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Aromatherapy diffusers allow you to infuse your surrounding atmosphere with the healing properties of essential oils. You benefit from the therapeutic properties of the oils when you inhale the aromas that are diffused.
Also known as essential oil diffusers, these devices come in a wide array of models in different shapes, sizes, features, and price points. Not all are created equal. Some are basic while others come with advanced features that enhance the performance of the device.
The biggest challenge is choosing from among so many different types of essential oil diffusers. Should you should one with basic features or pay more for one with more advanced features?
The truth is there is no one best type of diffuser for essential oils. While each device is designed to operate differently, they all perform the same job of diffusing the aromas into the atmosphere. The best diffuser for you depends on your personal preference and the benefits you are looking for.
Understanding a bit more about the different types of diffusers, how each one works, and the pros & cons of each will help you make a more informed buying decision when looking for the best device for you.
Types of Aromatherapy Diffusers
1. HEAT DIFFUSERS
Heat diffusers are the most basic type of essential oil diffuser. They work using either an electric power source or a flame such as a candle to generate heat. This heat converts the water and essential oil into a vapor that disperses into the atmosphere.
Heat diffusers are the cheapest but they are also the least effective. This is because essential oils are highly volatile. Exposure to heat changes the chemical composition of these oils and damages some of their therapeutic properties.
Lower levels of heat can help minimize the damage to the essential oil properties while still making your home smell good. With a heat diffuser, you’ll be able to enjoy the aroma of the oil but you won’t get its full benefits.
Also, these diffusers do 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.
Another downside of heat diffusers is that you cannot control the amount or speed of dispersion. More often than not, the oil evaporates too quickly so you have to refill it within a shorter time.
Best Heat Diffusers – These are some of the nicer-looking heat diffusers I found on Amazon. They all have good reviews too.
Benefits of heat diffusers – Heat diffusers are inexpensive and low maintenance. They work quietly and are convenient to use anywhere even when there’s no plug point. Just use a tea light candle to generate heat and you’re good to go.
Downsides of heat diffusers –Damaging the beneficial properties of essential oils is the biggest downside to using heat diffusers. They also work out more expensive in the long run because faster evaporation means you will be using more oils.
Upshot – Heat diffusers are a good alternative if you are looking for an affordable way to diffuse essential oils for an occasional burst of freshness.
EVAPORATIVE DIFFUSERS
Evaporative diffusers operate at a very basic level. You place a few drops of essential oil on a filter, stone, or pad in the device, and let the oil evaporate naturally. These devices do a really good job of immediately dispersing essential oil vapors into the atmosphere.
The downside is that some of the more volatile components of the oil evaporate faster, which diminishes the therapeutic properties of your oil to some degree.
Essential oil pendants and bracelets are the most common types of evaporative diffusers. Each piece of aromatherapy jewelry has a small pad on which you put a few drops of essential oil. The oil on the pad evaporates naturally and permeates the skin and hair. This offers a practical way to get the benefits of aromatherapy anytime, anywhere.
Reed diffusers are also a type of evaporative diffuser. They work by using reeds to draw the diluted oils from the container and expose them to the air. The exposed essential oil evaporates on exposure to the air and in the process infuses the space with its aroma.
Best Evaporative Diffusers – I’ve bought several of the reed diffusers, pendants, and bracelets listed below to be gifted as part of an aromatherapy or spa gift basket, or as hostess gifts, Thanksgiving gifts, and even stocking stuffers. I can attest to the quality of these 4 items as they were greatly appreciated by all the recipients.
Benefits of evaporative diffusers– This “low tech” essential oil diffuser is very easy to use, quiet, affordable, and allows you to get the benefits of essential oils on the go.
Drawbacks of evaporative diffusers– As with the heat method used for delivering the benefits of essential oils, evaporative diffusers too, deliver individual components at different times. This damages some or even all therapeutic health benefits that essential oils can deliver.
Upshot – While evaporative diffusers may not be as effective as ultrasonic or nebulizing diffusers, they can be a convenient and practical option under certain circumstances. Wearing an aromatherapy pendant or bracelet is a convenient way to get the benefits of essential oil when you’re out and about and don’t have access to a plug point.
