Philips Sonicare Xtreme e3000 Power Toothbrush (Orange)
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Product Reviews of Philips Sonicare Xtreme e3000 Power Toothbrush (Orange)
Product Review: Do NOT waste your money on ANY Sonicare toothbrush
Summary: 1 Stars
There is a basic design flaw in all of the rechargeable and battery operated models. Water gets into the rechargeable model and destroys the battery within months. Then you have to open it and solder in a new battery or toss the whole thing. Same thing happens to the Sonicare where you provide the batteries. They get wet and you are constantly replacing the battery. I've tried them all because I used to love Sonicare but who can afford to buy a new Sonicare every 3 to 9 months?Product Review: Does the job
Summary: 4 Stars
I had a 3 or 4 year old Sonicare Elite that finally died. The Elite's NiCad battery was almost toast and would barely hold a charge through a single session. But what did it in was the rubber cover on the switch ripped, water got in and fried the electronics.
While I liked the Elite, it irritated me that relatively expensive product seemed designed to fail as NiCads don't last all that long. So I though I'd try this, cheaper version with user replaceable batteries.
The Xtreme doesn't have a lot of the features the Elite had, such as a battery power indicator array, a "soft start" feature where the unit's power is dialed down for the first few uses so a newcomer can get accustomed to the appliance, a 30 second "quadpacer" to help one judge how long to brush the four zones as defined by Sonicare (upper & lower sets of teeth, front and back of each set), or the ability to add an extra 30 seconds to the recommended total brush time.
However, already familiar with the Sonicare experience, I found each and every one of these bells and whistles superfluous. Don't need the soft start, I tend to spend more time using the thing than even the 2.5 minutes, and with replaceable rechargeable NiMH batteries, no need for a battery status indicator array.
The casing on the Xtreme is a bit fatter as well, to accommodate two AA batteries. It is all hard plastic whereas the Elite had some rubberized areas to improve grip. It did feel a little more awkward at first, but I'm now used to it. It might be worth it if Sonicare added just a touch of knurling or surface roughness to the two grip areas.
I've read where others have experienced some reliability problems, primarily due to corrosion of the battery contacts. Two simple precautions: First, unscrew the handle from the brush head before rinsing off the latter, and store the handle independently, like in a drawer beside your sink. This will keep the handle, and thus the battery contacts, nice and dry. Second, if you're still concerned about it, apply a touch of dielectric grease to the contacts. This is the stuff mechanics squirt into spark plug wire boots so they don't stick and make removal easier when the time comes to change spark plugs. You can find it at most any automotive parts store (Advance Auto, Autozone, etc.) or maybe even Wally World, though I haven't checked there.
The other major complaint I've seen concerns the switch. My unit is also a bit persnickety as well. Sometimes you can hear the switch click but it doesn't "make". Wiggling my thumb or finger around on the rubber button cover, while also depressing it, seems to solve the problem. It is annoying but not a deal breaker for me.
I've also been impressed with the Xtreme's power, which seems to remain consistent over the life of the battery charge. My older Elite, well, you could tell when it was time for a recharge without having to look at that silly power indicator, for it would slow down and I could even get it to stall if I pushed hard enough. Not so with this new Xtreme.
I seem to get about 2 weeks out of a set of Duracell 2300 mAH batteries, using the appliance twice a day, about 3 or 4 minutes each. And as NiMH batteries seem to get better after some use, perhaps that will improve as well.
Sonicare claims the brush head should be replaced at 6 month intervals. Hah! I've never gotten more than 3 out of any of mine, and by then they're as limp and soggy as overcooked spaghetti. I just have Amazon send a pair every 6 months, and pop on a new one at the equinoxes and solstices.
I've had this Xtreme machine for about a month and a half. So far, I'm pleased, and happy I didn't toss away more money on one of the fancier models that I know is doomed to fail due to the nonreplaceable NiCad battery. Plus, even if it dies an early death, I still think the math favors the Xtreme. Assuming one doesn't need those additional features found on the higher priced models.
Product Review: EXCELLENT
Summary: 3 Stars
GREAT ECONOMICAL TOOTH BRUSH THE BATTERIES MUST BE REPLACED AFTER ABOUT 2 HOURS OF USAGE THOUGHProduct Review: Excellent Brush at an Excellent Price
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this product to use exclusively for travel. I found that it works as well as the rechargeable version, and have been extremely pleased with it, It comes apart so it is easy to store, and it uses regular AAA batteries.Product Review: Great for travel.
Summary: 5 Stars
The ideal brush for extended travel. No hassles with power incompatibility issues in Asia or Europe. No additional charger to carry. AA batteries are available everywhere.
Have used regularly for four months and no problems with leakage. Just routine care... rinse and wipe dry after use.
Forget teens and braces this is the ideal road-warrior toothbrush.