When it comes to enjoying essential oils, there are a few ways to get those lovely scents flowing through your home.
Whether you’re looking for relaxation, purification, or a quick way to freshen up the air, the two most popular tools are electric oil burners and aromatisers (waterless diffusers).
But which one is the best fit for you? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
Why Electric Oil Burners Are Safer Than Candles
You’ve probably seen those traditional candle-based oil burners, but electric oil burners are a game-changer for several reasons:
- No more mess: With electric burners, there’s no need for water or candles, meaning you won’t have to deal with wax drips or constantly buying candles.
- Cost-effective: They cost about 10 cents a week if you run them 24/7. Not bad, right?
- No water, no worries: Since there’s no water involved, you don’t have to stress about the burner drying out.
- Safety first: Unlike candles, there’s no open flame. This drastically reduces the risk of fire, which is a big deal, especially if you have kids or pets running around.
- Cool to the touch: While electric burners do use heat to disperse essential oils, the element only heats up to around 70°C, so the burner itself stays cool. You won’t be accidentally burning yourself on it.
However, as convenient as electric oil burners are, they do have a few downsides.
The Downsides of Electric Oil Burners
Even though electric oil burners are safer than their candle counterparts, they still use heat to diffuse essential oils. While the heat is lower than in candle burners, it can still change the properties of the oil. This means you might not get the full benefits of the oil, especially if you’re using it for therapeutic reasons.
Also, like candle burners, electric burners only really work well in smaller spaces. If you’re hoping to fill a large living room or your whole house with a beautiful scent, you might be left a little disappointed.
Enter Aromatisers (Waterless Diffusers): The Superior Option?
Now, let’s talk about aromatisers, also known as waterless diffusers. If you’re looking for a more efficient way to use your essential oils—especially for therapeutic inhalations—aromatisers might just be your new best friend.
Here’s why they’re awesome:
- No heat involved: Unlike oil burners, aromatisers use air pressure to disperse essential oils into the air, meaning the oils stay in their purest form.
- Therapeutic benefits: Because they don’t use heat, you get to enjoy the full range of benefits from your essential oils. That’s especially important if you’re using them to help with breathing issues or to purify the air.
- Covers a larger space: Aromatisers can fill an entire house with essential oil goodness, or you can adjust them to work in smaller spaces if needed.
- Safe and stress-free: There’s no need to worry about running out of oil while using a diffuser. If the oil runs out, it will simply keep pumping air without any issues.
- Purify the air: Another great benefit is how effective aromatisers are at purifying the air from bacteria, mould, and viruses, making them perfect for sick rooms or just for keeping your home fresh and healthy.
Electric Oil Burners vs. Aromatisers: Head-to-Head Comparison
Now that you know the basics, let’s see how they stack up against each other in key areas:
Feature |
Electric Oil Burners |
Aromatisers (Waterless Diffusers) |
Method |
Heat-based (warms oil) |
Cold air diffusion |
Water Needed |
Yes (in some cases) |
No water required |
Oil Purity |
Oils may degrade slightly from heat |
Oils remain pure and undiluted |
Intensity Control |
Adjustable heat settings |
Adjustable diffusion speed |
Safety |
Safe, but heat is involved |
Extremely safe, no heat or flames |
Maintenance |
Requires cleaning the oil dish |
Minimal; wipe the device occasionally |
Portability |
Less portable, needs an outlet |
Compact and often battery-operated |
Cost |
Affordable with varied price points |
Generally more expensive upfront |
So, Which One Should You Choose?
At the end of the day, both electric oil burners and aromatisers have their pros and cons, but the aromatiser seems to come out on top if you’re after safety, full therapeutic benefits, and the ability to cover a larger space.
If you’re using essential oils just to enjoy a nice scent in a small room, an electric oil burner might be a cost-effective and simple option. But if you’re looking for maximum benefits, especially for health and wellness purposes, the aromatiser is the way to go.