
Incense waterfall burners, also known as backflow burners, are a unique and eye-catching way to burn incense. These burners use special backflow incense cones that allow the smoke to flow downward, creating the illusion of a flowing waterfall. The burners are usually made from ceramic or porcelain and come in various designs, such as simple bowls or figurines with Asian motifs. To use an incense waterfall burner, you will need to place a special backflow incense cone with a small hole at the bottom in the centre of the burner, resting on the hole that allows the smoke to flow downward. Then, carefully light the narrow end of the cone with a match or lighter, and enjoy the fragrance and ambiance of your incense waterfall.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of burner | Waterfall incense burner, also known as backflow burner |
| Burner material | Ceramic or porcelain |
| Burner design | Simple bowls to elaborate figurines or natural-themed designs, often with Asian motifs like a dragon, lotus, or Ganesha |
| Incense type | Special backflow incense cones with a small hole at the bottom |
| Incense shape | Cone-shaped or stick-shaped |
| Lighting method | Light the pointy end of the cone with a match or lighter |
| Burning process | Smoke flows downward instead of upward, creating a waterfall effect |
| Burn time | Shorter than traditional cones due to being hollow |
| Smoke characteristics | Heavier and thicker than traditional cones |
| Cleaning | Vacuum or sprinkle water on the ash |
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What You'll Learn
- Use a special backflow incense cone with a small hole at the bottom
- Light the narrow end of the cone with a match or lighter
- Fan or blow out the flame until only a small ember remains
- Place the cone in the centre of the burner, on top of the hole
- Add a small amount of water to the burner to help the smoke flow downward

Use a special backflow incense cone with a small hole at the bottom
To make a waterfall incense burner work, you need to use a special backflow incense cone with a small hole at the bottom. These cones are designed to work with a specific type of burner, often made from ceramic or porcelain, to create a visual effect where the smoke flows downwards, instead of rising up.
The backflow incense cone has a hole drilled into its bottom, which, when placed on a compatible burner, allows the smoke to cascade downwards in a waterfall-like effect. This effect is both soothing and delightful to observe, making it perfect for meditation or relaxation. However, it is important to note that the backflow effect takes a few minutes to start, so patience is required.
To use a backflow incense cone, place it upright on the burner, ensuring it covers the hole at the base. This alignment is crucial for the smoke to flow correctly. Then, ignite the tip of the cone with a lighter or matches. Initially, the smoke will rise from the top, just like a regular incense cone. After several minutes, as ash is created, the smoke will start to pour from the bottom of the cone, creating the desired waterfall effect.
It is important to note that the air movement in the room can impact the smoke cascade. Strong air currents created by fans, air conditioners, or even walking by can disrupt the effect. Additionally, backflow cones tend to leave more residue than regular incense cones due to the burnt oil that pours down the burner and coats it. Therefore, it is recommended to clean the burner after each use to prevent a strong burnt oil smell and maintain the burner's attractive appearance.
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Light the narrow end of the cone with a match or lighter
Lighting the narrow end of the cone with a match or lighter is a crucial step in creating the mesmerizing waterfall effect of an incense burner. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure you achieve the desired outcome:
Firstly, ensure you have the correct type of incense cone. The cone should be a backflow or waterfall type, featuring a small hole at the bottom. These cones are specially designed to create the downward flow of smoke that results in the captivating waterfall illusion. Without this specific type of cone, you will not achieve the desired effect.
Now, take your match or lighter and carefully light the narrow, pointed end of the cone. Ensure the cone is fully immersed in the flame until it ignites and a small flame appears. At this point, you may gently fan or blow out any remaining flame. A small glowing ember should be visible, and smoke will begin to rise from the cone.
The smoke will initially rise, but as ash is created, it will start to block the smoke from rising. This is a normal part of the process, and the smoke will soon have no choice but to flow downwards. The ash will not completely block the smoke, so there is no need to worry about extinguishing the cone.
If you have followed the steps correctly, you will soon see the smoke cascading downwards in a mesmerizing waterfall effect. The burner's design, coupled with the unique properties of the backflow cone, guide the smoke downwards, creating the illusion of a sparkling waterfall. This effect is not only visually stunning but also calming and relaxing, making it perfect for meditation or creating a peaceful atmosphere.
Remember to always be cautious when handling matches or lighters, and ensure you follow the safety instructions provided with your incense burner. Enjoy the enchanting fragrance and ambiance of your incense waterfall!
