So, you may have seen these stylish looking, mist generating, dome or cylindrical shaped enigmas pretty much everywhere these days. In some households and offices, an electric diffuser is almost becoming as popular and essential to the décor as a stylish lamp or a modern piece of art. The essential oils that are released via a mist create a lovely continuous form of aromatherapy as you go about your day.
In this article, for aromatherapy purposes, there are two types of electric diffusers that are both stylish and functional but work in quite different ways. They both use electricity either via the mains plug or through a charging port. So which one would most suit your space?
Table of Contents
Ultrasonic Diffuser
How does it work?
The most significant difference is that the ultrasonic diffuser uses water. The vessel is filled with water up to a certain level and a few drops of your favourite essential oil is added. When the diffuser is turned on at the plug, ultrasonic vibrations break down the mixture of essential oil and water into microscopic particles.
The high frequency waves created by the ultrasonic vibrations agitate the mixture, eventually creating a fine mist that is released through the nozzle at the top, filling the air with a gentle but distinctive fragrance of the essential oil used.
What are the benefits?
- The aroma is not all in your face, but subtle like a gentle breeze – perfect for users who prefer a milder scent and a continuous flow.
- It actually humidifies the air! So, if you’re prone to a bit of dry skin, coughs, and colds and would benefit from more moisture in the air, an ultrasonic diffuser may be a smart choice. I use it in my daughter’s bedroom when she’s feeling a little bunged up, with eucalyptus oil. I keep it on at a high setting so the room is filled with a little humidity and aroma for about 20 minutes and then turn it off just before she goes down.
- It is rather quiet (said in a whisper). So, you can get on with thinking those lovely thoughts without the intrusion of a hum.
- More bang for your buck. Firstly, you’ll use less essential oil as it’s diluted in water. And secondly, ultrasonic diffusers tend to be more budget-friendly than Nebulizers. You also get a good range of styles to suit your unique décor.
- You can normally control the setting of the mist from low to high.
- If you fancy being a renegade, you can mix and match different essential oils. Get in! As you have control over the type of oil and volume used, you can create your own signature scent. Lavender and Bergamot? Oh, go on then!
Practical point to consider. The ultrasonic essential oil diffuser mentioned here is for aromatherapy and of a smaller capacity than the big industrial humidifiers used for a more dedicated, serious humidifying approach. Please refer to humidifiers if this is what you are after.
In summary, ultrasonic diffusers offer economical but efficient diffusion of essential oils while adding humidity to the air, providing a dual benefit of aromatherapy and improved indoor air quality. Pretty clever stuff.
Nebulizing Diffusers
How does it work?
Nebulizing diffusers, also known as atomizers or waterless diffusers, deliver pure, undiluted fragrance by breaking down essential oils into tiny particles.
It consists of a glass chamber, a pump, and a nozzle. The glass chamber is where the essential oil bottle is placed, and the pump and nozzle work together to create a fine mist of essential oils that is dispersed into the air.
Unlike ultrasonic diffusers that use water to disperse essential oils, nebulizing diffusers do not require water, meaning the mist is 100% essential oil.
What are the benefits?
- As mentioned, Nebulizing diffusers disperse essential oils in their purest form. The properties and characteristics of the oil are not fiddled with and so what you put in, is what you get!
- The fragrance emitted is more potent and immediate. No need to waft the mist into your nostrils or wait around expectantly to notice the aroma.
- Maximum health benefits of essential oil achieved! As nebulizing diffusers preserve the integrity of essential oils, the chemical composition and therapeutic properties of the oils remain unaltered, providing instant aromatherapy.
- Nebulizing diffusers have customizable settings to tailor to your nose sensitivities. If the fragrance is too intense for you, you can adjust the frequency of the diffusion.
- Nebulizing diffusers are relatively low-maintenance devices. They require minimal cleaning because there’s no water to deal with, and they don’t have the same risk of mould or damp. If you prefer a hassle-free operation, this may be a potential fragrance buddy.
- They make them mini! Nebulizing diffusers are normally smaller than ultrasonic ones as there’s no need for a big container to hold the water. They come in cylindrical pod form or square shape with a nozzle. They are also rechargeable. Just make sure you’re near a readily available USB port to keep the fragrant flow flourishing!
Electric Diffusers FAQs
1. How do I clean and maintain my electric essential oil diffuser?
Ultrasonic Diffuser:
- Unplug the device and disconnect the cable from the container.
- Empty any remaining water and oil.
- Wipe down the interior with a soft cloth to remove any residue. I use the soft side of a sponge scourer.
- For a thorough cleaning, mix equal parts white vinegar and water to clean the interior, ensuring all nooks and crannies are covered.
- Rinse thoroughly, and wipe dry, preferably with a kitchen towel. Regular cleaning (around once a week) helps prevent oil buildup and ensures the diffuser does not emit a musty or damp smell.
Nebulizing Diffuser:
- Clean around the nozzle area with some alcohol to remove oil residue.
- Push the bottle up and remove the pump head. Clean the inside with a soft cloth.
- As nebulizing diffusers do not use water, it is relatively fuss-free maintenance.
