2016 Review: Essential Oil Car Diffusers
- Wendy @W Fleur Aroma
- Apr 11, 2016
- 11 min read
Quick update:
It's been super busy with the new retail store at The Shops at Damascus (let's just call it The Shops), which BTW is amazing! Both of my businesses are home based so it's nice to get out into the world once in a while.
Now on to the task at hand:
I've been using aromatherapy in the car for several years now. While in the car we deal with long commutes, being tired at the wheel, getting stuck in traffic, crazy drivers, things jumping out at us, and the too close to call near misses that follow with heart palpitations. I don't know about you, but sometimes when I drive I experience a world wind of emotions. In the car is where I need aromatherapy the most!
I received an inquiry from a customer at The Shops. She is looking for a car diffuser that mists and would like to know which one is the best. The one I use and offer in my store is #4 on my list. I like it - however, it doesn't mist. I had never used a car diffuser that provided a mist. I wanted the Nanum diffuser, which was on my Christmas wish list, but never received it. Well, now I'm glad I didn't get it as a gift. Opppps spoiler alert, my bad.
This is a GREAT question! I would like to know as well. I made it my mission to test and find the best car diffusers out there. I tested 10 car diffusers - some mist, some do not. My ratings are based on the overall quality and functionality of the product. Ratings are based on a five star scale, 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest.
It was a fun project, but yikes - now on to the book report! Let's start with the good ones.
MY TOP PICKS
1. Arospa Electric Car/Indoor Essential Oil Diffuser/Humidifier/Purifier With Car 12V and wall plug in Adapter
Retail Price: $70.00
Amazon.com: $39.99
W Fleur Aroma: $36.99
Product Description by Manufacturer
Includes 2 power cord for 12V car adapter and standard home plug in adapter
Universal fit for any vehicle cup holder & Indoor use
Two Functions: Low & High mist level setting / 20 seconds On & Off interval mist setting
Non-toxic ingredients with use of essential oil
Anti-rust material
Long lasting scent for hours
Automatic shut off technology
MY REVIEW
Pros
Fits nicely in car cup holder
Easy to setup/use/clean
Uses water and essential oils
Puts out wonderful aroma
Nice mist
Humidifier
No spill design
Has a low/high and interval mist settings
Cord placement is in a good location (back middle)
Fill line inside unit
Has a separate power cord to use in home or office
Cons
Most expensive of the ones tested
This was my favorite and it's in my car now! It's the most like the diffusers I use in my home. The only con is the price. The overall quality and functionality is excellent. Like all new diffusers, I recommend that you rinse/gently clean before use.
Car Star Rating: 5 out of 5
2. JR Modern Metal Flat Top Design USB/Car cigarette lighter plug adaptor Aroma Diffuser Essential Oil Diffuser Air Purifier Deodorant dust catching and cleaning purification machine
by JR Global UK
Retail Price: $29.99
Amazon.com: $19.99
Product Description by Manufacturer
Aroma diffuser/humidifier with LED gradient light with option to turn off
Includes USB/Car cigarette lighter plug adaptor (can connect to any USB device)
Cleans air and dust and release fresh air in return
MY REVIEW
Pros
Easy to use/clean
No slip bottom
Fits nicely in car cup holder
Fill line on unit
Like where the cord is located (back top)
Puts out nice aroma
Nice LED colors with option to turn off
Like that is acts as an air purifier to clean air
No distracting mist
No spill design
Uses water with essential oils
Good price point
Cons
Subtle, sometimes no visible mist.
This one is great as well and almost came in first. It still received a 5 star car rating. But I will say personally I like the one that put out more mist a tad bit better. For the price point you can't beat it.
Car Star Rating: 5 out of 5
3. Deli UA6 USB Car Aroma Diffuser With Car-Lighter Allume-cigare Ultrasonic Aura Aromatherapy Plus Car Charger Adapter
by Deli
Retail Price: $79.99
Amazon.com: $32.99
Product Description by Manufacturer
180 degree pivoting USB head to fit most any USB port
Healthy aromatherapy and aroma life
Nanomater Atomization, Ultimate rapid aroma
USB and car-lighter & allume-cigare adapter
3 color LED light interval indicator
3 timer interval settings for aromatherapy diffusing: 10, 30 and 60 seconds
French design, global patented, contracted exquisite, fashionable charm
Package includes: 1 x Aura USB diffuser 1 x Glass bottle 1 x USB car adapter 1 x Funnel 1 x Protective cover 1 x Instruction book
MY REVIEW
Pros
Small design
Uses pure essential oils (no water dilution)
Essential Oils diffuse from a little glass vial
No aroma pads to replace
Not a constant stream of distracting mist
Interval poof of pure EO you can set at every 10, 30 or 60 seconds
Easy to turn on/off
Puts out nice aroma
No cords, USB plugs right into the lighter or USB port.
Up to 6 hours of use
Cons
A little more time to figure out how to set up
Expensive
This one was fun to figure out. I love it. There is no water dilution; it pulls pure essential oils from a small 1/4 dram glass vial that you insert into the diffuser. And you see a little poof of aroma!! My only wish is that it included extra glass vials so I can change the aroma to fit my purpose. But those are easily found online through essential oil container stores.
