Essential oils are well known for their beautiful fragrances and magical therapeutic benefits that can heal the mind, body, and spirit. Imagine coming home after a stressful day at work, and as you breathe in the uplifting scents of Jasmine, Rose, or Patchouli, you experience a relaxing feeling of well-being.
While there are many ways of enjoying the sensory delights of essential oils such as lighting a scented candle, burning incense sticks, or via a reed diffuser, the most efficient way is to use an oil diffuser.
The 5 Best Essential Oil Diffusers
- InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser
- Fine Line Living Essential Oil Aromatherapy Diffuser
- Breathe Essential Oil Diffuser (Our Top Pick)
- Hathaspace Essential Oil Aroma Diffuser
- Vitruvi Essential Oil Diffuser
Our Top Pick for the Best Essential Oil Diffuser
Our top pick for the best essential oil diffuser is the Breathe Essential Oil Diffuser.
As well as its stylish design, beautiful wood grain finish, and a wide range of colors to light up your home, the Breathe Essential Oil Diffuser has a very generous-sized water tank, so that you can fill a room with your favorite essential oils. It also features some handy operator features that allow you to control the amount of scent to suit your mood and lifestyle.
Check the price on AmazonHow Does An Oil Diffuser Work?
I am a big fan of using essential oils, and I still have a collection of tea light oil burners scattered around my house. Oil burners or tea light burners use heat to cause the oil to disperse into the air, and they work quite effectively.
However, tea light burners use a naked flame as their heat source. So they can be dangerous if you leave them unattended, and they can also be messy from the build-up of oil. Also, the other problem with using heat-based oil burners is that they are continuously heating the essential oils. So they can change the nature and properties of the oils, thereby limiting the oil’s effectiveness.
An essential oil diffuser is one of the most efficient and cleanest ways of dispersing the oil into the air. The oil diffuser uses ultrasonic technology or controlled movement of air, and all you have to do is mix in a few drops of the concentrated essential oil with water (depending on the type of diffuser) into the tank, and the diffuser sends out a cool scented mist into the room. Viola! Instant relaxation!
Oil diffusers can be used for a wide range of purposes, creating invigorating scents around your home, mask unpleasant smells from dogs or cigarettes, and freshen the air. Some essential oil diffusers can be used with a nebulizer and humidifier to improve the air quality and to help with colds and flu.
How to Choose the Best Essential Oil Diffuser
Design Features of Oil Diffusers
Oil diffusers can be made out of different materials: ceramic, plastic, wood, glass, and metal. They also come in a range of designs. Some are very modern looking and may have LED lights that change colors. Or they may look like elegant, but functional pieces of sculpture that can enhance the overall aesthetics of a room, whether it be a living room or your office.
Ultrasonic/Humidifier and Nebulizer Diffusers
As you enter the magical world of aromatherapy, you will discover that there are 4 different types of diffusers: ultrasonic, nebulizer, heat, and evaporative. Each of these diffusers has its advantages and disadvantages, but the ultrasonic/humidifier and nebulizer diffusers are the best types to choose as they do not use heat, which can ultimately minimize the effectiveness of the oil, and they also provide better coverage.
Nebulizer Diffuser
A nebulizing diffuser does not require heat or water to disperse the oil into the air. It works by using an atomizer or pump which is similar to the top of a perfume bottle that you press down to release the perfume.
The air pump sends the air through a tube to the nozzle that creates a vacuum that sucks up the oil, which is then blown out in a mist or spray. As the nebulizer sprays the pure concentrated oil out in droplets, you experience the full power of the therapeutic oils. However, the nebulizing diffuser uses oil at a much higher rate, so it can be more expensive, and it is noisier than an ultrasonic diffuser.
Ultrasonic/Humidifier
Ultrasonic diffusers are very effective at dispersing essential oils. They use electronic frequencies that cause a disk that is placed under the water’s surface to vibrate at a rapid rate. The vibrations break the oil into tiny microparticles, along with the water that is placed into the tank, which is then diffused into a room’s atmosphere as a soft mist.
