Katrina Rosales
Burning incense with charcoal is an ancient practice that has been used for centuries to release deep, rich fragrances from natural materials like resins, herbs, and powders. The charcoal helps the incense burn evenly and steadily, making it a popular choice for those seeking a consistent fragrance release. To burn charcoal incense on a mesh screen, start by filling your burner 3/4 full with sand or rocks to absorb some of the heat. Place the burner on a heat-resistant surface, such as a ceramic coaster or tile, to avoid damaging your table. Using tongs, light the charcoal tablet and place it on the mesh screen. Allow the charcoal to heat up for 5-15 minutes, and then add a pinch of loose incense. The resin will boil and melt into the charcoal, releasing a fragrant smoke.
Burning charcoal incense on a mesh:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Charcoal burner | Use a screened charcoal burner with a concave screen to create a nook for the disc |
| Charcoal disc | Use charcoal discs that are easy to light and burn for an extended period |
| Charcoal placement | Place the charcoal disc on a bed of sand or rocks inside the burner or on the mesh screen |
| Lighting | Light the charcoal disc with a candle, torch lighter, or match |
| Heat | Charcoal gets very hot, so use a heat-proof container and place the burner on a heat-resistant surface |
| Ventilation | Ensure proper ventilation as incense smoke can be harmful and produce intense smoke |
| Incense type | Use loose incense such as resins, herbs, or powders |
| Incense application | Add a pinch of loose incense with your fingers or a metal spoon |
| Burn control | Tap off the ashes for a hotter and faster burn, or leave them on for a slower burn |
| Safety | Do not touch the charcoal disc once lit, and never leave burning incense unattended |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing your burner and charcoal
First, ensure you have the right equipment: a screened charcoal burner is ideal, as it will hold the charcoal disc securely in place. The screen should be concave, creating a small space for the disc. If your burner doesn't have a screen, you can place sand or rocks at the bottom of the vessel to a depth of about three-quarters of an inch, and then place the charcoal on top. This is an important step to protect your burner, as charcoal gets extremely hot and can cause damage or even start a fire if it comes into direct contact with the burner. Always use a heat-proof container, with metal being the best option.
Next, you will need to prepare your work area. Place your burner on a heat-resistant surface, such as a ceramic tile or coaster, as the bottom of the burner will become very hot. Make sure the area is well-ventilated, as incense smoke can be harmful and cause respiratory issues. Keep flammable materials away from the burner.
Now you are ready to light the charcoal. Using tongs, hold the charcoal tablet or disc and light it with a candle, torch lighter, or match. Quick-igniting charcoal will spark, so be cautious when lighting it. If you are using non-quick-igniting charcoal, you may need to burn it for a few minutes on a stovetop or with a torch lighter.
Once the charcoal is lit, place it carefully into the burner, on top of the bed of sand or onto the mesh screen. Allow the charcoal to heat up fully, which is indicated by the formation of a ring or layer of ash on the charcoal. This can take around 5-15 minutes.
At this point, your charcoal burner is ready for you to add your chosen incense, but remember to always use tongs or a metal spoon to handle hot charcoal, and never touch it with your fingers.
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Lighting the charcoal
Now you can light the charcoal. You can use a candle, a torch lighter, or a barbecue lighter to ignite the charcoal. If you are using quick-igniting charcoal, it will start sparkling. Avoid the first smoke released from the sparkles. If you are using non-quick-igniting charcoal, you may want to burn it for a few minutes on a stovetop or burner with a torch lighter. Once lit, place the charcoal on the bed of sand or rocks inside your burner or onto the mesh screen if your burner has one.
Allow the charcoal to heat up. You will know it is ready when it develops a ring or layer of ash. This will take about 5-15 minutes. During this time, make sure your burner is on a heat-resistant surface, such as a ceramic coaster or tile, as the bottom of the burner will become very hot.
Once the charcoal is ready, you can add your incense. Use a metal spoon to add a pinch of loose incense on top of the hot charcoal. If you are using resin, be aware that it will melt into the charcoal. If you are using herbs, they will burn faster, so you may need to scrape them off the charcoal and add more. To make the charcoal burn hotter or faster, tap the ashes off; leave the ashes if you want a slower burn.
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Adding incense
When adding incense, it is important to consider the type of incense you are using. Powder incense burns quickly, so it is advisable to start with a thin layer, adding more as needed to avoid overwhelming the charcoal. Loose incense, such as herbs, resins, or bark, requires more space than powder, so you may want to create a larger and deeper indentation on the charcoal. Herbs burn faster than resins, so you may need to scrape off the charred remains before adding more. Resins will not burn on their own and require charcoal tablets. Frankincense, for example, will produce a sweet smell when introduced to hot charcoal, but if left too long, it will burn quickly and smell unpleasant. Copal, on the other hand, melts almost completely into the charcoal, releasing a pleasant aroma without burning the resin.
