Our recommendations
Best countertop (corded): Waterpik Ultra Professional / eBay, Amazon / ~£63.7
Best cordless: Ordo Hydro Sonic / Amazon, Boots.com / ~£39.99
Runner up (cordless): Waterpik Cordless Advanced / eBay, Amazon / ~£79.79
Best for travel: Waterpik Cordless Slide / eBay, Boots.com / ~£119.99
Best budget: Bitvae C5 / Amazon / ~£18.99
How we tested
We specialise in reviewing dental health products and we’ve been consistently testing them since Electric Teeth launched over 10 years ago. We publish detailed written and video reviews to share our findings and opinions.
When a new water flosser is released, we buy it, test it and compare it to what’s already available. We then update our reviews and recommendations accordingly.
Comfort is an important factor when it comes to sticking to a regular flossing habit. Over the years we've learned what does and doesn't make for a comfortable flossing experience. We've also found that some features are more useful than others for getting the most out of a water flosser — see the buyer's guide below for more notes from our testing.
You can find out more about our testing process here. Not only do we test products ourselves, but we take on feedback from our community. We have open comment sections and a popular YouTube channel that provide us with invaluable feedback.
What to look for in a water flosser
In this post we offer recommendations for both corded (countertop) and cordless water flossers. If you have space (approx 6 x 6 inches) for one in your bathroom, we recommend going for countertop over cordless — we explain this in more detail in this section of our buyer's guide.
Both types of flosser come with similar features, not all of which are necessary. From our hands-on testing, the most essential features of a water flosser are:
Best countertop (corded)
Waterpik Ultra Professional WP-660
Why it's the best countertop flosser:
The Waterpik Ultra Professional (also known as the Aquarius) has all of the essential features I look for in a water flosser. It strikes a good balance between reservoir capacity, flossing time, unit size and price.
Compared to other flossers, I've found the sliding control switch on the handle makes it much easier to control the water flow and I can rotate the nozzle with a simple flick of my index finger, which is useful when trying to angle it so the water flow hits the right spot in my mouth.
More info, pros & cons
It doesn’t feel as dominant on the countertop as I’d imagined, although it’s a bit frustrating that I can’t push it right up tight to the wall as the power cable protrudes. This is by no means a deal breaker, but when space is tight it makes a difference. I've included some photos throughout this post to show the space water flossers take up.
During testing, the decently sized 650ml water tank on the Ultra Profesional gave me anywhere between 90 seconds and over 4 minutes of flossing time subject to which of the 10 pressure settings I choose. It meant I could get a couple of flossing sessions from a single fill of the tank. The included timer and pacer help with this.
Something I enjoy about countertop flossers compared to cordless is that the smaller handles give a feeling of greater control and dexterity. In-hand comfort is really quite important for something like this — the more adept you are at using a flosser, the more likely you will return to it every day. The textured grip on the rotating nozzle of the Ultra Professional made it the most comfortable flosser I have used.
Read our Waterpik Ultra Professional Review.
What we like |
Worth noting |
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80+ second flossing time |
No place to stow excess power cable |
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Easy to rotate the nozzle |
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10 pressure settings |
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Water control button on handle |
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Hose storage |
Best cordless
Ordo Hydro Sonic
Why it's the best cordless:
I've included a section below on when to choose corded vs cordless, but in a nutshell a cordless flosser takes up less space, it's a bit more portable and it can be quieter. The downsides are that you get less flossing time because of a smaller reservoir.
I like how grippy and comfortable the Ordo Hydro Sonic is to hold. It doesn’t feel as heavy or bulky as I’d expected given its water tank is so large.
The 260ml tank and 3 pressure settings gave me anywhere between 50-60 seconds of usage time, which is sufficient as I’ve mastered my technique. If it's your first time owning a water flosser, you may need to refill to get the clean you desire. I can’t fault the cleaning results, which are comparable to those of leading brands.
I did find the nozzle very stiff to rotate, which is a problem I’ve encountered with a lot of cordless water flossers. This isn’t a problem for me as I’m now used to rotating my hand rather than the nozzle to get the coverage of the mouth that I want. It’s not a deal breaker by any means, but it’s something to be aware of when you first start using the flosser.
More info, pros & cons
I like the on-demand button. It makes it incredibly easy to start and stop the water flow, which gives greater control and creates a little less mess than other flossers I’ve tested. The highest pressure setting is very powerful and I can see how it could be too intense for sensitive teeth and gums. Those with periodontal disease are best off considering a flosser with lower power settings, such as the Cordless Advanced (our runner up choice) from Waterpik.
It’s a shame no travel case is provided, but the ability to stow 2 nozzles inside the flosser is brilliant as is the travel lock button.
I found the Hydro Sonic easy to wipe clean and dry off after use. It is exceptionally good value and, all things considered, caters to most users.
Watch our Ordo Hydro Sonic Review.
What we like |
Worth noting |
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Textured grip |
Difficult to rotate the nozzle |
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3 pressure settings |
No travel pouch |
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On-demand button |
Tilt to drain tank fully |
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USB type c charging |
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45+ second flossing time |
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Travel lock button |
Cordless runner-up
Waterpik Cordless Advanced
Why it's a good choice:
The Cordless Advanced is the most comfortable cordless flosser I have tested. I do prefer the smaller and more nimble handles of a countertop flosser, such as the Ultra Professional, but the shape and the large area of raised dots on the back of the Cordless Advanced make it lovely to hold. I felt in control, even when I wanted to rotate the nozzle.
