Antonio Mcgowan
Backflow incense cones, also known as waterfall incense, are a relatively new type of incense that produces a mesmerizing display of smoke flowing downwards instead of upwards. The incense cone is placed on a backflow burner, which has a hole at the base where the cone sits, allowing the smoke to flow downward. This type of incense is more expensive and time-consuming to produce than traditional incense sticks due to the increased weight and drying time required. The process of making backflow incense cones can be intricate, involving hand shaping or the use of molds, and the final product often boasts a mesmerizing visual effect and a longer burn time.
Characteristics and Values of Incense Cones Flowing Down
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shape | Cone with a small, hollow tunnel through the centre, ending in a hole at the bottom centre |
| Burning time | 20-30 minutes |
| Burning technique | Ignite the tip with a lighter or match until it glows orange |
| Cleaning | Clean the burner after each use to prevent the burnt oil smell and residue |
| Placement | Place in a well-ventilated room, away from drafts or breezes |
| Burner type | Backflow incense burner with a hole at the base |
| Burner cleaning | Use a toothbrush and dish soap to remove sticky oil residue |
| Drying time | Up to a week for backflow incense cones to thoroughly dry |
| Wind flow | Minimise wind near the incense to prevent accidental extinguishing or interference with smoke flow |
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What You'll Learn
Use a mold to shape the cones
Using a mould to shape your incense cones is a great way to ensure they are evenly sized and shaped. This method is also useful if you don't want to shape them by hand.
To use a mould, start by cutting a piece of incense dough that is similar in size to the mould. Place the dough into the mould and push it down firmly to ensure it fills the entire mould and takes on its shape. You can use chopsticks or the rounded back of a spoon to do this. Once you're happy that the dough is evenly distributed within the mould, you may need to add more or cut some away if there is excess.
If you are making a standard incense cone, the process is now complete. Simply open the mould and leave the cone to dry. However, if you are making a backflow or waterfall cone, be sure not to completely fill the mould as you would for a standard cone.
The drying process for backflow cones can take up to a week due to their shape and weight. Therefore, the increased production time and space required to dry them can add to the overall cost.
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Ensure the burner is clean
To ensure your incense burner is clean, it is recommended to clean it after every 2-3 cones are burnt. This will prevent the buildup of burnt oil, which can leave a sticky residue on the burner. The residue can also cause an unpleasant smell and affect the burner's appearance.
To clean the burner, use a toothbrush and dish soap to remove the sticky oil residue. You can also use a simple and effective method of cleaning backflow incense burners, which involves using a heat-resistant item, such as a potholder, to absorb the heat and protect the surface underneath the burner.
It is important to note that the burner should be cleaned thoroughly between burns to remove any residual oils and ash. This will help to maintain the burner in good condition and enhance your incense experience. A pleasant scent and visual experience can be achieved with a clean burner.
Additionally, ensure that the plate holding the incense cone is clean and free of any obstructions. Resin from previous cones can accumulate on the plate and affect the smoke flow. By keeping the burner clean, you can fully appreciate the downward flow of smoke and create a calming atmosphere in your space.
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Place the cone upright on the burner
When placing the cone upright on the burner, it is important to ensure that the cone is positioned correctly. The backflow incense cone should be placed on the burner, covering the hole at the base where the smoke will flow downwards. This alignment is crucial for the smoke to flow in the correct direction.
It is also essential to consider the environment in which the incense cone is burning. Avoid placing the burner in an area with high airflow, such as near a fan or an open window, as this can interfere with the smoke flow and prevent the desired downward motion. Instead, choose a well-ventilated room that is away from drafts or breezes. Still air is ideal for achieving the cascading smoke effect of backflow incense.
To place the cone upright on the burner, use a heat-proof incense burner specifically designed for backflow incense. These burners have a special structure with a hole at the base where the cone sits, allowing the smoke to flow downward. Place the cone securely on the burner, ensuring it remains upright and stable.
