Best Essential Oil Nebulizers – 2020

Looking for the best essential oil nebulizer?

I do want to make it perfectly clear that the term “nebulizer” is used as a prescription device, but in the aromatherapy world, the word nebulizer is commonly used. The FDA regards all nebulizers and MDI’s as prescription devices. Please click here to learn more about it.

Many companies like Young Living and doTERRA have been forced to stop using the word nebulizer and instead have started calling them atomizing diffusers.  So, in this article don’t get confused if I use the words nebulizer and atomizing devices interchangeably.

As of 2020, there are over 1,000+ of these devices to choose from. I can certainly see your dilemma because there are a lot of them to choose from. You don’t want to get ripped off and these aromatherapy devices are pretty expensive.

But, to be perfectly honest with you there are lots of features that you need to consider before purchasing one. So, in this full nebulizer/atomizing buying guide, I am going to show you exactly what you need to consider before buying one.

Don’t worry I have invested hours of my time researching them and trying them out. I have composed a list of the best 6 available. My roundup has something for everyone; depending on your specific needs will determine which is right for you. So, let’s get started and get you up to speed on these common products.

What To Consider Before Buying A Nebulizer

Timer. With atomizing, you can really use a lot of essential oil quickly if left on continuously. A timer is a must. Typically, they will run intermittently for a couple minutes and then shut off for a cycle between 1-12 hours. I can’t stress the importance of having a timer on your device, enough.

Mist Control. It’s important to be able to control how much mist is dispersed into the air. Many nebulizers will have a control knob or dial that allows you to adjust the mist that is emitted.

Noise Level. Typically, atomizers are louder than electronic diffusers (see best electronic diffusers). However, the noise isn’t overwhelming and typically between 50 dB to 60 dB.

Lighting. Typically, LED lights are used with most nebulizers. Usually, there are settings to cycle through the colors or completely turn off the LED light.

No Water. Atomizers do not use water. Therefore, you don’t have to keep filling the device up with water.

Area of Coverage. Most nebulizers cover larger areas than electronic diffusers. Most nebulizers will cover 300 to 1,000 sq. ft. Some can even cover up to 1,500 sq. ft.

Material. They consist of glass, wood, and BPA plastic.

Power Source. They can use standard wall plugins, USB, and even lithium-ion batteries.

Warranty. Typically, they come with a 1-year manufacturer warranty. Usually, you can return them within 30 to 60 days if your unhappy with the product or it’s defective.

Price Tag. Typically, they are over $80 for a decent device. They are more expensive than electronic diffusers. Don’t be fooled by cheap nebulizers; there are a lot of fake ones for sale on the internet.

Advanced Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser/Nebulizer (Aroma-Ace)

Diffuser World has some of the best nebulizers in the industry. They are known for quality atomizing devices. With the Aroma-Ace you have full control over how much essential oil is emitted into the air.  See my full review here.

It’s very common to see the name Advanced Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser/Nebulizer and “Aroma-Ace” used interchangeably. They are literally the same product with a different name.  The Aroma-Ace is their branded version, while the Advanced is their generic version for their large online resellers.

There are 3 dials on the front of this device. The first one will determine the run. Meaning, how long it will emit mist into the air. You can choose between 5 to 20 minutes.

The next dial adjusts the rest time. Meaning that you can control between 0 – to 20 minutes when the nebulizer is not emitting oil into the air.

The third dial is where you control how much oil is dispersed into the air. It’s a sliding scale. You turn it clockwise to emit more into the air. Turn it counterclockwise to decrease the mist volume.

According to the manufactures of the Aroma-Ace particles will remain in the air 70 minutes after turning it off. Diffuser World has stated that it covers 1,500 sq. ft.

This unit does come with a standard plug where you can turn on the Aroma-Ace at a specific time. It’s very easy to use. All you do is attach the atomizer attachment to a bottle of essential oil.

The Aroma-Ace comes in 5 different colors; black, blue, green, lavender, and bronze.

The bottom line is this is simply an amazing essential oil device. The folks at Diffuser World have truly crafted something special. It’s certainly one of the best value-rich nebulizers for the money. It’s very easy to use, but be careful because you can go through a lot of essential oil quickly if you leave it on for an extended amount of time.

Pros

• Diffuser World is a trusted brand for nebulizers.
• Covers 1,500 sq. ft.
• 5-year warranty.
• Very easy to use.
• Has 3 dials which you can control the run time, level of mist, and amount of mist emitted.
• Easily attach bottles to it.
• Excellent customer support.
• Comes in 5 different colors.

Cons

• Can use a lot of essential oil if you’re not careful.
• Louder than other nebulizers.
• More expensive than other nebulizers.

Organic Aromas: Radiance Nebulizing DIffuser

Organic Aromas has some of the best nebulizers in the industry. They have several different designs and the Radiance nebulizer is one of the most popular ones.