I found the nozzle easy to rotate, helping me to reach all my teeth and clean the entire mouth. In fact, I found rotating the nozzle on the Cordless Advanced was easier than on the Ultra Professional, and the Ordo Hydrosonic. The large wheel used for rotation felt natural to use and provided good feedback.
Given this, you may wonder why I've recommended the Ordo Hydro Sonic as the best choice rather than the Cordless Advanced. The main reason is price. The Ordo is half the price of the Cordless Advanced and does just as good a job. Yes, it has a slightly better user experience, but for such a difference in price it deserves top spot.
More info, pros & cons
Whilst one of the benefits of a cordless flosser is that they are more portable, most, including the Cordless Advanced, are still quite bulky to carry about. I don’t travel with my water flosser that often, but if I was a frequent traveller I would opt for Waterpik’s Cordless Slide, which I talk about in more detail below. It is a much better option as it collapses down to something similar in size to a smartphone.
The Ordo Hydro Sonic, even though it is still bulky, is more travel-friendly than the Cordless Advanced because it is recharged using a USB-C cable. This is the same cable used to charge most smartphones. The Cordless Advanced uses a bulky, proprietary cable. It's not a big deal unless you are travelling for a long period with limited luggage space because both flossers offer about 4 weeks from a single charge.
The 207ml tank of the Cordless Advanced offers 45 seconds of use on the most powerful of the 3 pressure modes. This is about half the time of the Waterpik Ultra Professional. You don’t have to rush with either, but it is a compromise.
If you aren't planning to travel with your flosser much and you're keen on cordless rather than corded, the Waterpik Cordless Advanced is the best you can go for in terms of comfort and features.
Read our Waterpik Cordless Advanced Review.
What we like |
Worth noting |
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45+ second flossing time |
Shorter flossing time and not as powerful as a countertop flosser |
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Easy to rotate the nozzle |
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Grippy handle |
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3 pressure settings |
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Easy to attach magnetic charger |
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Travel pouch included in the box |
Best for travel
Waterpik Cordless Slide
Why it's the best for travel:
If you want a travel-friendly water flosser, the Waterpik Cordless Slide is my recommendation.
I found that it wasn't quite as easy to use as other water flossers, but it’s a worthwhile compromise if you’re looking for a compact option.
The Slide collapses down to a size that is 50% smaller than its expanded footprint. That’s a similar size (albeit a bit thicker) than a typical smartphone.
You could be forgiven for thinking that this would come with a compromise in performance, but honestly, it doesn’t.
More info, pros and cons
The 177ml tank is smaller offering around 38-46 seconds of usage time subject to the chosen pressure setting. For proficient users, this might just be enough flossing time. For many it will mean refilling the tank to achieve a thorough clean.
By comparison, the Cordless Advanced gives 45 to 65 seconds.
The Slide pulls apart, allowing easy drying and cleaning of the water tank, a common complaint of other flossers with fixed reservoirs. Another small, but clever touch is the top hinged reservoir door. It allows the maximum amount of excess water to be drained out of the tank without taking the flosser apart. Both of these are useful features if you need to put the Slide in a bag soon after using it.
Find out more in my Waterpik Cordless Slide video review, or see the section on travel below.
What we like |
Worth noting |
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Very compact |
No ability to rotate the nozzles |
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Still cleans well despite smaller size |
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Easy to dismantle and drain |
Best budget
Bitvae C5
Why we chose it:
The Bitvae C5 has all the features I recommend of a cordless water flosser and comes with enough nozzles for several years of use, all for a very fair price.
Bitvae flossers don't have the clinical backing of the likes of Waterpik or Philips Sonicare, but I can confirm from my own testing that performance is comparable. I'd struggle to tell the difference if I were blindfolded.
I did find that the nozzle wasn't as easy to hold and rotate with one hand compared to the Waterpik Cordless Advanced, but I wouldn't regard that as a big enough inconvenience to be a deal-breaker, especially if I was shopping on a budget.
The overall feel isn't quite as premium as other irrigators, but it's not a stark difference
More info, pros and cons
It's a shame Bitvae opted for a USB to barrel pin style charging cable, unlike the much more convenient and easily replaced USB type-c cable used by the Sonicare Cordless Power Flosser 3000. However, it is less bulky than the USB charging cable of the Cordless Advanced.
The lack of a travel case is a shame, but not a reason to overlook the C2.
Although I've had no failures during my testing, an overriding concern is the durability and reliability of Bitvae products. As a newer brand they don't have the proven track record like big name competitors and supplying only a 1 year warranty doesn't help their case.
Watch our Bitvae C2 / C5 irrigator review.
What we like |
Worth noting |
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Good value for money |
1 year warranty |
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Plenty of nozzles included |
Barrel pin charging connector isn’t as convenient as USB |
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Large tank |
Notable mentions
These are products that didn't quite make it into our list above, but have features that may find useful in specific cases.
Oclean W10
The Oclean W10 is the only water flosser to have a strap to help you grip the device. It works better than I had anticipated.
