I’ve posted before about why we don’t use scented candles and what we use instead. One of my favorite alternatives is to use an essential oil diffuser, and many people asked what type of diffuser I use and recommend.
I’m not an herbalist or aromatherapy expert, but I have tried many types of diffusers and I wanted to share the pros and cons of the ones we’ve tried.
From my experience, not all diffusers are created equal and some work much better than others. I wish that I’d read a review like this before deciding which to purchase and I hope my experience will be helpful to you.
Benefits of Diffusing Essential Oils
So what does diffusing essential oils mean exactly, and why would you do it? Diffusers use various methods to disperse essential oil containing water droplets through the air in a fine continuous mist.
Far from being just a natural substitute for air freshener and nothing more, each type of essential oil contains powerful chemical properties (the “essence”) from its parent plant. These chemicals bind to our olfactory receptors (how we smell) and have an actual effect on our limbic system. These nerves in our brains control our hunger, emotions, anger, sleep, and more, so it makes sense diffusing oils can have a real effect.
There are a number of studies (plus a whole lot of anecdotal evidence) that diffusing essential oils can produce the following benefits, depending on the type of oil:
- reduces stress
- improves mental clarity
- uplifts the mood
- calms and promotes a sedative effect (useful before sleep)
- purifies the air
In fact, essential oils are so much more than air fresheners that we need to be cautious about how we use them around our homes and our children.
Types of Essential Oil Diffusers
There are a few different types of essential oil diffusers which is one reason why narrowing down to the right one can feel a little overwhelming. The ones I’m aware of include:
- Nebulizer Diffusers
- Ultrasonic/Humidifying Diffusers
- Heat Diffusers
- Evaporative Diffusers
In addition to researching them, I’ve tried each type of diffuser and have learned what I like and what I don’t about each.
1. Heat Diffuser
A heat diffuser, as it sounds, uses heat to turn water with a few drops of essential oil into a gas that disperses into the air. These can be electric or use the heat of a candle/flame.
I have not found a heat diffuser that worked nearly as well as even the worst nebulizer or ultrasonic diffusers I’ve tried, so I can’t make any recommendations on these types of diffusers. Since heat affects the beneficial properties of the essential oils, I definitely don’t recommend this method for diffusing oils in general.
2. Evaporative Diffusers
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) move into the air.
Another type of evaporative diffuser is diffuser 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 nearly as effective as the remaining two.
3. Nebulizing Diffusers
Nebulizing diffusers are often considered the most powerful type of diffusers, and with good reason. They do not need water or heat to get the essential oil into the air and they work by using an atomizer to create fine, airborne particles of essential oils and blowing them into the air.
If you can’t tell, nebulizing diffusers are my favorite type of diffuser. If anyone gets sick they can keep a near-continuous stream of essential oils in the air and can fill a room of many square feet.
Here’s my thought process and experience with this type of diffuser:
Pros:
- Attaches directly to the bottle of essential oil and can be turned on with the flip of a switch
- No water or set-up required
- Strong concentration of essential oils released into the air
- Timers control run time and rest time let you control how long it runs and provide an option other than continuous use
- No light so they can be used at night, since we avoid night lights
Cons:
- Noise level is louder than ultrasonic diffusers
- Uses oils more quickly than ultrasonic or other diffusers since they attach directly to the diffuser
- More expensive than most ultrasonic diffusers (though not by much)
We use: This Advanced Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser from Amazon. I’ve now saved up and ordered a couple 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 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 an ultrasonic cool mist of water/oils that releases into the air. They double as a humidifier, so they are beneficial in winter, but they don’t put out as strong of a concentration of essential oils since they also use water.
Note: It is not recommended to use citrus essential oils with this type of diffuser as they can cause the parts to erode.
Pros:
- Less expensive than nebulizing diffusers
- Doubles as a humidifier (beneficial in cold months)
- Many options to choose from
- Doesn’t use heat
- Water tank has a large capacity
Cons:
- Can’t use citrus essential oils
- Need water to operate
- Must be cleaned occasionally
- Some have lights that can’t be turned off
- Not as effective as nebulizing diffusers
What we use: Several different types of ultrasonic diffusers and I’ve found that some work better than others. These were our favorites:
- The Noor Litemist Aromatherapy Diffuser – This simple cone-shape design diffuses for several hours and has an option to turn the light on or off for night time use. (Just please don’t use any LED color-changing lights at night… here’s why!)
