Antonio Mcgowan
Backflow incense, also known as waterfall incense or an incense fountain, is a relatively new type of incense that flows in the opposite direction of traditional incense, with smoke travelling downwards instead of upwards. Backflow incense cones are designed with a small, hollow tunnel through the centre, ending in a hole at the bottom. This unique structure means that backflow incense cones may require a different approach to lighting and extinguishing than traditional incense. While handmade backflow incense cones can be more challenging to ignite, machine-made cones are generally easier to light. It is important to note that the quality of backflow cones can vary, and some may contain harmful chemicals or unpleasant odours. To ensure a positive experience, it is recommended to invest in high-quality backflow cones from reputable brands.
Characteristics and Values of Backflow Incense Cones
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smoke Flow | Downwards |
| Shape | Cone with a small, hollow tunnel through the centre |
| Lighting | Immerse the pointy end in a flame until a small flame appears |
| Burning Speed | Faster than normal incense cones |
| Burning Temperature | Slightly hotter than normal incense cones |
| Fragrance | Quality varies, some have a foul smell |
| Clean-up | Wash off foul-smelling oil with warm soapy water |
| Health Concerns | May contain harmful chemicals |
| Cost | Priced similarly or higher than normal cone incense |
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What You'll Learn
How to identify a backflow incense cone
Backflow incense, also known as waterfall incense or an incense fountain, is a relatively new type of incense that produces smoke that flows in the opposite direction of regular incense—that is, smoke that flows downwards instead of upwards. Backflow incense is usually in the shape of a cone with a small, hollow tunnel through the centre, ending in a hole at the bottom.
- Backflow incense cones have a hole drilled into the bottom. This is essential for creating the waterfall smoke effect.
- Backflow incense cones are designed to be placed on a backflow burner, which also has a hole in the base where the cone is set. The burner's design encourages the pooling and cascading of the incense smoke.
- Backflow incense cones produce smoke that cascades downwards, creating a waterfall-like effect.
- Backflow incense cones may leave an oily residue on the burner, which can cause an acrid burnt oil odour if not cleaned regularly.
- Backflow incense cones can be more difficult to light than machine-made cones, possibly due to their density. To light a backflow incense cone, keep the tip of the cone immersed in the flame for a longer period, up to 10-15 seconds.
- The smoke from backflow incense cones may have a stronger smell than regular incense, which can be unpleasant.
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How to light a backflow incense cone
Backflow incense, also known as waterfall incense or an incense fountain, is a type of incense where the smoke flows in the opposite direction of regular incense, that is, downwards instead of upwards. To achieve this effect, backflow incense cones have a hole drilled into the bottom of the cone. When placed on a backflow incense cone burner, the smoke will cascade downwards, creating a mesmerising waterfall effect.
- Position the backflow incense cone upright on the burner, ensuring it covers the hole. This alignment is essential for the smoke to flow correctly.
- Light the tip of the incense cone with a lighter or matches. Ensure the backflow burner is in a well-ventilated room, but away from drafts or breezes as air movement will interfere with the cascading smoke effect.
- Allow the cone to burn for a few seconds to ensure it is properly lit and ready to produce smoke.
- Gently blow out the flame, being careful not to topple the cone or blow out the ember completely. If there is no ember, repeat the lighting process. If an ember is present, blow gently to encourage a steady burn and produce the desired smoke.
- Initially, the smoke will rise from the top like a regular incense cone. Be patient, as the backflow effect will take a few minutes to start.
It is important to note that handmade backflow incense cones may be more difficult to light than machine-made versions. If you are using a handmade cone, you may need to keep the tip of the cone immersed in the flame for a longer period, up to 10-15 seconds. Additionally, some people choose to keep the flame lit and wait for it to die down naturally instead of fanning or blowing it out.
Once lit, it is challenging to put out a backflow incense cone and preserve it for later use, unlike stick incense. Therefore, it is recommended to allow the cone to burn completely once lit.
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How to put out a backflow incense cone
Backflow incense, also known as waterfall incense or an incense fountain, is a relatively new type of incense. It is designed to reverse the flow of smoke, so it moves downwards instead of upwards. To achieve this, backflow incense cones have a small hollow tunnel through the centre, ending in a hole at the bottom.
Backflow incense cones burn more quickly than traditional cones due to their hollow structure. It is harder to put out a backflow incense cone than a traditional cone, and once it is lit, it is difficult to preserve it for later use. If you need to extinguish a backflow incense cone, follow these steps:
- Gently blow on the ember: If you want to stop the incense from burning, you can gently blow on the glowing ember. This may cause the ember to extinguish, but be careful not to scatter the ash or blow the cone out of alignment.
