Heat vs Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffusers

The easiest and most effective way to achieve the full benefits of essential oils is to use a diffuser. Through the inhalation of essential oils, you can lift your mood, enhance your sleep and create a beautiful, aroma-filled home or office space. Each of these small boosts to your day will have a significant impact on your mental and physical wellbeing, leading to an overall happier you!

Heat vs ultrasonic essential oil diffusers

What’s more, diffusers are simple to use and mess free, taking the stress out of self-care. This will allow you to really enjoy the uplifting effects of essential oils, without all of the hassle.

The two most common types of diffusers are heat diffusers and ultrasonic diffusers. But how do you know which is right for you? In this article, we’ll compare heat vs ultrasonic essential oil diffusers to help you to make the right choice for your lifestyle and your home. Read on to learn everything you need to know.

Content/Quick links

  • Why use a diffuser?
  • What is a heat diffuser?
  • How do heat diffusers work?
  • What is an ultrasonic diffuser?
  • How do ultrasonic diffusers work?
  • Heat vs vapour: Which is best?
  • Where can you find the best ultrasonic essential oil diffusers?
  • Discover volant ultrasonic diffusers

Why use a diffuser?

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When most people think of essential oils, they think of the amazing aromas that they release into the air. However, it isn’t just the scent of essential oils that you’ll love.

Essential oils also have emotional and physical benefits, making them the ideal solution to ease a range of ailments whilst boosting your overall wellbeing. From reducing feelings of depression and anxiety to aiding sleep and easing migraines, the benefits of essential oils are vast.

Diffusers are a great way to disperse the aromas of essential oils around your home in a safe and controlled way. Certain diffusers even have an automatic shutoff function, meaning that they’ll turn off after a certain length of time, even if you fall asleep.

They also provide a quick and convenient way to use essential oils in your home. Simply turn on the switch and you’ll begin to smell the scent of your favourite essential oils within seconds. It’s as easy as that!

What is a heat diffuser?

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As the name suggests, a heat diffuser uses heating elements to gradually evaporate essential oils, dispersing the smell throughout your room.

Heat diffusers are economical and efficient to run, meaning that you won’t notice a huge hike in your electricity bill at the end of the month. Not only that, but they work silently. You won’t even notice that your heat diffuser is turned on, except for the lovely scent that will slowly begin to fill your space.

However, there are also some disadvantages of heat diffusers that you should be aware of. Firstly, some essential oils are extremely sensitive to temperature. For this reason, heating these oils could lead to them being altered at molecular level. This has the potential to reduce the benefits of the essential oil, meaning that you won’t get the most out of your essential oils.

It’s also important to note that in homes with children or pets, heat diffusers can be dangerous due to their high temperatures. This is a risk which must be considered before choosing to purchase a heat diffuser to be utilised around the home.

If the heat diffuser uses a candle as the heat source, it’s also important to note that candles produce smoke which can be harmful to the body when inhaled. This is particularly the case in enclosed spaces such as within a home or a small room, so it’s essential to consider this when choosing a diffuser.

Finally, candle-based heat diffusers are risky to use to help you fall asleep for fear that you might fall asleep with them on, and they cannot be used throughout the night as they are a fire hazard.

How do heat diffusers work?

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In a heat diffuser, the essential oils are placed into a tray close to the heat source in preparation for the evaporation process to begin. Then, heat is applied to the diffuser, either through electricity or by using a candle. This heats the tray, enabling the essential oil to evaporate.

Essential oils are extremely volatile meaning that they evaporate very easily. However, the rate of evaporation will be affected by the temperature, surface area, air circulation and the molecular size of the essential oil.

During the evaporation process, the essential oil will transform from a liquid into a gas. The molecules of the essential oil are constantly travelling at different speeds. When heated, these molecules increase their energy and begin to move at higher speeds. If the molecules are moving fast enough and with enough force when they hit the surface, they overcome the liquid’s surface tension, escape the liquid and enter the air as a gas. This is what enables us to inhale their welcoming aromas.

What is an ultrasonic diffuser?

What is an ultrasonic diffuser?

Ultrasonic diffusers are often referred to as vapour diffusers. This type of diffuser creates a cool and refreshing mist that subtly and consistently adds essential oils into the air that you’re breathing in.

Whilst essential oils have been a renowned natural remedy and life enhancer for centuries, ultrasonic diffusers are a relatively new device which allows you to enjoy their benefits to the maximum with simplicity. As with all inventions, ultrasonic diffusers were created to outperform any previous diffusers with a superior performance using modern technology to provide outstanding results you can trust with ease.

Using an ultrasonic essential oil diffuser is a very natural and stress-free way to add essential oils into your daily routine without altering the chemical composition of the essential oils. This means that their aromas and benefits are unaffected in the diffusion process, maintaining their potency and effectiveness.

How do ultrasonic diffusers work?

How do ultrasonic diffusers work?

Ultrasonic diffusers use electricity to diffuse essential oils. You simply fill the tank with water, add 20-25 drops of your favourite essential oils and then turn on the diffuser.

When the diffuser is switched on, a small ceramic plate vibrates at high speeds, creating ultrasonic waves. This causes tiny particles of essential oils to be dispensed into the air. The vibrations cause the water vapour and essential oils to become mixed, creating a fine mist of essential oils to be released into the air.

Ultrasonic diffusers are adiabatic. This means they change the physical state of the oil into gas without the use of any heat. The lack of heat means that ultrasonic diffusers are a safe option for use around children, as well as being safe for your lungs. As heat is not applied to the essential oils, you can also rest assured in the knowledge that the oils are retaining their full potency, making them fully effective.

