Seamus Hammond
Incense has been used throughout history in almost all regions of the world and comes in many different forms, including sticks and cones. Backflow incense cones, also known as waterfall incense or incense fountains, are a relatively new type of incense cone. They are designed to reverse the typical upward flow of smoke, instead creating a downward flow. This is achieved through a small hollow tunnel through the centre of the cone, which cools the smoke as it travels through, making it denser and causing it to flow downwards. To use a backflow incense cone, light the pointed end of the cone with a match or lighter, ensuring the cone is fully immersed in the flame. After a few seconds, gently blow out the flame. The cone should then be placed in a backflow incense burner, with the bottom hole aligned with the seat hole of the burner.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shape | Cone-shaped with a hollow tunnel through the centre |
| Burning Direction | Downwards |
| Burn Time | Burns more quickly than traditional cones |
| Lighting | Light the pointed end with a match or lighter |
| Burn Appearance | Smoke flows downward in a cascading effect |
| Burn Requirements | Backflow incense cones and specially designed burners |
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What You'll Learn
Lighting hollow incense cones
Preparation:
Before lighting a hollow incense cone, it is important to gather the necessary items, including the cone itself, a heat-resistant incense holder or burner, and either matches or a lighter. It is also crucial to choose a well-ventilated area that is free from drafts. Avoid places with strong air currents, such as near fans, vents, or open windows, as these can interfere with the proper burning and smoke flow of the incense cone.
Lighting the Cone:
Hold the incense cone with the pointed end facing upward and the flat, hollow end at the bottom. This positioning ensures that the hollow part will effectively channel the smoke downward once lit. Use a lighter or match to ignite the pointed tip of the cone. Allow the tip to catch fire and burn steadily for about 4-5 seconds. Let the flame continue to burn for a few more moments, ensuring that approximately 4mm of the tip has burned, which indicates that the incense is fully ignited. This step is crucial for creating a long-lasting ember that will produce continuous smoke.
Blowing Out the Flame:
After the cone has burned for a few seconds, gently blow out the flame or fan it. The cone should no longer have an open flame, but instead, a glowing ember should be visible. This ember is responsible for releasing the smoke as the cone slowly burns from the top down. Ensure that smoke is flowing through the hollow hole at the base of the cone.
Monitoring the Burn:
Backflow incense cones burn more quickly than traditional cones due to their hollow structure, so it is important to monitor the cone as it burns. Keep an eye on the amount of smoke produced, and if necessary, gently blow on the ember to control the burn rate. Additionally, ensure that the cone remains stable and does not tip over.
Extinguishing the Cone:
If you need to extinguish the cone before it burns out completely, gently blow on the glowing ember. Be careful to not scatter the ash or blow the cone out of alignment. Once the cone has burned completely and only ash remains, gently tap the holder to extinguish any remaining embers. Allow the ash to cool down before disposing of it.
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Burn time
The burn time of hollow incense cones varies depending on factors such as the size of the cone, the environment, and airflow in the room. On average, backflow incense cones burn for 12 to 15 minutes, while traditional cones burn for 15 to 25 minutes. However, it's important to note that hollow cones burn faster than traditional cones due to their hollow structure.
To ensure the best burn time and experience, it is recommended to use the correct type of burner for hollow incense cones. These cones are designed to work with specialised burners that have a hole or designated area to allow the smoke to flow downward through the hollow centre. Proper alignment of the cone's base with the hole in the burner is crucial for the desired downward-flowing smoke effect.
Additionally, the placement of the burner in a well-ventilated area is essential. Drafts or fans can accelerate burn time, so it's important to be mindful of airflow. However, it's also crucial to ensure that the incense cone is not placed directly in front of an open window, as this could cause the flame to go out.
The fragrance and aromatic experience of hollow incense cones are enhanced by their rich, cascading smoke. While the burn time may be shorter than traditional cones, the visual appeal of the downward-flowing smoke makes them ideal for creating a calming and meditative ambiance.
To maximise the burn time of hollow incense cones, it is recommended to monitor the cone as it burns and ensure it is not left unattended for extended periods. The unique structure of hollow cones makes it more challenging to put them out before they burn out completely. Therefore, it is advisable to keep a close eye on the cone and gently blow on the ember if you need to extinguish it prematurely.
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Using a heatproof container
Hollow incense cones, also known as backflow or reverse waterfall incense cones, are designed to produce a downward flow of smoke. This is achieved through the unique structure of the cone, which features a small hollow tunnel through its centre. When lit, the heat inside the hollow space creates a low-pressure zone, while cooler air from outside exerts pressure on the smoke, causing it to flow downwards.
