How to · 4 min · 17 October 2026
How to Burn Incense Sticks, Cones and Backflow Cones
Light the tip, let it flame for a few seconds, then blow the flame out gently so the tip glows and a thin line of smoke rises.
Light the tip, let it flame for a few seconds, then blow the flame out gently so the tip glows and a thin line of smoke rises. Sticks go in a holder, cones on a heat-proof dish, and backflow cones on a backflow burner, where the smoke runs down like water. Here is how each one works.
What you need
- Incense sticks, cones or backflow cones
- A holder, a heat-proof dish or a backflow burner
- Matches or a candle to light from
- A window you can open
Before you begin
Open a window a little. Choose a spot away from curtains, shelves and draughts, on a surface that won't mind a little ash.
Incense sticks
- Hold the stick by the plain end and bring the flame to the tip.
- Let it burn for about ten seconds, then blow the flame out.
- Check that the tip glows red and smoke rises.
- Set it in the holder at a slight angle, so the ash falls on the tray.
A stick usually burns for 30 to 45 minutes, depending on its length.
Incense cones
- Light the very tip of the cone and let it flame for a few seconds.
- Blow it out and set the cone, flat side down, on a heat-proof dish or holder.
- Let it burn down completely. The base gets hot, so don't touch it for a while.
Backflow cones
Backflow cones have a small hollow channel at the bottom. The smoke inside is cooler and heavier than the air around it, so it falls instead of rising, and runs down the burner like a small waterfall.
- Light the tip, let it flame for a few seconds and blow it out.
- Set the cone, hollow side down, on the top of the backflow burner.
- After a minute or two the smoke begins to flow down. Keep the burner out of draughts, or the smoke will scatter.
Backflow Cones, Assorted Scents
Without a holder
Fill a small bowl with sand, uncooked rice or salt and push the stick into it. For cones, a ceramic saucer or a flat stone works.
How to put it out
Press the glowing tip into sand or into the bottom of the holder until no smoke rises. You can also dip the tip in a little water. Never leave it to go out on its own while you leave the room.
Where the custom comes from
Incense is one of the oldest things people have burned on purpose. Resins travelled the incense road from southern Arabia, temples in India and China burned sticks of wood and herbs, and churches across Europe still fill with frankincense. Many people today light a stick simply to mark the start of an evening.
Safety
- Never leave burning incense alone.
- Always use a holder or dish that can take heat, never wood or fabric.
- Keep smoke away from sleeping people, babies and anyone with breathing problems, and let pets leave the room.
- Air the room afterwards.
Care
Empty the ash tray after each use and wipe the backflow burner with a dry cloth now and then. Store incense in a dry box, away from sunlight, so it keeps its scent.
Questions
How long does an incense stick burn?
About 30 to 45 minutes. Cones burn for 15 to 30 minutes.
Can I burn incense without a holder?
Yes. Push the stick into a bowl of sand, rice or salt.
How do I put incense out?
Press the tip into sand or dip it in a little water.
Why does my backflow cone not flow?
It may be the wrong way up, the room may be draughty, or the burner may be damp. Try a new cone, hollow side down, in a still corner.
Everything you need
All of it, in one ritual
Backflow Cones, Assorted Scents
A letter every Sunday
A ritual for the week, the story behind a custom and the moon ahead. Every other week, word of new rituals and boxes.