The cleaning results are good and it's a decent water flosser all things considered, but not quite good enough for me to recommend as a must-buy. Find out more in my Oclean W10 video review.
Video overview
The video below runs through our key advice and recommendations when choosing a new water flosser. It was recorded in 2025 but the recommendations and advice are still applicable in 2026.
Buyer's guide: useful pre-purchase advice
In the following sections I've elaborated on some of the points made as part of my overall recommendations above. I've included some additional information and photos that are useful to consider when shopping for a water flosser. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below.
Cordless vs corded (countertop) water flossers
If you have space (approx 6 x 6 inches) for one in your bathroom, I recommend going for a countertop over a cordless water flosser. There is no evidence to suggest one is better than the other — scientific studies confirm the effectiveness of both types. In my own hands-on testing, I have found them to be as effective as each other.
I've found countertop models slightly more comfortable to use. They also have larger water reservoirs, meaning they have longer cleaning times and need to be refilled less often. You only get 40 to 60 seconds of usage with a cordless flosser. That's OK for me, I've mastered my technique, but when you first buy one you might be surprised about how often it needs refilling.
Most cordless models offer just 2-3 intensity settings, which are easily changed via buttons on the unit. I find a low and higher power setting is more than enough in most instances. The technique you use is more important. Countertop flossers often come with extra features, such as a greater range of pressure settings (more on why that's useful below) and a built-in timer.
That being said, a cordless water flosser is still a perfectly good option if you don’t have space for a countertop model, or if you travel a lot. For the most part, countertop units need a power outlet. They need to be plugged in for them to work. You are therefore more restricted on where you place them. Cordless units are wire-free. This makes them more portable and convenient, particularly if you don’t have a socket in your bathroom.
Examples of how much space countertop flossers take up
One of the drawbacks to countertop water flossers is that they are larger.
Each model is different, but you generally need an area 6 x 6 inches or 15 x 15cm on your countertop to accommodate the footprint of the water flosser.
You then want to have about 25-30cm (10-12 inches) space above this free for the unit to stand upright.
Each corded unit has a power cable that is around 3-4ft (90-120cm) in length. The hose from the handle tends to be of a similar length too.
A maximum distance from the power socket and the sink is approximately 2 meters. Any more than this and you will likely struggle.
If you are short of countertop space, one option is to store the flosser elsewhere and get it out as and when you need it. Many people place it in a bathroom cabinet. This overcomes the space issue, but regular use can become more challenging as it takes more effort and time to get it setup, and there isn’t the visual reminder from it sitting in plain sight.
I've included a photo below of some of the countertop flossers we've tested so that you can get a rough idea of how much space they take up. There is a similar image of cordless flossers in the section above.
Here is a table comparing the sizes of some of the most popular water flossers.
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| Water flosser height with nozzle | Width | Depth/thickness |
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| 29cm / 11.4 inches | 15cm / 5.9 inches | 13cm / 5.1 inches |
| 25.2cm / 9.9 inches | 14.2cm / 5.6 inches | 13.6cm / 5.3 inches |
| 20cm / 8 inches | 13.5cm / 5.3 inches | 12cm / 4.7 inches |
Why having a range of pressure settings is useful
To start this section off, I should emphasize that power isn't everything. I've found that lower power and good technique to be better than higher power and poor technique.
Furthermore, there is no clinical evidence to support greater water pressure being more effective at removing plaque.
The amount of pressure you use is a matter of preference. In this section I will explain how pressure settings are implemented on various flossers and what my preferences are for daily use.
Pressure is measured in Pounds Per Square Inch (PSI) or Bar. Typically, cordless models tend to have a pressure range of 30 to 70 PSI and corded (countertop) have a range of 10 to 100 PSI.
That being said, the most powerful flossers currently available are both cordless and offer up to 160 PSI. They are the Burst water flosser and the Ordo Hydro Sonic water flosser.
For my daily usage, I tend to use around 70 to 80 PSI. This is what I find to be most comfortable.
You might not need to switch between them all the time, but having a choice of pressure settings is valuable. Whilst countertop water flossers can have as many as 10 settings, 2 or 3 is common for cordless models. You want at least a low and a high setting.
Having extra power can blast away more debris, but sheer force is not essential and may feel uncomfortable to some people. A low setting is ideal for inflamed, sensitive and bleeding gums. If you have healthy teeth and gums, the higher setting can be used.
For specific health conditions like periodontal disease, using more powerful flossers can cause more damage.
It's also worth noting that the lower the pressure used, the more flossing time you get from each fill of the tank.
I've created a video here that looks at the most powerful water flossers and shows me using them. I've also created the table below, which shows the pressure range available, the number of pressure settings and some other useful water flosser features to compare. Please note: where the pressure range is not entered in the table, this is because it has not been disclosed by the manufacturer.
