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Written by Grove Collaborative

Essential oil diffusers: Is electric or reed best?

Last Updated: December 8, 2021


If you're looking for the best essential oil diffuser to transform your home into a peaceful oasis, we’ve got the dirt on whether electric and reed diffusers are best.

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Close your eyes and think about smelling the perfect aroma to set your mood and create a peaceful oasis.


How do you feel? Are you relaxed, cozy, peaceful?


Well, essential oils can be effective in many different ways, like enhancing mental clarity or simply helping you unwind after an exhausting day at work.


Now, the real question is, which essential oil diffuser is best for your home? Electric or reed, and what's the difference?


Don't worry; we’ve got you covered on how to take your home fragrance routine up a notch.

What is an essential oil diffuser and how does it work?

An essential oil diffuser is a product you can use to send the aroma of essential oils throughout your rooms by diffusing them into scent particles that are dispersed into the air. There are different types of diffusers you can use, depending on your needs and aesthetic.


Essential oils are natural and safe, unlike artificial room scents, which contain harmful substances.

Grove Tip

Which essential oils are safe to use around pets and kids?


Here are some fabulous essential oils that smell divine and are safe for your little ones and fur babies:


  • Lavender oil has long been known for its calming properties that can help reduce anxiety..
  • Chamomile oil is a very gentle essential oil that can help calm a stressed-out household.

For more information on which essential oils are best for certain situations (and which aren’t great to use around pets and kids), read our guide: How to use essential oils.

How do you choose between an electric or reed diffuser?

If you're torn between which one will best compliment your home, here’s a breakdown of the differences between reed and electric diffusers.

Reed diffuser 101


A reed diffuser consists of three main components:


  • A small jar, bottle, or bowl, generally made of glass
  • A set of 5–10 wooden reeds or sticks
  • Essential oil or other natural liquid fragrance to pour into the jar

Once you fill the jar with the oil, place the reeds in it, and they’ll spread divine scent throughout your home.


A 100ml reed diffuser can last up to one month, but a reed diffuser of quality can last anywhere from 3–4 months with proper care.

Electric diffuser 101


An electric diffuser plugs into the wall. It has a receptacle that you fill with water and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. When you turn it on, it dispenses the aromatic oils into the air through a vibrating plate that causes ultrasonic waves, which disperse microscopic particles of oils into the air.


You can change the level of fragrance being released, from mist mode to a heavier continuous mist, and set a timer so it automatically shuts off.


Electric diffusers also come with led lights that you can set (and which also make them great as a night light).

Shop for essential oil diffusers from Grove.

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Grove Tip

How to care for an electric essential oil diffuser


Taking care of your electric diffuser requires you to clean it regularly to prevent mold and minerals from building up in the water receptacle. Reed diffusers, on the other hand, require little maintenance.


Here are 5 easy steps for cleaning your electric diffuser:


  1. Unplug the diffuser
  2. Pour out the remaining water
  3. Clean the inside and outside with mild dish soap and a sponge
  4. Rinse and pat dry with a clean cloth
  5. Clean the small hole in the bottom of the receptacle with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol

Essential oil diffuser benefits

Essential oils are very concentrated, and getting their scent to permeate larger areas requires them to be diffused. Electric and reed diffusers make it easy and convenient to use your essential oils for your home fragrance and therapeutic needs.


Breathing in the scents of essential oils can help you relax and relieve stress. Different oils may help reduce anxiety associated with panic disorders and PTSD. And many essential oils can help improve concentration due to these calming effects on your mind.


Looking for more essential oil options? Check out our list of our members’ favorite essential oils.

The best essential oil diffusers

The best essential oil diffuser for you depends on your personal preferences and how large the space is that you want to scent.


Diffusers come in a wide range of colors and styles and have a variety of features, like timer options and mood-changing lights.


Consider these factors when choosing an essential oil diffuser, and check the specs to see whether a diffuser is right for you.


  • Coverage area
  • Operation time
  • Size and dimensions
  • Reservoir size
  • Vapor output
  • Vapor controls
  • Noise level
  • Features like lighting and a timer

Essential Oil Burner & Tealights Set

Not interested in reed or electric diffusers? We understand.


That’s why we have one more option for you. Try an essential oil burner with tealights to disperse the oils through your home and create some candle ambiance.


This Grove Co. Essential Oil Burner & Tealights Set uses the power of candlelight to transform your room into a soothing aroma therapeutic spa. Pair with essential oils, sit back, and relax.

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Now find natural essential oils for your favorite diffuser

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