I've previously posted about why we don't use scented candles and what we can do instead. One of my favorite alternatives is an essential oil diffuser. Many people ask me what types of diffusers I use and recommend.
I'm not an aromatherapy expert, but I've tried many different diffusers. I wanted to share the pros and cons of the things we tried. This can help you find a high-quality aroma diffuser that is a good fit for your family.
Not all diffusers are created equal and some work much better than others. Please read reviews like this before you decide which product to buy and I hope my experience will help you.
Benefits of Diffusing Essential Oils
So what exactly does diffusing essential oils mean, and why would you do it? Electric diffusers use a variety of methods to disperse essential oils containing water droplets into the air in the form of a fine intermittent or continuous mist. There are also passive diffusers such as reed diffusers and other anhydrous diffusers.
Diffusers are not just plug-ins and natural replacements for air fresheners. Each essential oil has powerful chemical properties from its parent plant. These chemicals bind to olfactory receptors (how we smell) and affect the limbic system. These nerves in our brain regulate hunger, emotions, anger, sleep, and more, so it makes sense that diffusing oils could have real effects.
There is plenty of research (and plenty of anecdotal evidence) that diffusing essential oils can provide the following benefits, depending on the type of oil:
- reduce stress
- Improves mental clarity.
- It cheers me up.
- Has a calming and soothing effect (useful before going to sleep)
- purifies the air
Essential oils are more than just home fragrances. We need to be careful about how we use them at home and around our children.
best essential oil diffuser
There are several types of essential oil diffusers, which is one reason why narrowing down to the right product can be a bit overwhelming. Here are some of the different types:
- heat spreader
- evaporation diffuser
- nebulizer diffuser
- Ultrasonic/Humidifying Diffuser
In addition to researching, I have tried each type of diffuser and learned what I like and dislike about each.
1. Heat spreader
Heat diffusers use heat to turn a few drops of essential oil and water into a gas that disperses into the air. This can be electrical or using heat from a candle/flame.
I haven't found a heat diffuser that works as well as the worst nebulizer or ultrasonic diffuser I've tried. So I can't make any recommendations for this type of diffuser. Because heat affects the beneficial properties of essential oils, we generally do not recommend this method for diffusing oils.
It can also be dangerous to use it in homes with curious children or pets who may trip. Heat spreaders (especially those that use candles) do not have an automatic shut-off feature and are therefore unsafe to use unattended or while sleeping.
2. Evaporative diffuser
These diffusers use a fan to increase airflow across an essential oil-soaked pad or lining. As the liquid evaporates, the scent (and its properties) moves into the air.
Another type of evaporating diffuser is diffuser pendant jewelry. The theory is that essential oils naturally evaporate and seep into the air and skin. I don't think this type of diffuser is as effective as the other two.
A reed diffuser works the same way and can be placed on or right next to your desk while you work, providing a subtle scent. Not suitable for large rooms or spaces.
3. Nebulizing diffuser
Nebulizing diffusers are often considered the most powerful type of diffuser, and for good reason. No water or heat is needed to release essential oils into the air. Nebulizing diffusers work by using a nebulizer to create tiny particles of essential oil in the air and blow them into the air.
If you couldn't tell, misting diffusers are my favorite type of diffuser. If anyone is sick, they can maintain a nearly continuous flow of essential oils in the air, filling a large room several square feet.
Here is my experience with this type of diffuser:
Advantages:
- You can attach it directly to the essential oil bottle and turn it on by turning on the switch.
- No water or setup required.
- A powerful concentration of essential oils is released into the air. Suitable for large spaces such as living rooms.
- Timer controls run time and rest time. You can control execution time and provide options other than continuous use.
- There is no light, so it can be used at night as it avoids night lights.
disadvantage:
- The noise level is louder than that of an ultrasonic diffuser.
- Because it attaches directly to the diffuser, it uses oil faster than ultrasonic or other diffusers.
- It is more expensive than most ultrasonic diffusers. (although not much)
we use: Amazon’s premium aromatherapy essential oil diffuser. I saved and ordered these two now because they work so well. Diffusing for just 15 minutes will make the essential oil scent last for hours.
4. Ultrasonic diffuser
Ultrasonic diffusers work in a similar way to nebulizing diffusers by creating a fine mist. The difference is that ultrasonic diffusers use water and essential oils to create a cool ultrasonic mist of water/oil that is released into the air. It releases moisture into the air, but not as much as a real humidifier. In the winter, having one right next to you can help, but you'll need a true humidifier for a more powerful humidifying effect.
Ultrasonic diffusers also use water, so they are not as strong as essential oil concentrations.
Many ultrasonic diffusers have a variety of lighting settings and you can choose from a variety of colored LED lights. This is not a feature I use, especially at night (here's why). Some of them can turn off the lights, but not always.
You can now find many inexpensive ultrasonic diffuser sets at supermarkets, online, and even at pharmacies. Many of these are fine, but they come with bottles of cheap “essential oils” that are really just balms. If you're selling precious oils like sandalwood, jasmine, or rose for just a few dollars a bottle, that's a good way to tell that they aren't actually essential oils.
Advantages:
- Cheaper than a spray diffuser
- Helps humidify the air (useful in cold months).
- Many options to choose from
- do not use heat
- The water tank capacity is large
disadvantage:
- Requires water to work
- Needs occasional cleaning
- Some have lights that cannot be turned off.
- Not as effective as a nebulizing diffuser
What we use: Among the different types of ultrasonic diffusers, some have been found to work better than others. Here are our favorites:
- Noor Litemist Aromatherapy Diffuser – This simple cone-shaped design diffuses for hours and has the option to turn the light on or off for nighttime use. (Don’t use LED color-changing lights at night…here’s why!)
- Allay Litemist Diffuser – Very similar to the Noor Litemist and slightly cheaper. There doesn't seem to be a way to turn off the light which would render it unusable at night.
- Portable Car Diffuser – I’ve tried smaller models, but I’m tired of filling the small water reservoir over and over again! It takes up a lot of cup holder space, but I like the intermittent/continuous controls and sleek design. It also comes with Plant Therapy's Travel Essential Oil Blend, has a USB charger, and can run out of battery power.
Other ways to freshen indoor air
Essential oils are a great way to freshen indoor air with a natural scent, but they're definitely not the only way! We keep our indoor air naturally clean by:
- Indoor plants that purify the air – A NASA study found that plants are effective in filtering out VOCs and other indoor air toxins.
- Salt lamp, beeswax candle, charcoal bag – Three simple ways to purify indoor air without a diffuser or essential oils. Although it does not provide a natural scent like oil, it can remove harmful compounds from the air.
- air filter. Because indoor air is high in toxins, air filters are an essential and beneficial step. Here we explain why we love our products (of which we have several). We do not recommend operating your essential oil diffuser directly next to an air filter that is turned on. Air filters only capture essential oils from the air.
Bottom Line: Choosing the Best Essential Oil Diffuser
Essential oils may look like mix-and-match perfumes, but they are actually powerful essences extracted from plants with medicinal properties. Using a diffuser is a good step, but everyone needs to do their homework. If you have a family, only diffuse essential oil blends that are safe for children and use a model with an intermittent mist setting for relaxation.
If you have pets at home, it is important to safely spread the virus around them as well. Birds are very sensitive to volatile oils, so most experts say not to spread them around your birds at all. More information on how to safely spread it around your pets (and when to avoid it) can be found here.
This article has been medically reviewed. Madiha Saeed, MD, board-certified family physician. As always, this is not individual medical advice and you are advised to consult your own physician.
Have you ever used a diffuser? What do you like and don't like about it? Share below!
