The great thing about electric diffusers, much like candles and your traditional reed diffusers, is that they instantly fill a space with a glorious fragrance, setting the tone and mood for the room. But what’s brilliant about electric diffusers is that you’re in control. Most diffusers have timed options, some can switch between multiple scents and in the more advanced machines, you can even connect them to your phone for full personalisation. There’s the additional well-being aspect to them, too. Many brands have incorporated breathing and meditative modes into their devices, and some can even be used as nightlights.
Electric diffusers are also so much more than just scent boosters. They’re chic decorative homeware pieces that deserve to be on display, not hidden behind taller items on your shelves.
Water or waterless diffusers?
There are two types of electric diffusers, water and waterless.
Water diffusers have small water reservoirs in them, which you fill up and add drops of your chosen essential oil. They tend to give off a more subtle scent, as the oil is diluted. They require a bit more maintenance, because you have to empty and clean the reservoir regularly to avoid bacteria. They also add a bit of humidity into the air, so something to consider when making your decision. They’re a good choice, though, if you already have a vast collection of oils.
Waterless diffusers use pure essential oils, so they pump out a punchier fragrance. You don’t have to clean these as often, but each diffuser comes with its own essential oil bottle (typically the same shape as its own brand’s essential oils), which means you can’t just use any oil with them. However, some come with empty bottles and the tools to decant your oil into them. You can leave a waterless diffuser on for a long time, whereas a water diffuser needs to be refilled more often.
As the weather turns and we start seriously considering turning the heating on for the first time, now is the perfect time to really elevate your home space. As an electric diffuser fan—I currently have three in my house, with room for more—I have rounded up the very best that the market has on offer. This is the ultimate autumn/winter switch-up you won’t regret making.
1. Neom Wellbeing Pod Luxe
(Image credit: Neom)
Neom’s electric diffusers have always been brilliant, but this is the crème de la crème. The stunning tortoiseshell glass cover, housed on a wooden based is a thing of beauty, but it’s a clever thing too. It has different mist settings, you can dim the light to suit the mood and choose your timings accordingly, all from the other side of the room from a remote control. There’s also the soothing Breathing Mode, which is heavenly and guides you through a signature technique, which helps you end the day on a good and calming note.
2. Oliver Bonas Clara Pink & Green Glass Electric Diffuser
(Image credit: Oliver Bonas)
This is such a pretty diffuser and an excellent present idea. I’m quite partial to this fun green and pink stripe colour way, but there are so many other designs that delight just as well. It would look so nice in the middle of a bright tablescape, scenting the room as your guests arrive for a dinner party. It has adjustable time and light settings, so makes for a really good entry-level diffuser too.
3. Aromatherapy Associates The Atomiser
(Image credit: Aromatherapy Associates)
The Atomiser is what got me into diffusers in the first place. I was given it as a gift and loved it so much that I bought a second, one for each floor of the house. It pumps out serious scent, and I like to wake up and choose the three-hour run time to really fill my home with some of the brand’s most iconic essential oils. As we’re full steam ahead into autumn, I like to have Forest Therapy on in the lead-up to Christmas. It’s warm, spicy and woody and suits the season perfectly. Its sleek and pared-back design means that it would be perfect on a bathroom shelf. That’s where you’ll find my upstairs one anyway.
4. The White Company Portable Rechargeable Electronic Diffuser
(Image credit: The White Company)
Whilst taking a diffuser with you on a trip might seem rather bougie, I honestly cannot think of a more comforting way to feel at home away from home. The White Company’s portable diffuser is small and light enough that it won’t take up too much space (or weight) in your luggage. As soon as you arrive, you can fill any room with a scent of your choice. The brand has so many to choose from, but I like to use it with its Sleep fragrance oil to help me switch off at my destination.
5. Rituals The Perfume Genie
(Image credit: Rituals)
When I first saw this, I thought it was a stand-alone sculptural piece. But no, this is in fact the most elegant reed diffuser on the market. It’s powerful too; it’s designed to perfume an area of up to 50 m², so it would work wonderfully in a large room or open space. You can control it with your phone and create your own scenting schedule, which is the level of sophistication you would expect from such a piece.
6. Diptyque Electric Diffuser
(Image credit: Diptyque)
When the French fragrance house launched its legendary electric diffuser, it was at a time when the only others that you could get your hands on were unsightly plug-in types from air freshener brands. It shifted the market in the right direction. It’s had a few upgrades over the years, and its most current iteration is just as stylist and premium-looking as you’d expect. Pop this on a console table in your hallway—there is no better sign of good taste than Diptyque.
7. Marks & Spencer Apothecary Electric Diffuser
(Image credit: Marks & Spencer)
The simple, yet interesting design of this will please the minimalists. The soft, lined ceramic casing really adds to the spa-like feel it creates with the brand’s calm fragrance, which is included with purchase. For £30, it really solidifies Marks & Spencer as the smart, affordable choice for chic homewear. It may not have all the bells and whistles of others on the list, but it does the job, and it does it well.
8. Habitat Confetti Glass Electric Diffuser
(Image credit: Habitat)
Marbled glass is having a moment, and I am here for it. Whilst some might recommend avoiding shopping the trends, my argument is that marbled glass has been around for years, just ask Murano. This sweet, green speckled diffuser emits the softest light, which is ideal for this time of year when your lamps come into their own and overhead lights are a definite no-no. At £30, this is another affordable option, without having to forgo the style points.
9. Espa Aromatic Essential Oil Diffuser
(Image credit: Espa)
Whether you’re a dab hand at self-care or need a little encouragement, Espa’s Aromatic Essential Oil Diffuser is the perfect tool to help you unwind. The brand encourages a moment of calm with its subtle light setting and enveloping essential oils, like Soothing, made from myrrh, sandalwood and frankincense, and Restoratative, which blends rose geranium, sweet orange and lavender.