The Best Essential Oil Diffuser For You

You have purchased the essential oils, now to find a diffuser! There are so many types of diffusers to choose from it can get confusing. I will break down the choices here so you will find the best essential oil diffuser for your home.

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Diffusing Essential Oils

One of the most basic ways to incorporate essential oils into your life is inhalation. This can be as simple as rubbing a couple of drops between your hands and cupping them over your nose while breathing deeply.

However, by diffusing the oils into the air you can enjoy the smell and health benefits over a longer period.  

Archaic methods of diffusing oils were via water and a flame. Over time it was found that prolonged heat diminishes the medicinal value released by the plant enzymes.

In modern times, we’ve found ways to protect the integrity and restorative qualities of these powerful oils by using low-heat, highly distributive practices.

There is a myriad of essential oil diffusers out there, and the different selections can be difficult to navigate. Let’s review the different types of oil diffusers so you can choose the most efficient one for your respective space.

Nebulizing Diffuser

While not altering the chemical makeup of the oils, nebulizing diffusers break down plant essences into tiny particles through an atomization process. The particles are then gently pushed in a small stream out of the tip of the diffuser, allowing for constant, strong circulation in your home or office.

This is the one that I use in my living room.

The nebulizing essential oil diffuser in the picture above allows you to drop the oil directly into the glass "vase".

Others attach directly to the essential oil bottle. They can be noisier than other models and work better in large areas where the noise is less distracting.

Pros: 

• Nebulizing diffusers don’t require water
• Powerful dispersion rate—can reach up to 1,000 square feet
• Maximum medicinal benefits of the oils

Cons:

• Uses more essential oils
• Usually more expensive
• Can be noisy

Ultrasonic/Humidifying Diffusers

With the added ingredient of water, ultrasonic diffusers create a mist that disperses easily and fluidly into your space. 

Ultrasonic diffusers use electricity and ultrasonic vibrations to break down the oil molecules. The molecules bubble up to the surface with water attached, streaming out and giving moist relief to dry rooms.

Ultrasonic Diffuser in the bedroom

Pros:

• Ultrasonic diffusers are generally quiet
• Since water is used, these diffusers can double as a humidifier
• Low evaporation rate – uses much less oil than nebulizing diffusers

Cons:

• Can have a weaker concentration of oils release into the air since water is used
• The material can break down or erode quicker
• You may need multiple for a large space.

Heat Diffusers

If a pleasing aroma is your goal, heat diffusers are a great way to fill your space with fragrant, calming scents. 

There are low-level heat options in the mix that can possibly retain the chemical composition of your essential oils, but to be safe, these diffusers should only be used for aromatic purposes.

The warm glow of the candle also gives a pleasing ambiance!

A beautiful ceramic heat essential oil diffuser

Pros: 

• Ability to diffuse thicker oils
• High dispersion rate
• Highly fragrant—one of the better options for aromatic qualities
• Easier to clean than nebulizing and ultrasonic diffusers

Cons: 

• Can break down the chemical composition of oils, destroying enzymes and health benefits
• Open flames of candle diffusers can pose fire hazards

Evaporative Diffuser

Evaporative diffusers are very basic to operate. Your chosen oil is dropped on an absorbent pad and released slowly into the air as it evaporates. 

The pads are typically simple to change, and easily absorb any type of oils that you choose to use. These are wonderful to use in a car. Using a high-energy essential oil like peppermint or a citrus scent can help keep you away on a long drive.

One style uses a fan to blow air through a pad or filter where a few drops of oil are placed. 

Vent Clip Evaporative Diffuser for Your Car

Or wear your essential oil in a locket or other piece of jewelry and let the scent diffuse naturally all day!

Wear your favorite essential oil in a locket to enjoy the fragrance all day.

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Doesn't need a lot of essential oil
• Oils are naturally exposed to air—no heating or chemical breakdown is involved.

Cons:

• Not efficient for large spaces
• Lighter oils diffuse off very quickly
• Generally only for personal use.

Which One to Choose?

You may decide to purchase a couple of different types of diffusers because they serve different purposes! Other than the nebulizing diffuser, they are generally not expensive, making it easy to have more than one diffuser.

If your living room, dining room, and kitchen are an open space, I would recommend using a nebulizing diffuser. In the morning use a fresh, cheery blend. In the evening use something more relaxing. You can use seasonal blends to bring the outdoors inside.

An ultrasonic diffuser works best in a small space like a bedroom. You can use relaxing blends or a blend to open airways to improve breathing while you sleep.

If you have children or grandchildren, most ultrasonic diffusers have lights in them that can double as a nightlight. Most lights can be turned off completely if you don’t want to use that feature, but make sure before you buy.

Give the room some ambiance with a beautiful ceramic heat essential oil diffuser. It gives off a nice aroma and the flame of the candle provides a warm glow to the room. If you are looking for health benefits though, avoid this type of diffuser.

The evaporative diffuser is great for small spaces like your car or in personal use fans. This method is also used in different styles of jewelry using either small “pom-pom” balls, felt, or lava stone to hold the essential oil.

There you have it. The 4 types of diffusers to help you narrow your search. If you would like to know more about oils or blends to use in your diffuser, sign up for my newsletter or follow me on Facebook, or Instagram.

Happy Diffusing!