Lance Carson
Backflow incense burners, also known as incense waterfalls or fountains, are a unique way to enjoy your favourite fragrances. The incense smoke flows in the opposite direction to normal incense, creating a mesmerising downward cascade of smoke. To use a backflow incense burner, light the tip of the cone with a match or lighter and let it burn for a few seconds before gently blowing out the flame. Place the burner in a well-ventilated room, away from drafts and flammable materials, as the smoke and burner can both get very hot. After the incense has finished burning, clean the burner thoroughly to remove any residual oils and ash.
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What You'll Learn
Lighting a backflow incense burner
Prepare Your Space:
Before you begin, ensure your backflow incense burner is placed on a protective surface, away from furniture, curtains, or other flammable materials. Backflow burners can get very hot, and the smoke may stain surfaces. It is also important to choose a well-ventilated area for burning, but avoid drafts or breezes as they can interfere with the desired smoke effect. Keep the burner out of reach of children and pets, and if you are pregnant, consult your doctor before burning incense.
Lighting the Incense Cone:
Hold the incense cone in one hand or use a pair of tweezers to grip it gently. Using a match or a lighter, ignite the pointy end of the cone, just like you would light a candle wick. Ensure that the incense is immersed in the flame until it ignites. You may need to hold the flame to the cone for a few seconds to ensure it properly lights up.
Blowing Out the Flame:
Gently fan or blow out the flame. Be careful not to topple the cone or blow out the ember completely. If you see a small glowing ember and smoke starts to rise from the top, similar to a regular incense cone, the incense is correctly lit. If not, repeat the lighting process until you achieve a steady ember.
Achieving the Backflow Effect:
Initially, the smoke will rise from the top of the cone. Be patient, as the unique backflow effect will take a few minutes to start. After a few minutes, you will see the smoke begin to pour from the bottom of the cone, creating a mesmerizing waterfall effect. Avoid any air movement, as this can disrupt the smoke cascade.
Safety and Cleaning:
Always remember to extinguish the cone carefully and clean your burner after each use. You can use a sink to extinguish the cone, but be prepared to clean the sink afterward as there will be residue. Clean your burner with a toothbrush and dish soap to remove any sticky oil residue. Proper cleaning will maintain the burner's condition and enhance your experience.
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How to hold the incense cone
Holding the incense cone is a crucial step in the process of using a backflow incense burner. Here is a detailed guide on how to hold the incense cone:
Firstly, it is important to recognise the shape of the backflow incense cone. Unlike traditional incense cones, backflow cones have a small, hollow tunnel through the centre, ending in a hole at the bottom centre. This unique structure allows the smoke to flow downwards, creating the captivating waterfall effect. When holding the cone, be mindful of this delicate central hole to avoid any blockage that might interfere with the smoke flow.
Now, let's get into the specific steps for holding the cone:
- Pick up the cone: Using one hand, gently pick up the incense cone. You can also use a pair of tweezers if you prefer, especially if you want to avoid direct contact with the cone. Hold the cone firmly but carefully, ensuring it is securely grasped.
- Positioning: Ensure that the pointy end of the cone is facing upwards. This is the end you will light, and it should be positioned so that it is easily accessible for the lighting process.
- Lighting: With your other hand, hold a match or a lighter and ignite the pointy end of the cone. Hold the flame to the tip until it catches fire. You may need to immerse the incense in the flame for a few seconds to ensure it ignites properly.
- Stabilising: While lighting the cone, maintain a steady hold on the cone to prevent it from toppling over. It is important to hold it firmly but gently to avoid crushing or dropping the cone.
- Observing: After lighting the cone, gently blow out the flame or any remnants of it. You may need to wait for a short period (around 10-30 seconds) before blowing to ensure the cone is properly lit. Check the tip of the cone for a small glowing ember and wait for smoke to start rising from the top, eventually transitioning to the bottom, creating the desired backflow effect.
- Adjusting: If you notice the smoke is not flowing downwards as expected, carefully adjust your grip on the cone and check if the hole at the bottom is clear. Sometimes, a slight adjustment can ensure the proper airflow and the desired visual effect.
Remember, always exercise caution when handling lit incense cones, and ensure you follow the necessary safety precautions when using a backflow incense burner.
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Blowing out the flame
- Timing is Key: Wait for about 5-10 seconds after lighting the incense cone or coil. This allows the incense to burn evenly and creates a steady stream of smoke.
- Gentle Breeze: Gently blow on the flame to extinguish it. Be careful not to blow too hard, as this may cause the incense burner to topple over or the burning incense to fall out. A gentle, steady breath is all that's needed.
