Candle Junkies Guide To Reed Diffusers

Hey there, candle junkies! We’re back, continuing our guide to diffusers, and today we’re zeroing in on reed diffusers!

You’ve probably spotted these bottles with slender reeds on store shelves. Curious? Wondering what they’re all about? You’re in the right place.

This post will explore everything you need to know about them, including info on those that are also sold by some of your favorite candle brands.

So what are these scented sticks all about?

Reed diffusers are just another type of diffusion method for scent oils. If you’ve seen the glass bottles with sticks sitting inside, those are the reeds that are used to soak up the oils in the bottle.

Luxury candle brands, known for their exquisite fragrances, have embraced reed diffusers as a way to extend their sensory offerings, so often times you will see these candle brands with reed diffuser options for their fragrances as well.

Like I said above, it all begins with a container filled with essential oils (or fragrance oils) and a set of porous reeds. These reeds soak up the oil and then allow it to evaporate into the room, releasing that aroma throughout.

The reed types used actually do have an impact on how the diffuser will perform. The most common materials include rattan and bamboo.

Rattan reeds, especially those with a honeycomb structure, are highly effective as they contain small channels that wick the oil upwards.

Bamboo skewers are a budget-friendly option but may not diffuse the scent as efficiently.

The beauty of reed diffusers lies in their simplicity. No electricity or flames are needed. You can control the strength of the fragrance by using more or less reeds.

Easy to use and maintain, reed diffusers offer an efficient and hassle-free way to enjoy your favorite scents.

While reed diffusers are a popular choice, they’re not the only type of evaporative diffuser. Here’s a quick overview of some others:

As you can see from the table above, each type has its appeal, but they all operate on the same principle: allowing the oil to naturally evaporate into the room.

There will always be pros and cons with any type of diffuser, reed diffusers are no different. Let’s quickly go over those.

Pros:

• No Flame or Heat Required: Safer than candles and perfect for spaces where open flames aren’t suitable.
• Constant Fragrance: They provide a steady, subtle fragrance that lasts as long as there’s oil in the container.
• Aesthetically Pleasing: Available in various beautiful designs that can improve your home decor.

Cons:

• Less Intense Fragrance: The scent might not be as strong as other methods, especially in larger rooms.
• Maintenance: Reeds may need to be flipped or replaced to keep the scent fresh.

Understanding these aspects can help you decide if reed diffusers are the right choice for your space or if a different type might better suit you.

Although fairly straightforward, here are a few tips to get the most out of your reed diffusers.

• Position Well: Place the diffuser where air circulates well but away from direct sunlight or heating vents, as they can dry out the reeds.
• Flip the Reeds: Like I said, flipping the reeds can help improve the scent.
• Use the Right Number of Reeds: More reeds mean a stronger scent; fewer reeds mean a more subtle scent. If you need additional reeds you can buy extra on Amazon

Here’s how reed diffusers compare to other primary types at a glance:

• Vs. Nebulizing Diffusers: Reed diffusers are quieter, don’t require electricity, but have a more mild scent.
• Vs. Ultrasonic Diffusers: Reed diffusers are less maintenance-heavy and don’t add humidity to the room.
• Vs. Heat Diffusers: Reed diffusers operate without heat, maintaining the integrity of the oil’s fragrance.

Time for my recommendations! Here are a few brands that make some of my favorite reed diffusers:

Dr. Vranjes make excellent reed diffusers, but they are on the pricier side. So worth the extra cost though. They last forever and smell amazing.

Jo Malone is known for their powerful, yet sophisticated candle fragrances which are often mentioned on this blog. But their reed diffusers and room sprays are incredible alternatives as well.

P.F. Candle Co is a long time favorite here on the blog and aside from making great candles, they also make some excellent reed diffusers which are a great value compared to some of these other recommendations that fall a little more into the high-end side of things.

Another Candle Junkies favorite brand, Nest makes reed diffusers that are always reliable. If you find yourself loving one of their candle scents, be sure to try it out in a reed diffuser.

If you’re one of those DIY types, you can easily make your own reed diffusers as well.

All you need to do is:

• Choose a Container: Any narrow-necked glass or ceramic vessel will do.
• Pick Your Reeds: Rattan or bamboo skewers work well.
• Create an Essential Oil Blend: You can use straight essential oils in your diffuser or try your hand at your own blend. For relaxation, try lavender and chamomile; for invigoration, peppermint and lemon.
• Put It All Together: Place your essential oil or essential oil blend in the container you’ve chosen followed by the reeds and voila!

Whether you’re a luxury lover, DIY enthusiast, or someone seeking a flame-free option, reed diffusers can be a great alternative method of adding fragrance to your home.

Have you tried reed diffusers before? Do you have a favorite brand? Let us know in the comments below!