Antonio Mcgowan
Burning incense using charcoal is a traditional way to enjoy a wide range of natural incense types, including resins, herbs, and powders. It provides a strong, long-lasting fragrance, perfect for creating a calming, aromatic atmosphere during meditation, relaxation, or spiritual practices. To burn incense using charcoal, you will need an incense burner, charcoal tablet, and incense. Light the charcoal tablet using a candle, lighter, or blowtorch, or by placing it on a gas stove top. Once the charcoal is lit, place it on the incense burner and wait for it to turn into ash. Finally, place your chosen incense, such as Frankincense or Myrrh, on top of the charcoal, and enjoy the fragrance!
How to Charcoal Incense
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What you need | Charcoal incense burner, charcoal tablet, incense, tongs, candle/lighter/blowtorch, bowl/cauldron, sand/salt |
| Lighting the charcoal | Hold the charcoal tablet with tongs and light the other end with a candle, lighter or blowtorch. Alternatively, light one end and hold the other. |
| Placing the charcoal | Once the charcoal is lit, place it on a bed of white ash in the burner. |
| Burning the incense | When the charcoal has a grey/white ash on its surface, place the incense on top. |
| Maintaining the burner | Keep the burner on a heat-resistant surface, away from flammable materials. Regularly clean the burner by emptying the ashes and wiping it with a damp cloth. |
| Safety | Never touch burning charcoal with your fingers. Do not cover the charcoal while burning. |
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What You'll Learn
How to light charcoal incense
Lighting charcoal incense is a simple process, but it's important to follow safety precautions. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to light charcoal incense:
Prepare your workspace:
Firstly, ensure you have a safe workspace. Place your charcoal disc or tablet on a heat-proof surface, such as a metal bowl or burner. Some people prefer to use a bed of white ash to place the charcoal on, which can be purchased from brands like Shoyeido. This allows for better air circulation and catches the charcoal residue.
Light the charcoal:
Now, it's time to light the charcoal. Using a pair of tongs, hold the charcoal over a candle, lighter, or blowtorch to ignite it. You can also use a gas stove or electric stove to burn the edges of the charcoal. If you are using coconut charcoal, it may be harder to light and require more heat. An alternative method is to light a quick-light charcoal first, then place your coconut charcoal cube on top to heat it up before lighting.
Allow the charcoal to burn:
Once the charcoal is lit, place it on your prepared surface. The charcoal will need a few minutes to burn properly. You will know it is ready when it is a light grey colour all over and has white ash forming on top. This indicates that it is hot enough for the next step.
Add the incense:
Now, you can add your chosen incense. Frankincense, myrrh, and copal are popular choices, but you can also use loose-herb incense or incense mixtures. Sprinkle the incense directly onto the hot charcoal, or place it next to the charcoal on the ash. Be careful not to use too much incense, as the charcoal needs to breathe and have access to oxygen. You can continue to add incense as it burns and according to your desired fragrance strength.
Safety precautions:
Always use caution when working with hot charcoal and incense. Do not touch the charcoal with your fingers, even to check if it is extinguished. Instead, pour water on it to ensure it is completely cooled. Keep lit charcoal and incense away from children and flammable materials. It is also recommended to burn incense near an open window or in a well-ventilated area.
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Different types of incense burners
Charcoal incense burners are a traditional way to enjoy a wide range of natural incense types, including resins, herbs, and powders. They are ideal for creating a calming, aromatic atmosphere during meditation, relaxation, or spiritual practices. The high heat from the charcoal ensures a complete release of the incense's aroma.
There are several types of incense burners available in the market, each with its own unique features and benefits. Here are some of the most common types of incense burners:
Metal Incense Burners
Metal incense burners, such as brass burners or cauldrons, are commonly used for charcoal incense burning. They are known for their durability and ability to retain heat. However, it is important to note that metal burners can get extremely hot when used with lit charcoal, so it is advisable to place them on a heatproof surface or trivet to protect your furniture.
Clay Incense Burners
Handcrafted clay incense burners, like the ones made in Nepal, are perfect for resin incense or dhoop cones. They offer great airflow for a smooth and consistent burn. These burners are often fair trade and handmade, featuring unique designs that make them a lovely addition to your home decor.
Electric Thermostat-Controlled Burners
Electric thermostat-controlled burners offer precise temperature control for burning different types of incense. They are especially useful for dry incense, which can be placed directly on the burner's tray. After the burning session, the leftover residue can be easily removed. However, some incense types, such as Frankincense and Somali Bakhoors, may leave a melted residue that requires scrubbing with steel wool and running water for thorough cleaning.