This nebulizer is one of the most eye-pleasing nebulizers on the market.

This one comes in two different colors; either dark wood or light wood. It has a hand-made wooden base and has a custom-blown glass top.

The Radiance by Organic Aromas has one usage cycle. It turns on for 2 minutes and then turns off for 1 minute. It will automatically shut off after 120 minutes.

It has a built-in touch sensor that lets you turn the LED off or on. It uses a touch sensor where you can have it cycle through different colors of lights or completely turn the LED light off.

The area of coverage is up to 800 sq. ft. You an easily control how much essential oil is dispersed into the air with the dial. You turn it clockwise to emit more essential oil into the air.

The bottom line is Organic Aromas makes quality nebulizers. They have several different nebulizers which lots of people use every single day. They also have lots of different essential oil blends, singles, and sets (see Organic Aromas discovery set).  See my review on their essential oils here.

Pros

• Highly respectable name in the industry.
• Very visually appealing.
• Comes in 2 different colors.
• Very quiet.
• Covers 800 sq. ft.
• Turns on and off for 2 minutes at a time for 2 hours.
• Free replacement if it stops working.

Cons

• High setting can use essential oil very quickly.
• Only uses an AC power cord.
• Glass parts are prone to break from animals and kids.

Aroma Infinity Nebulizer

The Aroma Infinity is another great atomizing device by Diffuser World. With this atomizing device, the essential oil is siphoned directly out of a 15 ml bottle without the need to keep adding drops of essential oils.
Again, this nebulizers gives you a lot more control than others in the industry.

The Aroma Infinity works with intermittent intervals settings. Meaning, it will turn on for 5,10,30, and 60-second intervals. It will then rest for 5,10,30, and 60-second intervals. The timer allows you to leave it on for 30,60, and 120 minutes at a time.

Diffuser World has stated that it will cover up to 800 sq. ft.

The Aroma Infinity does come with a USB plugin or an adapter that you can plug into a standard wall outlet.

The bottom line is this is an awesome nebulizer. I’m a big fan of nebulizers by Diffuser World. Also, it comes with a lithium battery which can run for a maximum of 40+ hours. This makes traveling with the Aroma Infinity a breeze. It’s very easy to use and it comes with an excellent warranty, which is 1 year.

Pros

• Several different timer settings.
• Use a bottle instead of adding drops.
• No glass parts.
• Covers 800 sq. ft.
• Super quiet.
• Digital Timer.
• Holds 15 mL essential oil bottles.
• Uses a USB or standard power cable.
• Includes lithium battery (40+ hours of usage).
• Comes with a 1-year warranty.

Cons

• Price is higher than other nebulizers.
• Only comes in one color (silver).

ArOmis Orbis Nox Merus Nebulizer Diffuser

ArOmis is a small company out of Boulder, Colorado that has been producing quality nebulizers since 2011. The Orbis Nox Merus is one of their best selling nebulizers and for a good reason. I actually got a chance to try it out. You can read my full review here.

One thing that is unique about this nebulizer is it runs for 10 minutes and then shuts off for 10 minutes. Before, you purchase it you have the option of a timer for 1,4,8, and 12 hours. Meaning, it will cycle on for 10 minutes and then off for 10 minutes and completely turn off after 1,4,8, and 12 hours.

To use the Orbis Nox Merus all you have to do is turn the dial clockwise. It can go between low to high depending on how much essential oil you need emitted into the air.

Unlike a lot of nebulizers, there are no LED lights.

According to ArOmis LED lights break easily. Typically, nebulizers use glue to hold the LED lights in place. However, LED lights do emit UV light into the essential oil. This could change the oxidation rate and decrease the health effects of using a nebulizer.

The area of coverage is 900 square feet, which makes it perfect for larger rooms and apartments.
The bottom line is the Orbis Nox Merus by ArOmis is an excellent nebulizer. They have been manufacturing nebulizers since 2011 and are very proud of their high-quality products. They have 11 other different models, too. It’s very easy to use and there is only one dial.

Pros

• Timer options prior to purchasing.
• Covers 900 sq. ft.
• Runs for 10 min on 10 min off.
• Cheaper replacement bottles and caps.
• Simple to use; just one dial.

Cons

• No LED lights.
• No USB.

Organic Aromas: Raindrop 2.0 Nebulizer

This is yet another quality nebulizer from Organic Aromas. It’s one of the best selling nebulizers and for a good reason.  I have actually written a full review of it here.

The Raindrop 2.0 base nebulizer comes in 2 colors. You can get it in light wood or dark wood. The glass reservoir and glass cap are hand blown glass.