Car Star Rating: 4.5 out of 5
4. SpaRoom/Living Beatitudes Aromatherapy Essential Oils Car Diffuser
by SpaRoom / Living Beatitudes
Retail Price: $24.99
Amazon.com: $14.97
Product Description by Manufacturer • Pure essential oil volatilized by gentle heating refreshes the air in your car. • A healthy alternative to chemical-based car air fresheners. • Aromatherapy reduces stress and increases alertness while driving. • Helps clean air inside car filled with various odors and bacteria. • Built-in essential oil vial holder. (BOTTLE OF OIL NOT INCLUDED ) • Swivel plug allows stably horizontal positioning. • ON/OFF button with LED indicator • Use 12V DC Electrical Source
MY REVIEW
Pros
Sleek design
Easy to use
Easy to clean
Uses pure essential oils
Good aroma
No cords, plugs right into cigarette lighter
Essential oil bottle holder
On/off switch with light indicator
Longevity
Good price point
Cons
Uses warming plate to diffuse oil which means the oil aroma doesn't last long and needs to be refreshed often
Essential oil drips if too much oil is placed on diffuser plate
No mist
I've had this one for over a year and it still works and like it. Make sure that you clean this often to avoid a mess in your console. I recommend this product.
Car Star Rating: 4 out of 5
MIDDLE OF THE ROAD
5. Egrace Portable USB ON Car Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser Cool Mist Humidifier Timer Settings Waterless Auto Shut Off for Home Office Car
by Egrace
Retail Price: $60.00
Amazon.com: $29.99
Product Description by Manufacturer
Slim and Compact Design USB Diffuser. Let you enjoy pure air anywhere, especially on the car. You can enjoy SPA on the go while driving. The size is compatible for all car cup holders.
Function. Anion humidifier ultrasonic aromatherapy cold fog, automatic power off while the water is low, security to use. USE everywhere: In your Car, Study room, meeting room, bedroom, living room, hotel space can effectively remove odors, purify the air.
Features: Please note that the button in the humidifier is touch switch, just touch to control Water tank volume: 50ml (best 40ml, too little water will lead to a small amount of fog.）
Package contains 1 x Aromatherapy Diffuser
1 x USB plug with lift key for top
1 x Measuring Cup 1 x User Manual
MY REVIEW
Pros
Nice aroma
Nice dim light for evening use (can turn on/off)
Fancy design
Non-distracting mist
Touch switch
Water and essential oil diffusion
Cons
Hard to figure out how to remove the water tank cover to put water in unit
On/off very sensitive. Kept turning off in the car when hit the cup holder
Hard to tell what mode the unit is currently running
The cord is located on the lower back of unit
Did not fit snug in the car cup holder
At first, no mist because I put a tad bit over 40 ml of water (the tank is supposed to hold 50ml)
Water level very sensitive
I wanted to like it more because the design was my favorite of the car mist diffusers. This diffuser is OK, but not my favorite for the car. It didn't make it to the "driving in the car" test because of the water level sensitivity. If it wasn't working its best on a flat surface, I can't imagine what it would do when the water is swishing around in the car. Due to the water level sensitivity I'm ambivalent about recommending for the car, but it's a YES for the office.
Car Star Rating: 3.5 out of 5
6. Aura Cacia Aromatherapy Car Diffuser
by Aura Cacia
Retail Price: $12.99
Amazon.com $10.93
Product Description by Manufacturer
Aura Cacia aromatherapy car diffuser is an aromatherapy diffuser designed especially for the car.
Includes:
One car diffuser
five diffuser pad refills
MY REVIEW
Pros
Easy to use
Small design
Nice Aroma
Cons
Uses diffuser pads that need to be replaced
Aroma doesn't last long
This was the first aromatherapy car diffuser that I purchased. While it was OK, I am not a fan of having to buy diffuser pads or extra parts. I used it until I ran out of diffuser pads. Instead of buying refill pads I purchased a diffuser that didn't require them. If you don't mind buying replacement pads I would recommend.
Car Star Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Oh no.....
NOT IN MY CAR
7. SOYAN 180ML Portable Small USB Powered USB Humidifier Vehicle Mounted Diffuser with Humidification and Purification Functions for Car, Home, Office
by Soyan
Retail Price: $68.00
Amazon.com: $26.88
Product Description by Manufacturer
Designed for in car use, this aromatherapy diffuser is perfect for filling your car with humidity for more comfortable air, or add essential oils to wick to transform your commute into a tranquil and healing time
Mini design allows for perfect use in cup holder, or mounted to air conditioner vent, 180 ml water capacity
Blue LED light illuminates steam as it exits for increasing positive mood, USB power allows for use in car or at desk
Constant steam for several hours, with zero warm up time, Automatic Low Water Protection Function
Air conditioner mount includes extra support arm for holding up weight of water tank, will not hang down due to weight of full water tank
Includes
180ml Aromatherapy Diffuser
USB Cable
Air conditioner mount with extra support arm that eliminates vent from drooping down due to weight of diffuser
Extra wick for oils
Air conditioner mount
AC/DC Adapter
Instructions
MY REVIEW
Pros
Easy to use
Fits snug in car cup holder or can use the cup holder provided
Fill line is clearly indicated on the base of the diffuser
Like where the core is located (top back)
On/off switch is on the top
Heavy mist (also can be a con)
Interval mist
No spill design
Cons
Uses cotton wicks that would need to be replaced
Has a lot of pieces to navigate around when changing the wick
Distracting Mist
No aroma
When I first saw this, I thought this one was going to be a top choice. I didn't realize that it uses a cotton wick. In my experience the cotton wick tends to act as a filter which doesn't allow the essential oil aroma to escape. Also, cotton wicks clog the diffuser and need to be replaced. I'm not a fan of extra parts that I have to buy and keep on hand. I do not recommend.