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Fan or blow out the flame until only a small ember remains
Once you've lit your incense cone, it's important to gently fan or blow out the flame until only a small ember remains. This is a crucial step in creating the mesmerizing waterfall effect of the incense burner.
The ember will continue to smoulder and release smoke, which is the key to achieving the desired visual effect. By partially extinguishing the flame, you create a source of smoke without the visible presence of an open flame. This smoke, when combined with the unique design of the incense cone and burner, will flow downwards instead of rising upwards, mimicking the graceful descent of a waterfall.
The downward flow of smoke is a result of the air pressure dynamics within the burner. The warm air produced by the burning ember naturally rises, but the hollow structure of the cone and the presence of cool air within the burner create a path for the smoke to be pulled downwards. This counterintuitive flow of smoke is what makes the incense waterfall so captivating and hypnotizing.
Gently fanning or blowing out the flame is a delicate step that requires some practice. It is important to extinguish the flame just enough to leave a glowing ember, ensuring that the incense cone continues to burn slowly and release smoke. With a bit of trial and error, you'll be able to master this technique and consistently create the enchanting waterfall effect.
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Place the cone in the centre of the burner, on top of the hole
Now that you have your incense waterfall burner, it's time to add the incense cone. Place the cone in the centre of the burner, on top of the hole. This is important because it is this hole that allows the smoke to flow downward, creating the illusion of a flowing waterfall. The hole in the burner is usually quite small, so take care to place the cone directly on top of it.
The incense cone itself should have a small hole at the bottom. If it doesn't, you may need to create one yourself. You can try using a needle, but be careful as the cone may crumble. Another option is to use a hand drill with a small drill bit (less than 1/8"). With the hole in place, the smoke will be able to glide back down through the cone and out through the hole in the burner.
Once the cone is properly positioned, you can light it with a match or lighter. Hold the flame to the pointy end of the cone until it ignites. You may need to be patient as it might take a few moments for the cone to start burning. Gently blow out any remaining flame, and you should see a small glowing ember. If smoke starts to rise, don't worry—this is normal. As the cone begins to burn, it will create ash, which will block the smoke from rising. This is when the smoke will begin to flow downward, creating the desired waterfall effect.
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Add a small amount of water to the burner to help the smoke flow downward
To make your waterfall incense burner work, you need to use a special type of incense cone. These cones are partially drilled from the bottom to just under the tip, which means that when lit, the smoke glides back down through the cone and out through a small hole at the top of the burner, creating a downward flow and a beautiful waterfall effect.
The burner itself is usually made from ceramic or porcelain and has a high-gloss glazed finish. This finish reflects the smoke, creating the illusion of a sparkling waterfall. The burner also has a small hole at the top where the smoke escapes and cascades down to the bottom.
To enhance the experience, you can add a small amount of water to the burner. Water is one of the four elements utilized in backflow burners, with ceramic representing earth, and fire and air being necessary for the combustion of the cone. The water in this case represents the smoke, creating a soothing and mesmerizing display.
The amount of water you add will depend on the size of your burner and your personal preference for the amount of smoke produced. Experiment with different amounts to find the perfect balance for your burner.
The combination of the unique incense cones, the specially designed burner, and the addition of water will create a calming and enchanting waterfall effect that is perfect for meditation and relaxation.
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Frequently asked questions
An incense waterfall burner, also known as a backflow burner, is a ceramic holder with a unique design that uses special backflow incense cones to create a downward flow of smoke that looks like a flowing waterfall.
To set up an incense waterfall burner, you will need a burner, some backflow incense cones, and a lighter or matches. Some burners also require a small amount of water in the bottom to help the smoke flow downward, so check the instructions that came with your burner. Place the cone in the centre of the burner, light the narrow end of the cone, and gently blow out any remaining flame.
Incense waterfall burners use special backflow incense cones that are partially hollow and have a small hole in the bottom. These cones are designed to burn slowly and create a heavier, thicker smoke that flows downward instead of upward. The cones come in a variety of scents, including classic aromas like sandalwood and lavender, as well as more unusual fragrances.
To clean your incense waterfall burner, move a trash bag or garbage can close to the burner and gently tip the burnt cone into the trash. You can also use a vacuum to suck up the burnt cone or sprinkle a little water on the ash before cleaning. It is recommended to clean your burner after every 2-3 cones.
Incense waterfall burners and cones can be purchased online from various retailers. Some websites to try include shambalacity.com, Aliexpress, eBay, and kinobjects.com. You can also find them on online marketplaces like Reddit and Instagram.











