In addition to the burner, you will also need an incense holder, ash tray, or ceramic bowl to catch the residual ash and oil. It is important to clean the burner and the holder after each use to prevent the buildup of burnt oil and residue, which can affect the smoke flow and the overall appearance of the burner. A toothbrush and dish soap can effectively remove any sticky residue.
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Ignite the tip of the cone
To make your incense cone flow downwards, you must use a backflow incense cone. Backflow incense is designed to flow in the opposite direction of regular incense, with smoke that flows downwards instead of upwards. To ignite the tip of the cone, follow these steps:
- Place the backflow incense cone upright on the burner, ensuring it covers the hole at the base. This alignment is essential for the smoke to flow correctly.
- Using a lighter or matches, ignite the tip of the incense cone. Be sure to do this in a well-ventilated room, but away from drafts or breezes. Air movement will interfere with the cascading smoke effect.
- Allow the cone to burn for a few seconds to ensure it is properly lit and ready to produce smoke.
- Gently blow out the flame, being careful not to topple the cone or blow out the ember completely.
- If there is no ember, repeat the lighting process. If an ember is present, blow gently to encourage a steady burn and produce the desired smoke.
Initially, the smoke will rise from the top like a regular incense cone. However, as the incense burns, the smoke enters the hollow centre tunnel, where it cools as it travels along the path. When the smoke exits the cone at the bottom, it will flow gently downwards.
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Blow out the flame
Once you have lit your backflow incense cone, you will need to blow out the flame. The cone should be left to burn for a few seconds to ensure it is properly lit and ready to produce smoke. Gently blow out the flame, being careful not to topple the cone or blow out the ember completely. If you accidentally extinguish the ember, simply repeat the lighting process.
If the cone has an ember, blowing gently will encourage a steady burn and help the cone produce the desired smoke. Initially, the smoke will rise from the top, like a regular incense cone. However, as the incense continues to burn, the smoke will begin to flow downwards. This is because the smoke enters the hollow centre tunnel, where it cools as it follows the path. As smoke cools, it becomes denser, and when it exits the incense cone at the bottom, it flows gently downwards.
It is important to note that the alignment of the cone on the burner is crucial for the smoke to flow correctly. The cone should be placed upright on the burner, covering the hole at the base. Additionally, ensure that the room is well-ventilated but protected from drafts or wind flow, as this can interfere with the smoke's cascading effect.
If you need to put out the incense cone before it burns out on its own or if you have to leave it unattended, there are a few methods you can use. One way is to snuff out the tip by pressing the burnt end against a heat-resistant surface, such as a box, tray, or using sand, salt, white ash, or rice to extinguish the heat. You can also use cool water to ensure that the embers are out. Remember to dispose of the ash in the trash once it has cooled down completely to avoid any burns.
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Frequently asked questions
To make incense cones flow down, you need to use backflow incense cones. These are bullet-shaped cones with a small, hollow tunnel through the centre, ending in a hole at the bottom centre. Place the cone upright on a backflow burner, ensuring it covers the hole. Light the tip of the incense cone with a lighter or matches. Be sure the burner is in a well-ventilated room, but away from drafts or breezes. Allow the cone to burn for a few seconds, then gently blow out the flame.
If your incense smoke is not flowing down, it could be due to a few reasons. Firstly, check that your incense cone is lit and that smoke is visibly flowing down the bottom hole when you hold the cone in your hand. Also, ensure that the plate holding the cone is clean and that the hole is not obstructed. If your cone is not a backflow cone, it will not work properly. Additionally, wind flow near your incense can interfere with the smoke flow, so try to minimise air movement by closing nearby windows and doors, and turning off fans or air conditioning.
To make your own backflow incense cones, you can use a mold or hand-shape the cones. If using a mold, cut a piece of incense dough similar in size to the mold, place it inside, and push the dough down firmly to fill the mold, using chopsticks or a spoon. For backflow cones, do not completely fill the mold. If hand-shaping, roll the dough into a cone shape, ensuring it is not completely filled for backflow cones. Allow the cones to dry completely before use, which can take up to a week.