An ultrasonic diffuser can also be used as a small humidifier without any oils to moisturize the air, which is especially ideal for dry climates. Although an ultrasonic diffuser is one of the most popular methods of dispersing essential oils, it is not as powerful as a nebulizing diffuser, and you cannot use citrus oils as they can damage the unit.
Six Important Features Of An Oil Diffuser
As well as their overall design and operating features, you also have to consider other specifications such as the coverage of the essential oil diffuser, how many hours the diffuser can produce the mist, and other handy features that the manufacturer may provide.
1. Room Capacity or Coverage
Before you buy an oil diffuser, you have to consider where you will be using it. Will you be using it in the living room or bedroom? How small or large is the room where you want to use the essential oil diffuser? How many square feet would you like the diffuser to cover?
Most diffusers have a capacity of around 200-250-square-feet, which means they can provide fragrance for a small room, while more expensive oil diffusers can cover up to 500 or even a 1000-square-feet.
2. Water Refill Capacity and Re-filling Time
Most oil diffusers, except for the nebulizer, have a water tank where you need to manually add the water so that it can mix in with the oil. Some models have a small tank around 70ml or 100ml, while others have a bigger tank at around 300ml. If the diffuser has a small tank, you will have to add the water more frequently. However, if it has a larger tank the diffuser can produce the mist for a longer period before you have to refill the tank.
The re-filling time is determined by the size of the tank. Some models can last from 4-6 hours before you have to refill the tank, while others can last up to 10 hours.
3. Automatic Shut-Off
An automatic shut-off is a very handy safety feature as the diffuser will automatically turn itself off when it runs out of the water. Having this feature can save your oil diffuser from breaking down and lasting only a few months as opposed to a couple of years.
4. LED Lighting Effects
Besides filling our living spaces with beautiful fragrances that can relax and heal our mind, body, and soul, many oil diffusers have colorful LED lights that can create a stunning display.
Some models have soft lights that can change color and can provide subtle illumination for a romantic date night, or they can be used as a comforting night light. Other oil diffusers have a single band of green light that can add a unique touch of sophistication and glamor to a dinner party. There are oil diffusers that also allow you to brighten or dim the light according to your mood or the time of day when you use the diffuser.
Whether you choose an oil diffuser that has a selection of rainbow colors or one that has a modern design with a glowing green strip of neon light, it will add to your overall relaxation experience.
5. Programming Options
Some manufacturers designed their oil diffusers with programmable options. You may be able to control the airflow of the mist from a heavy mist to a gentle mist, which changes the intensity of the fragrance. You may be able to modify the setting on the timer to allow the oil to be dispersed for a particular amount of time.
Being able to control the level of intensity and timing of the oil dispersal is very handy for people who want to organize a meditation session or use the diffuser throughout the night.
6. Noise Level
The noise level of an oil diffuser varies from model to model. Some diffusers make a gurgling or splashing sound, which is OK if you are working around the house as you will probably not even notice it. However, if you want to sleep, or just relax or read a book, a diffuser that has “whisper-quiet technology” is your best choice.
3 Essential Oil and Oil Diffuser Tips
- Before using your essential oils, read the directions on the label carefully. Even though they are natural, essential oils are potent substances; and some may have to be diluted with a carrier oil. Essential oils can burn or irritate the skin and eyes if they are not handled properly.
- Some oil diffusers can leak if there is too much oil or water in the tank. So to make sure that it does not overflow, read the manufacturer’s manual to add the right amount of oil and the proper measurement of water into the tank, up to the required water line.
- To avoid any breakage of the unit, do not over-tighten the lid. If you over-tighten the lid you could cause the O-ring to break, which can cause the oil to leak out. Some diffusers also give you an extra O-ring in case this happens. However, to minimize any breakage, be gentle when you are opening and closing the diffuser.