To add incense to charcoal tablets, use a metal spoon to place a small amount of resin on top of the hot charcoal. For loose incense, you can use your fingers or a metal spoon to add a pinch of incense to the charcoal. If using a charcoal burner, fill it 3/4 full with sand or rocks to absorb some of the heat, and then place the burner on a heat-resistant surface. Hold the charcoal tablet with tongs and light it following the instructions provided. Place the lit charcoal on the bed of sand inside the burner or on the mesh screen if your burner has one. Allow the charcoal to heat up for 5-15 minutes until a layer of ash forms on the tablet, and then add your incense.
To control the burn rate and intensity of the fragrance, you can adjust the amount of ash covering the charcoal. A thicker layer of ash will moderate the heat, resulting in a slower burn and a more subtle fragrance. Removing the ash will expose the charcoal to more direct heat, increasing the burn rate and the intensity of the fragrance. You can also tap the ashes off the charcoal to make it burn hotter or faster, or leave the ashes for a slower burn. Additionally, placing a brass leaf or mesh over the indentation can help distribute heat evenly and prevent the incense from directly contacting the hot charcoal, resulting in a smoother, slower burn.
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Adjusting the heat
To increase the heat, you can tap the ashes off the charcoal. The ash covering the charcoal will moderate the heat, helping the incense burn slowly and steadily. It also helps to release a pleasant fragrance without producing too much smoke. Covering the charcoal with a thin layer of incense ash can also help moderate the heat and ensure a slow and even burn.
To reduce the heat, you can use something in between the coal and the incense to diffuse the heat. Tinfoil works well, and you can fold it into more or fewer layers to adjust the heat. A more traditional option would be a sheet of mica. You can also avoid using a freshly lit coal and instead allow it to burn for a bit until it develops a decent layer of ash before placing the incense on it.
It is important to note that the charcoal will get very hot, and it should never be touched with bare hands. Always use tongs to handle the charcoal, and be cautious to avoid burns. The burner should also be placed on a heat-resistant surface, such as a ceramic coaster or tile, to prevent damage to your surfaces.
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Cleaning your burner
Firstly, it is crucial to let your burner cool down completely before attempting to clean it. This is important for your safety, as you don't want to risk burning yourself on hot metal, glass, or charcoal. Once your burner is cool to the touch, you can begin the cleaning process.
Start by removing any leftover ash and incense residue from the inside of the burner. Use a paper towel or a small brush, like an old toothbrush, to gently wipe away or brush off the ash and residue. Be careful not to inhale the ash or get it on your skin, as it may contain harmful substances. If you are concerned about ash getting onto your surrounding surfaces, place an old towel or cloth underneath the burner as you work.
Next, take a dry cloth or paper towel and wipe down the entire surface of the burner, both inside and out. This will help to remove any built-up dirt, dust, or grime on the burner's surface. Pay close attention to tight spaces and nooks where dirt and dust may accumulate.
If there is any stubborn residue or grime that the dry cloth doesn't remove, you can use a mild soap or dishwashing liquid and water solution to help loosen and remove it. Be cautious not to use too much water, as you don't want to submerge or soak your burner, especially if it is made of wood or clay, as this could lead to damage or discolouration. Instead, apply the soapy solution with a soft cloth or brush directly to the affected areas, scrubbing gently to avoid scratching the surface.
Finally, rinse the burner thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove any remaining soap residue. Use a clean, soft cloth to wipe away water droplets from both the inside and outside of the burner. Ensure that all soap residue is completely washed away, as you don't want any soap coming into contact with burning incense. Allow the burner to air dry completely before storing or using it again. If you live in a humid environment or it has been raining, let the burner air dry for several days to ensure all moisture is gone.
By following these steps, you can effectively clean your burner and maintain its optimal condition. Regular cleaning will not only ensure the longevity of your burner but also enhance your incense-burning experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Burning incense with charcoal can be dangerous, so safety precautions are important. Always use a screened charcoal burner, and ensure that it is heat-proof and placed on a heat-resistant surface. Hold the charcoal with tongs, and light it with a candle, a torch lighter, or a barbecue lighter. Never touch the charcoal tablet once it is lit, and do not leave it unattended.
Using a mesh screen can help moderate the heat and prevent the incense from directly contacting the hot charcoal, resulting in a slower and more even burn. Place the mesh screen on top of the bed of sand inside your charcoal burner, then place the hot charcoal on top of the mesh.
When the charcoal develops a ring or layer of ash, it is ready for the incense.
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