Cleans well and the magnetic charger is neat
The Waterpik Cordless Select cleans between the teeth and along the gumline well.
You can get finite control from the easy to rotate nozzle and the 2 pressure settings give some degree of choice.
The minimal look of the unit is appealing, and I like the magnetic USB charging cable. Unfortunately, I do find it harder and more awkward to hold than most other cordless flossers.
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
Easy to rotate the nozzle for greater control |
Not as easy to grip & hold as some other models |
|
2 pressure settings |
Doesn’t remember the pressure/mode setting |
|
Easy to attach USB magnetic charging cable |
No travel pouch included |
Other water flossers to consider
You could do a lot worse than selecting the Cordless Select, it certainly ticks the boxes for many. Importantly it is clinically proven.
But, if you want the best cordless water flosser, I urge you to seriously consider another option from Waterpik, the Cordless Advanced.
It's a premium model, with an additional mode, but importantly feels easier to grip and control.
Sonicare's Power Flosser 3000 is also another good alternative.
Design, usability, clean & general use
If you have seen or handled a cordless water flosser before, then the Cordless Select isn’t any different.
It has the typical look, shape and size.
The flat base allows the unit to sit upright on a countertop.
With the nozzle inserted it stands 29.2cm/11.5 inches tall.
It is 6.3cm/2.5 inches wide and as is normal, it is quite deep. It has a depth of 8.9cm/3.5 inches. It isn’t quite as deep as the Waterpik Aquarius.
To be fair, it does look a little bit more modern than some of the other options. There is quite a clean and minimal look to the unit. This is a good thing I believe.
On the front, there is a rounded rectangle panel that runs vertically down the upper third of the handle. Inside this is a single button, battery icon and LED.
This button is both the power and mode button.
With a very slight concave design to it, it does too have a power symbol printed on it. It is accented by a silver ring that runs around it.
It is a plastic button, not silicone like you get one some other models. The button itself doesn’t give lots of feedback to the fingertip, but it is passable.
Below the button sits a battery icon.
Underneath this is an LED that displays the battery information.
It is not until we get to the very bottom of the unit that we are presented with a Waterpik logo.
Underneath this, right on the bottom edge are 2 silver pins.
It is through these that the NiMH battery that is sealed inside the handle, is recharged. More on this within the battery life section of the review.
The right and left side of the flosser is free of any ports or controls. Although it is from the side you now see the transparent water tank that wraps into the side of the flosser.
You do too see how it tapers to a thinner profile at the top of the flosser. This thinner profile is intentional to make it easier to hold onto.
Looking at the rear of the unit, you have a textured surface, made up of raised dots, in the upper third of the handle. The rest is the water tank.
The tank is removable and has a door on it, which allows you to refill it.
At the top of the flosser, is where you will find the hole for the nozzle or jet tip if you prefer.
1 of the 4 supplied nozzles fits clips into the hole, located right in the centre.
To release it, you press the button that sits to the side of this hole. You can’t remove it unless you press this button.
This top section of the unit has a cogwheel design to it. This is because it can be rotated a full 360 degrees.
The rotation allows you to better control the angle and position of the water flow into the mouth.
This is all good in principle. But, the design of the WF-10 I do believe works against this ease of use a little.
I find this harder and more awkward to grip in hand than most other cordless water flossers. I a somewhat disappointed to have to say this.
The thinner part of the flosser, which you usually grip to, is not as long as other units.
There is a lack of surface area, which restricts the security in hand. Your grip is much more cramped.
Yes, it is usable, but it is something I have noticed and is bugging me compared to other options. I am sure it will frustrate some others too.
Models like the Cordless Advanced or Cordless Plus are much more comfortable to hold.
As a cordless water flosser it does give you more flexibility than a corded unit. But, as you will likely be aware from the directions above, you still need to be near a sink to use it. This is because of the amount of water that is pushed into the mouth during use. You need a place to expel the water.
The benefits of being cordless are great. I would suggest you consider your lifestyle. Take some time to assess whether a countertop flosser might be a better investment of your money.