Reed diffusers look delicate and beautiful and work great as a minimalist decor accessory while also giving you the benefits of aromatherapy.
ULTRASONIC OR HUMIDIFYING DIFFUSERS
Ultrasonic essential oil diffusers work using water and essential oils. The ultrasonic technology generates a fine mist that contains micro-particles of essential oils mixed with water. The mist and micro-particles are gently dispersed into the atmosphere, activating the powerful therapeutic benefits of essential oils.
Ultrasonic diffusers do double duty as mini humidifiers and are especially beneficial in winter. The fine mist they release introduces small amounts of water into the air, adding some much-needed humidity to the dry indoor winter atmosphere. The amount of mist generated differs from one model to another.
Because no heat is used in this type of diffuser, the properties of the essential oil remain intact so you get its full therapeutic benefits. The downside is that the water dilutes the aroma of the oil a little bit.
These devices are considerably more expensive than the heat or evaporative options but there’s a good reason for that. They have a more advanced mechanism for dispersing the therapeutic aromas so you can the maximum benefits of the oil.
Ultrasonic diffusers also come packed with lots of useful features, from rotating LED lights and automatic shut-off to controls that allow you to adjust the aroma, mist settings, and more.
Best Ultrasound Diffusers – Rocky Mountain Oils and Plant Therapy make some of the best ultrasound diffusers for essential oils. All of their diffusers are beautifully designed and packed with useful features that allow you to control the rate of diffusion, misting, and lighting options. They also offer decent coverage areas. In addition, here are a few of the top-rated ultrasound diffusers I found on Amazon.
Benefits of ultrasonic diffusers – You get the full benefits of the oil used with ultrasonic diffusers. The humidifying feature is useful when the weather turns chilly and dry. There are many options to choose from, at various price points. Most models are reasonably priced and come with several useful features.
Drawbacks of ultrasonic diffusers – The aroma that these diffusers emit is slightly toned-down because the essential oils are diluted with water. Also, these devices generate only a little mist, which may not be enough to humidify a large room. You need to buy a larger humidifier to add sufficient moisture to a large room.
Upshot – Ultrasound diffusers offer the best value for money and are the most popular of all types of aromatherapy diffusers. The larger water capacity also means a longer run time so you don’t have to refill the essential oils as often.
NEBULIZING DIFFUSERS
Nebulizing diffusers are the most powerful types of essential oil diffusers. They don’t use either heat or water to diffuse the oil.
These devices are designed with an inbuilt atomizer that generates ultrafine particles of essential oils, which are dispersed into the surrounding atmosphere. Because there’s no water or heat, the essential oil in the device is not diluted and its properties are not damaged.
When you use a nebulizing diffuser, there’s no loss of aroma and no dilution of the therapeutic properties of the oil.
Nebulizing diffusers are also the lowest maintenance of all. You don’t have to clean it after every use as with the other types of diffusers.
Nebulizing diffusers are the best type of aromatherapy diffuser to buy if you have the budget for it. 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.
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 extended periods of time. With a timer, you can set it for optimum use.
Best Nebulizing Diffusers – Organic Aromas offers the largest range of high-quality nebulizing diffusers in a wide array of styles and colors. Sleek designs, high-quality materials, generous coverage area, and efficient operation make these some of the best nebulizing diffusers you’ll find anywhere. And these are a some of the top-rated nebulizing diffusers I found on Amazon.
Benefits of nebulizing diffusers– Because no heat or water is used in the process, 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.
Drawbacks of nebulizing diffusers – Nebulizing diffusers use up oil faster than the other types of diffusers. They are also the most expensive of all.
Upshot – While nebulizing diffusers are the most expensive type of aromatherapy diffuser, they are totally worth it considering you get the strongest aroma and the full therapeutic benefits of the essential oils added to the device.
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.
Related Reads:
Ultimate Guide To Buying A Diffuser For Essential Oils
How to Use An Essential Oil Diffuser
Best Essential Oil Diffuser For Large Spaces
Ultimate Guide To Car Essential Oil Diffusers
Make Your Own Reed Diffusers With Essential Oils
Top-Rated Ultrasonic Diffusers Under $25
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to serve as medical advice. Please consult your physician before using essential oils. See Full Disclaimer here.
