Philips Sonicare2100 Power Toothbrush, Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush, White Mint, HX3661/04

BOTTOM LINE> At $19.95 (the Amazon price when I bought mine), as good a Sonicare toothbrush as you can buy for ANY price. The extra features of more expensive models have little or no practical value. CAVEAT -- the models with variable intensity settings might be desirable for individuals with very delicate gums, such as young children.> MY EXPERIENCE – The battery of my old Sonicare Series 1, Model 4100 (which was my 3rd Sonicare toothbrush), purchased in 2007, began to operate only 4-5 days (used daily) between charges (instead of 20-25 days per charge), so I purchased a Sonicare Essence (nominally a Series 1, Model 5611) to replace it.> The new Sonicare Essence 5611 is virtually identical to my old Sonicare 4100. The only differences are that the handle of the Essence is 1/2" shorter, and the charger base is more compact (and the handle has a slightly different shape so as to fit only the new charger base). Both take the same Series 1e toothbrush heads. Both use non-replaceable rechargeable NiMH batteries. Both operate identically.> The charger base of the Sonicare Essence brush I received is MUCH more compact than in the (current as of 7/21/2017) illustrations on the corresponding Amazon page. The slightly smaller size of the handle and much smaller charger base makes the Essence more travel friendly.>>Update: Unlike my old model, the Sonicare Essence 5611 warns you when the battery is low, but it doesn't just die --- you can finish brushing before recharging.CONS> These days most chargers for small electronics are “universal” (they will adapt to any voltage between 110 and 240 volts). However, the charger base of the Model HX5611/01 I received is 110-120v 50-60hz ONLY—which means that you can’t (for example) use it in Brazil with a simple plug adapter (you’d have to use a more expensive voltage adapter—or buy a Sonicare model which has a universal charger or a charger which matches your voltage). A few weeks ago, I spent 2 weeks in Germany. My hotel had a few 110v outlets (hurray!) in addition to the 220v outlets, which operated my other 110v electronics just fine -- however, my Sonicare would NOT charge. I don't know how widespread this problem may be, but it is possible that you may have to have a native 220v Sonicare charger and brush (powerhead) to work in Europe.> You need to take the bush head off after every use (to let it dry out)--- otherwise a black slime garden will grow inside (below the brush retainer cap). Since you have to take the brush head off after every use, two or more individuals can easily share a single handle. You may need to purchase extra brush heads. Note that “generic” series 1e brush heads are inexpensive and work fine.> The sculpted turquoise "racing stripes" look like finger grips (and even match my 2NICE Water Flosser), and even have a rubberized surface, presumably for a better grip -- a good idea. However, in use, your thumb and finger tips never touch the "racing stripes".> The included travel case offered with more expensive models MIGHT be desirable for some folks. However, the $15 optional canvas case Sonicare Essence Canvas Travel Case - Made by Phillips Sonicare, is better for travel because it takes less travel space and weighs less. UPDATE: After a year, I never bother with a travel case> The smaller charger base I received with my Sonicare Essence may be less stable (that is, it may be easier to knock over a handle in the base)---and you can't store the power cord in the base. But, I prefer the smaller charger base---it takes less precious real estate on my crowded sink top, and less space in my suitcase when traveling. UPDATE: After a year, I've never accidentally knocked over a Sonicare handle in its charger base.> The instructions recommend that you store the brush in the (plugged-in) charger base when not in use. In contrast, instructions for previous models recommended users to run down the battery completely between charges. Without getting into a lengthy and highly-debatable esoteric discussion of battery charging, the bottom line is storing the brush in the charger base is the most convenient option for most users. But if that is more convenient for you (as it happens to be for me), it is perfectly okay to just charge the Sonicare once every two or three weeks, and in fact, it MAY extend the battery life.> Speaking of the batteries, the instruction manual includes instructions on removing the batteries. You can remove them, but you can NOT replace them (I actually tried to do with my first $200 Sonicare). The battery removal instructions are for the eco-friendly disposal of the brush and batteries ONLY---not for maintenance or repair.> Note that if you purchase a Sonicare Essence from a vendor other than Amazon (or at a later date even from Amazon), you might get something different from the Model HX5611/01 that I received. The Philips website doesn’t even have an option for registering Model HX5611/01. (albeit, presumably registering it as an HX5620 will work). The difference between similar models probably will not matter to you.OTHER REVIEWER'S COMPLAINTS> Some reviewers claim that the 2 and/or 3 series are quieter than the 1 series (including the Essence) (which allegedly "buzzes" or "rattles"). Actually, if you just tighten (a slight twist) the retainer cap of the brush section, it doesn't buzz or rattle.> Some reviewers claim that this is an "economy" model which has been compromised by lower quality construction. Mine is the 5th Sonicare I've owned over the past 30 years. The Essence is of the same high quality of construction as my old model 4100 that it is replacing. I haven't owned a series 2 or 3 for comparison, so I cannot speak to their comparative quality.> Some reviewers claim that the Essence is less expensive because Sonicare substituted cheaper NiMH batteries (instead of more expensive lithium batteries). My old model 4100 that the Essence is replacing also has NiMH batteries which until recently operated about 20 days (used daily) between charges. The batteries in my old 4100 lasted for 10 years---and still operate 4-5 days (used daily) between charges. If I recharged my old 4100 daily (i.e., by storing the brush in the plugged-in charger base, as Sonicare now recommends) my ancient 4100 would still be working just fine.> CONCLUSION -- The Essence apparently is Sonicare's "economy model" -- but I see no evidence of cheaper or lower quality construction. All I see in the more expensive models are "doodads" (such as a useless travel case) and useless features tacked on to justify a higher price, for individuals who MUST have the "best" (most expensive) model of anything.

