ESSENTIAL OIL DIFFUSERS BUYING GUIDE

Ultrasonic Oil Diffusers

One of the most technologically advanced types of diffusers, ultrasonic diffusers use water and electronic frequencies to create vibrations that produce scent in a fine mist. “This is one of the most popular types of diffuser as you need only a small amount of essential oil and there is no heating element,” says Tania Grillinzoni. “Ultrasonic essential oil diffusers are affordable, safe to use around children and pets and are very quiet, making them perfect to use at night or during work and study.”

Evaporative Diffusers

This type of diffuser uses air flow to disperse essential oils into a space. Often, a fan blows air through a filter that has essential oils dropped onto it. Some humidifiers feature an evaporative diffuser to purify and scent the air in a room. Others, such as reed diffusers, rely on the natural air flow in the room to spread the aroma.

Nebulising Diffusers

Think of these as a bit like a perfume bottle. Nebulising diffusers force pressurised air over a narrow nozzle to break down essential oils into tiny particles and release them into the air in a fine mist. A nebuliser does not use water, instead it uses oil to scent a room.

Heat Diffusers

Just as the name suggests, these diffusers use a heat element (normally a candle) to disperse essential oils by gradually evaporating them into the air. Diffusing using heat is economical, efficient and silent but the heat used can change the properties of the oil at the molecular level. This means that the aromatic benefit of an oil may lessen or change entirely.

When buying an essential oil diffuser for the home, you first need to consider room size. That will dictate how powerful your diffuser needs to be. “The bigger your diffuser's tank capacity, the longer it can run, and the more space it will cover,” says Tania Grillinzoni. “For larger rooms like living areas, we recommend an ultrasonic diffuser as these can run for about 12 hours on an intermittent cycle. This allows the essential oils to fill the room with aroma over a longer period of time, so you really feel the benefits.”

Of course, you might want to consider multiple diffusers for different zones in the house, with different scents for kitchen, bedrooms and living rooms. Want to take your diffuser on holidays or work trips with you? Just be sure to buy a smaller, portable model designed for travel.

Design: Essential oil diffusers don’t compromise on style and are fast becoming the finishing touch in home styling with designs to suit any interior. Diffusers made from natural materials like wood suit a Scandi decor while ceramic options sit perfectly in a Hamptons-style home.

Lighting and sound: The latest models are a multi-sensory experience. “Many diffusers now include an LED lighting function that allows you to use your diffuser as a night-light or soft lamp,” says Tania Grillinzoni. “Some offer a range of coloured lights that can be set to static or colour-change mode which is a fun addition for a child’s room.” Others also include a sound option which allows you to set ambient music or nature sounds to accompany your chosen essential oils. Some diffusers designed with children in mind also come with a white noise option to aid sleep.

Cordless: Like the idea of a diffuser you can take from room to room? Cordless essential oil diffusers are a great mobile option – most are battery operated so all you have to do is charge it or change the batteries after prolonged use.

Safety: An automatic shut-off function lets you set and forget.

Here’s how to get the most out of your essential oil diffuser:

• Position the diffuser where it can be safely plugged into the wall and off the ground on a bench or side table. For best results, place your diffuser at least one metre off the ground so that the essential oils can travel around the room.
• Fill the water compartment to the fill line with room-temperature water. Tap water is fine.
• Add your favourite essential oils directly into the water. How many drops you use will depend on the capacity of the diffuser’s tank, but you will generally need between three and five drops for a 100ml diffuser.
• Avoid placing ultrasonic essential oil diffusers on or near surfaces that may be affected by moisture or water damage. Pop them on a tray to catch mist droplets or spilt water.