7 Steps To Keep Your Oil Diffuser Clean
One of the reasons that an oil diffuser can break is because it has not been cleaned or maintained properly. Here are 7 steps to keep your oil diffuser in good working order.
- Fill the diffuser halfway with clean water.
- Add 10 drops of white vinegar.
- Let the diffuser run for about 5 minutes to allow the water/vinegar mixture to clean the unit.
- Unplug and drain the diffuser completely of the mixture.
- Use a cotton swab that is dipped in vinegar and clean any tight spots or corners of the diffuser.
- Rinse the diffuser with clean water.
- Use a dry cloth to wipe and thoroughly dry the diffuser.
5 Best Essential Oil Diffusers – Reviews
1. InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser
This smart basic white ultrasonic InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser is ideal for creating a range of beautiful scents in a small to medium-sized room. The diffuser is made from durable polypropylene (PP) plastic that is BPA-free with no toxins.
As well as filling your house with soothing fragrances from your favorite essential oils, 7 LED mood lights will create a magical fairyland in your bedroom or living room. The lights are adjustable and you can brighten them when you are entertaining guests, or dim the light to use it as a calming nightlight in your child’s bedroom.
There are 3 operating functions; an intermittent and continuous scent, or you can switch off the diffusing scent and enjoy the light-changing colors on their own. The diffuser is “whisper quiet”, and it has an automatic shut-off in case it runs out of water. You can also use it as a humidifier to prevent dry skin during winter or alleviate sinus conditions.
The diffuser comes with a 6-feet power cord, a wall charger, a measuring cup, and InnoGear offers a 45-day money-back guarantee and an 18-month product warranty.
Pros
- Good quality
- Compact
- Works as a humidifier
- Choice of 7 alternating lights
- Automatic shut-off
- Easy to use
- Quiet
Cons
- Oil diffusion is not very strong
- Hard to open and close
2. Fine Line Living Essential Oil Aromatherapy Diffuser
The very stylish Fine Line Living Essential Oil Aromatherapy Diffuser will not only fill your room with a gentle fragrant mist, but its range of soft and colorful lights will add a unique ambiance, day or night.
The diffuser is made from durable BPA-free white plastic, and it is designed to cover an area of 200-square feet, so you can use it in the office for a much-needed de-stress, and its soft glow makes it the perfect night light for the bedroom, to lull you to sleep.
As well as its comforting scent, the Fine Line Living diffuser has an LED light that changes into a range of soft rainbow colors, green, blue, purple, yellow, and red. You can sit back and watch the beautiful colors change, or switch the lights off and just enjoy the healing power of the oils.
The diffuser is very easy to use, just fill the 100ml tank with water using the included measuring cup, add a few drops of your favorite essential oils, plug it in, and enjoy the soothing aroma of the oils.
You can choose from 2 mist modes, either intermittent or continuous fragrance. There is an automatic shut-off for when the diffuser is running low on water, which gives you more time to enjoy the healing balm of the oils while they soothe away the cares of the world.
Pros
- Ideal for a small room
- Superb quality
- Consistent gentle mist
- Compact
- Provides a nice, soft glow
- Beautiful colors
- Easy to use
- Quiet
Cons
- Not ideal for medium to large rooms
- Lid is hard to open and close
3. Breathe Essential Oil Diffuser
The gorgeous Breathe Essential Oil Diffuser is coated with a smooth natural oak finish and as it has a large 550ml capacity, it can easily fill a small to medium size room up to 500-square-feet with a generous flow of fragrant mist. As well as producing an inviting and relaxing scent, the versatile oil diffuser can be used as a colorful light source with 16 colors to choose from. You can even use it as a humidifier and an air purifier.
The Breathe Essential oil diffuser has 8 color cycles, and you can control the dimness and brightness of the colors, turn off the light and just enjoy the scent, or change the mist from high to low, depending on your mood.
There are also 4 timer settings to choose from, 1 hour, 3 hours, and 6 hours, and the ON setting can keep the unit running for up to 18 hours, which means this diffuser is perfect for promoting good sleeping habits.
