Heidi Norton
Charcoal incense pucks are a popular way to burn incense, with many people choosing to make their own. The pucks are made from charcoal and saltpeter and are available in various sizes, from mini to large, with burning times ranging from 45 minutes to an hour. To use a charcoal puck, you must first prepare a non-flammable bowl and light the edge of the charcoal with a lighter. Once the charcoal is burning evenly, you can add your chosen resin or powder. Charcoal pucks are praised for their quick and even lighting, with some users reporting that they use an axe to cut the pucks into smaller pieces.
How to make incense charcoal pucks
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Charcoal, Saltpeter |
| Size | Small (1.5 cm), Medium (2 cm), Large (3 cm) |
| Burn Time | 45 minutes (small), 1 hour (large) |
| Use | Burning incense, resin incense |
| Lighting Method | Lighter, self-lighting |
| Preparation | Use a non-flammable bowl or dish, line with sand, fine gravel, or unscented kitty litter |
| Usage | Place incense or resin on charcoal, ensure a heat-proof surface |
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What You'll Learn
Charcoal puck sizes: Large, small and mini
Charcoal pucks come in three sizes: large, small, and mini. The size you choose will depend on the duration of your incense session.
Mini pucks are 1.5 centimetres in diameter and burn for approximately 30 minutes, making them ideal for short-duration activities such as cleansing a room or trying out a new incense resin. They are Greek in origin and come in rolls of 6, providing about 3 hours of incense burning per package.
Small pucks, produced in Greece, are 2 centimetres in diameter and last for about 45 minutes. They also come in rolls of 6, providing 4.5 hours of incense burning per package.
Large pucks, on the other hand, are substantially larger at 3 centimetres in diameter. Produced in Holland, they burn for about 1 hour each, making them perfect for longer sessions. Large pucks come in rolls of 10, providing up to 10 hours of use, which is more than double the burning time of small pucks and three times longer than mini pucks. They are considered the most economical option, giving the best value for money.
To use charcoal pucks for burning incense, prepare a non-flammable ceramic or metal bowl and line it with at least 1 inch of sand, fine gravel, or unscented kitty litter. Light an edge of the charcoal while it's on the insulating material using a lighter. Once it starts sputtering and sparking through the charcoal, wait until it burns evenly and is covered with a layer of fine white ash. Finally, place a piece of resin or powder in the middle of the coal and enjoy your incense session!
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Lighting the charcoal
Now you are ready to light your charcoal. Hold the charcoal puck with a pair of tongs and ignite one edge with a lighter. You can also use the end of a burning incense stick to light the charcoal. The charcoal will begin to sputter and spark, and you should place it carefully onto the bed of insulating material in your bowl.
At this point, you should wait until the charcoal is burning evenly and is covered with a layer of fine white ash. This will ensure that your incense burns effectively and reduces the risk of the incense extinguishing the charcoal. Now you can add your incense. Place a piece of resin or powder about the size of a lentil or small pea in the middle of the charcoal. Wood powders and incense blends can be applied generously, but be cautious when using pure resins as they can extinguish the charcoal if overdone.
It is important to never leave burning charcoal unattended and always keep it away from flammable materials such as curtains and other combustible objects.
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Preparing the bowl
To prepare the bowl for your charcoal pucks, you will need to use a non-flammable ceramic or metal bowl or dish. Line the bowl with a bed of insulating material, such as sand, fine gravel, or unscented kitty litter, to a depth of at least one inch. This insulating layer will help protect your bowl and provide a stable base for burning your charcoal pucks.
If you are using a self-lighting charcoal puck, you can simply place it on the insulating material and light the edge with a lighter. For non-self-lighting pucks, you may need to hold them over a flame or electric range to ignite them. Once lit, place the puck on the insulating material and allow it to burn evenly.
It is important to note that some charcoal pucks may be too large for your intended use. In such cases, you can use a hand axe to break them into smaller pieces. Lay the axe on the puck and apply a swift smack with your palm to break it into quarters. Alternatively, you can try to find smaller charcoal discs, such as the 1.5 cm Greek charcoal discs commonly used by churches.
Always exercise caution when handling and burning charcoal pucks. Ensure the bowl is placed on a heat-proof surface, and never leave burning charcoal unattended. Keep flammable materials, such as curtains, and curious children or pets away from the burning charcoal.
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Using resins
Resin incense is most commonly burned on charcoal pucks designed for this purpose. However, it is possible to burn resin incense without charcoal.
