Essential Oil Diffusers vs Scented Candles: Which is Better and Why? (2024)

Which one wins the war for fancy smelling room fragrancers?

When most of us think dirty jobs, we think of Mike Rowe. A Discovery Channel host Rowe popularized learning about employment opportunities that existed not just off the beaten path, but down in the mud. Someone like Rowe would inevitably have to deal with the smell of working in these positions. Coming home, that smell doesn’t just go away, but it stays with you. It’s likely the man had stocks in the scented candle industry, which are incredibly popular choices today for overriding lingering smells. But there’s another option!

Today, we’ll be looking at the difference between old style candles and more modern oil diffusers, to decide which product Rowe and others should be using.

Before you read on, take a look at this handy chart:

Essential Oil Diffusers vs Scented Candles: Which is Better and Why? (1)

Safety First!

Essential Oil Diffusers vs Scented Candles: Which is Better and Why? (2)

Being a parent is probably the hardest job on the planet. Kids and pets are especially magnetic to dirt and smells. Unfortunately, using a scented candle to combat this can be dangerous. Besides the inevitable worry of an open flame, there are concerns about hot wax and broken glass if ever the candle is knocked over.

For another, it’s nice to experiment with other, less flammable ways to perfume the air.

Enter: Diffusers.

Most diffusers don’t require any form of internal heat to disperse their scented oils around a room. There’s no flame, no hot wax, no immediate risk of any kind.

And the best bit? You can put them in any room,on a side table, windowsill, or — for those who prefer a bit of mystery — hidden out of sight.

My Health Matters!

Essential Oil Diffusers vs Scented Candles: Which is Better and Why? (3)

You go to the gym regularly. You eat healthy. You adhere to the mantra that your body is a temple. But when you light that scented candle, all that may be for nought.

Don’t be fooled by the hype.

Research shows that many popular brands of scented candles are made with paraffin, lead, benzene, and toluene (two known carcinogens) which when burned releases toxins into the air, and into your lungs, causing all sorts of health issues.

Not cool, candle companies.

The good news is: the great alternative to scented candle — oil diffusers don’t create smoke and thus won’t spread toxins in the same way that scented candles do.

Essential oil diffusers pump out billowing, fresh plumes of fragrant water vapor, only occasionally having to be filled with a small amount of water and a few drops of essential oil which help improve your mood. If health matters to you, the right choice is pretty clear.

Say goodbye to toxic candles!

I Love a Strong Smell!


Essential Oil Diffusers vs Scented Candles: Which is Better and Why? (4)Score one for scented candles. Yay!

When wax melts, a combined smoke and designated scent is released into your room, leading to a powerful, robust smell that fills a greater area. Feel like you’re in a pine forest or on a tropical vacation without leaving your kitchen.

But candle scent doesn’t tend to last very long, dissipating into the surrounding environment quickly.

To try and remedy this problem with candles, essential oil diffusers work to give off fragrance at a slow but consistent pace. The result is a lighter scent that can fill only a smaller room, but one that lingers for months on end, as it’s constantly being reinforced and rejuvenated.

I Want My House Looking Amazing!

Essential Oil Diffusers vs Scented Candles: Which is Better and Why? (5)
Home fragrance is a huge market, who doesn’t love a scented candle, right?

If you’re a home décor enthusiast, you know candles can pull a room together. They have been the centerpiece of staging for about as long as there have been rooms to design and decorate. We light these bougie af to add a romantic ambiance to a meal and to make bathtimes more luxurious.

Essential oil diffusers, on the other hand, somehow feel less ‘cool’ than the candle, thanks to loud branding and an industry preference for using cheap plastic housing.

But, because of their size, diffusers can be tucked away into any small nook, quietly making your room smell wonderful. And if you’re willing to splurge a little, there are some pretty beautiful oil diffusers out there.

For these very reasons, we’ll be picking up one of each fragrance for our own homes.

I Don’t Want to Hurt My Wallet!

Essential Oil Diffusers vs Scented Candles: Which is Better and Why? (6)

So, you want a great smelling house or apartment, but don’t want to break the bank? In this last category, the winner falls squarely in the diffuser camp.

Posh candles are money up in smoke, as you’re buying an “experience.” And, if you actually use your candle, you’ll find yourself replacing them fairly often – about every 40 hours of use or so.

Diffusers on the other hand are ridiculously cheap and last forever. You can always refill the oil bottles, which themselves stay working about three times as long as candles.

If you just want a great scent without all the extra frills, and the extra bills, get yourself an essential oil diffuser.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Ultimately, just like most other consumer products, there are pros and cons to both scented candles and oil diffusers. For that all-important-me-time, luxury scented candles are the way to go. For the budget pick that’s both safe and good for your health, essential oil diffusers are the right choice. But if you had to pick one, we’d suggest popping a few essential oil diffusers in the main social spaces of your home. Just remember, if someone with a dirty job shows up at your home, you may need more than one!

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Amy

Editor at TaoTronics Humidifier

Amy Blandford is a writer for TaoTronics who specializes in all things humidifier, diffuser and air purifier related. When she’s not advocating the many health benefits of the soothing air courtesy of these products, she’s probably practicing yoga or caring for her many plants.