You can use the oil diffuser worry-free in your bedroom as the unit will shut off automatically when the water reaches a low level. Ultrasonic technology makes sure that the diffuser is extremely quiet while it is working, so it can be used in the office too.
Breathe Essential offers 3 other wood grain finishes: espresso, natural oak Wt, and white marble, and the diffuser comes with a cleaning kit and a measuring cup.
Pros
- Very good value for money
- Large capacity with longer runtime
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Smooth wood grain design
- 16 beautiful colorful effects
- Quiet
- Timer
- Automatic shut-off
Cons
- Wood grain finish can peel off easily
4. Hathaspace Essential Oil Aroma Diffuser
The Hathaspace Essential Oil Aroma Diffuser is an excellent choice for providing heavenly scents, cool mist, and subtle lighting around your home. Its strong BPA-free plastic has a chic Italian marble coating and the LED light band that encircles the top and the bottom of the diffuser emanates 7 soothing colors that compliment the sleek matt black finish.
This diffuser provides you with a therapeutic aromatherapy experience for up to 18 hours, so you can just sit back, relax, and unwind. There is an automatic shut-off system that turns the unit off when the tank is empty, and you can use the diffuser without the light, or use it as a humidifier by using water only.
You will have greater control over the level of aroma and moisture in the air with 2 mist modes, and the automatic light mode cycles through all the colors and then turns the diffuser off.
The diffuser has a large 350ml capacity tank, so you can use it in any 300-square plus room, and as it is very quiet, the Hathaspace diffuser is perfect for a bedroom. As well as the classic black design the diffuser is available in classic white.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Ideal for a larger room
- Unique marble design
- Diffuser and humidifier
- Compact
- Easy to use
- Seven soothing colors
- Quiet
- Automatic shut-off
Cons
- Lid can come off easily
- Scent is not very strong in a larger room
5. Vitruvi Essential Oil Diffuser
This sleek and stylish Vitruvi Essential Oil Diffuser not only looks stunning but also releases delightful essential oil scents such as lavender or frankincense that will enhance your home or office. Beautifully crafted from porcelain, the ceramic diffuser has a smooth black matte surface that adds a special touch of sophistication to any type of decor.
This super-smart diffuser ensures that you will get the full benefits of the 100% essential oils as the innovative ultrasonic “whisper-quiet” technology uses cold air pressure to compress the oils into a fine mist, which is well dispersed around the room.
The diffuser has footpads that stabilize the unit and stop it from sliding or being tipped over and it also has a safety off switch.
Highly economical, the 90ml diffuser holds 10-20 drops of essential oil and produces 2.5 vibrations per second, so it can quickly diffuse the fragrance around a large 500-square-feet room such as a bedroom or lounge room.
You can fully control the diffuser to match your lifestyle needs as its timer mode disperses the natural fragrance up to 3 or 7.5 hours.
The diffuser has a built-in warm-colored light strip that lights up whether the machine is diffusing the oils or not, and the unit comes with a long 6-feet black power cord.
Vitruvi also offers the diffuser in 4 other amazing colors: pink, charcoal, terracotta, and white.
Pros
- Very good quality oil diffuser
- Sophisticated ceramic design
- Innovative whisper-quiet ultrasonic technology
- Economical
- Quiet
- Very good coverage
- Available in 4 other colors
Cons
- Expensive
- Fragrance can be overpowering in a small room
- Only one colored light
Our Top Pick for the Best Essential Oil Diffuser
Our top pick for the best essential oil diffuser is the Breathe Essential Oil Diffuser.
As well as its stylish design, beautiful wood grain finish, and a wide range of colors to light up your home, the Breathe Essential Oil Diffuser has a very generous-sized water tank, so that you can fill a room with your favorite essential oils. It also features some handy operator features that allow you to control the amount of scent to suit your mood and lifestyle.
Check the price on Amazon