The water reservoir of the Cordless Select has a 207ml/7 ounce capacity.
It can be removed for filling and for cleaning. You slide it on and off as you please. In most instances, I suspect you will fill it when it is attached.
The reservoir door is easy to use and provides a secure seal.
A full tank will last up to 60 seconds.
The WF-10 offers 2 pressure settings or cleaning modes if you prefer.
The default mode is a low pressure setting and there is too a high pressure option.
The low mode empties the tank in 60 seconds, whilst the high mode takes 45.
The pressure of the 2 modes are 45 and 75 PSI respectively.
As soon as you press the power button, it activates the low power mode. Press it a second time to activate the high mode. A third press will turn the flosser off.
It does not remember the last mode used. I find this a touch frustrating. It will always default to the lower power mode.
This is a first world issue, I know. Low power mode is functional, but I know many prefer the more intense high mode.
During use it produces up to 70 decibels and is quieter than some other models I have used.
I have noticed a very small, but significant design tweak. Most water flossers have a flat base inside the tank. This means that most water gets suked up. But, it can mean a small amount of residual water is left. This has been pretty much rectified with the Cordless Select. There is a tapering internally, which causes the water to pool neatly at the bottom of the tank. Thus, when emptied all the water is extracted. No residue left. Good work Waterpik.
4 nozzles come provided in the box.
- 2 x JT-450E – Waterpik Classic High Pressure Jet Tip
- 1 x OD-100E – Waterpik Orthodontic Tip
- 1 x PS-100E – Waterpik Plaque Seeker Tip
For the vast majority, the classic tips are the best option to use.
If you wear braces, then the Orthodontic tip is useful. Those with dental implants will find the Plaque Seeker tip most useful.
There are 3 additional styles of nozzle. Each is designed for different use cases.
- PP-100E – Waterpik Pik Pocket Tips
- TB-100E – Waterpik Water Flosser Toothbrush Tips
- TC-100E – Waterpik Water Flosser Tongue Cleaner
The Pik Pocket tips are designed for those with Periodontal Pockets.
Any of these styles can be purchased and used with the Cordless Select WF-10.
You can find more information on each of the different tips here.
If you use the Classic tip, you should change this every 6 months on average.
The other tips should be replaced every 3 months.
All the nozzles can be rotated a full 360 degrees. When in use you can get the maximum benefit from the flosser and position the tip in the mouth at the ideal angle.
The dial that controls this rotation is simple to use. Not quite as easy as the Cordless Advanced, but one of the best configurations I have used.
A series of ridges around the edge of the rotating wheel make it easy for the finger to align and grip to. You can achieve quite finite control, with just 1 or 2 clicks of the wheel. Or you can easily make a much larger sweep of the fingertip to move it up to 180 degrees at a time. With as little as 2 passes of the finger, you can rotate the nozzle a full 360 degrees.
Such a feature should not be underestimated. You have finite control, more so than when you are all fingers and thumbs with regular floss.
It will take a bit of practice to actually do when in use. But you can use your index finger to twist the nozzle into the perfect angle to reach all areas of the mouth.
You will have up to 60 seconds to clean your interdental spaces with the Cordless Select (subject to mode).
Unlike an electric toothbrush, there is no timer/pacer built in to help you ensure an even clean. It will take a bit of trial and error to perfect the technique.
If you have perfected your flossing technique you should manage it in this time. But, for some, the high powered mode might not offer quite enough using time and a refill may well be necessary.
I wouldn’t want a smaller water tank. It makes it tricky to complete a thorough clean on 1 fill of the tank. You have to refill. This is why I generally recommend staying away from models that have a reservoir capacity of less than 200ml.
In fact, models like the 5020E are appealing because of their large 300ml tank. This does affect the size and weight.
The WF-10 continues to function, even if the tank is drained of all the water.
It will turn itself off after 2 minutes, but it will have long since drained the tank of any water.
