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You might have heard about how essential oils can improve your life. They make everything more enjoyable, and they help you stay healthy! With so many benefits to using them, it’s no wonder why people are starting to use oil diffusers or wax warmers for their homes instead of candles. But which one should you be using? Let’s look at oil diffusers vs wax warmers to compare the options.
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What is an oil diffuser?
An oil diffuser is is a tool that you put water and essential oil in. It then diffuses the oils into your room, giving off an aroma to make it smell nice. Diffusers turn the oil into moisture that is released into the room and can carry around the house as you move around.
Oil diffusers work in a similar way to air fresheners but instead of using chemicals they use essential oils in water and release them into the air. The oil is heated by an element that sits below it without ever touching it so there is no chance of burning or overheating.
Different types of oil diffusers
There are a few different types of oil diffusers available, each with their own system to diffuse the oils and do their job.
Heat diffuser
Heat diffusers are the most basic variety and there can be some issues with them. The main one is that the heat needed to diffuse the oil can change the chemical composition of the oil. This could stop the positive benefits you get from using them!
But if you do want to test this kind of diffuers, then place it somewhere where pets or kids can’t reach it as the units can get hot.
Evaporation diffuser
Evaporation diffusers come in different forms with some using a small fan to boost the speed of diffusion while others use reeds. So when you see a bottle with reeds sticking out, this is a type of diffuser.
Ultrasonic diffuser
The ultrasonic waves break up the oil and water into a mist which fills your room with all of it’s benefits. The style is arguably most popular because you can customize what scent goes in depending on how many drops are used, making for an entirely personalized experience each time.
Nebulizing diffuser
The nebulizing diffuser is considered by some to be the best of all. This machine doesn’t contain plastic, which means it’s safe for anyone and everyone! Plus, air pressure creates a vacuum that breaks oil into an ultrafine mist without any heat or water needed!
Any issues with diffusers?
One downside to some diffusers is that they can’t fill the room with scent if it’s too big; however, there are diffusers designed for large rooms. Some heat-diffusing methods take more precautions than others but all in all, these devices are fairly safe when used correctly.
Heat Diffuser: One disadvantage of this type of device is that you risk damaging your oils by boiling them over time. Nonetheless, as long as careful preparation steps have been taken beforehand (such as only using glass containers), then a few minutes on low temperature should be enough to produce great scents without any negative consequences.
What is a wax warmer?
A wax warmer is a device that heats up a small canister of wax with a wick. You pour oil over the top and it melts as it is heated, releasing its scent into the air when you turn on the switch.
A popular type of wax warmer are tealight warmers which use tea light candles to heat the oil. The candle melts down and heats the oil above it, releasing the oil’s scent.
Benefits of a Wax Warmer
There are some solid benefits to using a wax warmer.
Some people find that diffusers can be too strong for their needs as they might not want a very potent scent, or it could irritate other family members with sensitive allergies. The wax warmer will only release an aroma when you are actually using it and it does so much more gently so there’s less chance of scent overwhelm.
Wax warmers also tend to have a much longer life span than oil diffusers. The heat source is also more constant which means that it will emit fragrance without stopping and starting like an oil diffuser might do.
The wax warmer can be used in any space, as there are no cords or plugs required for use and they are portable so you don’t need electricity to operate them.
Oil diffusers tend to have more of a “fresh” smell, but wax warmers are better for those who don’t want to make the scent too obvious in their home or office space and very subtle fragrances might not come through as well as stronger ones.
Any issues with wax warmers?
One of the main issues with wax warmers is that they can be expensive to use and the oil is often diluted.
Also, unlike with oil diffusers, you need a match or lighter to light them up so there may be safety concerns as well if used in a child’s bedroom for example. Having a naked flame is also a little worrying if you have pets.
Another issue is that candles are also typically not good for people who suffer from allergies as the process of burning them can aggravate their sinuses.
Which One Wins: Wax Warmers or Oil Diffusers?
There’s no out and out winner when looking at the oil diffuser vs wax warmer debate. Both have pros and cons, there are different systems and approaches for both categories. It is about finding what works best for you and your home so you can get the most from your essential oils.
My cousin’s birthday is coming up, so my husband and I have been looking for a present to give her. It’s a good thing I stumbled across your blog because you mentioned wax warmers as a viable alternative for those who find diffusers to be too overpowering. As you indicated, a wax warmer only emits a fragrance when it is actually in use, and it does so much more subtly than when it is not, so the scent is not overpowering. I’ll be sure to tell my husband about this and look for shops that can assist us in getting one.
That’s great to hear thanks Victoria!