Car Star Rating: 2.5 out of 5
8. Kinps®50ML Mini USB Car Essential Oil Purifier Diffuser Ultrasonic Air Humidifier with 3 Timer Settings & 7 Colors Changing Light
by Kimps
Retail Price: $29.99
Amazon.com: $20.99
Product Description by Manufacturer
Great for your car and office.
It has a USB cable & an adapter to plug into your car.
Three functions: humidification, aroma diffusion and air purification.
Small size and it is portable.
It is perfect for travel.
Increase air humidity, cleans air, smoke and dust.
If the water level inside the unit runs too low, it will automatically stop operating even you activate it.
Package includes:
1 x USB Aroma Diffuser
1 X AC adaptor
1 x USB Cable
1 x measuring cup for filling water
1 x User Manual
MY REVIEW
Pros
Easy to use
Nice mist
Nice aroma
Nice colors (change, on/off)
Timer
Auto shut-off
Good price point
Cons
Leaked when I put the cover on
Cord is located on bottom of unit and sticks out past the feet on the base
Doesn't sit level
Spills easily
Not designed for the car
This was a disappointment! All the pros equaled a great unit. But it is not made for the car. The cover (not lid) does not fit tight. The unit didn't sit level because of the cord on the bottom. When I went to put the cover on the unit it spilled all over my counter. I tried for a while to see if I was doing something wrong. This is not made for the car, or any surface. I do not recommend.
Car Star Rating: 1 out of 5
9. 250Ml Silent USB Cool Mist Diffuser Air Purifier, Portable Mini Home Humidifier, Perfect for Baby Room, Home, Car, Face, Office and Water Bottle
by Hallomall™
Retail Price: $69.99
Amazon.com: $15.99
Product Description by Manufacturer
250Ml capacity Max and really cool diffuser, 5 to 12 hours continuous Mist Mode Running (5 hours for the water in the diff-user tank; 12 hours for the water in other water bottle.
Durable and sturdy design and great safety feature-auto shuts off when water-less.
Portable, easy to carry with the mini size no matter for the household use or the outside travel.
Quiet & Relaxing -- The device makes very little noise (less than 15dB) so you can enjoy the relaxing aromas in a quiet environment.
Package includes:
1*mini humidifier(included an absorbent cotton wick)
1*attached water cup
1*micro USB cable
2*absorbent cotton wick
1*manual
MY REVIEW
Pros
Good humidifier
Ease of use
Like where the cord is located (back top)
Cleans Easy
Cons
Not for essential oil use
No aroma
Uses cotton wick
Well this one was promoted for the use of essential oils but on the instruction manual is says "NOT FOR ESSENTIAL OIL USE". I contacted the company so hopefully they will change their listing. I do not recommend this because it's not an essential oil diffuser, period!
Car Star Rating: 1 out of 5
10. Nanum Mini Cool Mist Car Air Humidifier and Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser
by Nanum
Retail Price: $20.00
Amazon.com: $9.99
Product Description by Manufacturer
Creative Aromatherapy Humidifier USB Car Charger
Humidify your car to prevent dry, stuffy air and flu/cold germs infecting your loved ones.
Prevent dry and chapped skin in dry winter months.
Remove the static electricity, reduce the radiation generated by electronic components and decrease the formaldehyde contamination, or that of dust and of other harmful gas.
2 Hours Power Protection,Anti-Dry;180 Degree Rotation to Make Full Humidification
Add some perfume or water soluble essential oil into water. The pleasant smell will help to lift your mood, relieve tension and anxiety, boost the metabolism and so on.
Package:
1x Car Aromatherapy Humidifier
1x Sponge (Spare part)
1x User Manual
MY REVIEW
Pros
Easy to operate
Nice mist
Nice aroma
Cons
Stopped working after 5 minutes of use
Cracked on the top
Uses cotton wicks
I was so excited to get this. It looked perfect on TV. It stopped working after 5 minutes of use and then cracked on top. So disappointed. I was going to order another to see if it was just a bad unit. After reading other reviews I felt it was a waste of time. If I could give it less I would. I do not recommend.
Car Star Rating: 1 out of 5
I hope my two cents is helpful for you if you are in the market to purchase a car diffuser.
If your car diffuser is not listed and you would like me to review your product please email me at info@wfleuraroma.us.
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