How to Use Incense Cones (Including Backflow Cones)
Incense cones give a stronger scent than sticks in less time, and backflow cones add a slow waterfall of smoke. Here is how to light them, how to use backflow incense cones, and what to do when a cone keeps going out.
To use an incense cone, hold it by the base and light the tip for a few seconds until it catches. Let the flame burn for about 10 seconds, then blow it out so the tip glows red. Stand the cone flat side down in a heat-proof cone incense holder and let it burn down, usually in 15 to 30 minutes. For a backflow cone, place it over the hole of a backflow burner, away from draughts.
An incense cone is incense pressed into a small cone shape. Because it burns from a wide base, it releases its scent faster and more strongly than a stick, which makes it ideal for a bathroom or a quick reset before a bath. Cones come in two types: regular solid cones, and hollow backflow cones that make the smoke sink and flow down a burner like a waterfall.
What you need
- Incense cones: regular or backflow.
- A lighter or matches.
- A heat-proof cone incense holder: ceramic, stone, a backflow burner, or a dish with a layer of sand.
- A spot away from draughts, curtains and towels.
How to light an incense cone, step by step
- Hold the cone by its base, tip pointing up.
- Light the very tip with a lighter or match until it catches a small flame.
- Let it burn for about 10 seconds, so the tip is properly lit.
- Blow out the flame gently. The tip should glow red and release a thin line of smoke.
- Stand it flat side down in your holder and leave it to burn down to the base.
- Let the ash and holder cool fully before tipping out the ash.
How to use backflow incense cones
A backflow cone has a hollow channel running through its base. As it burns, the smoke cools in the channel and flows out of the bottom instead of rising. Placed on a backflow incense burner, the smoke runs down the steps like a misty waterfall.
- Light the tip of the backflow cone and let it flame for about 10 seconds.
- Blow it out and check the tip is glowing.
- Place the cone on the burner so the hollow base sits right over the hole.
- Wait one to two minutes: the smoke starts to rise, then switches to flowing down.
The waterfall works best in a still, slightly cool room, around 20 to 22 degrees, with no fan, air conditioner or open window blowing nearby.
Incense cones vs incense sticks
| Cones | Sticks | |
|---|---|---|
| Scent | Stronger, fills a room fast | Lighter, more gradual |
| Burn time | 15 to 30 minutes | 30 to 60 minutes |
| Holder | Cone holder, dish or backflow burner | Stick holder, glass incense holder or incense box |
| Best for | A quick reset, a bathroom | A longer, gentle background scent |
Why does my incense cone keep going out?
- It was not lit long enough. Let the flame burn for a full 10 seconds before blowing it out.
- The cones are damp. Store them in a dry, closed box, not in a steamy bathroom.
- The holder is too cold or too flat. A metal plate can draw heat from the base; sand or ceramic helps.
Backflow not working?
- Check the cone is a backflow cone, with a hollow base. Regular cones will not flow down.
- Line the cone up over the hole, and clear any ash blocking it.
- Move away from draughts, fans and air conditioning, and give it two minutes to start.
Burning incense cones safely
- Always use a heat-proof holder: the base of a cone gets hot as it burns down.
- Keep it at least one metre from curtains, towels and shower curtains.
- Never leave burning incense unattended, and keep it away from children and pets.
- Ventilate the room, and keep sessions short if you are sensitive to smoke.
Choosing a cone incense holder
Backflow Incense Burner
A mountain and stream design: the smoke from backflow cones flows down like a waterfall.
Shop now →
Stone Incense Burner Sphere
A hand-carved stone sphere: drop a cone inside and the smoke rises from the top.
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Ceramic Incense Burner
A chimney-style ceramic burner for incense cones and loose blends.
Shop now →Explore all our incense holders and burners.
Watch the smoke flow like water.
A backflow incense burner turns a simple cone into a calming waterfall of smoke.
Shop the backflow burner
FAQs
How do you use incense cones?
Light the tip, let it flame for about 10 seconds, blow it out so it glows, and stand it flat side down in a heat-proof holder until it burns down.
How do you light an incense cone?
Hold it by the base and light the very tip until it catches a small flame. After about 10 seconds, blow out the flame. A glowing tip and a thin line of smoke mean it is lit.
How do you use backflow incense cones?
Light and blow out the cone as usual, then place its hollow base over the hole of a backflow burner. After one to two minutes the smoke flows down. Avoid draughts.
How long does an incense cone last?
Most regular cones burn for 15 to 30 minutes. Backflow cones usually burn for 10 to 15 minutes.
Can you put an incense cone in a stick holder?
Not safely. A cone needs a flat, heat-proof surface, such as a cone holder, a ceramic dish or a bowl of sand.
