezy night, the smoke tends to drift in one direction, leaving half the seating area unprotected. That’s not a flaw unique to this product—most incense-based repellents struggle with airflow—but it’s worth knowing before you rely on these as your only defense. I found that placing two or three coils around the perimeter of a seating area worked better than a single coil in the center, which is a practical tip rather than a criticism.
Compared to citronella candles or torches, these coils have a clear advantage in burn time per unit. A typical candle might last two to three hours, while a torch needs refilling and maintenance. The coils are also far more portable—they’re flat, lightweight, and take up minimal space in a backpack. However, they produce more smoke than most candles, which some people find unpleasant. The smoke isn’t overpowering, but it’s noticeable, especially in enclosed spaces like a screened porch. If you’re sensitive to smoke or have respiratory issues, this might not be the best choice.
Another limitation is the lack of a carrying case or storage solution. The coils are fragile—they crack easily if you’re not careful when unwrapping or handling them. I broke one coil during transport despite what I thought was gentle handling. The stands are sturdy enough, but they’re basic, and there’s no wind guard, so a gust can snuff out the smoldering tip. You’ll want to place them in a sheltered spot or use a lantern-style holder if you have one.
In terms of effectiveness, I have to be honest: these coils are a deterrent, not a solution. They reduced mosquito activity in the immediate vicinity, but I still got a few bites when sitting further away. That’s typical for citronella products—the active ingredient works best when you’re close to the source. For a more robust defense, you might consider a DEET-based spray or a portable thermacell device, but those come with their own trade-offs (chemical exposure, cost, batteries). Coils like these are a middle ground: cheap, easy, and good enough for casual use.
Who should buy these? If you’re a camper or patio host who wants a low-cost, low-maintenance way to keep bugs at bay during evening gatherings, this pack offers excellent value. The 48-coil count means you’ll have plenty for a whole season, and the burn time means you won’t be constantly replacing them. They’re also great for emergency use—like a power outage where you’re sitting outside because it’s cooler than inside.
Who shouldn’t? If you’re expecting complete protection in a large, open area, or if you have a low tolerance for smoke, look elsewhere. Also, if you’re planning to use them inside a tent or any enclosed space, don’t—the smoke buildup is a real hazard. And if you’re looking for a scent that’s pleasant or subtle, these are more functional than fragrant; the citronella is sharp and slightly medicinal, not the kind of aroma you’d want in a living space.
Overall, these citronella coils do what they’re supposed to do, with a few caveats. The burn time is solid, the packaging is practical, and the price per coil is hard to beat. Just manage your expectations about coverage and smoke, and you’ll find them a useful addition to your outdoor kit. They’re not a miracle, but they’re a dependable tool for making summer evenings slightly more bearable.