Heidi Norton
Burning incense is a great way to fill your home with fragrance, but it's important to know how to heat the charcoal safely. Charcoal for incense burning comes in rolls or boxes of tablets and is available anywhere that sells resin incense. There are two types: self-lighting, which is mixed with a combustible agent, and regular, which is compressed vegetable charcoal. To heat, you'll need a safe, heatproof container, such as a stone bowl filled with sand, or a metal incense burner with a wood coaster or cloth underneath. Light your charcoal with a taper candle and tweezers, or use a lighter or matches. Be careful: it's hot! Use a knife, spoon, or tweezers to drop your incense onto the tablet. Charcoal may continue to burn for two hours after lighting, so never throw it straight into a wastebasket.
How to heat charcoal for incense:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Charcoal type | Self-lighting (mixed with combustible agent like saltpeter); Regular (compressed vegetable charcoal with nothing added) |
| Charcoal form | Tablets or disks |
| Charcoal size | 33-38 mm; small tablets unless incense is for a large space |
| Charcoal vessel | Metal incense burner; stone bowl; brass, bronze, or stoneware burner with legs; plain metal or porcelain bowl on fireproof surface |
| Charcoal placement | On a bed of sand; at least 3/4-1 inch thick layer of sand |
| Lighting method | Lighter; taper candle |
| Lighting tool | Incense tongs; long-handled tweezers |
| Lighting technique | Hold charcoal by one edge and apply flame to other; use tweezers to hold charcoal over candle flame |
| Burning time | 15-20 minutes (most tablets); up to two hours |
| Cooling instructions | Allow to cool completely before cleaning ashes |
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What You'll Learn
Charcoal types: self-lighting vs regular
Charcoal is available in two main types: self-lighting and regular. Self-lighting charcoal is the most popular type and the easiest for beginners to use. It is made by mixing charcoal with a combustible agent, usually saltpeter (or salt peter/potassium nitrate), which ignites with a flick of a lighter. This type of charcoal lights faster and will begin to crackle and pop as the surface ignites. However, it gives off sparks and toxic smoke, and some people may find the chemical odor of the combustible agent interfering with the fragrance of the incense.
Regular charcoal, on the other hand, is made of compressed vegetable charcoal with nothing added. It requires sustained heat to light, making it a slower process than self-lighting charcoal. However, it is preferred by some because it does not produce any chemical odor that can affect the incense fragrance. Regular charcoal also does not contain the chemicals found in self-lighting charcoal, which can be unsuitable for enclosed spaces.
When lighting charcoal, it is important to hold it by one edge and apply a flame to the other, using incense tongs for safety. The charcoal is ready for adding incense when the whole surface is glowing, and it should be added a pinch at a time. Charcoal tablets burn for around 15-20 minutes, and it is important to let them cool completely before disposing of the ashes.
Self-lighting charcoal tablets can be lit outside or in a well-ventilated area to allow the chemicals to burn off before use.
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Charcoal tablet sizes
Charcoal tablets come in different shapes and sizes. The size of the charcoal tablet you should use depends on the purpose of your incense. If you are looking to fill a room with incense, a 33mm charcoal tablet is ideal. For a prolonged session, it is best to keep more than one disc handy as they burn for 30-45 minutes. If you are entertaining guests and need to fill a large space or an outdoor setting, a 40mm charcoal tablet is more suitable.
Small charcoal tablets are generally recommended unless you need to fill a room or outdoor space with your incense. Charcoal tablets should be stored in a cool place in an airtight package to maintain freshness and facilitate quick lighting and a long burn time.
When lighting charcoal tablets, it is important to use incense tongs to hold the charcoal by one edge while applying a flame to the other. Self-lighting charcoal will begin to crackle and pop as the surface ignites, and you can blow on it gently as if you were lighting a campfire. When the whole surface is glowing, it is ready for you to add your incense.
Different brands of charcoal tablets have different burning times, but most tablets will burn for around 15-20 minutes. Some self-lighting charcoal tablets, which are made from compressed coconut shells, can burn for about 45 minutes to an hour.
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Choosing a heatproof container
To heat charcoal for incense, you will need a safe, heatproof container. This container should be thick enough to prevent heat transfer to the surface and wide enough to catch any stray sparks. Here are some options for choosing a suitable heatproof container:
- Stone Bowl: A stone bowl filled with sand is a popular choice for burning incense. The stone material can withstand high temperatures, and the sand helps to distribute heat evenly and protect the container from cracking due to the heat produced by the charcoal.
- Metal Incense Burner: If you choose to use a metal incense burner, it is essential to place a wooden coaster or cloth underneath it to protect the surface from scorch marks. Metal conducts heat, so handling the burner with bare hands is not recommended.
