Shopping for incense online can be confusing because the same word is used for sticks, standard cones, backflow cones and resin-based products. The right choice depends on the holder you own and the experience you want, rather than simply choosing the strongest-sounding fragrance.
Backflow cones: for waterfall-style burners
A backflow incense cone has an opening designed to channel smoke through a compatible burner. If you already own a waterfall or dragon backflow burner, start by checking which cones the maker recommends. At Altar Flame, our 72-cone, six-scent backflow refill pack is intended for standard backflow burners. If you don't yet have a burner, see our dragon waterfall model or the burner gift set with three boxes of cones.
Incense sticks: for a suitable stick holder
Incense sticks are a different format. They need a holder that supports the stick and catches falling ash; they won't produce the same waterfall effect as backflow cones. Our six-scent Golden Smudging Resin incense sampler contains 30 g packs of incense sticks in white sage, rose, frankincense, palo santo, lavender and sandalwood. A holder is not listed as part of this sampler.
Standard cones versus backflow cones
Standard incense cones burn in an appropriate heat-resistant cone holder, but they are not designed for a downward smoke channel. If the main reason you bought your burner is the decorative cascade, choose backflow-specific cones. Read our detailed backflow burner setup and cleaning guide for troubleshooting.
Choose by the amount you actually use
For someone experimenting with a new fragrance, a multi-scent set avoids committing to a single aroma. For someone who already uses the same compatible burner regularly, a refill multipack is often more practical than buying another decorative holder. You can browse incense, candles and ritual supplies to compare formats and contents.
Safety matters with any format
Incense generates smoke and heat. Use a stable, non-flammable, heat-resistant surface in a ventilated room. Never leave it burning unattended; keep it away from children, pets and fabrics. Smoke can irritate breathing, so limit exposure and follow the instructions supplied with each product. Wait until all ash and equipment are cold before handling or cleaning.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use incense sticks in a backflow burner?
Not unless the holder is also specifically designed to hold sticks. Backflow smoke channels are intended for compatible backflow cones.
Does a backflow cone need a special burner?
Yes, to produce the cascading effect it needs a suitable burner with a smoke channel. It may burn in another safe cone holder without the same visual result.
Are the incense sets sold with a burner?
Only when the specific product description lists one. Our six-scent cone refill pack and six-scent resin-stick sampler are refill or sampler products. The dragon waterfall gift set includes a burner and three boxes of cones.
Altar Flame currently offers tracked delivery within the UK. For dispatch estimates and returns, see our delivery information.