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Best Reed Diffuser Sets

Updated October 2021
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Nest Fragrances Reed Diffuser
Nest
Fragrances Reed Diffuser
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Best for Bathrooms
Bottom Line

A light and pleasant scent in a decorative bottle, making it ideal for bathrooms.

Pros

Comes in a wide range of pleasant and subtle scents. Each scent lasts roughly 3 months. Glass bottle has beautiful frosted stripe details. Included black reeds look elegant. Alcohol-free. Arrives in attractive and durable packaging.

Cons

Not ideal for large rooms. Works in small rooms like the bathroom.

Best Bang for the Buck
Paddywax Candles
Paddywax
Candles
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Best for Small Spaces
Bottom Line

High-quality fragrance meets elegant packaging in this reed diffuser set.

Pros

Available in 7 pleasant scents composed with eco-friendly, high-quality fragrance oils. The intriguing fragrance will set the tone in your home. Comes with attractive glass bottle reed holder and 4 natural wooden reeds. Compact in size.

Cons

Scent was not as strong as some users hoped.

Cocod'or Preserved Real Flower Diffuser
Cocod'or
Preserved Real Flower Diffuser
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Most Stylish
Bottom Line

The dried flower in this diffuser is a beautiful addition to any spot in your home.

Pros

Choose from a wide range of scents. Includes 5 reed sticks as well as a stylish dried flower. Flower color differs based on the scent you choose. Stays fragrant for roughly 2 months. Diffuser sits at a surprisingly low price point.

Cons

Many found the lavender scent to be unnatural.

Chesapeake Bay Candle Reed Diffuser
Chesapeake
Bay Candle Reed Diffuser
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Simple yet Solid
Bottom Line

A simple diffuser that disperses scent effectively throughout large rooms.

Pros

Has an appealing simple design that fits most décor. Available in a wide range of pleasant scents. Scents disperse evenly throughout large rooms. Easily adjust the strength of smell by adding or removing reeds.

Cons

Scent only lasts roughly 1 month instead of the advertised 3.

OOJRA Essential Oil Reed Diffuser Gift Set
OOJRA
Essential Oil Reed Diffuser Gift Set
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Perfect Gift
Bottom Line

Luxury packaging and diffuser reference guide make for an excellent gift.

Pros

Available in a range of different scents. Set comes in luxury, high-quality packaging, ideal for gift giving. Includes a diffuser reference guide filled with helpful tips and tricks. Lasts for roughly 3 to 4 months. Beautiful gold detailing on bottle.

Cons

Scent does not disperse well, better in small spaces.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Buying guide for best reed diffusers

There are plenty of ways to keep your home smelling fresh, but few are as convenient as reed diffusers. By slowly absorbing essential oils and steadily dispersing the scent, reed diffusers deliver continuous fragrance without the help of flames, plugs, or batteries. Simply pour the diffuser oil into the holder, place the reeds inside, and you're good to go — often for months at a time. Many reed diffuser sets also come with an attractive glass holder, bringing a decorative element to everyday aromatherapy.

However, choosing a great reed diffuser set tends to be a bit trickier. How do you find the best fit for your space? Do reed materials matter? Are some holders better than others? And how do you choose quality oils?

If you need help sniffing out the best reed diffuser set for your home, office, or business, you've come to the right place. Read on for everything you ever wanted to know about choosing and using reed diffusers. Ready to buy? We won't hold it against you if you skip straight to our top picks.

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You can adjust the intensity of your reed diffuser's scent simply by adding or removing sticks.

Key considerations

Room size

Before you start mulling over which fragrances you enjoy the most or which holders will blend with your décor, you'll need to consider your space. Just how far a reed diffuser's scent travels depends on a number of factors, including the holder size, the thickness of the reeds, the number of reeds, and, of course, the quality of the diffuser oil. 

Reed diffusers with a capacity of under 5 ounces tend to work best in smaller spaces like bathrooms or laundry rooms. For larger areas like living rooms and master bedrooms, consider a bigger diffuser or two smaller models. Adding more reeds to the holder or using thicker reeds will also help increase fragrance intensity.

Reeds

Reed diffuser sticks perform the all-important task of wicking essential oils from the holder and dispersing fragrance around the room. Bamboo and rattan are two of the most common reed materials, but when it comes to absorption capabilities, they're worlds apart. 

Bamboo: If you've ever seen a bamboo plant, you've probably noticed a series of horizontal nodes running up the length of each shoot. These nodes span the inside of the plant, separating one section from the next, and can severely impede the rate at which oil travels from one end of the reed to the other. 

Rattan: Rattan reeds, on the other hand, have clear vertical channels that draw the oil directly to the top for faster evaporation and more effective fragrance dispersal. 

Holder

Reed diffuser holders come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and designs, so finding something that complements your style shouldn't be too difficult. However, aesthetics shouldn't be your only concern. The size of a holder's neck or opening will have a direct impact on how long your oil (and fragrance) lasts. While wider openings often make for a more intense aroma, they also allow the oil to evaporate more quickly. For long-lasting scent and fewer refills, opt for a holder with a narrow opening.

Diffuser oil

The best diffuser oils are made using essential oils rather than synthetic fragrance oils. While synthetic oils tend to be extremely affordable and often smell similar to the real thing, their artificial composition simply cannot reproduce the natural healing properties of plant-derived essential oils.

