Seamus Hammond
Incense is commonly used for prayer, meditation, and aromatherapy. However, the smoke produced by burning incense may be undesirable in small spaces or for those with smoke detectors. Luckily, there are several ways to burn incense with little to no smoke. This can be achieved by using specific types of incense, such as Nippon Kodo's less-smoke sticks, or Kunjudo's Takara line, which are known for being smokeless. Alternatively, one can use specific burners, such as the Legacy Icons burner, which uses a candle instead of charcoal, or an electric burner, to reduce smoke. Finally, the charcoal ash method, which involves fully igniting charcoal and allowing it to burn for 5-15 minutes before placing the incense on top, can also be used to reduce smoke.
How to use smokeless incense:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Incense burner | Smokeless incense burners are available in the market. |
| Incense type | Smokeless incense sticks are available. |
| Incense charcoal | Use natural hookah or incense charcoal instead of self-igniting charcoal. |
| Heat control | Control the heat exposure to burn incense at a slower pace. |
| Incense placement | Place the incense on top of the charcoal after it has burned down for 5-15 minutes. |
| Electric heater | Use an electric heater to vaporize the incense instead of burning it. |
| Wax melt/oil burner | Use a wax melt/oil burner with vegetable oil to prevent crystallization and bubbling. |
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What You'll Learn
Using charcoal ash
First, prepare the base for your charcoal by levelling the ash in your incense burner. Spread the ash loosely and evenly across the entire surface of the burner. The layer of ash should be about 1-2 centimetres deep to provide good insulation. This creates a stable and insulated layer that helps regulate the heat from the charcoal. A flat, even surface also makes it easier to position and bury the charcoal later on.
Next, use a small incense shovel or spoon to dig a hole in the centre of the ash. The hole should be about 1 centimetre deep and wide enough to fit the charcoal comfortably. Then, use tongs to grip the charcoal and hold it over a flame to ignite. Place the lit charcoal in the hole you created in the ash layer. Alternatively, you can place the unlit charcoal in the burner and use a barbecue lighter to ignite it.
Allow the charcoal to burn for 2 to 5 minutes, or until a thin layer of ash forms on the surface. This signals that the incense is fully heated and ready to be used. You will know it's ready when it develops an even layer of grey ash. At this point, you can add your chosen incense.
Once the incense has burnt, you must allow the charcoal to cool completely, then break up the ash and discard it. To clean the burner, empty the ashes and wipe it down with a damp cloth. For tougher residue, use a brush or a mild soap solution, and make sure it's dry before storing.
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Using rice ash
The rice ash method is a smokeless way to burn incense that was developed by masters of the traditional Japanese Koh-do incense ceremony. It involves using sifted ash from burnt rice to buffer the heat from hot charcoal, allowing for a much lower temperature and a longer period of incense enjoyment that is generally smoke and combustion-free.
To use the rice ash method, start by fully igniting a piece of charcoal and letting it burn down until a layer of ash has formed on the surface. Then, prepare your rice ash by filling a small cup or bowl halfway with sifted rice ash. You can buy rice ash online or from incense shops, or make your own by burning rice and sifting the ash. Place the fully ignited charcoal in the centre of the rice ash and bury it with more ash until you have a mound with a thickness of approximately 1/4 to 1/2 an inch. The thickness of the layer depends on the type of natural charcoal you use and how hot it typically gets, so you may need to experiment a few times to get it right.
Next, you can shape the mound by pressing down the sides with a butter knife or other small, flat utensil to create a pyramid or conical shape. Flatten the top of the mound to create a platform that is about 1/2 to 1 inch wide. You can now place loose incense, herbs, wood chips, or incense resins directly onto the rice ash platform and enjoy a slow release of aromatic medicine without smoke.
If you want to go one step further, you can place a flat mica plate on the rice ash platform and burn your incense on top of that. Mica plates are made from large flakes of the mineral mica encased in a thin border of metal wire and are traditionally used in the Koh-do incense ceremony. They act as an additional heat buffer and are particularly useful for burning incense wood chips such as sandalwood and agarwood.
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Using an electric burner
Electric incense burners are a great smokeless option for those who are sensitive to smoke or prefer a cleaner burn. They are generally composed of a furnace, heater, switch or temperature controller, indicator light, and wire. The bottom of the stove generates heat through a heating plate, which causes the incense placed in the built-in plate or groove to emit its fragrance.
There are two common types of electric incense burners: one that needs to be plugged into an electric outlet and another that is portable and runs on batteries or USB charging. The portable option is more suitable for burning high-quality incense materials such as Qi Nan or soft silk agarwood due to its limited power supply. Electric burners are also great for burning fragrant woods like Agarwood, Sandalwood, and Palo Santo.