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Latest posts by Amy (see all)

  • The Insider’s Guide to Essential Oil Diffusers - January 21, 2022
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Essential Oil Diffusers vs Scented Candles: Which is Better and Why? (2024)

FAQs

Essential Oil Diffusers vs Scented Candles: Which is Better and Why? ›

Safety and peace of mind – Unlike candles, diffusers don't have a flame. Therefore they don't require the same level of close, constant attention. The luxurious aroma of your favorite scent remains while you're sleeping or while you're gone for the day, greeting your senses as soon as you walk back in the door.

Which is better, a diffuser or a scented candle? ›

If you're looking to make a room smell nice and don't want to have to think about it, we suggest you opt for a reed diffuser. Aesthetic Appeal: Candles are often chosen for their visual appeal, as they provide a warm, cozy atmosphere with their flickering light. They also come in various colors, sizes, and designs.

Is essential oil or fragrance oil better for scented candles? ›

Most DIY candle makers like to use fragrance oils when concocting scented candles, since they're more user-friendly. Essential oils are more challenging because they're more volatile, meaning they have a lower boiling point and evaporate more quickly when exposed to heat.

Do candles last longer than diffusers? ›

Reed diffusers offer many advantages over candles. The most notable benefits include: Longer Lasting – Reed diffusers last significantly longer than candles, with some reed diffusers lasting up to several months on one refill. This means you don't have to constantly replace your diffuser like you would with a candle.

Are reed diffusers or candles stronger? ›

Due to the absence of a heating element, reed diffusers tend to give off less scent but conversely they last much longer than scented candles. They also contain significantly more oil than a typical candle which also extends their life.

What smells best in a diffuser? ›

The popularity of scents for diffusers can vary based on personal preferences and cultural trends, but here are ten commonly popular scents for diffusers:
  • Peppermint. ...
  • Citrus (Lemon, Orange, Grapefruit) ...
  • Tea Tree. ...
  • Chamomile. ...
  • Sandalwood. ...
  • Vanilla. ...
  • Rose. ...
  • Cedarwood.
Oct 25, 2023

Do essential oil diffusers make the room smell better? ›

An essential oil diffuser offers a simple way to make your home smell nice without the use of scented candles or incense. 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.

Why not use essential oils in candles? ›

They are not formulated to withstand the heat of a flame. They break down under heat, can be extremely flammable, and some may even become toxic when burned. Essential oils are also highly volatile, meaning that they evaporate easily. This is great for diffusing but makes them unstable to use in candles.

Can you mix fragrance oils with essential oils for candles? ›

It's perfectly fine to blend essential oils with fragrance oils for the purpose of making candles and melts. Keep in mind that some essential oils smell unpleasant when burned, so thoroughly burn testing your candles is important.

Do fragrance oils last longer than essential oils? ›

Fragrance oils, being synthetic, tend to last longer and provide a broader range of scents. If you prioritize longevity and a diverse aroma palette, fragrance oils are the way to go. However, if you lean towards a more natural approach, essential oils offer a pure and unadulterated fragrance.

Are wax melts healthier than candles? ›

As wax melts are flame free, they are much safer to use than a burning candle. Some people use electric wax burners rather than melters which use tea-lights, as it's much safer in case there's children present in the house.

Which diffusers last the longest? ›

If you plan to have your diffuser running for longer periods, we recommend the Asakuki 500ml Premium, Essential Oil Diffuser with Remote Control (our best overall pick). It can hold up to 500 mL of water and can run for 18 hours before needing a refill.

Is an essential oil diffuser better than incense? ›

For ease of use and safety, an essential oil diffuser is the better choice. While the health risks associated with incense burning are low with occasional use, essential oil diffusers are safer and can also be used in humidifiers to relieve colds and congestion.

Why choose a diffuser over a candle? ›

But with such fervent enthusiasm, you run the risk of depleting the wax in a matter of days. Diffusers, on the other, release their aromas slowly, allowing you to enjoy your fresh-picked scent for months at a time.

Are essential oil diffusers healthier than candles? ›

In contrast, essential oil diffusers use pure and natural essential oils that are derived from plants and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Unlike candles, essential oils have therapeutic benefits that can enhance your physical and emotional well-being.

What type of diffuser is best? ›

Nebulizing Diffusers

Nebulizing diffusers are often considered the most powerful type of diffusers and with good reason. They don't need water or heat to get the essential oil into the air. Nebulizing diffusers work by using an atomizer to create fine, airborne particles of essential oils and blowing them into the air.

Do fragrance diffusers really work? ›

For quality made reed diffusers, the answer is yes however, how you use or place your reed diffuser is key to how well it will perform. From experience we've learnt that reed diffusers perform particularly well in small spaces such as halls and bathrooms giving you a nice subtle smelling room.

Are scented candles better than air fresheners? ›

If you're looking for a quick fix and don't mind artificial scents, air fresheners can be a good choice. However, for those who prefer natural scents or are sensitive to certain ingredients, scented candles may be best option. Either way, both products can make a room smell great and create a pleasant atmosphere.

Is a wax melter or diffuser better? ›

Because wax melts are more concentrated, you can appropriately measure the amount of essential oils allocated each time you use your wax melter. If you add too much essential oil into your diffuser, not only do you find yourself wasting SUPER expensive oils, but you end up with a strong and oftentimes harsh fragrance.

What is the most effective type of diffuser? ›

Nebulizing Diffusers

Nebulizing diffusers are often considered the most powerful type of diffusers and with good reason. They don't need water or heat to get the essential oil into the air.

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