- The Allay Litemist Diffuser – Very similar and slightly cheaper than the Noor Litemist, but it doesn’t seem to have a way to turn off the light which makes it unusable at night (for us).
- Everlasting Comfort – Their wood diffuser has great reviews and is one of my favorite to look at. It has a 400mL tank that can provide you with over 13 hours of diffusion but also has a timer so you can choose how long you need it on. Use code wellnessmama for 10% off.
- Car Diffuser – I’ve tried smaller models but got tired of repeatedly filling their tiny water reservoirs! This one does take up a cupholder but I like the intermittent/constant control and the sleek design.
Other Ways to Freshen Indoor Air
Essential oils are a great way to freshen indoor air with natural scents but they are definitely not the only way! We keep our indoor air clean naturally with:
- Indoor plants to filter the air – A NASA study found that plants were effective at filtering out VOCs and other indoor air toxins.
- Salt Lamps, Beeswax Candles, and Charcoal Bags – Three simple ways to clean indoor air without needing a diffuser or essential oils. They don’t offer a natural scent like oils do, but 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 several) here.
Bottom Line: Choosing an Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser
Essential oils may seem like mix-and-match perfumes, but in reality they are powerful essences from plants with medicinal effects. I think using a diffuser is a great step, but urge everyone to do their homework. If you have a family, make sure to diffuse only kid-safe essential oil blends and take breaks by buying a model with controlled mist settings.
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 that you talk with your doctor.
Have you ever used a diffuser? What did you like or not like about it? Share below!
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I’ve been using essential oils for stress reduction as well as helping with digestion in the form of organic peppermint essential oil rubbed onto the abdomen.
Where do you suggest getting the essential oils from? What details should I be looking for when buying them?
I did lots of research on oils and have decided on Young Living………..look them up, a great company and the best oils……….and you can if you like make money with them. I signed up and bought a kit……I think they are well worth the price
Personally, I have found that I really like Edens Garden and their price is right and their practices (in my experience), good. They offer full disclosure on what their oils are, where they come from and how they are extracted, all of which are important to me. Most of their oils are not considered organic, but considering how many come from around the world, this is predictable and knowing the details helps me decide. They are all therapeutic grade, too, and I have had no reverse reaction to any I’ve usex and given how highly sensitive I am to toxins and man-made chemicals, that actually says a lot about the quality (I have been using essential oils for… nearly three decades now.. wow! but this brand only for the last three years or so). No, I can’t make money off them, but that’s never been a priority or motivator for me – keeps my opinions untainted in my own mind 🙂
Obviously, YMMV, but I thought I’d share.
We just started using Edens Garden as well and LOVE them. Their customer service has also been outstanding.
I too am curious about what kind of essential oils to use, I looked into Young Living oils but they are not certified organic and then I looked into Mountain Rose Herbs but they state that they are not suitable for therapeutic aromatherapy. I would love to find some good organic brands to buy from.
Have you looked at Young Living website? There is a video of how they are made and much good info there. I believe in them and so do many
Me too. Did a lot of research before trying Young Living for their quality and selection. Been using Young Living diffuser and oils for 6 months now and ordered 2 more 🙂
I too signed up for the YLEO kit. It was a great way to get many oils at once for a decent price. I also bought them when they were having a sale! I love YL oils! They are wonderful. But because of their pyramid sales approach I simply can not afford them. They are expensive, not because of their purity, but because your purchase is going toward the paycheck of many people above you on the pyramid! I have done some research on oils as well and found 2 companies that I especially love: Healing Solutions which has a whole Kids Safe line, and Plant Therapy, which I found on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Oils-Therapeutic-Eucalyptus-Peppermint/dp/B00J8O18TQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=wellnessmama-20&linkId=028c78399b70e0e08ada8a37412c49ec&language=en_US), and they have a whole organic line of oils. Both have 100% pure oils, know where they come from and practice with many years of experience extracting and explaining purity, etc.
please look into doTerra. Their oils are Certified (by a third party source) Pure Therapeutic Grade (CPTG), most of them can be ingested (some brands say to not ingest oils). They source their oils from the most true areas. For instance their Lavender is from Provence, their Frankinsense is from Oman and Sandalwood from Hawaii. I am not saying that other companies aren’t good, but I use and LOVE doTerra oils. I have compared the smells of some other brands and doTerra oils smell better and less synthetic.
