Lance Carson
Backflow incense is designed to work in the opposite way to traditional incense, with the smoke flowing downwards instead of upwards. The cones are bullet-shaped with a small, hollow tunnel through the centre, ending in a hole at the bottom. When lit, the smoke enters the hollow tunnel, cools, and is directed downwards. The mesmerising effect of smoke cascading down burners in various shapes, such as dragons or waterfalls, has made backflow incense popular. However, some users have reported issues with the smoke not flowing downwards, which may be due to design flaws, the density of the cones, or external factors like air movement or humidity.
How Better Backflow Incense Cones Work
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shape | Cone-shaped with a small, hollow tunnel through the center, ending in a hole at the bottom center |
| Burning | Smoke flows in the opposite direction of "normal" incense, i.e., downwards instead of upwards |
| Lighting | Light the pointy end of the cone with a match or lighter; immerse the tip in the flame until it ignites |
| Airflow | Works best in areas with still air; high airflow areas like fans or crowded rooms blow the smoke away |
| Time | Takes a minute or two to get going; backflow may not start until the cone has burned at least 1/3 to 1/2 |
| Scent | Scents vary; some users report unpleasant smells, possibly due to the ingredients that make the smoke heavier |
| Cleaning | Charcoal-based cones can be messy to clean; using table salt with wet hands can help remove odors |
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What You'll Learn
The science behind backflow incense
The key to understanding this lies in the physical properties of smoke and air. Typically, when incense is lit, the smoke rises due to the heat generated, which makes the hot air less dense than the surrounding room-temperature air. However, backflow incense cones are crafted with a small, hollow tunnel through their centre, ending in a hole at the bottom. As the incense burns, the smoke enters this tunnel, where it begins to cool. Since cooler air is denser than hotter air, the smoke becomes heavier and flows downwards through the tunnel, exiting through the hole at the bottom of the cone.
The downward flow of smoke in backflow incense is a result of the careful design and engineering of the incense cones themselves. The hollow tunnel and central hole are crucial in guiding the airflow in the opposite direction to standard incense. This innovative design not only enhances the visual appeal of incense burning but also ensures that the smoke cascades gracefully downwards, creating a mesmerising display.
It's important to note that backflow incense cones are specifically designed to work with compatible backflow incense burners. These burners are crafted with a downward path for the smoke to follow, often in intricate designs such as waterfalls or fountains. The combination of the cone's hollow centre and the burner's guided path ensures that the smoke flows smoothly downwards, rather than being dispersed upwards as with traditional incense.
While backflow incense offers a stunning visual experience, it's worth mentioning that the quality of the fragrance may vary. Some users have reported unpleasant odours, potentially due to the materials used to create the heavier smoke. Additionally, the burning experience can be influenced by environmental factors such as humidity, atmospheric pressure, and airflow in the room.
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How to light a backflow incense cone
Backflow incense cones are a unique and visually stunning way to enjoy your favourite fragrances. When placed on a backflow incense cone burner, the smoke flows downward, creating a mesmerising waterfall effect. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to light a backflow incense cone:
Prepare your backflow incense cone:
Before lighting your backflow incense cone, ensure that you have the correct burner. Backflow incense cones require a specific burner designed for backflow cones. The burner should have a hole that aligns with the hole in the centre of the cone. This alignment is crucial for the smoke to flow correctly and create the desired waterfall effect.
Lighting the backflow incense cone:
- Hold the incense cone upright with one hand or use a pair of tweezers for a more secure grip.
- Light the pointy end of the incense cone with a match or a lighter. Ensure that the tip of the cone is immersed in the flame until it ignites with a small flame. This step may take a few seconds, and you may need to hold the flame to the cone for longer if it is a handmade cone.
- Gently blow out the flame or fan it to extinguish any remnants. Be careful not to blow too hard, as you don't want to topple the cone or blow out the ember completely.
- Check the tip of the cone for a small glowing ember. This indicates that the cone is ready to produce smoke. If there is no ember, repeat the lighting process.
- Allow the cone to burn for a few seconds. Initially, the smoke will rise from the top, similar to a regular incense cone. Don't be concerned, as the backflow effect will take a few minutes to start.
Maintaining the backflow effect:
To maintain the desired waterfall effect, ensure that the backflow burner is in a well-ventilated room but away from drafts or air movement. Air currents can interfere with the cascading smoke, disrupting the visual effect.
