Katrina Rosales
Charcoal discs are a great way to burn loose incense and resins. Charcoal is perfect for burning incense that doesn't ignite well on its own, like pure tree resins and herbs. Charcoal discs come in two types: self-lighting and regular. Self-lighting charcoal is mixed with a combustible agent, usually saltpeter, and can be ignited with a simple flick of a lighter. Regular charcoal, on the other hand, is compressed vegetable charcoal without any additives, requiring sustained heat to light. To use a charcoal disc, hold it with tongs and apply a flame to one edge until it ignites. Then, place the disc on a heatproof container, such as a stone bowl filled with sand, and add your incense.
How to use charcoal discs for incense
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Charcoal types | Self-lighting (mixed with a combustible agent) and regular (compressed vegetable charcoal) |
| Charcoal uses | Burns incense that wouldn't ignite well on its own, e.g. pure tree resins and herbs |
| Charcoal benefits | Allows custom blends, avoiding unwanted additives |
| Charcoal shapes and sizes | Various; get small ones unless filling a large space with incense |
| Lighting charcoal | Hold by one edge, applying flame to the other edge until it crackles and pops |
| Incense burner | Use a safe, heatproof container like a stone bowl filled with sand or a metal incense burner with a wood coaster/cloth underneath |
| Adding incense | Place a pinch at a time on the charcoal once the whole surface is glowing |
| Burning time | Around 15-20 minutes, depending on the brand |
| Post-use care | Allow to cool before cleaning up ashes; seal the package to protect from moisture |
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What You'll Learn
Charcoal types: self-lighting vs regular
Charcoal discs are used for burning incense and resins. To use them, hold a disc with tongs over a flame until the edges catch light and turn white. Then, place the disc on an incense burner, or a small bowl of ash or sand, and add your incense.
When choosing charcoal discs, you may come across two types: self-lighting and regular. Self-lighting charcoal, also known as instant-light charcoal, is infused with lighter fluid so that it lights instantly and stays lit without the need for any additional fluid. This type of charcoal is convenient for those who want a quick and easy option for lighting charcoal, and it can be useful for impromptu cookouts or tailgates. Kingsford Matchlight Charcoal, for example, is a popular self-lighting charcoal that is perfect for grilling. It heats up rapidly, reaching grilling temperatures in about 10-15 minutes, and it delivers a consistent heat that is suitable for cooking a variety of foods.
On the other hand, regular charcoal does not contain any lighter fluid, and therefore requires an alternative method for lighting, such as using a charcoal chimney with newspaper and twigs, or a sliver of fatwood. Regular charcoal is favoured by some due to its longer burn time and its lack of a lighter fluid taste or smell. It is also often cheaper than self-lighting charcoal.
Both types of charcoal have their advantages and disadvantages, and some people choose to use both, depending on the situation. For example, self-lighting charcoal is convenient for quick and easy grilling sessions, while regular charcoal may be preferred for situations where a longer burn time is required, or where a lighter fluid taste or smell is undesirable.
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Lighting charcoal with a flame
To light charcoal with a flame, you will need to take a few precautions to ensure your safety. Charcoal can reach extremely high temperatures when lit, so it is important to use the right tools and a suitable container. You will need a pair of tongs, a safe heatproof container, and a lighter. A stone bowl filled with sand is ideal, but if you are using a metal incense burner, be sure to place a wooden coaster or cloth underneath to protect your table or altar from scorch marks.
Once you have gathered your tools and prepared your workspace, you can begin. Using the tongs, hold the charcoal disc by one edge over a flame. If you are using self-lighting charcoal, it will ignite with a simple flick of your lighter, and you will hear it crackle and pop as the surface lights up. If you are using regular charcoal, it will require sustained heat to light, so be patient and keep the flame applied to the charcoal until it catches.
As the charcoal begins to light, you will see the edges turn white. At this point, you can place the charcoal disc in your prepared container. If you are using tongs, be sure to release the charcoal slowly and carefully to avoid any accidents. Once the charcoal is in the container, you can continue to apply the flame to ensure it catches properly.
Once the entire surface of the charcoal is glowing, it is ready for you to add your incense. Add the incense a pinch at a time, and enjoy the fragrance! Different brands of charcoal will have different burning times, but most tablets will burn for around 15-20 minutes. Remember to allow the charcoal to cool completely before disposing of the ashes.