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| Pressure Range | Number Of Settings | Reservoir Capacity | Minimum Usage Time | Maximum Usage Time | Buying options |
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| 10 to 100 PSI (0.689 to 6.895 Bar) | 10 | 650ml / 22oz | 1 minute and 30 seconds (90 seconds) | 4 minutes and 45 seconds (285 seconds) | |
| 10 to 100 PSI (0.689 to 6.895 Bar) | 10 | 650ml / 22oz | 1 minute and 30 seconds (90 seconds) | 4 minutes and 45 seconds (285 seconds) | |
| 45 to 75 PSI (3.103 to 5.171 Bar) | 3 | 200ml / 7oz | 45 seconds | 1 minute and 5 seconds (65 seconds) | |
| - | 3 | 240ml / 8.4oz | 1 minute (60 seconds) | 1 minute and 25 seconds (85 seconds) | |
| 80 to 160 PSI | 3 | 260ml / 9.2 oz | 50 seconds | 1 minutes (60 seconds) | |
| 50 to 80 PSI (3.447 to 5.516 Bar) | 3 | 180ml / 6oz | 38 seconds | 46 seconds | |
| 30 to 100 PSI | 5 | 200ml / 7oz | 45 seconds | 1 minute (60 seconds) |
My preferred pressure controls
My pick for the best overall water flosser is the Waterpik Ultra Professional. One of the reasons it's my top choice is that it has a contoured pressure dial. This makes it easy to select the setting you want, even if your hands are wet — a common occurrence when flossing with water!
By contrast, the Sonicare Power Flosser range does not have a textured or contoured dial. This makes it more slippery when wet. It's not readily available in the UK, but I tested it for the USA version of our site and have included it here as an example of a textured vs non-textured dial.
My recommendation for the best cordless flosser is the Ordo Hydro Sonic. Its top mounted pressure notification LEDs are ingenious. It means I can see which pressure setting I'm using without taking the flosser out of my mouth.
All the other cordless flossers I've tested have the LEDs on the front of the flosser. My runner-up choice, the Waterpik Cordless Advanced, is an example of this.
LEDs on the front of the unit indicate which mode is selected and it remembers the last mode selected and default to that mode until you change it.
Generally speaking, I would say having 2 different modes — low and high — is enough for most users. Having the extra control of 10 modes on a countertop flosser is a bonus, but if a cordless model will be more convenient for you, you can certainly get by with 2 or 3 modes.
The 'high' mode on the Cordless Advanced operates at 75 PSI, which is within the range of pressure that I find to be most comfortable. The low setting uses 45 PSI, which is better if my gums are feeling a bit sensitive.
On the Ordo, I found the medium setting to be most comfortable. The high setting has a PSI of 160, which is a bit too much for me at times. Still, it's nice to have it as an option.
Charging and power options can affect user experience
The way you charge or power your water flosser, either at home or on the road, can make a reasonable difference to the overall user experience.
It's hard for me to comment specifically on what's best here because everyone has a different bathroom and use-case. Instead, I'll make some comments and give photo examples of details that are worth taking into account.
In the photo below I have compared the difference between the Waterpik Ultra Professional and the Sonicare Power Flosser. Again, the Countertop Sonicare Power Flosser isn't available in the UK, but I have included it for illustration purposes in case you come across something similar.
The power connector for the Power Flosser is stowed underneath the unit and the position of the cable means it can be pushed right back up against a wall or flat surface.
By comparison, the Ultra Professional needs an inch or so’s clearance for the cable.
For me it's not a big deal — I use the Ultra Professional without issue — but if you are very tight on space but still want a countertop flosser, a flosser with a cable that is connected and stowed underneath the unit could be a good option.
Some cordless flossers can be charged by USB
Cordless water flossers need charging about once per month in my experience. My main recommendation, the Ordo Hydro Sonic, has a stated battery life of 4 weeks, which is about right from my testing.
The Hydro Sonic uses a USB-C cable, which is the type that comes with most smartphones. This means one less cable to carry if you take your flosser away with you somewhere.
By contrast, the Waterpik Cordless Advanced uses a proprietary charging cable. It's not an issue unless you lose it, which is easily done. This is where the Ordo Hydro Sonic and Oclean W10 stand out because, with USB type-c connectors, you can easily source replacements.
The magnetic charging cable for the Cordless Advanced is a little bulky, but it's easy to use and given you'll be using it less than once a month, its size isn't a big issue.
One of the advantages of cordless flossers is that they are, in theory at least, more portable. I cover travel considerations in the next section, but one aspect of portability is the charging cable. If you can use the same USB cable that charges your phone, it's one less thing to carry.
Some of the flossers that can be charged using a generic USB-C cable include the Ordo Hydro Sonic, Oclean AirPimp A10 and the Waterpik Cordless Slide, which is my recommendation for the best travel flosser.
Useful features if you plan to travel with your water flosser often
Cordless water flossers are naturally more portable than countertop flossers, but unless you go for a compact one like the Waterpik Slide, they can still be quite bulky. The Cordless Advanced, for example, isn't exactly on the small side.
If you travel frequently and really do want something with maximum convenience, the Slide is a great option for its compactness and the other reasons I talk about above.
There are a few other flossers that offer similar functionality and have other useful travel features. The Panasonic EW-DJ10/EW-DJ11 alongside the Synhope and Hangsun cordless travel options.
The Oclean W10, for example, isn't marketed as a travel flosser, but it has a detachable base, which makes it easy to drain. Additionally, because the base can be detached in this way, it means the nozzles can be stored inside the flosser. It is also charged by a generic USB-C cable — another bonus when you're traveling. Find out more in my Oclean W10 video review.
