Using diffusers for essential oils is one of the many different ways you can enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy.
A diffuser is a cool little device that disperses the aromas of different oils into the atmosphere. You benefit from the therapeutic properties of the oils when you inhale the aromas that are diffused.
Although aromatherapy diffusers come in a wide array of models, most of them can be categorized into four main types. While each one is designed to operate differently, they all perform the same job of diffusing the aromas into the atmosphere.
There is no one best aromatherapy diffuser. The best essential oil diffuser for one purpose may not work as effectively for another purpose.
Knowing a bit more about the different types of diffusers for essential oils and how each one works will help you make a more informed buying decision when looking for the best aromatherapy diffuser for you.
Heat Diffusers
Heat diffusers are the simplest type of diffuser. Not only are they the easiest to understand and use, they are also the most inexpensive of all devices.
A heat diffuser works by using some sort of heat source to allow the essential oils to evaporate into the air. The most common heat sources are a candle or a light bulb.
Pros – Heat diffusers are extremely low maintenance, perfect for travel and work quietly in the background so you can get the benefits without being disturbed. They are also relatively inexpensive.
Cons – Many aromatherapy enthusiasts find that it does not break down the essential oils evenly. The simpler components in the oil break down quickly and are released first, with heavier components coming later. The downsides to heat diffusers are that they are higher maintenance, they also need to be refilled sooner than others and they can damage or even destroy your essential oils if overheated.
Evaporative Diffusers
Evaporative diffusers are the simplest of all types of essential oil diffusers.
You place a few drops of your favorite essential oil onto a filter or collecting pad and a fan or some type of basic heating element disperses the aroma into the atmosphere.
Pros – This “low tech” essential oil diffuser is very easy to use, quiet and affordable.
Cons – As with the heat method used for delivering the benefits of essential oils, evaporative diffusers too, deliver individual components at different times. While this is okay for smaller spaces, it is not very effective for larger areas. The big concern among purists is that evaporative and heat diffusers weaken some or even all therapeutic health benefits that essential oils can deliver.
Humidifying or Ultrasonic Diffusers
Humidifying diffusers, also known as ultrasonic diffusers are considerably more expensive than heat and evaporative diffusers but there is a good reason for that. These have a more advanced mechanism for dispersing the therapeutic aromas so you can the maximum benefits of the oil.
They have a sleek, modern design that looks good in any setting and they operate silently so you can enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy in peaceful silence.
With some of the more advanced models, you can hear the sound of trickling water that sounds just like a babbling brook. Many users find the sound soothing and relaxing, which enhances the benefits of aromatherapy
Pros – These devices do double duty in that they act as a diffuser-cum-humidifier. You can also purchase models that have rotating colored light options. I find that these are the best aromatherapy diffusers for multiple purposes.
Cons – Ultrasonic diffusers are not very effective for use in large rooms. Moreover, they are a higher maintenance model than most other types of diffusers.
The URPOWER Essential Oil Ultrasonic Aromatherapy Oil Diffuser is the #1 bestselling ultrasonic model on several online sites.
Atomizing and Nebulizing Diffusers
There a lot to love about essential oil nebulizing diffusers.
These nifty little devices are capable of dispersing the aromas over a large area quickly with an evenly dispersed amount of essential oil.
Heavy and light components of your oil are broken down at the same rate, so you get the most natural product into the air.
Some models generate a humming sound which many people find quite soothing.
This is the best aromatherapy diffuser to buy if you are looking for something that is low maintenance. You do not have to clean it after every use as with an ultrasonic or humidifying diffuser.
When buying a nebulizing diffuser, it is a good idea to purchase a model that has an inbuilt timer. This is because you can become immune to aromas if you consistently use them for more than 15-minute sessions. With a timer, you can set it for optimum use.
Pros – Aromatherapy nebulizing diffusers diffuse essential oils at a consistent rate so you get the full benefits of the oils. They are also low-maintenance so you can just put a few drops of the oil in the holder and forget all about it.
Cons – Aromatherapy atomizing diffusers are the most expensive of all.
Most aromatherapy enthusiasts consider the nebulizing models to be the best all-around essential oil diffusers.
Considering you would have paid a lot for your essential oils, it makes sense to invest a little more and buy the best aromatherapy diffuser. They do not let any of the oil components go to waste so you get to enjoy all of the goodness of the oil.
The Raindrop 2.0 Nebulizing Essential Oil Diffuser For Aromatherapy is the best-selling model of its type.
How about you? What type of essential oil diffuser are you using? Do you find that it disperses the aromas well? Let us know in the comments below.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to serve as medical advice. Please consult your physician before using essential oils. See Full Disclaimer here.