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Heat vs vapour: Which is best?

It can be overwhelming when it comes down to choosing the right type of diffuser for you, your home and your family. In this section, we will weigh the pros and cons of each type of diffuser to help you to make the right decision for your individual requirements.

Safety

Heat
Generally safe and easy to use, but avoid using around children or pets. This type of diffuser should not be used whilst sleeping or left unattended.

Vapour
A safe method of diffusion in all circumstances. There is no heat, making this a safe method to use around children or whilst sleeping, thanks to the automatic shutoff feature. However, as this type of diffuser requires mains power, the cord could pose a tripping hazard.

Effectiveness

Heat
Heat can change the molecular structure of essential oils, impacting the effectiveness of some oils.

Vapour
Ultrasonic diffusers do not change the molecular structure of essential oils, so the beneficial properties are kept intact.

Convenience

Heat
These diffusers can take a while to heat up, meaning you’ll be waiting for a few minutes before you notice the aroma of your essential oils.

Vapour
Generally safe and easy to use, but avoid using around children or pets. This type of diffuser should not be used whilst sleeping or left unattended.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Heat
Heat diffusers will need to be cleaned after each use but require minimal maintenance.

Vapour
Ultrasonic diffusers require regular cleaning and maintenance to keep performing their best.

Heat

Vapour

Safety

Generally safe and easy to use, but avoid using around children or pets. This type of diffuser should not be used whilst sleeping or left unattended.

A safe method of diffusion in all circumstances. There is no heat, making this a safe method to use around children or whilst sleeping, thanks to the automatic shutoff feature. However, as this type of diffuser requires mains power, the cord could pose a tripping hazard.

Effectiveness

Heat can change the molecular structure of essential oils, impacting the effectiveness of some oils.

Ultrasonic diffusers do not change the molecular structure of essential oils, so the beneficial properties are kept intact.

Convenience

These diffusers can take a while to heat up, meaning you’ll be waiting for a few minutes before you notice the aroma of your essential oils.

Generally safe and easy to use, but avoid using around children or pets. This type of diffuser should not be used whilst sleeping or left unattended.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Heat diffusers will need to be cleaned after each use but require minimal maintenance.

Ultrasonic diffusers require regular cleaning and maintenance to keep performing their best.

Whilst some people prefer heat diffusers, the majority of people prefer the benefits that ultrasonic diffusers offer. From increased safety to maintaining the health benefits of the essential oils, ultrasonic diffusers come out on top in almost every way.

But which ultrasonic diffuser should you choose, and what should you look for in a vapour diffuser? Read on to find out.

Where can you find the best ultrasonic essential oil diffusers?

Where can you find the best ultrasonic essential oil diffusers?

There are many different ultrasonic diffusers on the market which vary greatly in both quality and price. Here are some important features to look for when choosing a diffuser in your home to ensure that you make the right choice.

First of all, you need to ensure your diffuser is going to be safe for your home, and this will depend on your living space and who you share it with. Look for diffusers that are both flame and heat free if you have children or pets who could potentially burn themselves or knock it over. Even if you fall asleep, you can rest assured in the knowledge that your home and family are safe from any hazards from an unattended flame.

It’s also important to choose high-quality essential oils which are 100% pure, natural and free of any harmful toxins. This will enable you to freely inhale the fantastic aromas of your essential oils, without the worry of negative side effects.

For ultimate convenience, select a diffuser that allows you to set intervals. This will give you more control over the strength of the aroma in your home. An automatic switch-off feature is extremely useful, especially if you plan to use your diffuser whilst you sleep. This will give you more freedom as well as enhance your safety.

Finally, it’s important to choose a diffuser that is appealing to look at and which will blend effortlessly into your home, bringing a touch of elegance and serenity. Diffusers can be beautifully crafted to add a homely sense of decor, and whilst being an extremely practical device, it shouldn’t become an eyesore or add clutter.

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Discover volant ultrasonic diffusers

The Natural Benefits of Essential Oils

At volant, we offer a broad range of beautiful diffusers, with guaranteed quality to back it up. With a wide range of features, our diffusers are easy to use and ultra-convenient. The stylish appearance of our diffusers makes them a great fit for all homes, thanks to their modern, minimalist design and colours which blend effortlessly into any setting.

What’s more, we offer a 60-day satisfaction guarantee. So, you can try our ultrasonic diffuser in your home and discover how it can fit into your daily routine. In the unlikely scenario that you’re not completely satisfied, you can return it for free and receive a full refund, without any arguments.

Whether you’re looking to improve your sleep, boost your mood or simply make your home smell great, volant’s ultrasonic diffusers are a great way to get started.

Discover our full range of stylish ultrasonic diffusers here

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"I received my Terracotta Volant right after Christmas and it has been routinely used! I love the smell of the oils and have learned to balance to strength for me and my family. I recommend it to anyone who loves essential oils." Robert S.
"Perfect for meditation, especially Geranium. And Grapefruit for yoga." Cathy S.
"Easy to switch between subscription products, have tested 5 oils. Very satisfied" Mary H.
"I love getting essential oils in my post box every month, cool recipes by mail as well" Johan J.
"Been looking for essential oils for aromatherapy, these oils give me a boost" Svetlana W.
"I purchesed Volant diffuser, and I am obsessed with it! I am using it every day and I feel super satisfied. Excellent experience." Agnieszka S.
"Struggled to fall asleep before, the blend Sleep has changed that" Chloe L.