Just the way you like it: the fragrance diffuser from Moodo
19.9.2018
Translation: machine translated
Pictures: Ramon Schneider
A fine nose smells everything - that can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. Particularly in open-plan offices, odours can develop that demand everything from you olfactorily. Find out here whether the electric fragrance diffuser from Moodo is the new magic weapon in the fight against bad odours.
"What's that smell in here?" echoes through the office on the fifth floor at Pfingstweidstrasse 60. Someone must have been enjoying their kebab in the office again, I think. Either way, open-plan spaces not only promote team spirit and collaboration, but also bring together a wide variety of odours and fragrances. In this case, what could be more obvious than testing an electric fragrance diffuser? I opted for the box from Moodo, as it occurred to me that our category had been wanting to scrutinise this item for some time. The following lines show how it performs in practice.
The unboxing
The box - which already smells strong when you open it - contains the fragrance diffuser itself, a power cable and a quick guide. That's pretty much it. The set I tested also came with a separate box containing the four fragrance capsules. The whole thing reminds me a bit of Nespresso. Just without the coffee fragrance. The diffuser looks bigger than I imagined. The thing measures about 12 centimetres and is more or less square (the corners are rounded). Its matt black looks discreet, only the splashes of colour on the fragrance capsules and the blue of the buttons - when the diffuser is switched on - stand out. For my taste, the block is a little too big to be placed in the living room.
The start-up
Connecting the diffuser to the smartphone app is child's play, as announced in the manual. You can download the app free of charge for both iOS and Android. After downloading, you need to create an account: The only data Moodo needs from you is your email address and a password. Emails about the fragrances and the status of the diffuser will also be sent to this address later - if you wish. Then press the power button and your Moodo will act as an access point and is ready for setup. The next step is to confirm that your Moodo is version 2.0 or higher, then enter the details of the WiFi network to be connected. The bar loads and your scented DJ mixer is ready for use.
The capsules
The fragrance diffuser should be able to automatically recognise which capsules are currently inserted. I have to switch the box off and on again until it assigns all four capsules correctly. Now the fun really starts: you can choose whether you want to use one capsule alone, several or even all together. There are also pre-configured fragrances, so-called "family members", available. Although names such as "Orange Grove" or "Rise and Shine" sound promising, they say little or nothing about the fragrance itself. You can also run the various programmes in shuffle mode, control the intensity of each individual capsule or become a fragrance connoisseur and create your own fragrances.
The fragrances
I have to admit that, apart from the lavender capsule, nothing really knocked my socks off when I first smelled it. On the contrary: as I test the diffuser directly at my seat, the fragrances are correspondingly intense. I first try out a programme that has already been created, in which the lavender note has the upper hand. Quite appealing, I realise. All other combinations either make me feel nauseous, give me a headache or both. Okay, maybe next time I shouldn't place the device almost 50 centimetres away from my nose. But I want to be able to smell something. Intervals are also possible so that the device doesn't run non-stop. This can also be controlled via the app.
The feedback
"Eww, turn that thing off!" says my neighbour Ramon, annoyed. Simon reacts in a similar but more subtle way: "I don't understand why people want their whole house to smell like soap." Curly-haired Philipp posits: "I'll be in my home office until this thing is gone." And the all-smelling Livia, sitting two rows away, makes unintelligible noises that don't exactly sound like enthusiasm either. Okay, as we all know, taste is debatable. And I admit that this capsule set doesn't appeal to mine. But I find the idea itself interesting. It fits in with today's age, in which every device has to be smart. A simple scented candle is no longer enough. No, you also need to be able to control your diffuser from your holiday in Ulanbator so that you can honour the now deceased goldfish at home with a salvo of fragrance.
The conclusion
It's fascinating how trends are even influencing household appliances these days. Smart washing machines, fridges and diffusers. The latter don't really play a major role in my life. My girlfriend has taken over the fragrance management at home. Incense sticks, scented candles and palo santo wood create a cosy incense burner ambience with a hint of forest fire and a jungle finish. Since I don't like technical gimmicks, I somehow like the diffuser. With the right fragrance capsules, this machine could probably also inspire me in my own four walls. If I want to create a little ambience just before I finish work, all I have to do is press a button on my mobile and my cosy home becomes a seductive fragrance chamber. For the proud price of 179 francs and 24 to 29 francs for four capsules, which are supposed to last 60 hours in continuous operation, I'm sticking to traditional methods of fragrance production for the time being.
The expansion packs
The proof of the pudding is in the eating: Choose the fragrances you like. I didn't really like the "Fresh Vibrations" set, apart from the lavender. You can find more detailed information on the various fragrances in each set in the product description.
Header image: Like coffee capsules, but without the coffee smell: capsules provide the scent and you decide how it should turn out.
Raphael Knecht
Senior Editor
raphael.knecht@digitecgalaxus.chWhen I'm not stuffing my face with sweets, you'll catch me running around in the gym hall. I’m a passionate floorball player and coach. On rainy days, I tinker with my homebuilt PCs, robots or other gadgets. Music is always my trusted companion. I also enjoy tackling hilly terrain on my road bike and criss-crossing the country on my cross-country skis.
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