Product test

3 fragrance diffusers compete against cooking odours

4.9.2019

Translation: machine translated

Because I was looking for a way to get rid of cooking odours more quickly, I tested three different room fragrances. Since then, my kitchen smells a lot better, but only one of them always smells good.

Community member "frano88" asked me a while ago in response to my scented candle tested article about a suitable candle that eliminates unpleasant odours in the kitchen. Because I am forgetful, scented candles that have to be used so regularly are not a good idea in my case. That's why I started looking for other alternatives.

Soon afterwards, I borrowed an electric fragrance diffuser from a friend and tested it. It uses ultrasonic technology to convert water with an added essential oil into a fine mist - but it makes a noise and lights up. Apart from the fact that these two features quickly become annoying, I realised during testing that I am lazy: I usually forgot to switch the device on and off. So after testing, I chose three different room fragrances that needed neither electricity nor my attention.

Initial situation

For one month each, I tested a fragrance diffuser from a different manufacturer. With a volume of around 250 ml, all three variants are said to be suitable for rooms up to 10 m² in size. My kitchen fulfils this specification. It has a window, which I open daily for ventilation during the test. I use the evaporation bonnet about once or twice a week because I rarely cook. According to the manufacturer, using it more often can result in the fragrances lasting less long. I have also placed all the models in the same place, out of direct sunlight. This prevents premature evaporation of the liquid.

Aria from Culti

The room fragrances from Culti come from the aroma factory of the same name in Milan. The brand offers aromatising diffusers, scented candles and sachets. The design is simple, the glass is matt and it can be combined with both modern and classic living styles. According to the description, the fragrance is suitable for summer. For me, it suits every season because it is neutral. It becomes more intense with each additional Midollino stick, but is not overpowering.

When I walk into my kitchen, instead of the curry I cooked the day before, I only notice the scent of bergamot. After three weeks, I notice a slight discolouration of the liquid. But this doesn't bother me any more. The packaging is also a nice touch: thanks to the high-quality cardboard, it is so elegant that it is also suitable as a gift.

Fragrance diffusers

Culti Stile Classic Aria

250 ml

Details
Duration: 3-4 months
Volume: 250 ml, also available in 500-1000 ml or as a scented candle
Material: synthetic and natural fragrances, rattan sticks, glass bottle, maple wood lid
Fragrance family: bergamot, lily of the valley, cedar wood
Refillable: Yes, 1000 ml bottle
Other: If the Midollino sticks are rotated every 10-15 days, the fragrance becomes more intense again

Santal Blanc from Ipuro

Like Culti, the Ipuro brand from Germany impresses me with its all-round package: not only the packaging is of high quality, but also the bottle and its fibre sticks. Designed in black and white, the exterior of this bottle is unobtrusive. It blends in with its surroundings.

I feel the same way about its fragrance: unagitated, true to the description and fresh. It only slowly fades in the eighth week and in the meantime ensures that it is pleasant enough. The odour of household waste, which can be particularly strong in summer, also fades into the background. The only drawback is that the matt bottle is susceptible to scratches. It should therefore come into contact with other things.

Fragrance diffusers

CHF44.90 CHF187.08/1l

Ipuro Exclusive

240 ml

Details
Duration: 3-4 months
Volume: 240 ml, also available as scented pearls
Material: Perfume oil, water, ethanol, glass, plastic lid
Fragrance family: bergamot, citrus, cedarwood
Refillable: No

Midsummer's Night by Yankee Candle

The "Yankee Candle" brand comes from the USA and is one of the world's largest manufacturers of scented candles. So I was all the more interested to see how their latest addition - scented beads - would fare. Although I like the bubble-like beads, the plastic box is not my cup of tea. I prefer materials like glass.

Because the capsules are solid, there is no risk of me accidentally knocking the bottle over. I can therefore put the jar in a cupboard and store it away. This feature speaks in favour of the tin, if it weren't for the fragrance itself. I personally don't like it. It reminds me more of a cleaning agent. This may be because the citrus note dominates. Also, unlike the other room fragrances from Culti and Ipuro, it is not dominant enough to minimise the other scents.

Air freshener

Yankee Candle Midsummers Night

Details
Duration: 1-2 months, also available as a scented candle, car fragrance, wax cakes for a fragrance lamp
Volume: 170 ml
Material: synthetic fragrances, plastic
Fragrance family: bergamot, lemon, wood
Refillable: No

Conclusion

My personal favourite for combating unpleasant odours with room fragrances is the model from Culti. It's not cheap, but the fragrance and packaging are worth it. The fact that the packaging and bottle are made without plastic also scores points. Another bonus is that I can get a bottle for refilling. After regularly turning the sticks, I still perceive the fragrance more intensely than the kitchen odours even after three months.

Scent diffusers may not be everyone's cup of tea. Do you know any other tips and home remedies for odours in the kitchen? Share them with the Community in the comments or follow my author profile for the next test. <p

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Pia Seidel

Senior Editor

Pia.Seidel@digitecgalaxus.ch

Like a cheerleader, I love celebrating good design and bringing you closer to everything furniture- and interior design- related. I regularly curate simple yet sophisticated interior ideas, report on trends and interview creative minds about their work.

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