Lance Carson
Backflow incense burners, also known as incense waterfalls, are a relatively new type of incense that creates a mesmerising illusion of a flowing waterfall. The incense smoke flows in the opposite direction of traditional incense, with the smoke travelling downwards instead of upwards. To use a reverse incense burner, you must light the pointy end of the cone with a match or lighter and ensure it is immersed in the flame. Once the tip ignites, blow out the flame and place the cone on the burner. The smoke will then flow through the bottom of the cone and down the burner, creating a beautiful waterfall effect.
How to use a reverse incense burner
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lighting | Light the pointy end of the incense cone with a match or lighter. |
| Hold the cone with tweezers or your hand. | |
| Ensure the incense is immersed in the flame until it ignites. | |
| Gently fan or blow out the flame. | |
| If you see a small glowing ember and smoke, the incense is correctly lit. | |
| Allow the incense to burn at least a third down before placing it on the burner. | |
| Place the cone on the burner, ensuring the hole in the cone is aligned with the hole in the burner. | |
| The smoke will flow through the bottom of the cone and down through the burner, creating a waterfall effect. | |
| The burner should be placed on a protective surface, away from flammable materials. | |
| Burn in a well-ventilated area. | |
| Cleaning | Allow the burner to cool for 3-5 minutes before disposing of the cone. |
| Move a trash bag or bin close to the burner and gently tip the cone into the trash. |
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What You'll Learn
Lighting a backflow incense cone
Step 1: Prepare Your Space
Ensure your backflow burner is placed on a protective surface in a well-ventilated room, away from drafts, breezes, furniture, curtains, or other flammable materials. Backflow incense produces a mesmerising smoke display, but the smoke can stain surfaces, so it's important to take precautions.
Step 2: Hold the Cone
Using one hand or a pair of tweezers, hold the incense cone by its base. If using your hand, be very careful not to burn yourself as you light the cone.
Step 3: Light the Cone
Using a match or a lighter, ignite the pointy end of the incense cone. Immerse the tip of the cone in the flame until it ignites with a small flame. You may need to hold the flame to the cone for a few seconds to ensure it properly lights up.
Step 4: Blow Out the Flame
Gently fan or blow out the flame. Be careful not to topple the cone or blow out the ember completely. If the ember goes out, simply repeat the lighting process.
Step 5: Check the Cone
Check the tip of the cone where the flame was. If you see a small glowing ember and smoke beginning to rise from the top, the cone is ready to be placed on the burner.
Step 6: Place the Cone on the Burner
Position the cone upright on the burner, ensuring it covers the hole. This alignment is crucial for the smoke to flow correctly and create the desired waterfall effect.
Step 7: Enjoy the Aroma and Visual Display
The cone will burn for 20 to 30 minutes, and the aroma can last up to a day. Enjoy the calming atmosphere created by the scent and the mesmerising waterfall effect of the smoke. Remember, it may take a few minutes for the backflow effect to start, so be patient.
Step 8: Clean the Burner
After each use, clean the burner to prevent the buildup of burnt oil and residue, which can affect the appearance and performance of the burner. Use a toothbrush and dish soap to remove any sticky residue.
Step 9: Dispose of the Cone
Once the cone has burned out, wait for it to cool down before disposing of it. The easiest method is to move a trash bag or garbage can close to the burner and gently tip the burnt cone into the trash. This will help prevent ash from scattering.
Remember, lighting a backflow incense cone is slightly different from lighting a traditional cone. With a backflow cone, you must allow it to burn for a few seconds before placing it on the burner. Enjoy the soothing and aromatic experience of your backflow incense cone!
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How to dispose of burnt incense cone ash
To dispose of burnt incense cone ash, you should first let the incense cone cool down for a few minutes. One source suggests waiting until the cone is completely cool and the ashes are white. You can then use an incense ash catcher or burner to collect the ash. If you don't have an ash catcher, you can place a dish or bowl-shaped burner underneath the incense cone as it burns to catch the ash.
Once you have collected the ash, you can dispose of it in a few different ways. Some sources suggest placing the ash in a trash bag or bin, but it is important to first line your bin with a plastic bag to contain the ash and prevent it from igniting or making a mess. You should also wear gloves when handling the ash to protect your hands from heat, sharp objects, and other hazards.
Alternatively, you can vacuum up the ash and use a broom to sweep any remaining pieces into a trash bag. You can then throw the plastic bag away in an outside bin. It is important not to throw the ash directly into a compost pile or use water to extinguish the flame, as this can cause sparks and reignite the incense.