When the tank is empty, you will hear the sound change. You will also notice the lack of water being pushed against your teeth and gums.
Although using a water flosser can be a little bit messy, I actually find it easier. This is compared to string dental floss and interdental brushes.
It still requires a technique, but it feels a little easier to master.
And I know I am not alone. I have learnt of many people who use a water flosser. Otherwise, they would not stick to an interdental cleaning regime otherwise.
Dental professionals typically see the brushes as the ‘best’ option. They will advise a water flosser to be used in addition to these.
Yet, almost all would prefer you use a water flosser instead of doing no interdental cleaning at all.
Brushing alone leaves up to 40% of the tooth surface uncleaned. Water flossers like the Select have been clinically proven to remove plaque.
There has been lots of research by Waterpik to show the effectiveness of their flossers. Impressive stats are available on the clinical research pages of the Waterpik website.
A study by Guror in 2009 found just a 3 second treatment can remove 99.9% of plaque biofilm amongst other research documented on the Waterpik clinical research pages.
The flow and pressure of the water reach bacteria deep between teeth and below the gumline. Brushing and traditional flossing can’t always reach this.
The water massages and stimulates the gums to improve circulation. This encourages your gums to be strong and healthy.
I found that I preferred the more powerful setting of the 2 offered. Those with sensitive gums may find the lower power setting to be better.
Countertop units do offer softer and more intense modes, but I don’t think you necessarily need them.
I use the water flosser before brushing and it is amazing how much debris it removes. And that is the stuff I can see!
Using the flosser in this way feels like a clean of the mouth, even before you complete the brushing.
A noteworthy point is that the Cordless Select has been designed as water resistant. If your preference is to use it in the shower, you can do so.
A benefit of the cordless options is that they are more suitable for travel.
Sadly, the Select does not come with a travel pouch in the box, which is disappointing.
A concern I have is the size. The anticipation might be that this will fit nicely in a bag when I go away for business or pleasure.
It will fit. But, if you are travelling light, say for a weekend break; this is a bulky unit to have in the bag.
Overall the Cordless Select does the job it is designed to do. I like it, but there are a couple of small things that are for me frustrations. These are overcome with the Cordless Advanced from Waterpik.
Summary of design, usability, clean & general use
Battery life
Built into the Cordless Select is a rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery.
Whilst the battery type is by no means a deal breaker, I had expected it would use a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery.
Li-Ion tends to be more common in modern appliances.
Waterpik is not explicit in their marketing materials about battery life. The manual implies 1 week.
Your expectations might be a little different to mine. I generally feel rechargeable products like this, should last a couple of weeks. This is to allow you and I to go away on vacation without having to take charging cables etc.
With the Cordless Select, I achieved around 48 sessions. This was when set to the shorter, but more powerful mode.
Assuming 1 flossing session per day, this is 6+ weeks of use on a full charge.
If you floss twice a day, you are going to be charging more.
I don’t understand how the battery performance can be so different to the claimed life? Perhaps not all batteries are made equal?
A full charge takes up to 4 hours.
To recharge you attach the provided magnetic USB charging cable.
The cable itself is color matched to the flosser and is about 120cm in length.
At one end is a male USB type A connector. At the other end is the magnetic module.
The magnetic module aligns with 2 gold pins on the lower front edge of the water flosser. It only fits one way and the magnetic help align it correctly.
It’s a clever solution and is a little less fiddly than some options.
The charger clips on and pulls off as and when it needs charging.
There is no need to remove a port cover, align and insert the cable. You can have this on charge within seconds.
There is a slight bulk to this magnetic element. It is about 4.3cm deep, 3cm wide and 1.2cm thick.
It is an adaptation of the magnetic charger available on the Cordless Advanced. I like it because it is more compact.
The other advantage here is the USB connection.
Waterpik includes a USB power brick in the box. This means you can connect it to a power outlet in the bathroom.
The USB power adapter supports 100-240v.