I am not here to start an argument, I simply want to clarify. Neither of the major MLM essential oil companies are third-party certified. “Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade” is a registered trademark and not an indication of third-party certification. As far as I know there is no such thing as certification for essential oils.
There are many good essential oil companies out there. I have friends who swear by doTERRA and others by Young Living. If you aren’t interested in the MLM game, there are good independent retailers like Mountain Rose, Heritage, and Native American Nutritionals. A google search of “best essential oil company” will give you multiple review sources that can help inform your decision.
Thank u, finally someone w unbiased knowledge!
there is no such thing as “Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade” essential oils. There is no recognized independent third party that provides an independent certification, if they are claiming that it is because they are paying a third party to provide them with some certification based on their own criteria. If the third party is being paid by the oil manufacturer, it is not considered an independent verfication.
I am loving all the informative comments on diffusers. I did want to let you know that Young Living doesn’t certify organic because they farm and sell all over the world. Different countries have different regulations which make it prohibitive costwise and they want everyone to have access to pure oils. They are passionate about not using chemicals in their farming. Check out their Seed to Seal guarantee. It is the only brand I will use after extensive research.
Caroline, What do you mean by mountain rose EO states “that they are not suitable for therapeutic aromatherapy”?
AMEO essential oils
Clinical grade
Where did you see that Mountain Rose Herbs Essential Oil is not for aromatherapy?
I have been using the GreenAir Spa Vapor for about a month now and I absolutely love it. It runs for 4-6 hours and automatically shuts off when the water is too low, so it works well for overnight use. The lights can be turned off as well. It was very inexpensive ($25) and spreads the scent very well throughout any room its in.
I have two oil diffusers. One that plugs directly into the wall from Aura Cassia. I really like it! It was inexpensive, only needs a few drops of oil, and really spreads the scent. The other I have is from a candle company, I think it’s Yukon Gold? It is attractive, can sit on a counter, but needs to be plugged in. It has a timer so I don’t worry about it staying on too long. Again, it spreads the scent nicely. It was meant for candles hut had a small bowl adapter to use oils.
Thank you for all you do to help others become healthy. I was wondering if you have ever looked into the Young Living AromaLux™ Atomizing Diffuser. It looks amazing but I wasn’t sure if there is something out there that is better. I would rather spend the money on one extremely good diffuser than have several that are so so. Thank you again:)
I found my ultrasonic diffuser does heat up the water slightly. Maybe it’s the essential oil or the diffuser but it seems to degrade the EO and the scent is not pleasant. I’ve used lavender most of the time. Maybe the nebulizer is the way to go. Thanks for the reviews.
I have the Allay Litemist diffuser and there is a way to turn out the light. On mine if you push the button to turn it on and then push the button a second time the light will go out but the diffuser continues to work.
This is the latest and best, thus far, for me, of the sonic diffusers. Low maintenance, interesting design, lights cool looking and can be turned off, and most importantly, it does the job quickly and very quietly (and they’ve designed it to make a sort of drippy-gurggly noise if you are close enough in a quiet room to hear it).
Hm, the link to it on Amazon didn’t work. It’s the Deneve Riverok Ultransmit Sublime Aromatherapy.
I have The Allay Litemist diffuser. I like it and I can shut the light off. Once it’s on, you press the button once and the light goes off. Press it twice and the whole things shuts off. Nice night light. I have tried the evaporated kind and frankly I don’t think it even worked. There was no noise or smell from it despite reading and following the directions a hundred times.
Same here! The light does turn off! Love it.