For centuries, people from many cultures have burned incense for religious ceremonies, spiritual practices, and its pleasant aroma.
Cone incense offers an alternative to sticks and powders. These small, cone-shaped bundles of incense create a uniquely relaxing experience.
To burn cone incense safely, you’ll need a cone incense burner. These burners come in a wide range of styles and designs.
One particularly interesting type is the backflow incense burner. These create a beautiful, cascading waterfall effect as the smoke drifts downward.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of cone incense burners, including the different types available, how to use them safely, and how to keep them clean.
Types of Cone Incense Burners
Cone incense burners come in all shapes, sizes, and materials. Here’s a breakdown of some common types:
Standard Cone Incense Burners
These are your basic, no-frills incense burners. They’re designed for function over form, although many can still be quite attractive. They’re often made of ceramic, wood, or metal and have a small dip or platform where you place the cone.
With a standard cone burner, you’ll mostly get the aroma of the incense, rather than any fancy visual effects.
Backflow Incense Burners (Waterfall Incense Burners)
These burners are designed to create a mesmerizing downward flow of smoke, mimicking a waterfall. They’re sometimes called backflow fountains, backflow waterfalls, or even dragon incense waterfalls.
The effect is achieved with tiered platforms and sculpted figures. As the smoke burns, it cools and becomes denser, causing it to flow downwards in a captivating display.
Combination Incense Burners
If you like to mix things up, a combination incense burner might be perfect for you. These versatile designs can hold cones, sticks, and even loose incense. They’re a great option if you enjoy different types of incense and don’t want to commit to just one style of burner.
Material Variations
The material your incense burner is made from can affect its look, feel, and performance:
- Ceramic: A popular and affordable choice that’s heat-resistant.
- Wood: Adds a natural and rustic touch, but can be less heat-resistant than other materials.
- Metal: Durable and offers a modern aesthetic, but can get hot to the touch.
- Stone: Heavy and stable, often used for more decorative and substantial burners.
How does backflow incense work?
Backflow incense burners are mesmerizing, creating the illusion of a smoky waterfall. But how does it actually work?
It’s all about density. The smoke from backflow incense is denser than the air around it. That’s because as the smoke travels down the burner, it cools. Cool air is denser than warm air, and because the cone is specially formulated to produce a heavier smoke, the smoke sinks instead of rising.
Backflow burners are designed with holes and channels that encourage this downward flow. The cones themselves have a hollow core, creating a pathway for the smoke to travel downwards.
It’s really important to use backflow incense cones with a backflow burner. Regular incense cones just won’t create the cool waterfall effect.
How to light cone incense
Lighting cone incense is pretty straightforward, but here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get the most out of your cone incense.
Preparing the Incense Cone and Burner
- Choose a good spot for your burner. Make sure it’s on a surface that won’t be damaged by heat, and keep it away from things that could catch fire.
- Make sure your burner is clean. If there’s ash or gunk from the last time you used it, clean it off.
Lighting the Cone
- Hold the incense cone. You can hold it with your fingers, or use tweezers if you prefer.
- Use a match or lighter to light the tip of the cone. Hold the flame on the tip until it catches with a small flame.
- Give it a few seconds. Let the flame burn for about 10 to 30 seconds so the incense lights properly.
- Gently blow out the flame. You should see a glowing ember and smoke coming from the bottom of the cone.
Placing the Cone on the Burner
- Carefully put the lit cone on the spot that’s meant for it on the burner.
- If you’re using a backflow burner, line up the hole in the cone with the hole in the burner. That’s how you get that cool smoke effect.
Troubleshooting Lighting Issues
If you’re having trouble getting your cone to light, here are a couple of things to try:
- Handmade cones might need a little extra time in the flame.
- Make sure there’s enough air, but not too much. You want some ventilation, but you don’t want a breeze that could blow out the cone.
Safety first!
Cone incense burners can add ambiance to a room, but you have to be careful when using them.
- Fire safety: Never leave burning incense unattended, and keep it away from anything that could catch fire, like curtains, paper, and fabric. Always put the burner on a surface that can handle heat.
