Seamus Hammond
Burning incense with charcoal requires careful attention to safety. You will need an incense burner, charcoal, and incense. Some people prefer to light the charcoal outdoors, placing it on a bed of white ash, before bringing it inside. You can light the charcoal with a candle, lighter, or blowtorch, or by placing it on a gas stove. Once the edges of the charcoal are burnt, you can place it on the incense burner. You will know the charcoal is ready for incense when you see white ash forming on top.
Burning Incense with Charcoal
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Incense burner type | Charcoal burner, Electric thermostat-controlled burner |
| Charcoal type | Quick-lite saltpeter, Non-self-lighting |
| Lighting method | Candle, Lighter, Blowtorch, Gas stove top, Tea lights |
| Lighting duration | 5-15 minutes |
| Lighting techniques | Lighting one corner, Lighting the boundary of one whole side, Lighting a smaller section |
| Charcoal placement | On a bed of white ash, Directly on a metal surface |
| Incense type | Dry, Resin, Oily |
| Incense placement | On the charcoal, Beside the charcoal |
| Heat control | Lowest heat setting, Adjusting temperature based on fragrance strength |
| Safety precautions | Use tongs, Avoid touching burning charcoal, Extinguish with water |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right charcoal
Type of Charcoal
There are different types of charcoal available for burning incense, such as quick-light charcoal and natural charcoal. Quick-light charcoal, also known as quick-lite or self-lighting charcoal, contains additional chemicals that aid in faster ignition. It is usually lit using a candle, lighter, or blowtorch and is known for its convenience and ease of use. Natural charcoal, on the other hand, is free from chemicals and takes longer to light. It is often preferred by those who want to avoid the smell of burning chemicals and are willing to invest extra time in the lighting process.
Size and Shape
Charcoal tablets or briquettes come in various sizes and shapes. Choose a size that fits comfortably in your incense burner, allowing for adequate air circulation. Some people prefer to break the charcoal into smaller pieces to control the burn rate, especially when using them indoors or in small spaces.
Heat Output
Different charcoals produce varying levels of heat. Consider the type of incense you plan to use and choose a charcoal that provides the appropriate heat level. For example, resins like copal melt almost completely and burn well with higher heat, while gums and waxes in other incense types may require lower heat to prevent an unpleasant smell.
Burning Rate
The burning rate of charcoal varies, and it is essential to choose one that aligns with your desired duration for incense burning. Quick-light charcoal tends to burn faster, while natural charcoal typically offers a slower and more prolonged burn.
Safety Considerations
Always opt for a reputable brand that prioritizes safety. Choose charcoal specifically designed for incense burning, as using barbecue or grill charcoal can be dangerous due to the presence of additional chemicals. Additionally, ensure you have the proper tools, such as metal tongs, to handle the charcoal safely and avoid direct contact with your fingers.
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Lighting the charcoal
To light the charcoal, you can use a candle, lighter, or blowtorch. Some people also use a gas stove top. Hold the charcoal with metal tongs and light it from below. You can light one corner for a slow burn, or light the boundary of one whole side for a more even burn. It will take several moments for the charcoal to properly light, so be patient. Once the edges of the charcoal are burnt, it can be placed on the incense burner.
At this point, you can blow on the charcoal to make it burn faster. You will know the charcoal is ready for incense burning when it is covered with a layer of white ash. This usually takes a few minutes.
Some people prefer to use quick-lighting charcoal, which can be lit with a candle or tea light. However, these charcoals may have a chemical smell, so it is recommended to use natural charcoal if you are looking for a pure scent.
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Using an incense burner
To burn incense using a charcoal incense burner, you will need an incense burner, a charcoal tablet, and incense. Some sources recommend using a metal incense burner, as charcoal can burn for a long time and metal is a good conductor of heat. You will also need a way to light the charcoal, such as a candle, lighter, or blowtorch, and a pair of metal tongs to hold the charcoal while you light it.
To begin, light your chosen ignition device. Then, using the metal tongs, hold the charcoal tablet over the flame until the edges are burnt. You can also place the charcoal tablet directly on a gas stove top to burn it. Once the charcoal is lit, place it on the incense burner. It will take a few minutes to light completely, and you will see white ash forming on the top. This is when the charcoal is ready for incense burning.