To burn resin incense with charcoal, you will need a charcoal burner, tongs, a lighter or matches, and a heat-resistant surface such as a ceramic coaster or tile. First, fill your burner 3/4 full with sand or rocks to absorb heat. Then, place the burner on the heat-resistant surface. Using the tongs, hold the charcoal puck over a flame until it is lit. Place the lit charcoal puck on the bed of sand inside the burner and allow it to heat up for 5–15 minutes, which will be indicated by a layer of ash forming on the puck. Finally, add a small amount of resin to the charcoal, being careful not to add too much at once, as this can cause the screen to clog. You can add more resin as desired, and you can also blend different resins to create a custom scent.
If you are using a self-lighting charcoal puck, you can break it into smaller pieces by hand. For non-self-lighting pucks, you may need to use an axe to break them into pieces.
There are several methods for placing the resin on the charcoal puck. One method is to place the resin directly on the hottest part of the charcoal, which will create an instant plume of smoke and quickly burn through the resin's essential oils. Another method is to light only a small section of the charcoal puck and place the resin on the unlit portion. You can also place the resin on a bed of white ash, either directly above the charcoal or beside it, which will result in a less intense smoke.
It is important to note that burning resin incense on charcoal can create a lot of smoke, which some people may find undesirable. An alternative method is to use an oil warmer (also known as an aroma lamp or oil burner) to release the fragrance of the resin without the fumes. To do this, add a small amount of almond oil to the bowl of the oil warmer, along with a few pieces of resin. Light the tealight underneath or plug in the warmer, and the resin will begin to soften and infuse the oil with fragrance.
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Cutting charcoal
When cutting charcoal, it is important to use the right tools and techniques to ensure a clean and precise cut. Here are some detailed instructions for cutting charcoal safely and effectively:
Begin by gathering the necessary materials: a sharp knife or cutting tool, a sturdy cutting surface, and a piece of charcoal. It is recommended to use a knife with a fixed blade and a comfortable grip to facilitate controlled cutting. The cutting surface should be flat and stable, such as a workbench or a sturdy table. Charcoal can be purchased in various forms, including discs, briquettes, or pucks. Choose a type that suits your specific needs and preferences.
Before cutting, inspect the charcoal for any imperfections or flaws. Look for cracks, chips, or uneven surfaces that may affect the cutting process. It is important to work with charcoal that is in good condition to achieve the best results.
When you are ready to cut, securely hold the charcoal on the cutting surface with one hand, applying gentle pressure to stabilize it. With your other hand, firmly grip the knife and start by scoring the charcoal. Carefully make a shallow cut along the surface to create a guideline for your desired shape or size. This scoring technique helps you control the direction of the cut and prevents the charcoal from cracking or breaking unevenly.
After scoring, you can proceed to make deeper cuts. Apply more pressure with your knife, following the guideline you created. Slowly and steadily, cut through the charcoal along the scored line. Take your time and avoid forcing the knife to minimize the risk of uneven cuts or breakage. If the charcoal piece is large or thick, you may need to make several passes with the knife, gradually deepening the cut until you achieve your desired thickness or size.
Once you have cut through the charcoal, handle the pieces with care. Charcoal can be brittle, and freshly cut edges may be more fragile. Gently place the cut pieces onto a flat surface or a container to avoid breakage. If you need to cut the charcoal into smaller pieces or specific shapes, repeat the scoring and cutting process as needed. Always prioritize safety by being mindful of your hand and finger placement during the cutting process.
By following these steps, you can effectively cut charcoal to suit your incense-burning needs. Remember to take your time, use the appropriate tools, and work with care to achieve the best results.
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Frequently asked questions
To light charcoal pucks for incense, first, prepare a non-flammable ceramic or metal bowl and line it with sand, fine gravel, or unscented kitty litter. Then, place the charcoal puck on the insulating material and light an edge with a lighter. Once it starts sputtering and sparking through the charcoal, wait until it is burning evenly and covered with a layer of fine white ash. Finally, place a piece of resin or powder in the middle of the coal and enjoy.
If you want to cut your charcoal pucks into smaller pieces, you can try using a hand axe. Place the axe on the puck and swiftly smack it with your palm to break it into pieces. You can also try searching for smaller charcoal discs, such as "small Greek charcoal discs" which are typically 1.5 cm in diameter.
Charcoal pucks for incense typically come in three sizes: mini, small, and large. The small pucks, produced in Greece, have a diameter of 2 centimetres and burn for about 45 minutes. The large pucks, produced in Holland, have a diameter of 3 centimetres and burn for about 1 hour. The exact duration of burn time may vary depending on the type of incense and the amount used.