- Porcelain or Ceramic Bowl: A plain porcelain or ceramic bowl can also be used as a heatproof container. However, ensure that it is placed on a fireproof surface, such as a trivet, to avoid damaging the underlying surface.
- Mica Plate: A small, thin piece of the mineral mica can be placed on top of the charcoal. Mica is heat-resistant and can help distribute heat evenly.
When selecting a heatproof container, consider the size and shape of the charcoal tablets or disks you will be using. Ensure the container is large enough to catch any stray sparks and that it has sufficient depth to hold a layer of sand, if required. Always handle hot containers with caution and use heat-resistant tools, such as tweezers or tongs, to manipulate the charcoal safely.
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Lighting the charcoal
Charcoal for incense burning usually comes in the form of self-lighting charcoal disks or tablets. The charcoal is mixed with a combustible agent (usually saltpeter) that ignites with a flick of a lighter.
To light the charcoal, hold it by one edge with a pair of tweezers or incense tongs while applying a flame to the other. You can use a taper candle and a long-handled pair of tweezers to light the charcoal, which prevents the annoyance of matches extinguishing or burning your fingers. If using a candle, hold one side of the charcoal tablet with your tweezers and place the other side in the candle flame. You can also use a lighter to directly light the charcoal. Self-lighting charcoal will begin to crackle and pop as the surface ignites. You can blow gently on it as if you were lighting a campfire.
When the entire surface is glowing, it's ready for you to add your incense. Add incense a pinch at a time. Different brands have different burning times, but most tablets will burn for around 15-20 minutes. Charcoal may continue to burn for up to two hours after lighting, so be sure to let it cool completely before disposing of the ashes.
It's important to use a safe, heatproof container for your charcoal. A stone bowl filled with sand is ideal, as the sand will help the charcoal burn more evenly and keep its amber-like glow longer. The sand will also reduce the risk of the container cracking due to the heat produced by the charcoal. If you're using a metal incense burner, place a wood coaster or cloth underneath to protect the surface underneath from scorching.
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Safety precautions
Heating charcoal for incense requires careful attention to safety precautions to ensure a pleasant and safe experience. Here are some essential safety guidelines to follow:
Use Appropriate Tools: Always use the right tools when heating charcoal for incense. Utilise a safe, heatproof container made from stone or metal to hold the charcoal. If using a metal incense burner, place a wooden coaster or cloth underneath it to prevent scorch marks on your surfaces. Tongs are also recommended for gripping and handling the charcoal safely.
Ventilation and Placement: Proper ventilation is crucial when burning incense. Ensure the area is well-ventilated by keeping windows slightly open to maintain a source of fresh air. Place the incense burner on a heat-resistant, stable surface away from flammable materials and out of the flow of traffic. Avoid placing it near curtains or other flammable objects that could accidentally catch fire. Keep lit incense away from children, pets, and any breezes that might blow sparks or flames.
Awareness and Monitoring: Burning incense poses a fire hazard, so it requires constant awareness and monitoring. Never leave lit incense unattended, and be cautious not to touch or brush against it to prevent burns, ruined clothing, or discoloured furniture. Remember that even without a visible flame, incense can ignite other objects and create a fire risk.
Health Considerations: Be mindful that incense smoke can irritate the respiratory system and lead to health problems. Avoid breathing in the smoke, and do not burn incense near anyone or intentionally expose them to the smoke. Consult a medical professional if you have underlying health conditions that may be affected by incense smoke. Burning incense in your bedroom while sleeping is not recommended due to potential exposure to harmful chemicals and increased respiratory risks.
Cooling and Cleaning: Allow the charcoal burner to cool down completely before handling or cleaning it. To clean, empty the ashes and wipe the burner with a damp cloth. For stubborn residue, use a brush or a mild soap solution. Ensure the burner is dry before storing it away.
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Frequently asked questions
There are two main types of charcoal: self-lighting and regular. Self-lighting charcoal is mixed with a combustible agent (usually saltpeter) that ignites with a flick of a lighter. Regular charcoal is compressed vegetable charcoal with nothing added and requires sustained heat to light.
Charcoal tablets can be lit with a taper candle and a long-handled pair of tweezers. Light the candle with a match or a lighter, then use the tweezers to hold the charcoal over the candle flame and then deposit it in the incense vessel. You can also use a lighter or incense tongs to light the charcoal by holding it by one edge and applying the flame to the other.
Charcoal should be placed on a fireproof surface, such as a stone bowl or a plain metal or porcelain bowl filled with sand.
