Choose the Right Incense Burner
Cone incense burns at very high temperatures, so selecting an appropriate incense burner is crucial. Metal, stone, or ceramic burners are ideal as they have excellent heat resistance and can withstand the high temperatures produced by the incense cone’s burn.
For example, Flore's brass incense burner is a great choice specifically designed for cone incense. This burner features small feet that prevent the bottom from coming into direct contact with the surface, increasing stability and preventing damage.
Among the various materials, metals like brass are durable and have good heat dissipation properties, while stone gives a timeless, grounded feel, and ceramics often offer intricate designs with high artistic value.
Painted or wooden burners are unsuitable for incense cones. The high heat from burning cones can damage the paint, causing it to peel and release harmful substances. Wooden burners are also susceptible to heat, and can warp or even catch fire, presenting significant safety risks.
Moreover, the high temperature of cone incense can discolor the burner and leave hard-to-remove residues. To ensure the burner remains clean and lasts longer, only burn incense cones in heat-resistant burners.
To clean, use a brush or broom to remove dust from the burner’s surface. For oily residues, scrape gently with a steel blade, then wipe with a dry cloth or incense ash powder. If necessary, use a cloth dipped in detergent or laundry powder solution, but clean quickly and dry it thoroughly to prevent oxidation. For outdoor burners with gold or silver plating, strong cleaning solutions like detergent or laundry powder are effective.
Place the Incense Cone
The incense cone must be placed upright on the base to ensure stable burning and avoid accidents. If the burner has a lid, place the cone near the center to avoid it touching the lid's side. This is because cones may move slightly while burning, and improper placement could cause them to collide with the lid, affecting the burn and possibly causing it to extinguish.
Some burners accommodate multiple incense cones, but burning several cones simultaneously generates more heat. This can elevate the burner’s temperature quickly, putting more strain on it and increasing safety risks. The burner described in this guide is designed for a single cone to ensure you can enjoy the fragrance and tranquility it brings without compromising safety.
Also, take the burner’s size and shape into account when placing the cone. Different burner designs might require slight adjustments to keep the cone stable.
Use Flame to Ignite
Use a match or lighter to ignite the tip of the incense cone. Be patient and allow the flame to catch for a few minutes. When lighting the cone, keep your hand steady to avoid shaking and causing the flame to contact nearby objects. Make sure the incense cone is securely placed in the burner before lighting it. Igniting a cone is not as quick as lighting other objects, so like starting a campfire, you may need some time and patience to successfully light the cone. Ensure you are in a safe environment, away from flammable materials and places where children can reach.
Let It Burn
Once the tip of the cone is ignited, let it burn naturally for a moment. Do not rush to burn the entire cone; instead, be patient and let the smoke smolder and release its aroma. As the cone burns, you will notice the unique fragrance filling the air, creating a calm and soothing atmosphere. Close your eyes, relax, and immerse yourself in this wonderful scent.
Just as you would appreciate a beautiful painting or a moving piece of music, enjoy the fragrant experience of the incense burning. Avoid letting the flame burn too much, as this could affect the fragrance's quality and duration.
Blow Out the Flame
After a period of burning, gently blow out the flame. This step requires care—do not blow too hard, or the cone may topple. Blow gently, as if the breeze were softly caressing the tip. This allows you to control the burning speed, ensuring the fragrance continues to diffuse without the risk of fire hazards. When blowing out the flame, lean in slightly, exhale slowly, and allow the flame to gradually die down.
Observe the Ember
If the cone is successfully lit, you will see a glowing ember at its tip, like a small, glowing gem during the burning process. This ember is a sign that the cone is burning correctly and that the fragrance will soon fill the air. If you don’t see the ember at first, don’t worry—it often takes patience and a second attempt to get it started. Treat it like lighting a campfire, where more time and effort may be needed for the desired result. If the ember doesn’t appear on the first attempt, re-light the tip and allow it to burn a little longer to trigger the glowing ember.
Repeat Ignition
If the first attempt didn’t produce the desired results, ignite the cone for a longer period, ensuring the flame stays at the tip and does not burn the entire cone. During the second attempt, give the cone more time to fully burn, as the first ignition may not have allowed enough time for the ember to form. You can place the flame steadily at the tip and observe the cone's reaction. Be careful not to let the flame burn down the entire cone.
Blow Out the Flame Again
After allowing the cone to burn a little longer, gently blow out the flame again, watching the ember glow brightly. This ember acts as a gentle reminder that the fragrance journey is just beginning. When using quality incense cones like those from Japan’s "Leisure Moments," you can appreciate the craftsmanship as the ember glows and the fragrance is about to fill the air.
Gently Blow on the Ember
If the ember is still faint, gently blow on it to enhance its glow. With a light breath, the ember will grow brighter, and the fragrance will become more pronounced as the smoke rises. This is a moment to relax and savor the delicate aroma, which should be subtle, not overpowering. The fragrance will linger in the air, creating a peaceful atmosphere that calms the mind.
Cover the Incense Burner
When the ember glows brightly and the smoke rises, it’s time to cover the incense burner. The cone requires airflow to continue burning, and covering the burner helps regulate the airflow to maintain a stable burn. However, some burners may not provide sufficient airflow once covered, causing the cone to extinguish. If this happens, you can remove the lid briefly to let more air in or relight the cone to continue enjoying the fragrance.
Safety Reminders
Safety is paramount when burning incense. Always burn the cone in a well-ventilated area to allow smoke to dissipate, minimizing any harmful effects and reducing fire risks. Always use the correct incense burner made from heat-resistant materials. Incense burners made of metal, stone, or ceramic are ideal for withstanding high temperatures.
Keep incense cones away from flammable materials and out of reach of children. If using a candle to light the cone, ensure the flame is stable. After burning, dispose of the ash and embers safely. Wait for them to cool completely before handling to avoid burns. Always monitor the burning process and intervene if the cone burns too quickly or the smoke becomes excessive.