Muji Aroma Diffuser Review: A Story Of Being Enamored With Scents
While I try to flesh out more lifestyle-related content — that of course — compliments the obvious technology angle of this site, I thought to myself: can’t my dorm (and workspace) smell better? Throwing $30 on a reed diffuser from a name-brand home and kitchen store at the shops at Columbus Circle didn’t prove itself fruitful, so I thought a little journey would ensue (e.g. to find a great diffuser).
After walking through Chinatown and into SoHo with my muse and my greatest friend, I came across the Muji SoHo location. It was always on my list of places to go, but what I found inside made the experience — dare I say: a scent sweeter.
Price as Reviewed: $119 at Muji Stores
Aesthetics
[pullquote]”Ultrasonic waves created at the base result in a cold, dry mist that carry fragrance.”[/pullquote]
The diffuser is built with a smooth white matte plastic, cut to exact measurements.
It has a solid build quality, although I do realize that when the six lights placed inside are switched on, you can clearly see through the entire unit. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it is part of the design and rather noticeable.
In a nod to simplicity and function, the removable top portion of the diffuser and be turned a full 360 degrees. Why does this matter? It means you can change the direction of the mist to any direction; it’s a smart and simple design.
I have to give props to the designer(s) once again, albeit for an entirely different aspect of the Muji diffuser: its maintenance. By removing the lid, you can change the water quick and simply, while keeping in mind a max of 350ml, which is marked in increments. A simple wipe down with a cloth will remove any oily residue from the essential oils that are dropped in, and that’s really all there is to it.
Also, it’s cute that Muji included a small measuring cup, but I often find it faster and easier to simply take the whole unit to sink and filling it with the desired amount of water — I’ve just a different method, essentially.
Using It
[pullquote]”I came down to the SoHo store the next day to start my little experiment. To the dorm!”[/pullquote]
After making some friends with Muji’s press team, I came into the SoHo store the next day to claim my little experiment.
Having acquired a large diffuser (a less expensive model, for smaller spaces exists) along with two essential oils: French lavender and herbal garden, a strong blend of eucalyptus, black pepper, rosemary, sage and ginger. To say that lavender is calming would be an understatement, while herbal garden specifically exists if you want to remain fresh and alert.
It might be reflection of personality and circumstance, that I’m all out of herbal garden essential oil as of my writing this, and instead am diffusing carefully selected amounts of lavender.
The diffuser works simply: hold the timer button for two seconds and engage the steam for 180, 120, 60, or 30 minute intervals. Meanwhile, the lighting has three settings, all accessed by the same button: high, low and off. As for the intensity of the mist: it’s a constant, smooth stream with high potency. Within five minutes, the dorm room can be completely enveloped in the scent of my choosing, so it goes without a doubt that a better ventilated space (such as a home, apartment or office) would benefit from the mist’s effects.
While simply anecdotal, I do have to say I’ve generally been more relaxed and happy to work from my dorm thanks to the diffuser — your mileage may vary.
Conclusion
Score: 9/10
For a premium, you can embrace a wonderful aroma — that you know exactly what it consists of. Each of the base essential oils run for $13.50 while the special blends go for $15. It’s also worth noting if you plan on diffusing throughout the day, that you’ll quickly be burning through the oil supply, so buying multiple bottles is a must.
Now, excuse me: I’ve Moving Castle remixes to listen to, some lavender mist to embrace and a term paper to write.
Pros:
- A cool, dry mist that improves any space
- Easy to maintain
- It can smell like anything (*winks*)
Cons:
- Won’t work longer than 3 hours
- Overall, an expensive luxury