- Ventilation: Burn incense in a room with good airflow. Don’t burn it in a small, closed-up space for very long.
- Kids and pets: Keep incense and burners where kids and pets can’t reach them. Incense smoke can be bad for pets, so be aware of that.
- Burner temperature: The burner can get hot while you’re using it, so be careful when you touch it. Let it cool off completely before you move it.
By following these safety tips, you can enjoy your cone incense burner without worry!
Putting it out and cleaning up
Once you’re done enjoying your incense, you need to put it out and clean up the cone incense burner.
How to extinguish the cone
The safest way to put out an incense cone is to completely submerge it in water. Make sure the whole cone is underwater, so it can’t re-ignite.
How to dispose of the ash
Let the burnt cone cool for at least 3-5 minutes before you handle it. Then, gently move the burnt cone into a trash bag. Always dispose of the ash in a container that can’t catch fire.
Cleaning the burner
You should clean your burner often to get rid of ash and residue. A small vacuum or dustpan can help you clean up the ash. Then, wipe the burner down with a damp cloth to remove anything that’s left behind.
How to keep your cone incense burner in good condition
If you want to keep enjoying your cone incense burner, it’s important to take care of it with regular cleaning.
How often should I clean my incense burner?
It’s best to clean your burner after each use, but at least clean it regularly.
How do I clean my incense burner?
Use a small brush or soft cloth to remove ash and any residue left behind by the incense. Buildup can affect how the smoke flows and how the incense smells, so removing residue is important.
Cleaning different materials
How you clean your burner depends on what it’s made of:
- Ceramic: Wipe it with a damp cloth and mild soap.
- Wood: Use a dry cloth to avoid water damage.
- Metal: Polish it with a metal cleaner to keep it shiny.
What to do if your backflow burner is clogged
If you have a backflow burner, it can get clogged over time. If you notice a clog, check the holes and channels for obstructions.
You can use a small tool, like a toothpick or pipe cleaner, to clear the clog.
If the clog won’t come out, try soaking the burner in warm water.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you use a cone incense burner?
Using a cone incense burner is straightforward. First, place the burner on a heat-resistant surface away from flammable materials. Then, place the incense cone directly on the designated area of the burner, usually a small platform or indentation. Light the tip of the cone until it catches fire, allow it to burn for a few seconds, then gently blow out the flame. The cone should now smolder, releasing fragrant smoke.
What do you burn cone incense on?
Cone incense should always be burned on a designated incense burner designed to withstand heat. These burners are often made from ceramic, stone, metal, or wood and provide a safe, stable platform for the cone to burn. Some burners also include a small dish or tray to catch the ashes as the cone burns down. Never burn cone incense on a flammable surface like paper or fabric.
Is there a trick to lighting cone incense?
The trick to lighting cone incense is patience. It can sometimes take a few attempts to get the cone to light properly. Hold the flame (from a match or lighter) to the tip of the cone for a longer duration than you might expect, ensuring that a significant portion of the cone is ignited. The cone should glow red and produce a steady stream of smoke once the flame is blown out.
Are incense cones healthier than sticks?
Whether incense cones are “healthier” than sticks is a complex question. The health effects of incense depend more on the ingredients and quality of the incense itself, rather than whether it’s in cone or stick form. Some studies suggest that burning incense, regardless of the form, can release particulate matter and volatile organic compounds that may pose respiratory risks. Look for natural, high-quality incense made with pure essential oils and avoid those with synthetic fragrances or chemical additives.
Putting it all together
Cone incense burners offer a simple and fragrant way to enjoy incense. If you choose a backflow burner, you also get a cool visual effect as the smoke cascades down the burner.
No matter which type you choose, it’s important to follow all safety precautions when burning incense. Keep burners away from flammable materials, and never leave a burning incense unattended.
With a little experimentation, you can create a personalized aromatherapy experience, customized to your favorite scents and burner designs, similar to using diffuser oil and sticks. Enjoy!