A backflow incense burner is a holder for hollow backflow cones. Their smoke flows down instead of rising and pours over the burner's ledges like a small waterfall. Set a backflow cone on an ordinary dish and it simply smokes from the tip like any other cone.
How a backflow cone works
A backflow cone has a hollow channel running up from a hole in its base. At first it smokes from the tip. When the burning edge reaches the channel, smoke escapes down into it.
Science presenter Steve Mould offers one explanation. Inside the channel, the smoke is no longer carried up by hot air from the ember, so it cools. Smoke is made of tiny particles that are heavier than air. Ordinary smoke rises only because it rides on hot gas. Once cooled, the smoky air sinks and spills out of the hole at the bottom.
Mould also found that rising warm air can break up the stream, so the effect needs still air. Explanations differ, though. Some incense makers credit air pressure, and a Chinese patent says the smoke runs down because it is rich in tar.
Incense makers call backflow cones a relatively new form of incense. We found no historical record of when the first one was made.
How to use a backflow burner
Set the burner on a flat, heat-resistant surface away from fans, vents and open windows. Light the tip of the cone, let it burn for a few seconds, then blow out the flame. A glowing ember and a thin line of smoke mean it is lit. Our guide on how to burn incense covers sticks and coils too.
Seat the cone so the hole in its base sits over the hole in the burner, or the smoke will not flow down. The smoke rises at first. The waterfall starts once the ember reaches the hollow channel.
Cleaning the channels
Burning cones leave an oily residue on the cone seat and in the channels, and it can block the hole. Once the burner is cool enough to touch but still slightly warm, tip out the ash, clear the hole with a damp cotton swab and wipe the channels with a damp cloth. Incense makers suggest doing this every two or three uses.
Burning backflow incense safely
The Seattle Fire Department advises a sturdy, heat-resistant holder at least 12 inches from anything that can burn, out of reach of children and pets. Never leave a burning cone unattended, and put it out before you leave the room or go to sleep.
Air the room once the cone has burned out. A U.S. EPA literature review found that burning incense releases particulate matter and raises indoor levels of carbon monoxide and benzene.
Backflow incense burners at Buddha.store
Browse all our incense and burners, or start with these. For a classic incense wood, read our sandalwood guide.
