I've posted before about why we don't use it scented candles and what do we use instead. One of my favorite alternatives is essential oil diffusers, and many people have asked me what type of diffuser I use and recommend.
I'm not an aromatherapy expert, but I've tried many types of diffusers. I wanted to share the pros and cons of the ones we've tried. This can help you find a high-quality aroma diffuser that will work well for your family.
Not all dispensers are created equal and some work much better than others. I would like to read such a review before deciding which one to buy and I hope my experience is useful for you.
Benefits of diffusing essential oils
So what exactly does essential oil diffusing mean and why would you do it? Electric diffusers use different methods to disperse essential oil containing water droplets through the air in an intermittent or continuous fine mist. There are also passive diffusers, such as cane distributor and other waterless dispensers.
Diffusers are not just a natural replacement for supplements and air fresheners although. Each essential oil has powerful chemical properties from its parent plant. These chemicals bind to our olfactory receptors (how we smell) and affect our limbic system. These nerves in our brains control hunger, emotions, anger, sleep and more, so it makes sense that diffusing oils can have a real effect.
Has a number of studies (plus lots of anecdotal evidence) that diffusing essential oils can produce the following benefits, depending on the type of oil:
- Reduces stress
- Improves mental clarity
- It lifts the mood
- Soothes and has a calming effect (useful before bed)
- Cleans the air
Essential oils are much more than home fragrances. We need to be careful about how we use them in our homes and our children.
The best essential oil diffusers
There are several different types of essential oil diffusers, which is one reason why narrowing it down to the right can feel a little overwhelming. Here are some of the different types:
- Heat diffusers
- Evaporative diffusers
- Nebulizer diffusers
- Ultrasonic diffusers/humidifiers
In addition to researching them, I've tried every type of diffuser and learned what I like and don't like about each one.
1. Heat diffuser
A heat diffuser (just what it sounds like) uses heat to turn water with a few drops of essential oil into a gas that diffuses into the air. These can be electric or use the heat of a candle/flame.
I haven't found a heat diffuser that works nearly as well as the worst nebulizer or ultrasonic diffuser I've tried. So I can't make any recommendations for these types of dispensers. Since heat affects the beneficial properties of essential oils, I definitely do not recommend this method for diffusing oils in general.
They can also be dangerous to use in homes with curious children or pets who might knock them over. Heat diffusers (especially those that use candles) do not have an automatic shut-off, so they are not safe to use unattended or while sleeping.
2. Evaporative diffusers
These diffusers use a fan to increase airflow through a layer or lining soaked in essential oil. As the liquid evaporates, the aroma (and its properties) moves into the air.
Another type of evaporative diffusion is diffusion pendant jewelry. The theory is that the essential oil will naturally evaporate and permeate the air and skin. I don't find this type of diffuser as effective as the other two.
Reed diffusers work the same way and can provide a subtle scent if you're working at a desk or have it close to you. They are not good for large rooms or areas.
3. Nebulizing diffusers
Nebulizing diffusers are often considered the most powerful type of diffuser, and with good reason. They do not need water or heat to get the essential oil into the air. Nebulizing diffusers work by using an atomizer to create fine particles of essential oils in the air and blowing them into the air.
If you can't tell, nebulizing diffusers are my favorite type of diffuser. If one becomes ill, it can maintain an almost continuous flow of essential oils in the air and can fill a large room of many square meters.
Here is my experience with this type of diffusion:
The pros:
- It attaches directly to the essential oil bottle and can be turned on with the flip of a switch
- No water or installation required
- Strong concentration of essential oils released into the air. Great for large areas like the living room.
- Timers control run time and rest time. It lets you control how long it runs and offers an option other than continuous use.
- There is no light so they can be used at night since then avoid night lights
Disadvantages:
- The noise level is higher than ultrasonic diffusers
- Uses oils faster than ultrasonic or other diffusers as they attach directly to the diffuser
- More expensive than most ultrasonic diffusers (though not by much)
In use: This advanced aromatherapy essential oil diffuser from Amazon. I have now saved and ordered a few of these because they work so well. Even just diffusing for 15 minutes will leave a lasting essential oil scent for hours.
4. Ultrasonic diffusers
Ultrasonic diffusers work similarly to nebulizers by creating a fine mist. The difference is that ultrasonic diffuser use water and essential oils to create an ultrasonic cool water/oil mist that is released into the air. They release moisture into the air, but not as much as a real humidifier. It can be useful in winter if you have it with you, but for a stronger moisturizing effect you will need a real humidifier.
Ultrasonic diffusers also do not promote the concentration of essential oils as strongly as they also use water.
Many ultrasonic diffusers have different light settings and you can choose from different colored LED lights. This is not a feature I use, especially at night (That is why). Some of them you can turn off the light, but this is not always the case.
You can find thousands of inexpensive ultrasonic diffuser kits now in department stores, online, and drugstores. Many can work well, but come with bottles of cheap “essential oils” that are really just fragrance oils. If they're selling precious oils like sandalwood, jasmine, and rose for just a few dollars a bottle, that's a good way to show that they're not really essential oils.
The pros:
- Less expensive than nebulizing diffusers
- Helps humidify the air (useful in colder months)
- Lots of options to choose from
- Do not use heat
- The water tank has a large capacity
Disadvantages:
- It needs water to function
- It should be cleaned from time to time
- Some have lights that cannot be turned off
- Not as effective as nebulizing diffusers
What we use: Several different types of ultrasonic diffusers and I have found that some work better than others. These were our favorites:
- Noor Litemist Aromatherapy Diffuser – This simple cone-shaped design dispenses for several hours and has an option to turn the light on or off for nighttime use. (Please do not use LED lights that change color at night… That is why!)
- Litemist Alloy Diffuser – Very similar and slightly cheaper than Noor Litemist. There doesn't seem to be a way to turn off the light which makes it unusable at night (for us).
- Portable car speaker – I've tried smaller models, but I'm tired of constantly filling their tiny water tanks! This one does take a cup holder, but I like the intermittent/constant control and the sleek design. It also comes with Plant Therapy's travel essential oil blend, has a USB charger, and can run on battery power.
Other ways to freshen indoor air
Essential oils are a great way to freshen indoor air with natural scents, but they're definitely not the only way! We keep our indoor air naturally clean by:
- Indoor plants to filter the air – A NASA study found that plants were effective in filtering VOCs and other indoor air toxins.
- Salt lamps, beeswax candles and charcoal bags – Three simple ways to do it clean indoor air without the need for a diffuser or essential oils. They don't offer a natural fragrance like oils, but they can remove harmful compounds from the air.
- Air filters. With the number of toxins in indoor air, air filters are a necessary and beneficial step. I explain why we love ours (we have some) here. You should be sure not to use an essential oil diffuser near an air filter that is on. The air filter will simply filter the essential oils from the air.
Conclusion: Choosing the best essential oil diffuser
Essential oils may look like mixed perfumes, but in reality, they are powerful essences from plants with medicinal effects. Using a diffuser is a great step, but everyone should do their homework. If you have a family, make sure you spread out alone Baby safe essential oil blend and take breaks using a model with intermittent fog settings.
If you have pets at home, it's important to be safe around them as well. Birds are very sensitive to volatile oils and most experts say not to diffuse them around them at all. You can read more about how safely distributed around pets (and when to avoid) here.
This article was medically reviewed by Madiha Saeed, MD, a board-certified family physician. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend you speak with your doctor.
Have you ever used a diffuser? What did you like or dislike about it? Share below!