Incense Burners with Sand or Salt
Some incense burners use a layer of sand or salt to diffuse the heat and protect the burner from excessive temperatures. The sand or salt is placed inside the burner, and the charcoal is then placed on top. This method helps regulate the temperature and prevents the burner from getting too hot.
Each type of incense burner has its own advantages and considerations. It is important to follow safety precautions when using charcoal incense burners, such as always placing them on heat-resistant surfaces, ensuring proper ventilation, and never leaving them unattended.
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Safety precautions when using charcoal incense
Charcoal incense is a popular and traditional way to enjoy the aromatic and therapeutic benefits of incense. However, it is important to follow certain safety precautions when using it to avoid accidents and health hazards. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your safety when using charcoal incense:
Use Proper Equipment: Always use a charcoal incense burner specifically designed for burning incense. Ensure you have all the necessary supplies, such as tongs or a metal spatula, a heat-resistant container, and, if needed, a heat-resistant surface to place the burner on.
Preparation and Lighting: Before lighting the charcoal tablet, place your burner on a heat-resistant surface, such as a fireproof dish or ceramic tile, and away from flammable materials. Using tongs or a metal spatula, carefully light the charcoal tablet, holding it over the heat-resistant surface. You can use a candle, lighter, or blowtorch to ignite the charcoal.
Burning and Ventilation: Once the charcoal tablet is lit, use tongs to place it in the centre of your incense burner. Do not cover the charcoal while burning, as it needs oxygen to continue burning. Always ensure proper ventilation by keeping windows slightly open as charcoal incense produces a lot of intense smoke.
Safety Precautions: Never touch or hold burning charcoal with your fingers. Be very careful not to touch any lit parts of the incense burner or charcoal, as this can cause burns. Keep the burner away from children and pets, and never leave it unattended. Burning incense is a fire hazard and should be regularly monitored. Avoid placing incense near anyone or intentionally exposing them to its smoke, as it can irritate the respiratory system and lead to health problems.
Cleaning and Maintenance: Allow the burner to cool completely before handling or cleaning it. Regularly clean your burner by emptying the ashes and wiping it down with a damp cloth. For tougher residue, use a brush or a mild soap solution, and ensure the burner is dry before storing it. Proper maintenance ensures the safe and prolonged use of your burner.
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How to clean a charcoal incense burner
To burn incense using a charcoal incense burner, you will need a burner, charcoal tablet, and incense. Light a charcoal tablet using a pair of tongs and a candle, lighter, or blowtorch. Alternatively, you can place the charcoal tablet on a gas stove top to burn it. Once the edges of the charcoal are burnt, place it on the incense burner. After a few minutes, the charcoal will be lit, and you will see white or grey ash forming on top. At this point, you can place your chosen incense on top of the charcoal tablet.
To clean a charcoal incense burner, first, let it cool down completely. Then, empty out any leftover ash and incense residue from the inside of the burner. You may need a small brush, like an old toothbrush, to get into any tight spaces. Next, wipe down the entire surface of the burner with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt or dust particles. For tougher residue, use a brush or a mild soap solution. Finally, ensure the burner is completely dry before storing it or using it again.
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Where to buy charcoal incense
When it comes to purchasing charcoal incense, there are several options available. One popular option is to buy from specialised incense and spice companies, such as the Sullivan Street Tea & Spice Company, which offers quick-light charcoal incense made from 100% European beech wood. This product is known for being odourless and smokeless, with a burn time of 30 to 60 minutes.
Another option is to purchase from online retailers like Walmart, which offers a range of charcoal discs and burners. These products vary in size, with some designed for specific burners like the pyramid burner or the sauna decor. Natural coconut shell charcoal is a common option, with brands like Coco Hamra offering different-sized cubes and flats made from natural coconut incense briquettes.
For those looking for a more unique experience, Japanese bamboo charcoal is available from websites like forstrangewomen.com. This type of charcoal is perfect for burning loose incense and resins, offering a clean-burning experience without the presence of saltpeter.
Lastly, some incense brands like OUD Collection offer their own charcoal tablets and burners specifically designed for their incense products. These burners often come with instructions and can be a good option for those new to burning incense.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need an incense burner, charcoal tablet and incense. Hold the charcoal tablet with tongs and light it using a candle, lighter or blowtorch. You can also use a gas stove top. Once the edges are burnt, place the charcoal on the incense burner. It will take a few minutes to light completely, and you will know it's ready when you see white ash forming.
Charcoal incense burners are ideal for resins like frankincense and myrrh, as well as herbs and powders. You can also use charcoal incense to burn pure tree resins and herbs that wouldn't ignite well on their own.
Allow the charcoal to cool completely, then break up the ash and discard it. Wipe down the burner with a damp cloth. For tougher residue, use a brush or a mild soap solution. Always ensure your burner is dry before storing it away.
