Katrina Rosales
Charcoal tablets are a great way to burn incense, especially for resins and herbs that don't ignite easily on their own. Charcoal tablets come in different shapes and sizes, and there are two main types: self-lighting and regular. Self-lighting charcoal is mixed with a combustible agent like saltpeter, while regular charcoal is made of compressed vegetable charcoal. To light the charcoal, hold it with tongs and use a lighter or candle to ignite the other end. Once the surface is glowing, place the charcoal in a heat-proof container, like a stone bowl filled with sand, and add your incense. Remember to always handle burning charcoal with care and avoid touching it with your fingers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Charcoal types | Self-lighting, Regular |
| Charcoal sources | Coconut shells, Vegetable |
| Charcoal uses | Burning resins, Burning incense |
| Charcoal tablet size | Small |
| Charcoal tablet shape | Round |
| Charcoal tablet burn time | 15-45 minutes |
| Charcoal tablet quantity | 10 per roll |
| Charcoal lighting tools | Lighter, Blowtorch, Gas stove |
| Charcoal lighting time | 20 seconds |
| Charcoal tongs | Included with some products |
| Charcoal container | Heat-proof, Stone bowl, Metal incense burner |
| Charcoal container lining | Sand, Natural ash |
| Charcoal burning temperature | 1200-1500 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Charcoal ash colour | Grey, White, Grayish-white |
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What You'll Learn
Charcoal tablet types: self-lighting vs regular
Charcoal tablets are available in two main types: self-lighting and regular. Self-lighting charcoal is the most popular and beginner-friendly option, as it is easy to ignite. This type of charcoal is mixed with a combustible agent, usually saltpeter, which allows it to be lit with just a flick of a lighter. When using self-lighting charcoal, hold it by one edge and apply a flame to the other. You will know it is ready when the charcoal begins to crackle and pop, and the surface is glowing. At this point, you can add your incense a pinch at a time.
On the other hand, regular charcoal is made of compressed vegetable charcoal without any added chemicals. This type of charcoal requires sustained heat to light and is preferred by some due to its lack of chemical odor, which can interfere with the fragrance of the incense. To light regular charcoal, you will need to apply a flame for a longer period or use a different heat source, such as charcoal tongs.
Both types of charcoal tablets come in various shapes and sizes, and it is generally recommended to get the small tablets unless you need to fill a large space with incense. Charcoal tablets are susceptible to moisture, so it is important to store them in a cool, dry place and seal the package or container after opening.
When using any type of charcoal tablet, always prioritize safety. Use a safe, heatproof container to hold the lit charcoal, as it can reach extremely high temperatures. Additionally, use a heat-resistant surface underneath your container to prevent damage to your furniture or altar.
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![Sunlight® Charcoal Tablets for Incense – Quick Light Coal Tablets – Charcoal Disks – 40 mm Coal Rolls – Coal Briquettes – Slow Burn - Instant Lighting [100]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81jL961OxxL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Lighting the charcoal
Lighting charcoal tablets for incense requires caution and the right tools. To start, you will need a safe, heatproof container for your charcoal, such as a stone bowl filled with sand, or a metal incense burner placed on a wooden coaster or cloth to avoid damaging your table. Charcoal can reach extremely high temperatures, so always use tongs to hold the charcoal tablet when lighting it.
There are two main types of charcoal: self-lighting and regular. Self-lighting charcoal is mixed with a combustible agent, usually saltpetre, which means it can be ignited with a simple flick of a lighter. To light, hold the charcoal by one edge and apply a flame to the other. You may need to blow gently on the charcoal as it ignites. Once the surface is glowing red hot and covered with grey, white, or greyish-white ash, it is ready for incense.
Regular charcoal is made from compressed vegetable charcoal and requires sustained heat to light. To light, use a candle, lighter, or blowtorch, or place the tablet on a gas stovetop. Some people light the charcoal directly for a minute or two before placing it on the burner and blowing on it to increase the flame. Once the edges of the charcoal are burnt, place it on the burner and wait for the white ash to form.
Regardless of the type of charcoal, always allow it to cool completely before disposing of the ashes, and store any unused charcoal in a cool, dry, airtight container.
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Preparing the incense burner
Second, you need to select a safe, heatproof container for your charcoal. Lit charcoal can reach extremely high temperatures of 1200-1500 degrees Fahrenheit, so your container must be thick enough to prevent heat transfer to the surface below and wide enough to catch any stray sparks. A stone bowl filled with sand is a good option, and if you're using a metal incense burner, be sure to place a wood coaster or cloth underneath it to avoid scorching your table or altar.