- Dip the cone in water (as a last resort): If the cone needs to be extinguished quickly, you can dip the tip of the cone in water. This will ruin the rest of the cone, so only do this if you don't plan to relight it.
- Place a lid or ashtray on top: Another method is to place the cone in a fire-safe holder and wait for it to burn down to the base. Then, extinguish the cone by placing a lid or ashtray on top of the holder.
- Use foil: Form a tube out of aluminium foil and place it over the cone so that when the ember reaches it, it cannot burn further.
After burning a backflow incense cone, you will be left with ash and residue. Allow the cone to cool before disposing of it to prevent accidents and ensure that the incense is properly extinguished. Then, gently tap or brush the ash from the burner into a heat-resistant container or bin.
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How to make your own backflow incense cone
Backflow incense, also known as waterfall incense or an incense fountain, is a type of incense where the smoke flows in the opposite direction to regular incense, i.e. it flows downwards instead of upwards. Backflow incense is usually in the shape of a cone with a small, hollow tunnel through the centre, ending in a hole at the bottom.
You can make your own backflow incense cones by following these steps:
- Choose an incense cone of your choice. It should be one that you like the scent of, as you will be modifying this to create your backflow cone.
- Using a hand drill with a small drill bit (1/16" or 1mm, or less than 1/8"), carefully drill a hole in the centre of the cone from the bottom almost to the top. Ensure that you hold the cone firmly and go slowly to avoid crumbling or drilling through the tip, which will affect its ability to function as a backflow cone.
- Once you have created the hole, your backflow incense cone is ready for use. To light the cone, use a match or lighter and ignite the pointy end of the cone. Ensure that the incense is immersed in the flame until it catches and a small flame appears. Gently blow out the flame and, if you see a small glowing ember with smoke starting to emerge from the bottom, your backflow incense cone has been correctly lit.
It is worth noting that handmade backflow incense cones may be more difficult to light than machine-made cones. This may be due to the density of the cones, as handmade cones tend to be hand-squeezed and more tightly packed. As a result, you may need to adjust your lighting technique by keeping the tip of the cone immersed in the flame for a longer period, up to 10-15 seconds.
You can also purchase pre-made backflow cones, but the quality may vary and the scent is often unpleasant.
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How to differentiate between low and high-quality backflow incense cones
To differentiate between low and high-quality backflow incense cones, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, backflow incense cones are characterised by a hole in the centre that runs vertically from top to bottom, allowing the smoke to flow downwards in a plume, resembling a waterfall. When differentiating between low and high-quality cones, the first thing to consider is the ingredients used. High-quality backflow incense cones are typically made from natural ingredients, free from artificial enhancements or excessive charcoal or sawdust, which can affect the smell and messiness of the cone. Opt for cones with natural fragrances derived from traditional Chinese medicine or natural wood sources, such as Australian sandalwood or Chinese cedar.
The scent of the incense cone is another key differentiator. Low-quality cones often have an unpleasant, acrid smell, or they may smell like burning trash. High-quality cones, on the other hand, offer delicate and soothing fragrances that are not overpowering. They may be infused with natural scents like sandalwood, cedar, or herbal blends.
The ease of lighting the cone can also indicate quality. Handmade backflow incense cones tend to be more challenging to light and may require a longer immersion in the flame, up to 10-15 seconds. High-quality cones, especially machine-made ones, are generally easier to light and may not need as much time in the flame.
Another factor to consider is the residue left behind by the cones. Low-quality cones might leave behind a stubborn, foul-smelling residue on the burner and your hands, which can be challenging to remove. High-quality cones, however, should not leave an excessive amount of residue and should not negatively impact the scent of the room after burning.
Lastly, the visual appeal of the smoke flow is a unique aspect of backflow incense cones. High-quality cones will produce a mesmerising downward flow of smoke that can be guided to create captivating scenery. This visual effect is a defining characteristic of high-quality backflow incense cones.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you need special cones with a small hole drilled through the centre to allow the smoke to flow downwards. However, you can make your own backflow cones by drilling a hole into any normal incense cone.
You can use a power drill to drill a hole into any normal incense cone to turn it into a backflow cone. Make sure to stop drilling around an eighth of an inch from the tip of the cone. You can also try grinding up cone incense into a powder, adding water to create a putty, forming cones, poking a hole in each one, and letting them dry.
Many backflow cones on the market are cheap and foul-smelling, so opt for higher-quality cones to avoid this issue and any potential health risks. Backflow incense should be priced similarly or higher than normal cone incense. The Stamford range is recommended for its quality and fragrances.
