Extra Length Incense Sticks Increase Burning Time

When making incense sticks, the typical three millimeter diameter sticks are about eight inches long and burn for about 20 to 30 minutes, However, there are some extra length incense sticks that will burn for over an hour, depending on the composition as well as thickness. With many holders not made to accommodate 12 and 13-inch-long sticks, companies have made thicker once that claim to burn for up to three hours.

As sticks of incense burn, they leave a trail of ash and many holders are designed with a shallow tray to catch the ashes. Many of the extra length incense sticks are longer than many holders and ashes will end up on the surface on which the holder sits. While the majority of extra length incense sticks are about a foot long, some ceremonial sticks can be as long as three feet, but they are also thicker and made to burn longer. The smaller sticks, if made too long, would be difficult to handle, as their fragility would welcome breakage.

The composition of extra length incense sticks is exactly the same as shorter ones, except the binding stick on which the incense is pressed will be slightly thicker. In making incense sticks, there are essentially two methods, one by taking the stick and dipping it into the bonding and scent mixture, three or more times with drying time allowed between processes; and by extruding the mixture through a hydraulic press.

Product Quality Determines Burn Time And Scent

Regardless of how long a stick is, the quality of the product will influence how long it burns, as well as its thickness. The extra length incense sticks will naturally burn much longer than shorter ones of the same composition and thickness, but shorter sticks that are considerably thicker may burn for an extended period of time.

It is the quality of the essential oils or compound that creates the scent and if mixed properly will supply the same scent quality during the entire burning of extra length incense sticks. Despite the term used is burning incense, it is done without flame, except for the initial lighting of the stick. Once lit, the flame is fanned out and the stick allowed to smolder.

If burning extra length incense sticks and it becomes necessary to halt the process, it can simply be broken just above the current position of burning and when it reaches the end, the smoking will stop, saving the remainder of the extra length incense sticks for another session.