Because it is a USB cable you don’t have to connect to the adapter. If you rather, you could charge from a USB port on a computer, a battery bank or USB wall socket. It makes this a little more versatile.
When connected to power, the LED indicator on the flosser will light up white and blink every 3 seconds.
When the unit is low on power, the same LED will blink rapidly 8 times. This shows the power remaining is at 30% or less.
Summary of battery life
Price & where to buy
I have included links to buying options here at the start of the review.
In the section below, I discuss the price more generally and in relation to similar products.
The retail price of the Waterpik Cordless Select is $79.99.
This is not a terrible price. Particularly if you consider it is made by one of the market leaders, and the features available.
Whilst big discounts tend not to be commonplace on water flossers, you can usually save a few dollars.
At the time of review, most stockists are selling it for the full retail price. I would expect that in time or at times you will be able to get it for around $75.
The Select is $20 less than the Waterpik Advanced, with a retail price of $99.99.
However, the average selling price is around $5 more than the select at $80.
There are subtle differences between the 2 models. Those subtle differences do edge me to the more premium Advanced model.
Yes, the charging option is more convenient on the Select. But the Advanced is easier to hold and remembers your last used mode.
Which one you pick, will of course be up to you and your preferences.
With the Select, like other water flossers, we do need to factor in the cost of replacement jet tips.
Using the classic jet tips for this example, a pack of 2 retails at $10. That makes each jet tip $5.
It is fair to say these are not ‘cheap’. The recommendation is to replace them every 6 months. They don't need replacing all that regularly.
Here at Electric Teeth, we like to price models over a 3 year period. This is done in an effort to give a benchmark of the total ownership cost. It should enable a fair comparison to other models.
Let’s assume a small saving of $5 on the retail price. This makes the Select $75. Add on the $20 for the replacement tips and you have a total cost of $95 This works out as $0.09 per day over 3 years.
This is the same price as the Cordless Advanced.
Compare this to traditional string floss. That works out at about 2-3 cents per day. This is quite considerably more expensive. But, is it a premium worth paying for the ease of use in comparison to regular string floss? Let’s face it. It is not the simplest thing to do.
Please note that all prices quoted are approximates and will vary based on location, supplier and time of purchase. These figures were correct at the time of writing and should not be relied upon as hard fact, but used as a guide during your decision process.
Summary of price & where to buy
Reliability & long term use
Manufacturers, do their utmost to ensure that the product serves the purpose intended
It is impossible to guarantee a product will never fail, but included is a 2 year warranty. This is there to support you should things ever go wrong.
This does not cover user damage. It will cover manufacturing faults and workmanship during the first 24 months of use.
I have yet to have a Waterpik product fail on me during my testing. The Cordless Select is no exception. I have no reason to consider this model any more prone to damage or fault than most other Waterpik units.
To me, the build quality and tolerances appear to be very good.
Conclusion
A more than satisfactory water flosser, the Cordless Select is a nice product.
I like the minimal look.
I very much appreciate the magnetic USB charging cable.
Having the ability to rotate the nozzle with ease is great.
I do find this a bit awkward to hold in hand compared to the alternatives. If you know no better then it is less of an issue. However, for me, this was a bit frustrating.
I can’t say this is an absolute must buy nor is it a must avoid.
I think many, will like me, see the benefit in paying a little extra for the Waterpik Cordless Advanced.
Size guide
- Water Flosser Height With Nozzle - 29.2cm / 11.5 inches
- Width - 6.3cm / 2.5 inches
- Depth/thickness - 8.9cm / 3.5 inches
- Weight with nozzle (no water) - 336g / 11.8oz
- Package weight - 581g / 20.5oz
Noise
- 70dB
Country of manufacture
- China
Where can we get a replacement magnetic charging cord
Hi Tom. Waterpik sell replacement chargers online at: https://store.waterpik.com/oral-health/accessories?cat=31 However, there isn't a charger for the Cordless Select listed from what I can see. I am sure it will be listed in time, but I suspect it is best to contact Waterpik directly to see if they can assist.