Seamus Hammond
Backflow incense burners are known for their mesmerizing displays of smoke cascading downwards in a waterfall effect. The incense smoke flows in the opposite direction of traditional incense, moving downwards instead of upwards. This effect is created by the density of the smoke, which is heavier than the air due to the high content of essential oils and resins. To light a backflow incense cone, you hold the cone and ignite the tip with a flame. Once lit, you blow out the flame and place the cone on the burner, allowing the smoke to flow through the bottom of the cone and downwards into the burner. Handmade backflow incense cones may require a longer time for the tip to be immersed in the flame, up to 10-15 seconds.
How to Light a Backflow Incense
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shape | Cone or stick |
| Composition | Dense smoke, essential oils, resin |
| Burning time | 20 minutes per cone |
| Lighting method | Hold the tip of the cone to a flame, let it burn for 10-15 seconds, then blow out |
| Burner placement | In an area with still air, away from fans or high foot traffic |
| Burner design | Dragon, Buddha, Lotus, Crystal Cave, Large Pebble, simple fountain |
| Cleaning | Use tweezers to break down ash into small bits |
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What You'll Learn
- Lighting a backflow incense cone is similar to lighting a stick incense
- Handmade backflow incense cones are harder to light than machine-made versions
- The tip of a handmade cone should be kept immersed in the flame for up to 15 seconds
- Allow the cone to burn at least a third of the way down before placing it on the burner
- The smoke will flow through the bottom of the cone, through the hole, and down the burner
Lighting a backflow incense cone is similar to lighting a stick incense
When lighting a backflow incense cone, it is important to let it burn down at least a third of the way before placing it on the burner. This is different from traditional incense cones, which can be placed on the burner as soon as the tip turns red and begins to smoke. If you are having trouble with the smoke flowing downwards, check that your cone has a hole at the bottom which can sit on the hole of the burner. The smoke will then be pulled down through the burner, creating a waterfall effect.
It is worth noting that once lit, it is difficult to put out a backflow incense cone and relight it later, as you might with a stick incense. Therefore, it is important to be cautious when lighting the cone and ensure it is placed in a still area, away from fans or high footfall, to allow the smoke to flow downwards effectively.
Overall, while there are some differences in technique, lighting a backflow incense cone is a similar process to lighting a stick incense, and with the right approach, you can enjoy the unique and mesmerising experience of a backflow incense burner.
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Handmade backflow incense cones are harder to light than machine-made versions
Lighting a backflow incense cone is a little different from lighting a traditional cone. Traditional incense cones are slim and pyramid-shaped, and they are placed on the burner as soon as they begin to smoke. Backflow incense cones, on the other hand, need to burn down at least a third of the way before being placed on the burner. This is because backflow incense is designed to have smoke that cascades downwards in a mesmerising waterfall effect, rather than rising upwards.
The difficulty in lighting handmade backflow incense cones could also be attributed to the quality of ingredients used. Commercially-made cones often use low-grade wood powder with little oil content, making them highly combustible and easier to light. In contrast, handmade cones like those in the Kin Premium collection contain superior ingredients with a higher oil content, which may require multiple attempts before fully lighting up. This higher oil content also contributes to their slower burn rate and longer duration.
The process of making high-quality, all-natural incense cones is time-consuming and costly. The raw materials required are several times more expensive due to the increased weight of the cones compared to incense sticks. Additionally, the unique shape and weight of backflow incense cones result in a longer drying time, further adding to the production time and costs. These factors may influence manufacturers to opt for low-grade, easy-to-burn ingredients, compromising the quality and fragrance of the cones.
Once lit, backflow incense cones are challenging to extinguish and preserve for future use, unlike stick incense. Therefore, it is essential to follow the proper lighting techniques for handmade backflow incense cones to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience.
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The tip of a handmade cone should be kept immersed in the flame for up to 15 seconds
Backflow incense is designed to have smoke that flows in the opposite direction to "normal" incense, with the smoke flowing downwards instead of rising up. The incense is usually in the shape of a cone, with a small, hollow tunnel through the centre, ending in a hole at the bottom. The smoke escaping from the incense cone will flow down through the vent, creating a smoke stream that looks like a flowing waterfall.
