Aromatherapy Diffuser Review

Using an aromatherapy diffuser is a beautiful way to transform your surroundings. You can create a spa-like atmosphere or instantly brighten the mood of your home or office.

A diffuser is different to an oil burner because a diffuser doesn't heat the essential oil. It uses either air or a reaction between a metal plate in the diffuser, the water and the essential oil to create a fine mist that not only looks fantastic, but gives greater therapeutic value because there is no heat present to damage the tiny molecules of essential oil.

So which diffuser is best? I have reviewed four diffusers that are currently available - nebulising diffuser, ultrasonic diffuser, home diffuser and aria diffuser. Let's compare...

Nebulising Diffuser

Back in the day, this nebulising diffuser was the only aromatherapy diffuser available when I switched from oil burners to diffusers. It certainly looks a bit strange, because it has three different parts - glass nebuliser, the well and the pump. But if you want pure therapeutic essential oil in a room, this is the quickest way. You fill the well with pure essential oil (nothing else), turn it on, and air is blown across the well, pushing the essential oil up the nebuliser and transforming it into a mist.

This diffuser uses a lot of essential oil, but the therapeutic benefits are extremely high. The pump is as noisy as a fish pump, so can be a bit much if you want a relaxing atmosphere. I used this diffuser a few years ago when I had glandular fever and I was back at work in four days! Most people take weeks and months to recover. I highly recommend this diffuser for therapeutic value which in my opinion outweighs its odd look and noise.

My Rating for the Nebulising Diffuser (out of 5 stars)
Aroma Coverage: ★★★★★
Therapeutic Value: ★★★★★
Ease of Use: ★★★★★
Noise Level: ★
Appearance: ★★★

Ultrasonic Diffuser

Yes, I have this diffuser at home too! This is my favourite diffuser hands down. Again, it doesn't really win in the looks department, but is ultra quiet and has five different timer settings. It seems to fill the room with lovely aromas, no matter what the size of the room. I have had people comment they can smell my essential oils before they even get to the door when my diffuser is on!

The ultrasonic diffuser uses water and essential oil and relies on a metal plate on the bottom of the unit to convert this into a cool mist. Amazing chemistry at work! It does have a bit of a "spaceship" appearance--the lights come on when in use. You can turn the lights off if you are going to use it while sleeping. This diffuser has an automatic shut off when the water gets low making it ideal for night time use. I recommend that every household should have at least one of these diffusers. The ultrasonic diffuser only needs between 6-10 drops of essential oil. They can be used overnight (and lasts all night on setting "4") for sick kids (or adults), creating atmosphere, and uplifting mood. Try it, you will NEVER go back to an oil burner again!

My Rating for the Ultrasonic Diffuser (out of 5 stars)
Aroma Coverage: ★★★★★
Therapeutic Value: ★★★★★
Ease of Use: ★★★★
Noise Level: ★★★★★
Appearance: ★★★

Home Diffuser

This sleek little number is very impressive in appearance, and looks great in the home or office. It is a little fiddly to fill with water as there are two compartments to fill. It works via the same process as the ultrasonic diffuser--with water, a metal plate and essential oils, has two timer settings and automatic shut off. The home diffuser also only needs 6-10 drops of essential oil, but I find the scent doesn't seem to permeate the room as much as the ultrasonic diffuser in a big room. I like the home diffuser best for the office, home office and formal areas of the home. It looks great and isn't too overpowering for those sensitive people at the office. The feedback I have received from office placement is that the whole mood has changed virtually overnight! So that is a big bonus for the home diffuser!

My Rating for the Home Diffuser (out of 5 stars)
Aroma Coverage: ★★★½
Therapeutic Value: ★★★★
Ease of Use: ★★★★
Noise Level: ★★★★★
Appearance: ★★★★★

Aria Diffuser

All I can say about the Aria Diffuser is "WOW!" This is the Rolls Royce of diffusers. Again this diffuser uses water/metal plate/essential oil technology, but also comes with built-in soothing music, ability to plug in your MP3 or iPOD to play your own music, LED lights that you can turn on or off, and solid American maple base and remote control. It makes a gorgeous centrepiece in any home. It has three timer settings--1, 2 or 3 hours, making it eye catching, mood enhancing and therapeutic all at the same time.

You may want to have a look at this short video which shows just how easy it is to use and how awesome this diffuser is.



I highly recommend the Aria Diffuser if you want the full experience of the senses--soothing sights, relaxing sounds and beautiful aromas. It doesn't get better than this!

My Rating for the Aria Diffuser (out of 5 stars)
Aroma Coverage: ★★★★★
Therapeutic Value: ★★★★★
Ease of Use: ★★★★★
Noise Level: ★★★★★
Appearance: ★★★★★

Like to get a diffuser? You can find more information about purchasing diffusers at my store.

You can also contact me if you would like more information about diffusers or essential oils. I look forward to hearing from you.