I had an older version with the prong plug that no longer worked properly. I got the second least expensive Sonicare and it is perfect. It charged quickly and is small and comfortable. The brush is easy to put on and remove. The base is small so be careful it doesn't tip over. I read all of the directions; it is easy to use. Be aware that it shuts off after two minutes so you need to be sure to not linger in one area. My teeth felt very clean afterwards unlike when using a manual toothbrush. I had my teeth cleaned recently and my dental higentist said to replace the Sonicare that I threw away. I highly recommend this low cost basic Sonicare 2100 model.

I've been using the Philips Sonicare 2100 Power Toothbrush for a few weeks now, and it's already become a staple in my daily routine! Here’s why I’m so impressed:Effective Cleaning: I can feel the difference in cleanliness after each use. My teeth feel like they've had a professional cleaning every morning!Easy to Use: The design is simple but effective. The single button operation makes it very intuitive, especially for a first-time electric toothbrush user.Rechargeable Convenience: I love that it's rechargeable—it lasts almost two weeks on a full charge, which is great for traveling. Plus, I don’t need to worry about constantly buying batteries.Sonic Technology: This is my first time trying sonic brushing, and it’s surprisingly gentle yet effective. It reaches those tricky spots between my teeth and along the gumline, so my mouth feels completely fresh.

Hey folks, it’s a $20 Sonicare toothbrush - what a deal! I checked the price at Sam’s and it was $130 for two, or $65 each. This might be an older style but very similar to the one I have been happily using for years. What I received was the Essence, model #HX5611/01 which came with a standard brush head and a charger base. It is made in China and has a NiMH battery. It does have a two minute timer only. It comes with a two year warranty that can be extended by by six months if you register online.There is the problem of the gunkiness that develops between the brush head and the handle. It is alarming when you change the brush head, but I’ve always cleaned it with a Qtip and moved on. However, now that I have a new unit I wanted to see if there was a better solution. I read and tried the tip about cutting a finger off a latex glove and slipping it over the bottom of the head to cover the gap at the screw on connection joint (I call this the condom approach). Well, it is cheap, but difficult to do successfully (I tried three times) and it looks a bit tacky. It works until the severed glove finger (aka condom) starts creeping up on the brush head. However, I believe I have a better option.Like any type of water-related connection (think garden hose), some type of washer or gasket is needed to seal the connected parts. I have no idea why the Sonicare people don’t provide one, but give this a try. For about $3 you can buy 10 “O” rings at the hardware store. I chose the #30 size which seems to give a snug fit. Unscrew the toothbrush, slip the “O” ring on the handle part to the bottom of the screw threads. Then screw the brush head back on and viola!...a watertight seal. Problem solved and you have enough “O” rings to last a lifetime!I’ve attached a photo showing the different techniques. The Sonicare on the right is my old unit. The new one is the left, still with its severed glove finger condom (green gloves were all I had on hand). I’ve installed the “O” on the older unit for illustration purposes, you should be able to see the black “O” ring installed between the head and the handle. Another “O” ring is displayed on the old toothbrush so you can see what it looks like out of the package. Good luck!

Battery lasts over a month without charge. Works great

IMHO, Philips Sonicare is the best electric toothbrush brand, and this device is a steal at this price. Brushes well, easy to clean, stays charged--can't be beat.