Handmade backflow incense cones can be more difficult to light than machine-made versions. If you have a handmade cone, you may need to adjust the way it is lit. The tip of the incense cone should be kept immersed in the flame for a longer period, up to 10-15 seconds. It is important to exercise caution and keep an eye on the flame, reducing the time if the tip catches fire earlier.
Once lit, it is challenging to extinguish a backflow incense cone and preserve it for later use. The density of the cones may be a factor, as handmade cones are hand-squeezed to be more tightly packed. Another method for lighting a handmade cone is to keep the flame lit and wait for it to die down naturally, rather than blowing it out.
To optimise the performance of your backflow incense, ensure it is placed in an area with still air. High airflow areas, such as near a fan or busy walkways, can disrupt the smoke flow and prevent the desired effect. Additionally, always use special backflow incense cones with your burner, as regular incense cones or sticks will not produce the intended downward smoke flow.
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Allow the cone to burn at least a third of the way down before placing it on the burner
When lighting a backflow incense cone, it is important to allow the cone to burn at least a third of the way down before placing it on the burner. This is because backflow incense cones are designed to create a mesmerizing waterfall effect, with smoke flowing downwards instead of rising upwards like traditional incense. The specific airflow dynamics required for this effect depend on the precise structure of the cone.
To achieve the downward smoke flow, it is necessary to allow the cone to burn sufficiently before placing it on the burner. If the cone is not allowed to burn down enough, the smoke will simply rise and will not enter the chamber of the burner to create the desired effect. The tip of the cone should be glowing red and releasing fragrant smoke before it is placed on the burner. This usually takes a few seconds, and you may need to gently blow out the flame if it does not go out on its own.
Handmade backflow incense cones may take longer to light and might need to be immersed in the flame for up to 10-15 seconds. It is important to be careful not to burn yourself while holding the cone. Additionally, it is recommended to ensure that the burner is placed on a stable, non-flammable surface and away from any flammable objects.
Once the cone is properly lit and placed on the burner, the smoke will initially rise like regular incense. After a few minutes, the smoke will start to pour from the bottom of the cone, creating the desired waterfall effect. It is important to be patient and allow the backflow effect to start, as air movement can disrupt the smoke cascade.
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The smoke will flow through the bottom of the cone, through the hole, and down the burner
Backflow incense is designed to flow in the opposite direction of regular incense, with smoke travelling downwards instead of rising up. To achieve this effect, backflow incense cones are bullet-shaped with a small, hollow tunnel through the centre, ending in a hole at the bottom. When lit, the smoke will flow through the bottom of the cone, through the hole, and down the burner.
To light a backflow incense cone, simply hold the cone and ignite the tip. Once the tip is burning, wait a second or two and then blow out the flame. It's important to note that backflow incense cones are different from traditional incense cones, which do not have a hole and cannot create the waterfall effect. For this reason, you must allow a backflow cone to burn at least a third of the way down before placing it on the burner, whereas a traditional cone can be placed on the burner as soon as it begins to smoke.
Handmade backflow incense cones may be more difficult to light than machine-made versions, possibly due to the density of the cones. If you are using a handmade cone, you may need to keep the tip immersed in the flame for longer (up to 10-15 seconds) and exercise caution while doing so. It is also worth noting that once lit, it is challenging to extinguish a backflow incense cone and preserve it for later use.
To ensure the smoke flows downwards, place the burner in an area with still air. High airflow areas, such as near a fan or busy walkways, can blow the smoke away and disrupt the desired effect. Additionally, the burner may leave stains on light-coloured surfaces, so it is recommended to place it on a tray or mat to prevent discolouration.
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Frequently asked questions
Lighting a backflow incense cone is similar to lighting an incense stick. Hold the cone and light the tip. Once the tip ignites, wait a second or two and then blow out the flame.
Once lit, the smoke will flow through the bottom of the cone and down the burner, creating a waterfall effect. If the smoke is rising, the cone is not lit properly.
If you have a handmade cone, you may need to keep the tip immersed in the flame for longer—up to 10-15 seconds. Place the burner in an area with still air to ensure the smoke flows downwards. Additionally, place the burner on a tray or mat to prevent smoke stains.
