People have burned incense for centuries during aromatherapy, meditation, and religious ceremonies. You can find incense in several forms, including sticks, powders, and cones.
Two popular kinds of incense cones are regular cones and backflow cones. But what’s the difference between the two?
This article explores those differences. We’ll discuss the design, smoke flow, uses, and purpose of backflow incense cones vs regular cones so you can decide which type best suits your needs.
What are regular incense cones?
A regular incense cone is just what it sounds like: a solid cone of incense that you light on fire. They burn from the top down, and as they burn, they release smoke that rises into the air.
They’re super easy to use. Just light the tip until it glows red, then set it in any old incense burner. They’re also pretty cheap and you can find them just about anywhere.
People use regular incense cones to freshen up a room, make their house smell nice, or even to relax during meditation or yoga.
What are backflow incense cones?
Backflow incense cones are designed a little differently than regular incense cones.
- First, they have a hollow tunnel that runs through the center of the cone.
- Second, this tunnel is designed to direct the smoke downward instead of upward.
To get the full effect of backflow incense, you need a special backflow burner. These burners are designed to create that cool cascading smoke effect. They often have intricate designs that add to the visual appeal of the smoke.
Backflow incense is often used to create a calming and meditative atmosphere, and it adds a pretty cool visual element to any space.
Backflow vs. Regular Incense Cones: Key Differences
So, what are the key differences between backflow and regular incense cones? Here’s a breakdown:
Difference in Design
Regular incense cones are solid all the way through. They’re designed to burn upwards, and their simpler design means you don’t need anything special to use them.
Backflow cones have a hollow core that lets the smoke flow downwards. Because of this design, you do need a special burner to get the full effect.
Difference in Smoke Flow
Regular cones create smoke that floats upwards and then dissipates into the air.
Backflow cones are designed to create a cascading “waterfall” effect. The smoke pours downwards, creating a visual display that many people find mesmerizing.
Differences in How to Use
Regular cones are super simple to use. Just light them and put them on almost any burner.
Backflow cones need a little more attention. You’ll need to let the cone burn for a little bit before you place it on the burner. You also need to make sure the cone is lined up correctly with the hole on the burner so that the smoke flows the way it’s supposed to.
Difference in Usage Purpose
Regular cones are all about the fragrance. If you just want to make your space smell nice, a regular cone is a practical choice.
Backflow cones are more about the visual experience and creating a calming atmosphere. They’re often used for meditation, yoga, or just to help you relax.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Both regular incense cones and backflow incense cones have their good and bad points. Here’s a closer look:
Regular Incense Cones
Pros
- Regular incense cones are affordable and easy to find in most stores.
- You can use them with any incense burner you like.
- They’re an easy way to add fragrance to a room.
Cons
- They don’t have the visual appeal of backflow cones.
- The smoke just rises, which isn’t as interesting to watch.
Backflow Incense Cones
Pros
- Backflow incense cones are visually stunning. The cascading smoke effect is mesmerizing.
- Watching the smoke flow can create a calming and meditative atmosphere.
- The burners themselves can be decorative pieces.
Cons
- You have to use a special backflow burner, which means more cost and limited options.
- They can leave an oily residue that you have to clean up regularly.
- The scent quality can vary a lot, depending on the quality of the incense itself. Cheap incense will smell cheap.
- You may need to ventilate the room more than with regular incense cones.
So, which should you choose?
It really comes down to what you’re looking for: fragrance or visual appeal.
- If you want a pleasant scent, regular incense cones get the job done and are a practical choice.
- If you want something visually interesting, backflow cones are the way to go.
Think about what you want the incense to do for you.
- If you just want to freshen the air, regular cones are a good choice.
- If you’re trying to create a calming atmosphere for meditation, or just want to look at something beautiful, backflow cones are a great option.
Also, keep in mind that you’ll need to clean your backflow burner regularly to keep it from getting clogged with residue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of a backflow incense burner?
The purpose of a backflow incense burner is primarily aesthetic. It’s designed to create a visually appealing “waterfall” effect with the smoke. Beyond aesthetics, it serves the same purpose as any incense burner: to safely burn incense and release its fragrance into the air. It’s a conversation starter, a decorative piece, and a functional fragrance diffuser all in one.
Does the incense waterfall actually work?
Yes, the incense waterfall effect does work, but with some caveats. It requires special backflow incense cones and a specific burner design. The effect relies on the smoke being denser than air, which is achieved by the cone’s construction. Even slight drafts can disrupt the waterfall, so placement is key. It’s not always a perfect, cascading waterfall like you see in photos, but it generally produces a downward flow of smoke.
What is the difference between backflow incense cones and regular cones?
The primary difference is the direction of the smoke flow. Regular incense cones release smoke upwards, while backflow cones are designed with a hollow core that allows the smoke to flow downwards through the burner. Backflow cones are also typically denser and burn differently to produce the required smoke characteristics. You can’t use regular cones in a backflow burner and expect the waterfall effect.
Are incense cones healthier than sticks?
There’s no definitive evidence that incense cones are inherently healthier than sticks. Both types of incense release particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when burned. The health effects depend more on the quality of the ingredients and the amount of ventilation in the room. Regardless of the form, it’s best to burn incense in moderation and in well-ventilated areas.
In Summary
The biggest difference between backflow incense cones and regular cones is that regular cones are all about the fragrance, while backflow cones add a visual element to the experience.
The right cone for you really depends on what you’re looking for. Do you want a simple scent, or do you want a little bit of a show? It also depends on how much effort you want to put into cleaning up the residue from the incense.
Ultimately, the best thing to do is to try out both types of incense cones and decide which you like best. You might find you enjoy having both around for different moods and occasions.