I’ve previously discussed why scented candles are not used and what alternatives are preferred. One of the favorite alternatives is essential oil diffusers, and many have inquired about the type of diffuser I use and recommend.
While I’m not an expert in aromatherapy, I have experimented with several diffusers. I wanted to outline the pros and cons of the diffusers we’ve tested to assist you in finding a high-quality aroma diffuser that suits your family’s needs.
Not all diffusers are made equal, and some perform better than others. I wish I had come across a review like this before making a purchase decision, and I hope my insights will be beneficial to you.
Benefits of Diffusing Essential Oils
What exactly does diffusing essential oils entail, and why would one engage in it? Electric diffusers use various methods to disperse essential oil-infused water droplets through the air in a fine intermittent or continuous mist. There are also passive diffusers like reed diffusers and waterless diffusers.
Diffusers not only serve as natural substitutes for plug-ins and air fresheners but also harness the powerful chemical properties of each essential oil from its plant source. These chemicals bind to olfactory receptors and impact the limbic system in the brain, influencing functions like hunger, emotions, sleep, and more. Hence, diffusing oils can have tangible effects.
Several studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that diffusing essential oils can yield the following benefits, depending on the oil:
- Reduces stress
- Improves mental clarity
- Boosts mood
- Has a calming and soothing effect (useful before sleep)
- Purifies the air
Essential oils are more than just home scents. It is essential to be cautious about their usage around homes and children.
Best Essential Oil Diffusers
There are various types of essential oil diffusers, making it a bit overwhelming to narrow down to the right one. Here are some of the different kinds:
- Heat diffusers
- Evaporative diffusers
- Nebulizer diffusers
- Ultrasonic/humidifying diffusers
Aside from researching, I have personally tried each type of diffuser and identified what I like and dislike about each.
1. Heat Diffuser
A heat diffuser uses heat to convert water with a few drops of essential oil into a gas that disperses into the air. These diffusers can be electric or utilize the heat from a candle or flame.
I have not found a heat diffuser that works as well as even the least effective nebulizer or ultrasonic diffuser I’ve tried. Therefore, I do not recommend this method for diffusing oils in general, as heat can compromise the beneficial properties of essential oils. Additionally, heat diffusers, especially those using candles, can be hazardous around curious children or pets as they lack automatic shut-off mechanisms.
2. Evaporative Diffusers
These diffusers employ a fan to enhance airflow across an essential oil-soaked pad or lining, allowing the scent to evaporate into the air.
Another type of evaporative diffuser is diffuser pendant jewelry, which relies on the natural evaporation of essential oils to permeate the air. However, I find this type to be less effective compared to the remaining two.
Reed diffusers operate similarly and can provide a subtle scent when placed on a desk or close by. However, they may not be suitable for larger rooms or spaces.
3. Nebulizing Diffusers
Nebulizing diffusers are often considered the most potent type as they do not require water or heat to disperse essential oils into the air. These diffusers employ an atomizer to create fine airborne particles of essential oils and release them into the air.
Nebulizing diffusers are my preferred type of diffuser. They can maintain a near-continuous stream of essential oils in the air, making them ideal for large spaces.
Here’s a summary of my experience with this type of diffuser:
Pros:
- Attaches directly to the essential oil bottle and is easy to operate
- No water or setup necessary
- Offers a strong concentration of essential oils in the air, suitable for large areas
- Features timers to control run time and rest time, providing flexibility in usage
- No light, making it suitable for night use without the need for night lights
Cons:
- Noisier than ultrasonic diffusers
- Consumes oils more quickly than ultrasonic diffusers
- Slightly pricier than most ultrasonic diffusers
We use: This Advanced Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser from Amazon. I have purchased multiple units as they work exceptionally well. Just 15 minutes of diffusing can provide a lasting scent for hours.
4. Ultrasonic Diffusers
Ultrasonic diffusers operate similarly to nebulizing diffusers by creating a fine mist. However, ultrasonic diffusers utilize water and essential oils to generate an ultrasonic cool mist that releases into the air. While they add moisture to the air, the humidifying effect is not as powerful as that of a true humidifier.
Ultrasonic diffusers do not disperse as strong a concentration of essential oils since they utilize water in the process.
Many ultrasonic diffusers offer various light settings and colored LED options. While these features can be appealing, I tend to avoid using them, especially at nighttime. Some models allow you to disable the light, but this may not always be the case.
You can find numerous budget-friendly ultrasonic diffuser sets in stores and online. However, be cautious of cheap “essential oils” included with these sets, as they may be synthetic fragrance oils. Genuine essential oils like sandalwood, jasmine, and rose are not typically priced low.
Pros:
- More affordable than nebulizing diffusers
- Provides some level of air humidification (beneficial in colder seasons)
- Offers a variety of options
- Does not utilize heat
- The water tank has a large capacity
Cons:
- Requires water for operation
- Requires periodic cleaning
- Some models have non-turnoffable lights
- Not as effective as nebulizing diffusers
Our choices: We have tried several types of ultrasonic diffusers and found certain models to be more effective than others. The following were our top picks:
- The Noor Litemist Aromatherapy Diffuser – This simple cone-shaped design can diffuse for several hours and offers the option to turn off the light for nighttime use.
- The Allay Litemist Diffuser – Similar to the Noor Litemist but slightly more affordable and lacks the feature to turn off the light, making it unsuitable for nighttime use (from our perspective).
- Portable Car Diffuser – While smaller models required frequent water refills, this model offers intermittent/constant settings, USB charging, Plant Therapy’s Travel Essential Oil Blend, and the ability to run on battery power.
Other Ways to Freshen Indoor Air
While essential oils are effective in freshening indoor air naturally, they are not the sole option. We maintain clean indoor air through:
- Indoor plants to filter the air – A NASA study showed that plants effectively filter VOCs and other indoor air pollutants.
- Salt Lamps, Beeswax Candles, and Charcoal Bags – These are simple methods to purify indoor air without the need for a diffuser or essential oils. While they do not lend a natural scent like oils, they can eliminate harmful compounds from the air.
- Air filters – Given the presence of indoor air toxins, air filters are indispensable. It’s crucial not to operate an essential oil diffuser next to an active air filter, as the filter may extract the essential oils from the air.
Bottom Line: Choosing The Best Essential Oil Diffuser
Though essential oils might appear as mix-and-match perfumes, they are powerful plant essences with medicinal properties. Employing a diffuser is beneficial, but research should be conducted beforehand. For families, it’s essential to diffuse only child-safe essential oil blends and opt for diffusers with intermittent mist settings to allow for breaks.
For households with pets, caution should be exercised when diffusing essential oils. Birds, in particular, are sensitive to volatile oils, and most experts advise against diffusing around them altogether. You can learn more about safe diffusion practices around pets and instances where it’s best to avoid diffusion here.
This article has undergone medical review by Madiha Saeed, MD, a board-certified family physician. As always, this article does not constitute personal medical advice, and consulting with a healthcare provider is recommended.
Have you ever used a diffuser? What were your experiences, likes, or dislikes? Share in the comments below!