The Synhope compact water flosser (view it here on Amazon) is a cheaper alternative to the Waterpik Cordless Slide. It has an even smaller footprint than the Slide, charges by USB-C and has a compartment for nozzle storage, but the brand isn't established and I have concerns around ongoing support and nozzle replacements. See my video review for more detail.
Electric toothbrush and water flosser combos generally aren't worth it
Unless you have a very specific use case, I don't recommend opting for a single hybrid product that combines an electric toothbrush and a water flosser. You'll get better performance if you buy them as separate products.
If this is the sort of product you're interested in, the Waterpik Sonic-Fusion 2.0 is the only truly combined toothbrush and water flosser and therefore the best option. You use the same handle for both brushing and flossing. You can even floss with water as you brush — the water is pushed out through a rubber nozzle in the centre of the toothbrush head.
It's not a product that's readily available in the UK, although you may find imports on Amazon or Ebay. They are likely to be significantly more expensive than other water flossers.
I must reiterate that I did find the Sonic-Fusion disappointing in my testing. It is noisy and cumbersome to use. You don’t get to enjoy all the benefits of neither an electric toothbrush nor a water flosser and you're better off buying them separately.
There is little to rival the Sonic-Fusion from other well-known brands. You may find cheaper challenger brands offering something similar, but I really wouldn't recommend going for these.
The closest alternative I have tested is the SOOCAS Neos flossing toothbrush. This is a cordless option which in principle is a good idea, but it is lacking in overall functionality, as I share in my video review.
Don't be fooled by 'whitening' water flossers
The Waterpik WF-06 and WF-05 are two countertop models that have ‘whitening’ capabilities. The WF-05 Whitening Professional is the premium model.
Both allow you to add whitening tablets into the handle of the flosser. As the water passes through, it dissolves the tablet. It results in a mildly abrasive solution being pushed against the tooth surface. The idea is that it will remove light surface stains from your teeth.
The tablets contain glycerine which helps to lift the stains off the tooth surface. Silica, also contained in the tablets, is an abrasive ingredient which also helps remove stains. Both are effective stain removers and are commonly found in professional polishing pastes.
In theory, it works. Waterpik has done its own research and found it to be effective at removing stains.
In practice, people are often disappointed. It is an expensive solution that doesn’t deliver the tooth whitening results most would expect from Waterpik calling it a “whitening” water flosser. It is only ever going to remove extrinsic staining. It won’t change the natural color of the teeth like professional bleaching does.
What's more, if you're already using an electric toothbrush as part of your oral hygiene routine, any light surface stains will already be removed.
It's a relatively expensive method for limited beneficial results for the vast majority of users.
Find out more in our water flosser reviews
We've gathered the advice and recommendations above by thoroughly testing and comparing many water flossers. We usually create a written review, video review, or both for each brush.
You can see our written reviews below and watch our video reviews and comparisons on our YouTube channel.
- Waterpik Cordless Advanced vs Philips Sonicare Cordless Power Flosser 3000
- Philips Sonicare Cordless Power Flosser 3000 review
- Oral-B Aquacare 6 Pro-Expert Water Flosser review
- Oral-B Aquacare 4 vs 6 Pro-Expert
- Oral-B Aquacare 4 Water Flosser review
- Waterpik Cordless Select review
- Panasonic EW1511 review
- Waterpik Cordless Advanced review
- Waterpik WP-660UK Ultra Professional review
Complimenti per i test! Siete unici! Provate, per favore, il modello Panasonic EW-DJ86. Per me il migliore tra quelli elencati: batteria super, potenza super, qualità costruttiva super. In Italia (da dove scrivo) lo so trova a circa 80€. Grazie e buon lavoro!
Waterpik cordless is really good, however the battery is just a hassle. I have to charge it constantly and it takes ages to fully charge the battery, so at the end of the day is not as cordless as it should be, unfortunately I’m returning my unit due to its poor battery. So I wouldn’t recommend this product at all just for that.
I was thinking to buy Panasonic EW1511 Rechargeable Dental Oral Irrigator with Ultrasonic Technology. It has lithium battery that charges in just 1 hour and is more durable and not a NiMH battery from the last decade like the Waterpik one.
Any advice regarding this!?
Hi Juan. Sorry to hear you are not satisfied with the Waterpik.
The Panasonic EW1511 is a good comparable alternative. We have reviewed it here on our US website. Sourcing nozzles is challenging though.
That’s great! I’m going to watch it right now!
The other option is the Phillips Sonicare 3000 HX3806/33
Which one is better Phillips or Panasonic ?
Thanks !
I have published a review on the Sonicare Cordless Power Flosser just a few days ago.
I can't really say 1 is 'better' than the other. They are just a bit different. Sonicare probably takes the edge. Nozzles are easier to source & it has USB type-c charging.
I just purchased a waterpik cordless, I do not find the water as powerful as I expected after seeing videos on it. It doesn't really clean the plaque off as much as I had expected. It is ok but not amazing. Does anyone know if there is one with more powerful jet of water, even if a different make or model. Also I am searching for a comparison with the watts or power but cannot find one
Hi Emma. Is it the cordless advanced that you purchased? There are a few different models with cordless in the name. Generally, the power they offer is very similar.