Cleaning your backflow incense burner:
It is important to note that backflow incense cones can leave behind a significant amount of residue, including ash and burnt oil. To maintain the optimal condition of your burner and enhance your experience, clean it thoroughly after each use. Use a toothbrush and dish soap to remove the sticky oil residue and prevent any unpleasant smells.
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The best backflow incense cones to buy
Backflow incense cones are designed to create a visually appealing effect with their smoke flow, often cascading down waterfall-shaped burners. While they offer a unique visual experience, many standard backflow cones have been criticised for their poor quality and unpleasant odours. However, there are some notable exceptions in the market that offer a better fragrance experience.
One recommended brand is "Incense Traditions", which offers Tibetan and Bhutanese incense with a potent fragrance. These cones are noted for their distinct scents and quality. Another option is Wild Berry Incense, which offers a wide variety of scented backflow cones, including Cherry Vanilla, Dragon's Blood, Ocean Wind, and Champa Flower. These cones are known for their unique and exotic fragrances, blending rich vanilla with deeper notes of bourbon and maple sugar, or offering invigorating citrus scents with notes of lime, grapefruit, and jasmine.
For those seeking a more natural and captivating fragrance, Hem's backflow incense cones are infused with pure essential oils and naturally sourced ingredients, creating distinguished scents. Additionally, some users have recommended the "Golden India High Perfume Cones" from Sreevani Perfumery Works, which are sandalwood-scented and surprisingly pleasant.
It is worth noting that some users have resorted to modifying regular incense cones to work with their backflow burners. This involves drilling a small hole in the middle of the cone, but it may not always yield satisfactory results and can be time-consuming. Ultimately, while backflow incense cones may enhance the visual experience, finding cones that pair appealing visuals with pleasant fragrances can be challenging but not impossible.
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Why handmade backflow incense cones are harder to light
Handmade backflow incense cones are often crafted with superior quality ingredients with a higher oil content. This makes them harder to light than commercially bought incense cones, which tend to use low-grade wood powder with little oil that is easily combustible. The higher oil content in handmade cones means they may require multiple attempts before they fully light up. This feature also contributes to a slower burn rate, resulting in a longer-lasting cone.
The process of making high-quality, all-natural incense cones is time-consuming and expensive. The shape and weight of the cones lead to a slower drying process, increasing production time and space requirements, which adds to the overall cost. This higher cost may be a factor in the decision to use lower-grade, more easily combustible materials in commercial incense cones.
Additionally, the shape of the cone itself can make it more challenging for the incense to stay lit. As the cone burns, the burning surface area increases, requiring adjustments to the incense recipe or formula. This can be a time-consuming process, as different combinations of ingredients need to be tested.
The visual appeal of backflow incense cones, with their mesmerizing smoke patterns, has sometimes been prioritized over the quality of their scent. Some cones may be brightly colored, indicating the presence of chemicals, which can result in an unpleasant odor. Thus, it is essential to select reputable brands that prioritize both the visual and olfactory experiences when choosing backflow incense cones.
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The best burners for backflow incense cones
Backflow incense cones are designed to have smoke that flows out through a small hole at the bottom. Backflow incense burners are made to optimise this effect, so if you want to burn backflow incense, you will need a backflow burner. If you use a regular cone burner, the smoke will overflow, and because the smoke is filled with oils, it could ruin the surface it flows onto.
Backflow burners come with a mat to protect your furniture. They also tend to have beautiful designs, such as the Buddha burner, which is a powerful symbol of calm and focus. The smoke flows down around a serene Buddha figure, providing a perfect focal point for meditation. Other designs include a witch, a gnome riding a frog, a dragon, and a waterfall.
You can find backflow burners at places like Wild Berry Incense and Aurelia Energy.
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Frequently asked questions
Backflow incense cones are designed so that the smoke flows downwards instead of upwards. The cones are made with a small, hollow tunnel through the centre, ending in a hole at the bottom. When lit, the smoke enters the hollow tunnel, cools, and flows downwards.
It is recommended to buy special backflow incense cones that are bullet-shaped and hollow in the centre. Regular incense cones or sticks will not work properly. You can also buy handmade backflow incense cones, but these can be harder to light.
Light the pointy end of the cone with a match or lighter. Ensure the incense is immersed in the flame until it ignites. Gently blow out the flame and, if you see a small glowing ember and smoke, the incense has been correctly lit.
If the smoke is not flowing downwards, it could be due to the air movement in the room. If the cone is in a high airflow area, such as near a fan or an open window, the smoke may be blown away. Try moving the cone to an area where the air is still.