There is a dial which you turn clockwise to control the essential oil that is dispersed into the air. The more you turn the dial the more oil it disperses in the air. It automatically runs for 2 minutes and then shuts off for 2 minutes. It does this on a cycle on and off but after 2 hours before it turns off.

The other button down below the dial is a touch sensor. It controls the LED light. You can touch the sensor and it will cycle through different colors. Optionally, you can turn the LED off.

According to Organic Aromas it can cover 900 sq. ft. It’s also one of the quieter nebulizers in the industry.
To use the Raindrop 2.0 you add 20-25 drops of essential oil and then turn the dial. It comes with a standard wall plugin.

The bottom line is the Raindrop 2.0 is one of their best selling nebulizers and for a good reason. Again, Organic Aromas has some of the best nebulizers in the industry. It’s simple to use, covers a large area and comes with free replacements if ever it should stop working.

Pros

• Highly respectable name in the industry.
• Comes in 2 different colors.
• Very quiet.
• Covers 900 sq. ft.
• Turns on and off for 2 minutes at a time for 2 hours.
• Free replacement if it stops working.

Cons

• High setting can use essential oil very quickly.
• Only uses an AC power cord.
• Glass parts are prone to break from animals and kids.

Aroma-Express

The Aroma-Express is another great atomizing device by Diffuser World. You don’t have to keep putting drops of essential oil into the device because it’s siphoned from a 15 mL bottle which screws into the unit. It comes in two different colors: black and beige.

It’s perfect for people that are on the go a lot. It comes with a AA nickel–metal hydride battery (NiMh). Four of them are included. These batteries aren’t just exclusive to Diffuser World because you can purchase them anywhere that sells batteries 1800 milliam-hours (MAH).

It’s very simple to use. The following settings can be adjusted:

Output. You can control the output with the push of a button. There are 7 settings (called levels).

By pushing the button once it will diffuse the oil for 6 seconds and than rest for 4 minutes.

Lastly, if you press the button the 7th time it will run continuously.

Run Time. The run time controls how long before the device will shut off completely. Meaning, there will be no more intervals of emitting essential oil and then resting. It works on 6 different levels. Each time you press the button the run time is increased 30 minutes. For instance, pressing the button 2 times will allow the Aroma-Express to stay on for 60 minutes. The maximum run time goes up to 180 minutes.

If you press the button 6 times the Aroma-Express will stay on continuously.

Power. The power button simply turns the atomizer on/off. If there is a solid blue light this means the battery has enough power. When the light blinks red you need to charge the batteries. Lastly, a solid red light means the batteries are charging.

The area of coverage that it covers is 600 sq. ft.

The bottom line is this is an awesome atomizing device. It’s a must if you are on the go a lot. You can easily charge the Aroma-Express and take it with you wherever you go. It’s small enough to fit into your cup holder in your vehicle. It does come with a charging cord and an adapter so you can plug it into your cars cigarette or USB port, too.

Pros

• Easy to travel with (4 rechargeable batteries).
• Fits most 15 mL bottles.
• Quieter than the Aroma-Ace.
• Covers 600 sq. ft.
• Continuously run or several timer settings.
• Cheaper than other atomizers.
• 1-year warranty.

Cons

• Only comes in 2 colors (black & beige).

Tips For Using Your Nebulizer Diffuser

You should never put any water or carrier oil in the nebulizer and turn it on. Carrier oil will damage the unit and make the mixture too thick. Instead, save your carrier oils for topical use.

It’s best not to use thick essential oils like vetiver by themselves. They are very thick and can actually clog your nebulizer. It’s best to mix thick essential oils will other thinner essential oils that blend well together. For instance, mix 1 drop of cedarwood with a thinner oil with 5 drops of bergamot.

Don’t leave your nebulizer running all day long. It emits the particles into the air much more than electronic diffusers. Too much of a good thing can actually be bad for your body. It’s recommended that you run it for only 30 minutes of continuous use.

Cleaning Your Nebulizer Diffuser Properly

Cleaning your nebulizer is going to be different based on which model you have. Some nebulizers have more parts to remove than others. Also, there are different kinds of parts within the nebulizer. However, the glass is what you should be cleaning on your nebulizer.

For the glass reservoir make sure you clean them with 90% alcohol. You want to use a glass dropper or pipette to get the alcohol in the glass. Gently shake it around for 30-60 seconds. Then pour water on it and dump it out. Let it air dry before using it again.

For your glass cap soak the top in a bowl with 3-4 teaspoons of 90% alcohol mixed with water for about 1-2 minutes. Then run some water over it and let it air dry before using it again.

Final Verdict

I promise that once you use a nebulizer you will quickly realize that they are superior to electronic diffusers. For years I made the mistake of just using a diffuser.

They do tend to cost more money, but so much more essential oil gets dispersed into the air. The healing properties are much better with nebulizers, too.

If you have any questions about nebulizers please leave a comment down below.