You don't need a really powerful jet to remove plaque, harder and faster jets are not always better. Most water flossers water pressure is measured in PSI.
Most plaque you can't actually see. It is a colourless sticky substance. Do you have hard lumpy spots on the teeth and along the gumline that you think should be removed with this? It could be you have tartar otherwise known as calculus which is hardened plaque. This cannot be removed at home with such tools, you will need to see a dentist/hygienist.
Hello Jon, Many thanks for your reply and advice it is much appreciated and has helped me with my purchase of the Waterpik Cordless Plus Water Flosser WP-450UK. I do not have hard lumpy spots on the teeth/ but I do on the gums which I see a hygienist to remove. My issues are possibly hormone changes, as I'm 53, my bone density has reduced significantly in last 2 years. So trying everything to save teeth. Allergic to chlorhexidine so using home mouth wash e.g aloe vera , salt water,
Thanks for the info, Emma. I would advise having a chat with your hygienist to get their input then based on your personal circumstances. They are better placed to advise.
Thank you very much Jon I will speak to my hygenist as advised
Thank you for a useful article. I have a question about replacing the jet tips: why is it needed every three months? I understand how toothbrush heads wear out, but (having never used water flosser) can’t see how plastic tube that carries water does too? I am reducing plastic in my life so switched to bamboo interdental brushes but still conscious that wire and bristles do not degrade. I am considering ordering a Waterpik, but can’t see anything online about recyclable jet tip replacements.
Olga. Thanks for your question it is a good one.
The advice does change from one manufacturer to another. The recommendations tend to vary from 3 to 6 months.
I do agree that the jet tip is not going to wear like the bristles of a brush head might. I believe there are 2 parts to the recommendation.
The first being hygiene. Even though it is water going through the nozzle over time bacteria etc can buildup within the nozzle.
The second part is the manufacturers make money from the nozzles, so it is in their interest to promote replacements.
I hear of many using their nozzles for much much longer.
I do personally believe, if cleaned regularly there is no reason the classic jet tip can't last longer than advertised and in turn help reduce the plastic waste.
It would in time be great to see these made available for recycling too. All schemes I have seen have excluded these so far.
Thank you for your response, Jon. I am sure if sanitised property I can make the tip last for a long time.
Are the cordless advance and cordless plus build quality significantly better than cordless freedom? The replaceable battery of the freedom is a really useful feature, I wish the top 2 models have it
Hi Lan. Build quality is subjective, but yes I do believe the Waterpik Cordless Advance is better build quality than the WF-03 Freedom. The Cordless Plus is comparable to the Freedom.
If removable batteries are your preference, then go for one powered by these. Products like the Freedom are still good enough and do the job well. They just don't always have that sense of durability or feel in hand you might hope for, in my opinion.
Do you guys recomend the waterpik classic WP-70?
Hi John.
This is not a model I have tested to be able to make comment on. As I understand it, it is an older model and although functional doesn't have quite the same level of control over the pressure settings as newer models.
Is one of these of models particularly better for a 13-year old with braces?
Note: he has poor dexterity with his hands and is rather clumsy.
Luca,
I can't say 1 is significantly better. But the Waterpik WP-660 still stands out as being a 'better' option all round. The Sonicare Airfloss for example does not have a rotating nozzle and a smaller water tank, so this might not be quite as well suited to your daughter.
I talked to my dentist last night about these water flossers. An hygienist joined the discussion.
They only recommend the models that has both water and air because air is very efficient at killing bacteria, water is not, at all.
Also, water flosser are very poor at removing plaque. So, you still need to use interdental brushes. Too many people believe one replace the other.
I have 2 comments to your article:
I was upset to read this website writing "clinical studies show Waterpik models are better"
There is every reason to doubt that these are actual clinical studies let alone several of them. the vast majority of these studies are not run following a proper scientific protocol and are not peer reviewed. The author get paid and write what the company would like to read.
My dentists unequivocally confirm that these studies are biased at best and often fake and marketing driven.
The "studies" are run and paid by the company that sell the products.
You're basically endorsing the study. Most people won't see the trap.
At the very least you should write a very visible note that the study was paid by the company with all the caveats implied.
secondly, you wrote:
"If flossing or interdental brushes are not for you, there are alternatives! One such solution, backed by clinical evidence, is the use of an electric water flosser."
"backed by clinical evidence"? I already see where this is going....
my dentists said without hesitation that water flossers are not capable of removing plaque and therefore can "NEVER" replace interdental brushes.
Largo.
Thanks for the comment.
You make valid points, which are not lost on us.
The problem is, in many fields (not just dentistry) the studies are financed by companies, often looking to garner results for use in the marketing their products. This is because they have the money to fund them. There are not many independent organisations that can allocate the massive funds needed to run such trials.
Whilst it might be fair to say the results are interpreted or presented in a way that might be favourable, I think it is a little unfair to suggest they do not follow proper scientific protocol. From time to time there is truly independent research, that can be considered more trustworthy but sadly it is not as common as we would like to see. We would welcome more studies, particularly those that are not as favourable for Waterpik, but as it stands this is what data we have.