Incense ash can also be reused for other purposes, such as fertilising plants or cleaning. However, it is important to note that incense ash should not be smoked, as it contains charred remains of plant matter, wood, resins, and sometimes synthetic fragrances, which can be harmful to human health if inhaled.
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Where to place the burner
When placing your reverse incense burner, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Firstly, reverse incense burners, also known as backflow or waterfall incense burners, produce smoke that flows downwards, so it's important to place them on a flat, stable surface to avoid any mess.
Secondly, the smoke from reverse incense burners is heavier than air due to the high content of essential oils and resins. This means the smoke can stain surfaces, so it's recommended to place the burner on a protective surface, such as a tray or mat, to prevent any damage. Keep the burner away from furniture, curtains, or other flammable materials, and always burn in a well-ventilated area, especially if you have pets.
Another thing to consider is that the smoke from the incense will create a pattern as it flows downwards. Drafty locations can disrupt this effect, so choose a calm area to place your burner. Additionally, be mindful of the height you place the burner at; the smoke will eventually disperse into the air, but it may briefly touch the surface the burner is placed on, so a lower placement may be preferable.
Lastly, always keep incense burners out of reach of children and pets, and allow them to cool down before handling or disposing of any remnants.
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How to create the waterfall effect
To create the waterfall effect with a reverse incense burner, you will need a reverse incense burner and a special backflow incense cone. The burner should be made of ceramic or porcelain, with a small hole at the top. The cone will have a small hole at the bottom and will be partially drilled from the bottom to just under its tip.
First, place the cone on the burner's metal plate, ensuring it is properly centred. Light the cone with a lighter or match and wait for a few seconds until the flame goes out and smoke begins to emerge from the bottom of the cone. As the cone burns, smoke will flow downwards, creating the waterfall effect. The burner's glossy finish will reflect the smoke, enhancing the illusion of a sparkling waterfall.
The incense burner should be placed on a stable, flat, and heat-resistant surface. It should also be kept away from flammable surfaces and not left unattended while in use. Once the cone has burned out, remove and discard the residual ash, then clean the burner before reuse.
The special backflow cones tend to burn out faster than traditional cones and produce thicker smoke. The downward flow of smoke, combined with the burner's design, creates a calming and meditative atmosphere. The scent of the incense also adds to the experience.
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The different designs of burners
Reverse incense burners come in a variety of designs, each offering a unique experience. One popular design is the waterfall incense burner, which creates a peaceful and serene ambiance. This type of burner is designed to be used with backflow incense cones that have a hole, allowing the smoke to flow downwards, mimicking a tranquil waterfall. The internal structure of the burner is designed with tiers to enhance this cascading effect. The smoke from the incense provides aromatherapy benefits, promoting relaxation and a Zen-like atmosphere.
Another design is the tea light incense burner, which can be used with resin, loose incense, wax melts, or resin and loose herb kits. This type of burner offers versatility and is perfect for creating a magical or crafting experience. The adjustable resin incense burner is another variation that does not require charcoal. Instead, it utilizes tealights to diffuse the incense fragrance, making it suitable for aromatherapy and creating a sacred space.
For a more traditional look, there are cast iron burners with lids and wooden handles. These burners are ideal for wax melts, resin incense, and log burners. They provide a classic and rustic aesthetic to your space. Additionally, there are bronze ceramic incense burners with three feet, adding a touch of elegance to your incense experience.
Lastly, some reverse incense burners are designed with intricate details, such as an antique bronze hand-carved whale hollow-out statue. These burners not only serve their functional purpose but also double as decorative pieces, adding a unique touch to your home decor. With a variety of designs to choose from, you can find a reverse incense burner that suits your personal preferences and creates the desired ambiance in your space.
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Frequently asked questions
Lighting a reverse incense burner is similar to lighting a stick of incense. Hold the cone with one hand or with some tweezers and light the pointy end with a match or lighter. Once the tip ignites, wait a second or two and then blow out the flame. You should see a small glowing ember and smoke should start to come out of the bottom.
You must use special backflow incense cones with reverse incense burners. These cones have a small hole in the bottom which allows the smoke to flow downwards. Regular incense cones or incense sticks will not work properly.
Wait for the cone to cool down before attempting to dispose of it. Move a trash bag or bin close to the burner and gently tip the entire burnt cone into the trash.
Reverse incense burners come in a variety of designs, often with Asian motifs such as a lotus, dragon, or Ganesha.