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Expert Tip
Reed diffuser fragrance oils are surprisingly easy to make. If you like the idea of crafting your own fragrance blends or having complete control over what goes into your diffuser, a quick online search will unlock a world of easy-to-follow "recipes.”
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Features

Style

While sleek and simple reed diffusers easily blend into the background, those with more intricate designs can pull double duty as ornamental pieces. For a diffuser that stands out from the crowd, consider a holder with fine detailing, a bit of color, or a unique shape. If you like the idea of a decorative diffuser but don't want anything too over the top, simply swapping out traditional straight reeds for twisted, twirled, or flower-topped versions is a great idea.

Refills

Some premium reed diffuser sets conveniently come with reed or oil refills, saving you the hassle of having to purchase your first top-up separately.

Accessories

Essential oils: Natrogix Nirvana Essential Oils Set
At some point, your diffuser oil is going to run out. Purchasing a refill is always an option, but with your own essential oil set you can easily create unique fragrance blends or pick a scent that matches your mood for a tailor-made aromatherapy experience.

Carrier oil: PURA D'OR Organic Sweet Almond Oil
If you decide to mix your own diffuser oil refills, you're going to need a good carrier oil. Thinner oils like almond or safflower work best because they're easily absorbed. Simply add 20 to 25 drops of your chosen essential oils to 1/4 cup of your carrier oil (or use a blend consisting of 30% essential oils and 70% carrier oil), mix well, drop in your reeds, and enjoy!

Replacement reeds: Breathe Me TM Natural Rattan Reed Diffuser Sticks
When diffuser reeds become saturated with oil, absorption ceases and the aroma tapers off. Stocking up on quality rattan reeds will help keep the fragrance going.

"Replace your reed sticks and wash your holder each time you swap out diffuser oils to keep old blends from contaminating new aromas. "
STAFF
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Reed diffuser prices

Inexpensive: Smaller reed diffuser sets start between $9 and $15. Most reed diffusers in this price bracket typically range from 1.5 to 4 ounces and tend to work best in smaller spaces. 

Mid-range: For around $15 to $25, you can find reed diffusers with volumes of just over 4 ounces. Sets that come with smaller quantities of highly concentrated diffuser oils or bottles and reeds with extra decorative appeal are also available at this price point.

Expensive: Larger diffusers of 6 ounces and more, intricate reed or holder designs, and diffusers that come with more expensive oil blends cost anywhere from $25 to $50.

Tips

  • Place diffusers near entrances. Positioning reed diffusers near doorways will ensure that you and your guests are  greeted by a lovely fragrance upon entering your home or walking into a room.

  • Flip the reeds over every now and then. For a burst of freshness, turn the reeds over and leave the soaked ends facing up. In addition to boosting fragrance intensity, flipping the reeds once or twice a week also helps to keep them from becoming coated with dust.

  • Place a coaster or saucer under your diffuser. Essential oils can cause permanent stains. Placing your reed diffuser on a coaster or something similar will help protect surfaces from drips and spills.

  • Keep your reed diffuser away from direct sunlight and heat. Sunlight and heat can cause essential oils to lose potency and also accelerate evaporation. For long-lasting fragrance, place your reed diffuser in a cool, shaded area of your home.

"Placing your reed diffuser in an area with good airflow can improve fragrance throw, but bear in mind that increased air circulation will also speed up evaporation, leading to a shorter shelf life. "
STAFF
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Other products we considered

When it comes to quality, the jasmine and lily Craft & Kin Essential Oil Diffuser Kit certainly doesn't cut any corners. We love that this option is made with a blend of premium 100% essential oils and that it comes with natural rattan reeds, but what really impresses us is how this brand utilizes amber glass holders to maintain the integrity of their essential oils.

If you're looking for unique aromas, understated embellishments, and all-around quality, the HOUZZ Interior Home Ambience Reed Diffuser range won't disappoint. These reed diffusers are made with high-quality essential oils and topped with twirly rattan reeds. They come in seven interesting scents, including Pumpkin Pie, Holiday, Frosted Mint, White Tea & Pear, and more.

We were won over by the simple design and exceptional aroma of the Manu Home Reed Diffuser Sets, but that's not all these diffusers have going for them. Between quality components and generous size, they also throw just the right amount of scent — and they come in a massive variety of fragrances, too.

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Some diffusers have synthetic reeds, usually made of polyester. While these tend to be highly absorbent and extremely effective at dispersing scents, they aren't as eco-friendly as their natural counterparts.

FAQ

Q. How long do reed diffusers last?
A. Reed diffusers are typically expected to work for between two and four months, but determining an exact time frame is nearly impossible. A reed diffuser's lifespan is affected by a vast number of factors, including its size, oil composition, the number of reeds used, room airflow, and heat exposure. For instance, diffuser oil blends with an alcohol base tend to evaporate faster, but adding more reeds or exposing a diffuser to heat and sunlight will also reduce longevity, even without the addition of alcohol. The best way to establish an estimated "expiration date" is to take a look at the manufacturer's specifications. Keep in mind, though, that even these are intended to be loose guidelines.
 

Q. Can I reuse my reed sticks?
A. Unfortunately, no. Over time, the channels in reed sticks can become clogged with oil and they simply won't be able to absorb any more. If you've noticed a steady decline in scent output, it might be time to replace your reeds. 
 

Q. How do I choose a fragrance?
A. Choosing a scent is a highly personal endeavor, and finding that one true favorite can take some trial and error. Luckily, experimenting with different fragrances is half the fun, so don't be afraid to get a little adventurous while hunting for the perfect reed diffuser scent. Searching the internet for popular aromatherapy blends can also be helpful, especially if you're interested in the therapeutic benefits of essential oils.