2. Where can I buy the best Electric Essential oil diffusers?
Specialist retailers like Neal’s Yard Remedies, Aromatherapy Associates, Neom and Espa offer a wide range of options. The brand ASAKUKI seems to be the top-selling ultrasonic diffuser on Amazon. Airvesa waterless diffuser is the top-selling Nebulizing diffuser on Amazon. Or you can purchase through the round-up reviews on this website.
3. Are electric essential oil diffusers safe to use around children and pets?
They are generally safe but it’s advisable to use an ultrasonic diffuser with automatic shutoff features in case the water runs low.
It’s probably wise to keep both types of diffusers out of reach of small children and pets. With ultrasonic diffusers, a little ventilation is important to ensure the room does not become overly humid. After use, ensure proper ventilation to avoid damp corners.
4. Do ultrasonic and nebulizing diffusers use heat?
No. Neither has a heating filament and therefore no heat is used or produced. Instead, the nebulizing diffuser creates a fine mist of pure essential oil and the ultrasonic diffuser produces a cool mist.
5. What are the most popular essential oils for electric diffusers?
Popular essential oils include:
- Lavender, known for its relaxing properties, it’s a go-to choice for bedtime aromatherapy.
- Eucalyptus. Its refreshing scent can help with respiratory issues, making it a useful choice, especially during cold seasons.
- Sweet orange and lemon oils are popular for their uplifting and invigorating scents, ideal for creating a positively charged atmosphere.
- For a more cosy experience in the colder months, cinnamon, clove and Frankincense create a lovely environment.
6. What are the energy consumption and electricity costs of running an electric diffuser?
Both types of diffusers are highly energy-efficient and consume minimal electricity. On average, they use less power than many household appliances, making them cost-effective. Luckily, they are economical to operate, even with frequent use.
Electric Diffusers Comparison Table
| Aspect | Ultrasonic | Nebulizing |
| Operation | Uses water and vibrations to disperse oils | Utilizes pure essential oils without water |
| Diffusion Efficiency | Efficient, covers a larger area | Highly efficient, strong aroma dispersal |
| Humidification | Adds humidity to the air | Does not impact humidity levels |
| Noise Level | Generally quiet, sometimes a little bubbling sound. | Can be noisier due to air pressure |
| Aesthetic Design | Often available in various stylish designs | Typically simpler, more functional design |
| Oil Conservation | Less oil can be used due to dilution with water. | As Pure essential oil is used, if diffused for long periods at a stretch, oil may need to be replenished more frequently. |
| Cleaning | Requires regular cleaning for best results | Easy to clean and lower maintenance. |
| Price Range | Moderately priced suiting all budgets ranging from £13-£110 | More expensive up front starting at £50 for a highly rated, good quality diffuser. |
| Health Considerations | May alter oil properties due to dilution. | Preserves essential oil characteristics. |
| Environmental Impact | Uses water. But relatively low energy consumption. | Does not use water, is eco-friendly, and less resource-intensive. |
Product Recommentations
Waterless nebulising diffusers:
Neom’s distinct and hugely popular portable waterless diffuser is tastefully designed. No wonder it’s a favourite amongst its many fans. Their dedicated essential oil blends are stunning, expertly adding a touch of aromatherapy to your everyday. It’s important to note, however, that this pod only accepts 10ml bottles of essential oil. If you already own Neom products, this would be a great addition to your home.
This bestselling waterless diffuser on Amazon has garnered rave reviews, due to its impressive fragrance reach, affordability and battery life. It comes with an empty bottle for you to pour your own essential oil into, which makes it more economical and unique to your tastes.
Ultrasonic diffusers:
Neom’s best seller – the ultrasonic diffuser. It has a beautiful minimalist design and fills your room with cool mist with vigour. It has a guided breathing mode for meditative moments and a full tank can last up to 7 hours. Used with Neom’s outstanding aromatherapy blends means your home will feel blissful and inviting.
This bestselling waterless diffuser on Amazon has garnered rave reviews, due to its impressive fragrance reach, affordability and battery life. It comes with an empty bottle for you to pour your own essential oil into, which makes it more economical and unique to your tastes.
Conclusion
So what’s the verdict? I personally use both. If I want a gush of intense aromatherapy mist to feel better in myself or to quickly and efficiently spruce up the environment to annihilate any unwanted wafts (sweat, blood and guts spring to mind after a session on the spin bike), I use a portable nebulizing diffuser which does the trick beautifully.
If you have a plug point to hand near your hallway, for instance, a nebulizer set on intermittent, produces an all day long fragrance.
But I also use an ultrasonic diffuser if I want a continued gentle mist in the evenings to wind down after a long day or to get ready for a good night’s rest. If there are sniffles and sneezes heard in my household, this beauty makes an appearance for its humidifying function.
With both types at your disposal, you can maximize your fragrance options. An ultrasonic diffuser in the bedroom for a tranquil night’s sleep and a nebulizing diffuser in the living room to create an uplifting atmosphere for gatherings.
I realise I’m sitting on the fence here, but I do think they’re both pretty nifty and compact. Used with high quality essential oils, they make a great addition to any space.