Temperature control is a crucial aspect of using an electric incense burner as it directly affects the aroma produced. Most electric burners have temperature settings that can be adjusted according to the type of incense being used. For example, essential oils, herbs, and flower petals should be burned between 60-120°C, while incense powder and tea leaves require a higher temperature of 130-190°C. Lower heat settings of around 180°C allow for a longer incense-burning experience and produce a pure, unadulterated fragrance that is generally smoke-free.
Some electric burners come with disposable foil cups that can be used to burn and melt resins, although these may not be the most sustainable option. It is also possible to use aluminium foil with certain types of incense, especially those with low melting points, to make cleanup easier. Overall, electric incense burners offer a precise, temperature-controlled experience with minimal cleanup and no excess ash.
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Using a candle burner
Smokeless incense burners are ideal for those who want to enjoy the fragrance of incense without the smoke and mess. These burners are designed to be used with candles instead of charcoal, resulting in a cleaner burn with minimal smoke and no charcoal odour. The candle's flame provides heat, causing the incense to emit its fragrance without burning it directly.
The process of using a candle burner for smokeless incense is straightforward. First, place a tea light candle, preferably made of beeswax, in the bottom tray of the burner. Beeswax candles are recommended because regular paraffin candles emit black soot that can quickly coat the bottom of the incense pan. Light the candle, and allow it to burn for a few minutes. Then, place your chosen incense into the incense pan, which is usually adjustable. The heat from the candle flame will cause the incense to begin emitting its fragrance within about 30 seconds. You can adjust the intensity of the fragrance and the amount of smoke produced by raising or lowering the incense pan—moving it closer to the flame will increase the heat and smoke, while moving it away will reduce both.
It is important to note that the burner will become hot during use, so handle it with care. Additionally, the metal parts of the burner will get very hot, so it is best to make any adjustments before the metal heats up. To enhance the fragrance and simplify cleanup, you can place a small piece of aluminium foil in the tray under the incense. This is especially useful for incenses with low melting points or those that tend to liquefy, such as Amber. Always use tongs or a spoon to handle incense grains and never touch the burner with your bare hands while it is hot.
To clean your smokeless incense burner, allow it to cool completely before attempting to remove any residual incense. Freezing the incense pan can make stubborn pieces more brittle and easier to remove. Gently scrape off the carbonized incense with your fingers or a non-abrasive tool, such as a toothbrush. Remember to clean your burner regularly, as a dirty burner can affect the fragrance of your incense. Replacement incense pans are available if your original pan becomes too dirty to clean.
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Using a wax melt/oil burner
Prepare Your Incense
Firstly, you'll need to prepare your incense. Some incense comes in chunks, while others come in powdered form. If you're using powdered incense, start with about a teaspoon. If your incense is in large chunks, break it into smaller pieces, about the size of a piece of corn, so they'll melt more easily. You can use raw incense resins or resin blends such as frankincense, myrrh, or dragon's blood. These are typically easy to find and affordable, and they will give off a similar amount of fragrance as wax melts.
Prepare Your Burner
Fill your wax melt/oil burner with a bit less than half a cup of carrier oil. You can use any regular cooking oil with a neutral scent, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, olive oil, or sunflower oil. Avoid oils with strong scents, such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, or argan oil, as they will blend with the scent of your incense.
Light a Candle
Place a tea light candle underneath the burner. Make sure to use an unscented candle so that it doesn't interfere with the aroma of the incense. Depending on the size of your burner, it might take a few minutes for the oil to reach the desired temperature.
Add Incense to the Burner
Once the oil is warm, carefully add your incense to it. If you're using powdered incense, simply sprinkle it on top of the oil. If you're using chunks, place them gently into the oil. You can also try crushing incense sticks and adding them directly to the oil, but be cautious as this may not be as effective in releasing the fragrance.
Enjoy the Fragrance
As the oil warms up, it will release the scent of the incense. You can adjust the amount of incense or the temperature of the burner to control the strength of the fragrance. Experiment with different types of incense and oils to find combinations that you enjoy.
Remember to always be cautious when using open flames, and never leave your burner unattended. Enjoy your smokeless incense experience!
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Frequently asked questions
The three main ways to burn incense with little to no smoke are using the charcoal ash method, the rice ash method, or an electric burner. The charcoal ash method involves fully igniting your charcoal and letting it burn down for 5 to 15 minutes or until a 1/4 to 1/3 inch layer of ash has formed. Then, place your incense on top of the charcoal. This will slow down the burning of your incense and maximize its aroma.
Nippon Kodo offers a range of less-smoke incense sticks that are perfect for those who want to concentrate on the individual fragrances. Kunjudo's Takara line is another option that is known for being smokeless and having nice, natural-smelling scents.
Legacy Icons offers a smokeless incense burner that uses a candle instead of charcoal, resulting in a cleaner burn. This burner is ideal for homes where low smoke and no mess are desirable.
