Heidi Norton
Lighting an incense cone burner may seem straightforward, but it can be more complicated than expected due to the nature of incense. Burning incense improperly can be dangerous, especially if nearby objects catch fire. To light a cone incense burner, you will need incense cones, a heat-resistant incense holder, and either matches or a lighter. You can also use an electric lighter, which produces no flame, or an electric cigarette lighter. First, place the cone in the holder with the point facing up. Then, light the tip of the cone, and wait for an orange glow to appear. If the tip looks dark or burnt, try to relight it until the tip is orange. Once the flame disappears, the incense is burning.
How to Light a Cone Incense Burner
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Incense Cone Type | Backflow or Traditional |
| Incense Cone Scent | Various, e.g. vanilla, nag champa, citrus |
| Incense Burner Type | Heat-proof container, e.g. ceramic bowl, ashtray, incense box, or tray |
| Incense Burner Placement | Away from flammable objects |
| Incense Burner Preparation | Layer of sand, salt, white ash, or rice at the bottom |
| Incense Cone Placement | Point facing up, base even with the layer of sand or salt |
| Lighting Tool | Matches or lighter |
| Lighting Process | Light the tip of the cone, wait for an orange glow, gently blow or fan the cone |
| Burn Time | 20-40 minutes |
| Additional Considerations | Clean the burner after each use, especially for backflow cones |
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What You'll Learn
Use a heatproof container, like a ceramic bowl or ashtray
When lighting a cone incense burner, it is important to use a heatproof container, like a ceramic bowl or ashtray. This is because the incense cone emits a lot of heat. To further dissipate the heat, add a 1 cm layer of sand, salt, white ash, or rice to the bottom of the vessel. This layer can also be used to snuff out the flame if needed.
When using a heatproof container, be sure to point the tip upwards when first positioning it. Then, lay the cone's base evenly among the sand to prevent the cone from toppling over. If you are using an incense box, place the cone in the small circular slot. Otherwise, place the cone in the center of any heat-proof box or tray, with the flat, wider part of the cone sitting on top of the surface and the tip pointing up.
Once the cone is in place, use a match or lighter to safely fire the cone's tip. You can also light a candle first and then use it to ignite the cone's tip. The flame will go out after about 5 to 10 seconds, and the tip of the cone should glow orange. At this point, the incense is burning, and you can gently blow or fan the cone to ensure the flame is out.
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Add a layer of sand or salt to the burner to distribute heat
When lighting an incense cone, it is important to use a heatproof vessel, such as a ceramic bowl or an ashtray, to catch the ash and residue from the burning incense. Incense cones generate a lot of heat, so it is crucial to start with safe materials.
To dissipate the heat and distribute it evenly, add a layer of sand or salt to the burner. Spread about a 1 cm layer of sand or salt on the bottom of the vessel. This will also help to prevent the cone from toppling over. Other alternatives to sand and salt are white ash, rice, dirt, flour, or even wadded-up tinfoil. However, be aware that some materials, like sand, can extinguish the flame, so if you need to snuff out the flame, this could be useful.
If you are using a backflow cone, which has a small hole at the tip to create a waterfall effect, you will need to use white ash. The fine, fluffy texture of the ash helps oxygen flow around the incense, allowing it to burn completely. Sand or other materials may smother the flame. White ash is also good for charcoal pucks, as it can draw out the heat and reduce burning time.
Remember to prioritise safety when lighting your incense cone. Keep the burner away from flammable objects, and avoid touching the burner's metal components shortly after use, as they may still be hot.
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Light the tip of the cone with a match or lighter
Lighting an incense cone is simple, but it's important to follow the correct procedures to ensure safety and prevent harm. Before you begin, gather your incense cone, a heat-resistant incense holder or burner, and either a match or a lighter.
When you're ready to light your cone, hold it with one hand or use a pair of tweezers. If you're using a burner, ensure the cone is positioned upright, with the pointy end facing up. This is essential for the smoke to flow correctly and create the desired cascading effect.
Now, it's time to ignite the cone. Light the tip of the cone with your match or lighter, just as you would a candle wick. Ensure that the incense cone is immersed in the flame until it ignites and a small flame appears. Be careful not to use a stove or any strong flame, as you may burn your hands. Once the cone is lit, gently blow or fan out the flame. You may need to wait a few seconds to ensure the cone lights properly.
Check the tip of the cone for a small glowing ember. This ember indicates that the cone is burning correctly. If the tip looks dark or burnt, try relighting it until you achieve the desired orange glow. The orange glow means the cone is properly heated and ready to use.
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Fan or blow out the flame
Once the tip of the incense cone is immersed in the flame and ignites, it's time to gently fan or blow out the flame. You can use your hands or a piece of paper to fan the cone, or use your breath to blow softly on the top of the cone. Be careful not to blow too hard, as you don't want to topple the cone or blow out the ember completely. If you do accidentally blow out the ember, simply repeat the lighting process.
It's important to note that you may need to wait for a short while before blowing out the flame to ensure it properly lights up. This waiting period can range from 10 to 30 seconds. During this time, keep an eye on the incense cone. If you see a small glowing ember and smoke starts to rise from the top, like a regular incense cone, your cone is almost ready. If you're using a backflow cone, the smoke will start coming out of the bottom, creating a waterfall effect.
After blowing out the flame, you'll want to encourage a steady burn by gently blowing on the ember. This will help the cone produce the desired amount of smoke. Be patient, as this can take a few minutes to start, especially if you're using a backflow cone. The initial smoke will rise from the top, but after a few minutes, you'll start to see the mesmerizing downward flow of smoke that backflow cones are known for.
Remember to always use a heat-proof container, such as a ceramic bowl or an ashtray, to hold your incense cone. Place the container on a flat, stable surface away from flammable objects like curtains, lampshades, or paper. Additionally, use a layer of sand or salt in the burner to distribute the heat and help prevent the cone from toppling over.
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Clean the burner after each use
It is important to clean your incense burner after each use to prevent residue build-up, which can negatively impact the burner's fragrance quality. The residue can also cause discolouration and leave a burnt odour.
To clean your incense burner, start by placing it on a clean table. Then, use a soft brush or sponge to wipe the insides of the burner. You can also wash it in the sink to eliminate any stains. If there is oily residue, you can use nail polish remover or eucalyptus oil to get rid of it. You can also use a shower jet to clean any stubborn gunk.
If you want to add a refreshing scent, you can add essential oil or tea tree oil to the burner after cleaning it. Lemon juice or vinegar can also be used to neutralise any lingering odours.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need incense cones, a heat-resistant incense holder, and either matches or a lighter.
Place the cone in a heat-proof container with the pointy end facing up. Light the tip of the cone with a match or lighter so it produces a flame. Once the cone tip turns orange, the incense is ready.
You can gently blow on the cone to extinguish the flame, or use your hands or a piece of paper to fan it.