To use a hollow incense cone with a heatproof container, follow these steps:
- Place the cone in your hand or use tweezers to hold it. Ensure the pointed end is facing upward, while the flat, hollow end is at the bottom.
- Light the pointed tip of the cone with a match or a lighter. Immerse the tip in the flame until it catches fire and burns steadily for 4-5 seconds.
- Allow the flame to burn for a few more moments (approximately 4mm of the tip should burn) to ensure the incense is fully ignited. This step is crucial for creating a long-lasting ember that will produce continuous smoke.
- Gently blow out the flame. The cone should no longer have an open flame, but a glowing ember.
- Observe the cone closely. If you see a glowing ember and smoke emanating from the bottom, it has been correctly lit. If not, you may need to relight the cone.
- Prepare your heatproof container. Use a container made of a heat-resistant material such as ceramic. The container should be able to hold the incense cone and have a thick bottom to distribute heat effectively.
- Spread a layer of sand at the bottom of the heatproof container. The sand layer should be approximately 1cm (0.39 inches) thick.
- Place the lit incense cone inside the heatproof container, ensuring it stays in the middle and does not fall over.
- Enjoy the mesmerising waterfall effect of the downward-flowing smoke.
It is important to note that backflow incense cones burn more quickly than traditional cones due to their hollow structure. Always monitor the cone as it burns and never leave it unattended for extended periods. Additionally, ensure that your container is not placed on anything flammable, such as paper, a lampshade, or a curtain.
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How to put them out
Hollow incense cones, also known as backflow or reverse waterfall incense cones, are designed to manipulate airflow so that the smoke flows downward instead of upward. This is achieved through the cone's hollow structure, which creates a low-pressure zone as the incense burns.
To put out a hollow incense cone, follow these steps:
- Monitor the cone as it burns: Hollow incense cones burn more quickly than traditional cones due to their hollow structure. Keep an eye on the cone to ensure it doesn't burn out prematurely, and never leave it unattended for long periods.
- Gently blow on the ember: If you need to extinguish the cone before it burns out completely, you can gently blow on the glowing ember. Be careful not to scatter the ash or blow the cone out of alignment.
- Use the correct burner: Ensure you are using a burner specifically designed for backflow incense cones. These burners have a specialised design to guide the downward flow of smoke. The best burners for incense cones are usually made of metal, stone, or ceramic.
- Place the burner on a heat-resistant surface: Incense cones burn very hot, so always place the burner on a heat-resistant surface to avoid damage.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets: Like all burning products, hollow incense cones should be kept out of the reach of children and pets. The burners can get hot, and the smoke can be irritating or hazardous if inhaled too closely.
- Ensure proper ventilation: Always burn incense cones in a well-ventilated area. Incense smoke can be hazardous if inhaled too closely.
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Differences from regular cones
Hollow incense cones, also known as backflow or reverse waterfall incense cones, differ from regular cones in several ways. Firstly, they have a unique design with a small hollow tunnel running through the centre, while regular cones are solid. This hollow structure allows the smoke to flow downwards, in contrast to the upward smoke flow of traditional cones. The downward flow of smoke creates a mesmerizing waterfall or cascading effect, which is a distinctive visual feature of hollow incense cones.
Another difference lies in the burn time. Hollow incense cones tend to burn more quickly than regular cones due to their hollow design. Therefore, it is important to monitor the cone as it burns to ensure it doesn't burn out prematurely, and it should not be left unattended for extended periods. Additionally, putting out a hollow incense cone can be more challenging than a traditional cone, requiring careful blowing on the ember to avoid scattering ash or disturbing the cone's alignment.
The method of lighting a hollow incense cone is similar to that of a regular cone, but with some specific variations. When lighting a hollow cone, it is crucial to ensure the cone is held with the pointed end facing upward and the flat, hollow end at the bottom. This orientation ensures that the hollow part properly channels the smoke downward once lit. The pointed tip is then lit with a match or lighter, and it is important to allow it to burn for a few seconds until a steady flame is established. After blowing out the flame, a glowing ember and smoke emanating from the bottom indicate that the cone has been correctly lit.
Finally, hollow incense cones require specially designed burners or holders to function properly. The burners are designed to guide and direct the downward flow of smoke, creating the distinctive visual effect associated with hollow incense cones. Without these specialised burners, the smoke may be blown away by air currents, disrupting the intended downward flow.
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