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Preparing incense materials
Charcoal is a great option for burning loose incense and resins. It's perfect for incense that doesn't ignite well on its own, like pure tree resins and herbs. Charcoal allows you to avoid unwanted additives and create custom blends to suit your preferences. Charcoal tablets are easily available in rolls or boxes and come in different shapes and sizes. It's best to get the small ones unless you're filling a large space with incense.
There are two main types of charcoal: self-lighting and regular. Self-lighting charcoal is the most popular and beginner-friendly option as it is mixed with a combustible agent, usually saltpeter, that ignites easily with a lighter. Regular charcoal, on the other hand, is compressed vegetable charcoal without any additives. It requires sustained heat to light and is preferred by some due to its lack of chemical odor, which can interfere with the incense fragrance.
To light the charcoal, hold it with tongs and apply a flame to one edge while holding the other. If you're using self-lighting charcoal, you'll know it's ready when it starts to crackle and pop as the surface ignites. You can also blow on it gently, similar to lighting a campfire. Once the entire surface is glowing, it's ready for the incense.
When lighting charcoal, always use a safe heatproof container to prevent heat transfer to surfaces and catch any stray sparks. A stone bowl filled with sand or a small bowl of ash is ideal. If you're using a metal incense burner, be sure to place a wooden coaster or cloth underneath to protect your surfaces.
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Using tongs or a spoon
When using tongs, be sure to grasp the charcoal disc firmly but gently to avoid breaking it. It is best to use tongs specifically designed for incense, as they are typically smaller and more precise. If you are using a regular spoon, it is advisable to use one made of metal with a long handle to maintain a safe distance from the heat.
To ensure an even burn, place the incense materials in the centre of the charcoal disc. You can add a pinch of incense at a time with the spoon until you have added enough. You can also use the tongs to carefully nudge the incense into place, especially if you are using a smaller disc.
If you are using a spoon, it is a good idea to have a separate pair of tongs or heat-resistant gloves nearby to hold the charcoal disc, freeing up your other hand to add more incense as needed. This will allow you to adjust the amount of incense as it burns, ensuring a consistent fragrance.
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Cleaning up charcoal ashes
When cleaning up charcoal ashes, it is important to let the ashes cool completely before disposing of them. Charcoal can take hours or even a day or two to fully cool, so be sure to give it enough time. Once the flames are out, close the grill's lid and vents to ensure the ashes are not exposed to any oxygen that could reignite them.
After the ashes have cooled, pour water on them and stir to ensure any hidden embers are extinguished. Do not pour water on hot ashes, as this could cause steam burns. Once the ashes are wet, use a shovel or spoon to collect them and wrap them in aluminium foil. Then, dispose of the wrapped ashes in an outdoor trash bin. If you grill often, you may want to use a large bucket to collect ashes over time, rather than making frequent trips to the trash bin.
It is important to note that the disposal method may depend on the type of charcoal used. If you are using natural wood charcoal or another clean, chemical-free fuel, the ashes can be disposed of in the trash as described above. However, if your charcoal contains lighter fluid or other additives, it is considered hazardous waste and requires special handling. Lighter fluid is toxic and harmful to the environment, so it should never be poured down the drain or into the soil. Instead, store any leftover lighter fluid in its original container and take it to a hazardous waste facility or local collection centre for safe disposal.
Additionally, be cautious when handling the ashes, as charcoal can stain light-coloured fabrics and surfaces. Use gloves and protective clothing when cleaning up, and sweep or vacuum any spilled ashes to avoid staining.
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Frequently asked questions
Charcoal discs are used to burn incense that wouldn't ignite well on its own, such as pure tree resins and herbs.
Hold the charcoal disc with tongs and light the other end with a flame. If you are using self-lighting charcoal, the surface will begin to crackle and pop as it ignites. Once the whole surface is glowing, it is ready for you to add your incense.
Charcoal discs come in two types: self-lighting and regular. Self-lighting charcoal is the most popular and easiest for beginners as it is mixed with a combustible agent that ignites with a flick of a lighter. Regular charcoal is compressed vegetable charcoal with nothing added, which requires sustained heat to light.
Charcoal discs can be purchased from any store that sells resin incense. This includes metaphysical stores, smoke shops, and Asian markets.
Place the charcoal disc on a safe, heatproof container such as an incense burner or a small bowl of ash or sand. If using a metal incense burner, be sure to place a wood coaster or cloth underneath to protect your table or altar from scorching.