- Use a Snuffing Tool: Alternatively, you can use a snuffing tool, such as a small spoon or a candle snuffer, to carefully extinguish the flame. Gently press the tool against the burning incense to deprive it of oxygen and put out the flame. This method can be especially useful if you are concerned about accidentally blowing too hard.
- Safety First: Always be cautious when working with open flames. Ensure that the incense burner is placed on a heat-resistant surface and that flammable objects are kept away. It's also important to have a fire-safe bowl or container nearby to dispose of the extinguished embers safely.
- Consistency is Important: For the best results and to ensure the longevity of your backflow incense burner, it's important to consistently follow these steps each time you use it. This will help maintain the quality of your burner and provide a pleasant and safe incense-burning experience.
Remember, blowing out the flame or using a snuffing tool is a crucial step in using a backflow incense burner. By following these simple steps, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience while enjoying the aromatic and visual benefits of your incense burner.
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Cleaning the burner
It is important to clean your backflow incense burner regularly, as a large quantity of oil or resin buildup on the plate can prevent new incense cones from burning properly. This buildup can also block the hole below the incense cone, preventing the smoke from drifting downwards and ruining the visual effect intended by the burner.
- After you finish burning an incense cone, wait for the incense ash and burner to cool down. The burner should be a little warmer than room temperature, and the oily residue should still be a little runny and not completely solid.
- Dispose of the incense ash. The burnt incense cone will usually stay in its initial shape, so if you try to pick it up, the ash will fall everywhere. Instead, move a trash bag or garbage can close to the burner and gently tip the entire burnt cone into the trash. Alternatively, use a vacuum to suck up the ash, or a dustpan and small broom.
- Use a sponge and washing-up liquid to scrub away at the hole opening on the burner where the backflow cone is placed, then rinse it under water.
- Give the various parts of the burner that come into contact with the incense smoke a thorough clean with the sponge and washing-up liquid.
- If you have a concrete backflow incense burner, you don't need to be too concerned about keeping it perfectly clean, as some oil residue can give the concrete a nice patina and add to its character.
It is recommended that you clean your backflow incense burner once every 2-3 uses to prevent a large amount of oil buildup and make the cleaning process easier.
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Safety precautions
When using a backflow incense burner, it's important to follow certain safety precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are some detailed instructions to help you use your backflow incense burner safely:
Lighting the Incense Cone Safely:
- Hold the incense cone with one hand or with a pair of tweezers.
- Light the pointed end of the cone with a match or a lighter, just like lighting a candle wick. Ensure the incense is immersed in the flame until it ignites.
- Gently fan or blow out the flame. You may need to wait for a short period (10-30 seconds) before blowing out the flame to ensure it properly lights up.
- Check the incense tip. If you see a small glowing ember and smoke starts coming out of the bottom, the incense is correctly lit.
Using a Backflow Burner:
- Once the incense cone is lit and smoking, place it in your backflow burner.
- The smoke will soon begin to travel through the burner, creating a mesmerizing waterfall effect.
- Avoid drafty locations as these can reduce the downward flow of smoke.
Cleaning and Disposal:
- It is recommended to clean your backflow incense burner after every 2-3 cones.
- Move a trash bag or garbage can close to the burner. Do not move the burner itself.
- Gently tip the burnt cone into the trash. Alternatively, use a vacuum to suck up the burnt cone, but be careful as this can be messy.
- Sprinkle a little water on the ash before cleaning, if you prefer.
General Safety:
- Always be cautious of open flames and hot surfaces when lighting incense.
- Avoid placing the burner near flammable materials or surfaces that may be damaged by smoke or ash.
- Ensure proper ventilation in the room to prevent smoke buildup.
Backflow incense burners are a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the scent and visuals of incense, but it's important to follow these safety precautions to minimize risks and maximize your experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Backflow incense burners, also known as incense waterfalls or fountains, are incense holders that allow smoke to flow in the opposite direction of traditional incense, creating a mesmerizing downward flow of smoke that pools at the bottom.
Lighting a backflow incense cone is similar to lighting an incense stick. Hold the cone with one hand or with tweezers, then light the pointy end with a match or lighter. Allow the cone to ignite, then gently blow out the flame. If a small ember is present and smoke is coming out of the bottom, the incense has been correctly lit.
The aroma from a backflow incense cone can last up to a day, with a burning time of approximately 20 minutes per cone.
It is important to clean your burner after each use to prevent the buildup of burnt oil and ash. Use a toothbrush and dish soap to remove any sticky residue.
Yes, it is important to keep the burner away from furniture, curtains, or other flammable materials. Place the burner on a protective surface and in a well-ventilated area, especially if you have pets. Keep the burner out of reach of children and pets, and store your incense cones in a cold, dark, and dry place.
