How to Burn Cone Incense

Last Updated: September 24, 2022 References

Cone incense gives off a fragrant scent when burned while also producing a lot of smoke. To start burning your incense, place the cone in a heat-proof container and light the tip of the cone so it produces a flame. Once the tip of the cone has an orange glow to it, your incense is ready to be enjoyed.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Positioning and Lighting the Cone

1
Find a heat-proof container that can hold the incense cone. The cone will produce a lot of heat, so it's important to find a container, such as an ashtray or ceramic bowl, that can safely contain the warmth. Spread a layer of sand about 1 cm (0.39 in) thick on the bottom of the chosen container to help distribute the heat.^{[1]
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- Cone incense often comes with a metal disk that you can burn it on.
- Anything that's heat-resistant and will hold the cone is a suitable container.
- Make sure you place the container away from anything flammable, such as curtains, lampshades, or paper.
2
Place the cone in the container with the point facing up. Once you've set up the heat-proof container, place the cone right in the middle. The flat, wider part of the cone should be on the bottom with the point facing upwards.^{[2]
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- If you filled the container with sand, position the cone evenly on the sand so that it doesn't fall over.
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3
Use a match or candle to light the tip of the cone.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Julie Brow-Polanco
Master Herbalist & Certified Aromatherapist
Expert Interview. 12 April 2022.} Either carefully light a match or use a lighter to light the very top of the cone until it has a flame when you take the match or lighter away. You can also use an already-lit candle to get a flame going on the incense.^{[4]
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- The flame doesn't need to appear for very long—5-10 seconds is fine.
- Avoid using the stove or any kind of strong flame to light the tip of the cone, as you may burn your hands.^{[5]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Julie Brow-Polanco
  Master Herbalist & Certified Aromatherapist
  Expert Interview. 12 April 2022.}
4
Watch for the tip to take on an orange glow. Once the large flame disappears, the tip of the incense cone should continue to glow orange. If the tip looks dark when you take the flame away, try to relight it until the tip is orange when left alone.^{[6]
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5
Fan the incense cone gently to ensure the flame is completely out. It's important for the flame to be gone and replaced by the smoldering orange tip to give off the right scent. You can either fan the cone gently with your hands or piece of paper, or you can blow softly near the tip.^{[7]
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6
Enjoy your incense for roughly 20-30 minutes. Your incense will continue to burn from the top of the tip down to the bottom of the cone. If you're going to burn the entire cone, plan on allowing about 30 minutes to burn it.
- Be aware that incense cones often give off more smoke than other types of incense.
- Your cone incense will burn out on its own once it's completely finished.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Troubleshooting Your Cone Incense

1
Blow out the flame if it doesn't go out 10 seconds after lighting it. An incense cone with a solid flame gives off a smokier, less pleasant smell. If you light the incense cone and the flame is still going after 10 seconds, blow it out softly until the tip turns orange.^{[8]
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2
Give the incense cone more oxygen if the smoldering tip goes out. If the orange tip on your incense cone goes out quickly, it may be that the cone isn't getting enough oxygen. If your incense holder has a lid, remove the lid to give the cone more air.^{[9]
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- Once you've given the cone access to more oxygen, try relighting the cone if necessary.
3
Dry the cone off if it's brand new or oily. New incense cones can be a little more oily than desired. Use a paper towel to gently blot the incense cone to remove any excess oil or moisture so that the cone will burn well.
4
Keep your incense cone away from drafty areas or open windows. Another reason your incense cone might not stay lit is if it's around too much of a breeze. Light your cone away from windows that are open or other sources of air flow.
- Check to make sure there isn't an open air vent near the incense.

Expert Q&A

Question

Can burning incense be harmful?

Julie Brow-Polanco
Master Herbalist & Certified Aromatherapist
Julie Brow-Polanco is a Master Herbalist & Certified Aromatherapist with more than 11 years of experience. She is an expert on natural remedies and specializes in using them to support whole-body wellness, particularly immune, digestive, nervous, and reproductive health. Julie earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Dominican University, a Master Herbalist Certification from The School of Natural Healing, and a Certificate of Aromatherapy from the Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy. Julie is a member of the American Herbalist Guild and a Certified Aromatherapist through the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy.

Julie Brow-Polanco

Master Herbalist & Certified Aromatherapist

Expert Answer

In excess, yeah. To minimize harm, be sure your incense is from a clean source and burn it in a well-ventilated room so that you're not breathing in the smoke.

Warnings

Avoid touching the cone when it's burning as it's likely to be very hot.

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Keep the incense away from children or pets when it's burning.

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