It is quite a bold statement for your dentist to 'unequivocally' confirm this unless they were privy to all stages of the trial. What evidence does your dentist have to say that water flossers cannot remove plaque?
We do recommend interdental brushes and string floss over water flossers, these remain the gold standard due to the physical contact that they have.
Your feedback does highlight some areas where there are perhaps small improvements that can be made to this article to make certain points clearer. I will look at ways of updating this page to reflect that.
> What evidence does your dentist have to say that water flossers cannot remove plaque?
They didn't say. I'll remember to ask them at my next appointment.
How do the Waterpik options compare to the Panasonic EW1511? Panasonic says they have an 'ultrasound technology' and it seems to be more pressure/pulse per minute. Thanks again!
Hi, I haven't yet tested the Panasonic EW1511 to be able to comment. I think it is likely that the cleaning experience is going to be comparable, with little meaningful difference between them.
May be why your linked clinical study is favours Waterpik:
"Chhaju Ram Goyal, co-founder and researcher at All Sum Research Center (an independent research lab that tests oral health care products), and the man whose name is on much of the scientific research on water flossers (though problematically, that research was paid for and designed by none other than Waterpik)."
Yes indeed this was the case. It is the case with a large number of studies on oral care products unfortunately. We do consider this as part of our reseach.
I have used WaterPik for about 4 years now, based on recommendations from my dentist. My opinion is they are extremely poor quality.
I have had a cordless version. This was replaced under warranty and that again failed so I bought the updated model. That also gave up. The units would not charge.
I now have a corded version with a large reservoir. The button on the handle stuck, now the handle falls apart. The reservoir leaks.
WaterPik may have a clinically good result, but their design and manufacturing quality is very poor.
After 4 years of persistence I am very happy to abandon this brand.
Hi Mark. Thanks for sharing your feedback on these products.
It is a shame to read this. What have you switched to?
That's a great and in depth article on water flossers over the internet thanks for sharing it. I wanted to ask a question in how many days i can see the results?
Hi Sanjay.
Results can be immediate, but within 2 weeks usually, the best results are achieved. For most this is the reduction or stopping of bleeding when flossing.
I had two Waterpik WP-660UK. It is very easy to use and having different power level makes it very versatile for the whole family. However, my first one died six months after my first use and the second one died after just three weeks. Inasmuch as I like this brand and model, I am now searching for something that will last for longer time. I have seen a review that reflects similar experience to mine.
Hello! Thanks for this very helpful article.
I used to have bad breath issues from time to time and i take antibiotics for that. So my GP recommended having an air floss for me as it will help in this in case any food is still stuck between my teeth.
I have a big bathroom but with no electric socket inside, yet i can use the extension cable from the near by socket in case you suggest using the counter one rather than portable.
PS. I live in Bahrain, if it might has anything to do with the recommendation.
Hi Rana,
Try some ground cloves for the bad breathe.. I don’t know what u call it Bahrain.. قرنقل مطحون أو مسمار مطحون
U just take very very little amount, and rinse then throw it away don’t swallow it.. u will say good bye to the bad breathe...👍🏼
Believe me .. try it .. nothing to lose.. cloves are good for both gum and teethe .. remember very little .. as a tip of a teaspoon..
Hi Rana.
Thanks for the comment.
Countertop units do offer a potentially better cleaning and tend to be more versatile with more control over things like the pressure.
However, it seems like the suggestion is the water flosser is just a nice addition to your routine to help remove debris and is not an essential part, therefore I would not be too concerned about going for a countertop unit.
The airfloss is a good option, especially if you do not have power in the bathroom. I would avoid running an extension cable as this poses risks.
Excellent article! Thank you.
Thank you for the reply and email :0)
Hello, I have a partially erupted wisdom tooth and currently suffering pericoronitis. I would like a water flosser to help keep the teeth clean rather than extract it. I am UK based with no pin in the bathroom. What's the best option please? Thanks so much!
Mitch, you will want to go cordless, so the Waterpik WP-450 Cordless Water Flosser is a great option for you.
Hi :)
I am planning to buy a waterpik water flosser and would really appreciate assistance! Having used a countertop waterpik in the past and loving the results, I am planning on purchasing a waterpik water flosser. Unfortunately I can't use a countertop because my previous waterpik broke because of the difference in voltage (I live in NZ) and therefore the warranty did not apply. Therefore I need a cordless version. Looking at reviews, it seems that the cordless waterpiks have very low pressure in comparison to the countertops. In your opinion, would the pressure of cordless waterpiks be around medium/medium-high pressure of the countertops? because the pressure is the most important factor for me. Also, at high power, would you say that the cordless freedom and cordless advanced are similar? I have an eye on the cordless advanced but comparing the features to more budget friendly versions, I just can't justify the price difference. I really want this waterpik to last instead of breaking like my pervious one, so I am also concerned that the cordless freedom would stop working, especially looking at the reviews, although there did seem to be quite a few reviews on the cordless advanced where people have experienced issues with the batteries....I would appreciate any help to solve my indecisiveness :)
Hi Laura,
Thanks for the comment.
I am more than happy to help if I can.
Before getting into the details of my recommendations, I would like to understand what you are saying initially about the voltages and your previous countertop model breaking.