Third, prepare your burner by filling it 3/4 full with sand or rocks to absorb some of the heat. This step is crucial for safety and functionality. You can also use a metal burner with a mesh screen, flipping the screen to create a bowl-like shape to hold the charcoal. If you are burning frankincense, you may want to line the tray with aluminium foil for easy cleanup.
Finally, light your charcoal tablet. Using tongs, hold the charcoal by one edge while applying a flame to the other. Self-lighting charcoal will make crackling and popping sounds as the surface ignites, and you can gently blow on it to encourage the flame. Once the entire surface is glowing, your burner is ready for incense.
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Adding the incense
Now that you have set up your charcoal tablet on a safe heatproof container, it's time to add the incense.
First, light the charcoal. You can do this by holding the charcoal with a pair of tongs and using a candle, lighter, or blowtorch to burn the charcoal. You can also place the charcoal tablet on a gas stovetop to burn it. When lighting the charcoal, hold it by one edge while applying a flame to the other. You will know that the charcoal is ready for incense when you see that it is burnt from the edges and notice white or greyish ash forming on the top. This process should take around 5-15 minutes.
Once the charcoal is ready, it's time to add the incense. Add the incense a pinch at a time, sprinkling it on top of the charcoal tablet. Be careful not to cover the charcoal completely, as this will deplete the oxygen supply and cause the charcoal to cool down. The amount of incense you add will depend on the type of incense you are using. If you are using resin incense, such as Frankincense or Myrrh, place small pieces on top of the charcoal. Avoid using large pieces, as they may carbonize before the essential oil is fully released, resulting in a bitter smell. For dry incense, you can put it directly on the burner's tray, and after the burning session, the leftover burnt incense residue can be easily thrown away.
Different brands of charcoal tablets have different burning times, but most tablets will burn for around 15-45 minutes. Once a piece of resin has fully burned, knock it off with your tongs and replace it with a fresh piece.
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Cleaning up the ashes
Once your incense charcoal tablet has burned out and cooled down, it's time to clean up the ashes. Here are some detailed steps to ensure a thorough and safe cleanup process:
Firstly, ensure that the charcoal tablet has completely cooled down. Charcoal tablets can burn for a long time, so be patient and give it enough time to cool. Trying to handle a still-hot tablet can cause burns or accidentally ignite flammable materials nearby. You can use heat-resistant gloves to test if the tablet is cool enough to handle.
Next, prepare a suitable container for the ashes. A small, sealable metal or ceramic container is ideal. Avoid using flammable containers, such as those made from paper or thin plastic, as they can pose a fire hazard if any hot embers remain. Label the container clearly to avoid confusion with other substances.
Now, you can carefully collect the ashes. Use a small brush, such as a makeup brush or a small paintbrush, to gently sweep the ashes into your designated container. Be thorough and ensure you collect all the ashes, including any small fragments or dust. If there are larger pieces of residual charcoal, you can use a small spoon or spatula to carefully transfer them to the container.
After you've collected the ashes, properly dispose of them. Charcoal ashes should not be disposed of in regular trash bins, as they can pose a fire risk. Instead, let the ashes cool completely, then mix them with water to fully extinguish any remaining embers. You can then pour the diluted ashes down a drain, ensuring you run water afterwards to clear any residue. Alternatively, you can bury the ashes in your garden or a planter, where they will act as a natural fertilizer.
Finally, clean the area where you burned the incense. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the surface, ensuring you remove any ash residue or stains. For stubborn stains, you can use a mild detergent or a natural cleaner like lemon juice or baking soda. Just be sure to rinse and dry the surface afterwards to prevent any residue build-up.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your incense charcoal tablet ashes are cleaned up safely and effectively, leaving your space tidy and ready for your next incense experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Charcoal tablets are used to burn incense that wouldn't ignite well on its own, such as pure tree resins and herbs.
Hold the charcoal tablet by one edge with a pair of tongs and apply a flame to the other edge. Charcoal tablets will take around 20 seconds to light fully. Once the surface is glowing red hot and is covered with grey, white, or greyish-white ash, it is ready for incense.
Place the lit charcoal tablet on a bed of sand inside a charcoal burner or on the mesh screen if your burner has one. Add a pinch of incense at a time on top of the charcoal tablet.
