New York Times List of Best Essential Oil Diffusers

So, you want to try incorporating essential oils into your home, office, or even car... But what diffuser should I get and where do I start?

The New York Times has you covered with a list of "The Best Essential Oil Diffusers" posted November, 2024.

In first choice slot, the Urpower 2nd Gen 300 ml Aroma Essential Oil DIffuser.

" After our tests of more than a dozen different diffusers, the Urpower 2nd Gen 300ml Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser—our pick since 2017—continues to be the best choice." (Wirecutter, n.d.)

Later they detail their reasoning for this choice noting that the material isn't a gimmick at fake wood or stone, the size was appropriate, the price was reasonable, it's easy to clean, and the lights can be changed or turned off completely.

" It’s nondescript (in a good way) and a great value. This model’s cylindrical, plain white plastic design was one of our favorites in a field filled with strange shapes and fake plastic wood. And it takes up half the footprint of many other models, including some with smaller tanks. At just under $30, and frequently on sale for less, it performs very well for the price—ours has been running well since 2019, with no issues. Although you can set the diffuser to glow in seven different color options (two brightnesses each), you can also use it without a light. The small yellow-green LED indicator next to the mist button is less noticeable than the red and green light on several of the other units we considered. Plus, this diffuser is pretty quiet, though as with most ultrasonic diffusers, you can hear a subtle whirring sound if you get close." (Wirecutter, n.d.)

The Urpower mentioned above is a water diluted diffuser meaning that the essential oil is mixed with water that is then made into mist. That said, there are diffusers that mist pure oil and typically have a stronger potency.

" If you want a device that does the best job of dispersing scent in a large space or across multiple rooms, and you don’t mind spending more money, the Organic Aromas Raindrop 2.0 Nebulizing Essential Oil Diffuser is a nebulizer that mists pure oil. (In contrast, our ultrasonic picks dilute the oils with water.)" (Wirecutter, n.d.)

Some important information about this model included that it is strong, hard to clean, uses considerably more oil, has the potential to damage surrounding with oil stains, but is pretty and quiet.

" It’s mighty strong. But it uses more oil. This diffuser is capable of dispersing enough scent to fill a small house or apartment. It runs intermittently on about 20 drops of undiluted oil—considerably more oil than the few drops you need for ultrasonic water diffusers. The unit has a dial for you to control the amount of mist and scent that comes out." (Wirecutter, n.d.)

Important note for this nebulizer, it is stated to be difficult to clean as are most nebulizers.

Ultimately, this is just one example of the back and forth that happens in the essential oil diffuser market. Actually choosing a diffuser can be difficult and time consuming. Personally, I would love one for my car but haven't found one I believe in enough to purchase. I have even googled how else I could get the benefits of essential oils in my car without a diffuser. What if cars had built in diffusers? What about individual diffusers for personal preference?

References

Wirecutter. (n.d.). Best essential oil diffusers. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-essential-oil-diffusers/