At this point, you can place your chosen incense on the charcoal. The type of incense you use will determine how you place it on the charcoal. For dry incense, you can put it directly on the burner's tray and throw away the leftover residue after it has burned. For other types of incense, such as Frankincense and Somali Bakhoors, you will see a melted residue left behind on the tray after burning, which you can remove with a stainless steel spoon or by scrubbing it under running water with a stainless steel scrubber.
If you are a beginner, it is recommended to start with a small amount of incense, such as two or three pieces or a teaspoon quantity, and place it on the burner tray. Start the burner on the lowest heat setting and wait until you can smell a light fragrance. If the temperature is right, the strength of the fragrance will gradually increase, and you will see smoke rising from the incense. If you don't see smoke, you may need to raise the temperature. However, if the fragrance becomes too strong, reduce the heat setting.
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Controlling the heat
To burn incense with charcoal, you need to control the heat to get the best fragrance and the longest burn time. Here are some tips to help you control the heat when burning incense with charcoal:
Start by choosing the right charcoal. Quick-lighting charcoal is a good option for most incense burning applications. It is easy to light and burns at a consistent temperature, making it ideal for indoor use. Opt for a reputable brand of quick-lighting charcoal specifically designed for incense burning.
Once you've chosen your charcoal, it's time to prepare it for ignition. Use a pair of tongs to hold the charcoal tablet safely. Hold the charcoal over a heat source such as a stove, hot plate, or lighter to ignite it. Be cautious and use heat-resistant tools to avoid any accidents.
The key to controlling the heat is in the ignition process. Once the edges of the charcoal begin to glow, quickly remove it from the direct heat source. Blow on the charcoal to cool it down and stop the ignition process. You should now have a hot piece of charcoal that is lit but not actively burning.
Now, carefully place the hot charcoal in a heat-resistant container. A traditional Japanese incense tray made of ceramic or porcelain is a great option. These burners often have a lid and a small opening for the fragrance to escape. Ensure the burner is placed on a heat-resistant surface like a table or altar, and always maintain good ventilation in the room.
It's time to add the incense. Start with a small amount of incense and add more as needed to control the heat. You can use incense cones or incense powder. If using cones, place one cone on top of the hot charcoal. For incense powder, use a spoon to sprinkle a small amount onto the charcoal. The incense should start to smoke, releasing its fragrance.
Adjust the heat by controlling the amount of incense you add and the distance between the charcoal and the incense. If the heat is too intense, move the incense slightly further away from the charcoal or reduce the amount of incense used. Conversely, if you need more heat, add a small amount of incense directly onto the charcoal to increase the temperature.
Remember to always exercise caution when working with hot charcoal and burning incense. Use heat-resistant tools and surfaces at all times. Ensure proper ventilation to avoid any safety hazards and to allow the fragrance to fill the room pleasantly.
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Extinguishing the charcoal
When you're finished burning incense, there are several ways to extinguish the charcoal. One quick and effective method is to use tongs to remove the hot charcoal from the burner and carefully place it in a bowl of water. This will immediately cool the charcoal and put out any lingering embers. Make sure the charcoal is completely soaked before throwing it away. Alternatively, you can use a metal snuffer to smother the flames by depriving them of oxygen, which is necessary for the charcoal to continue burning. However, be sure to use a snuffer designed for high temperatures, and handle the charcoal with caution afterward as it may still retain some heat.
If you're burning loose incense, you can also try placing a lid on your burner to smother the charcoal. This method is less effective than using water or a snuffer, but it can be useful if you need to quickly extinguish the charcoal and don't have access to water. Just be careful not to touch the burner or charcoal directly, as it will be hot.
Another way to regulate the heat and slow down the burning process is to use sand. Place a layer of sand underneath the charcoal, and if necessary, you can also put sand on top of the charcoal to further reduce the temperature. This is a good option if you want to prolong the burning time of your incense and create a more gradual release of fragrance.
If you're using a charcoal disc, you can also try burying it in ash to regulate the burn. First, level the ash in your burner to create a stable and insulated layer. Then, use a small incense shovel or spoon to dig a hole in the center, about 1 centimeter deep, and place the charcoal disc inside. This technique helps to moderate the heat, allowing for a steady release of fragrance while minimizing excess smoke. Remember to ensure even heating of the charcoal disc by rotating the burner or gently blowing on the charcoal.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need an incense burner, charcoal tablet, and incense.
You can light the charcoal with a candle, lighter, or blowtorch. You can also use a gas stove top. Hold the charcoal with a pair of metal tongs.
You will see white ash forming on the top of the charcoal when it is ready.