Had you purchased a 100-130v model and were using it with the 230/240 NZ power supply? I would like to know why the voltage posed an issue, because there are ways around this to ensure the model does not break as a result of the voltage (in my opinion).
Unless going for a removable battery powered cordless flosser, the majority of cordless options have built in rechargeable batteries that need recharging from the wall socket and may incur this voltage issue you speak about.
Are you actually travelling with the flosser at any point or is it being used mainly at home and a countertop would actually be preferred?
I had purchased a 100-130v model and had been using a voltage adaptor. I am not entirely sure if it was the voltage that was the problem, as I was using an adaptor, but seeing as the rest of the waterpik was extremely well cared for and still did not work with replacement parts, I ruled it down to an issue with the voltage.
I have looked into the waterpik cordless models and as they are designed to be travelled with, they have universal voltage and therefore even if I were to use it in NZ, it would be covered by the warranty.
I won't be travelling with the flosser. While I would really want a corded waterpik, I also have an issue where there are no power plugs close to the bathroom. Therefore in order to use a corded waterpik, I would need to have extension cords running through my house.
So although I would love a countertop waterpik and would be willing to pay extra for waterpiks with global voltages, it seems overall that it would be a better decision to purchase a cordless one.
Hi Laura,
Thanks for the reply and additional information.
Whilst neither of us can probably be sure, it sounds quite plausible that the voltage that was the cause of your last unit failing. As I understand it the voltage is 230/240v in New Zealand, so using the 100-130v through a converter that may have failed all makes sense.
I understand all your other comments, so I hope the following is helpful.
Whilst the power of the cordless options are less than the countertop alternatives, it is not all about power.
It is my understanding that both the cordless freedom and cordless advance offer modes that are powered at 45 to 75 PSI ( 3.103 to 5.171 Bar ). Therefore both are as powerful as each other.
Any product can go wrong, and many complain more than they praise (as a general rule) so I wouldn't be too worried, as you say you have the warranty.
So, I think the cordless freedom could be a good option for you.
Hi.
I ended up buying the cordless freedom and am really loving it! Thanks for the help! :)
Hi Laura,
Thanks for letting me know. Glad you are happy with it.
Hi Jon,
Thanks for the article, it's really useful. Might be worth mentioning that the clinical study that says Waterpik is better than airpick is funded by Waterpik, and not in a peer-reviewed journal.
Thanks
Chris
Hi Chris.
Yes, this is something that has not escaped our attention. I do believe other brands are guilty of this too. 🤔
Hi.. Are there any newer compact/waterproof /travel size models that beat the Panasonic ewdj10 which you rated as best in 2017 or is it still best match to those requirement.. Thanks
Hi Liz.
In a word no. How waterproof and compact do you need/want it to be. I know this might sound a bit of a daft question, but if I can understand your needs a little more this may help me point you in the right direction of a better product if one exists.
Is this for with use within the UK?
Have you reviewed Mornwell water flosser D50 . I'm tempted to buy this due to much more affordable price and reading reviews on water pic and soni air flosser having issues with breaking down after a few months and difficulty with warranty. Does the Mornwell do a good job?
Hi Susan,
This is not a product we have reviewed as yet.
There are lots of lesser known brands like Mornwell that produce very good value options. This can be a positive and a negative, depending on your viewpoint.
I suspect the performance & build quality to be similar to the Broadcare model that we list at number 6.
Sorry I cannot be more helpful.
You say in your review that a hand-held flosser will last for one or two cleans. If you are going to do a proper clean, then you'll need to re-fill the tanks on a portable flosser 2-4 times. Also, knowing that a flosser has x number of power settings means nothing unless you know the power range and the max power. A higher power jet will clean more. I've seen ranges advertised from 90-130 psi, but many models don't state the power. It makes it very difficult to choose.
Nick,
Some very valid and fair points made.
For a deep clean, it is indeed likely you need to refill the tank a couple of times, but it does depend on how often you use it and how thorough you are. I have certainly found I can do a quick/rapid floss with 1 tank if I am wanting to refresh my mouth and remove the worst of the plaque in interdental spaces.
I would generally suggest a countertop flosser is best for most people as there is less need to refill.
In regards to the power most models will provide a power range that is sufficient to provide adequate cleaning at the highest power along with typically a more gentle mode that are suitable for most. The PSI will certainly give an extra steer in the decision making process, but many are not familiar with how powerful 130 PSI is on the gums compared to 90 PSI for example, so it is often not until you really use it do you fully understand the power.
Thanks for this site and all inforation Jon. Still dithering over which to buy frkm an older lady, husband, no mortgage, two young adult offspring and a life of experience which complucates making informed decisions.
I suggest our number 1 recommendation, the Waterpik WP-660UK! 👍
Battery on rechargeable waterpik not very good and guarantee only applies to first bought, not replaced. Ie, warranty is for two years from time of buying first model. My unit was replaced after about 18 months leaving only 6 months warranty for the replacement. Of course, the battery has failed within two years but not covered by warranty. So my choice is to buy a new one or change manufacturer. I’ve tried Philips but not the same cleanliness.
Hi Alan.
Thanks for the comments.
The warranty conditions you speak of are standard across many product categories, not just water flossers, but I do hear the frustration.
Interesting you should feel that the Wateprik is the better product for cleanliness results.