The Sonicare 3100 Series is a very likeable toothbrush.
It is lovely and slim, cleans the teeth well and has some neat technology built-in.
But, there is at least one other toothbrush you may wish to consider.
Hey, it’s Jon from Electric Teeth here.
Having tested lots of electric toothbrushes, we believe the essential features you need
in your brush are, a 2 minute timer, 30 second pacer and a pressure sensor.
You will find all of these in the 3100 which is fantastic.
It looks great, available in 3 different colour options, White, Black and Deep pink.
The matt finish to the handle is more grippy than you might expect and it is easy to wipe clean.
The handle is marginally slimmer than many other brushes.
A slight compromise seems to be the battery life which is a touch over 2
weeks, compared to many other Sonicare models that typically offer 3+ weeks.
When the battery does need recharging you can use the new USB charging stand. It offers
more versatility than most charging stands and is particularly convenient for travel.
The downside for many though is that you don’t get a USB plug adapter, Included.
You will have to use one you already have.
If it helps, the 3100 will work with Sonicare’s
traditional charging stand if you own one of these already.
As you would hope and probably expect, this brush cleans the teeth really well, no real complaints.
But, something to be aware of is that the 3100 Series motor is configured differently
to the more premium models. As a result, the cleaning doesn’t feel
as powerful or intense as other Sonicare toothbrushes.
It isn’t all that easy to feel or see this difference, but it does exist.
You don’t get the ultimate Sonicare cleaning experience.
Let me be clear though, the cleaning results and performance are more than satisfactory.
This is not really reason enough to discount this brush.
You have the choice between 2 brushing intensities.
One is a more powerful high mode and the other a more gentle low mode.
Stick with the high mode if you can, but the lower mode is a good option for first
time electric toothbrush users or if you find your gums are particularly tender.
Like most Sonicare brushes the 3100 has a built-in 2 minute timer and 30 second pacer.
These encourage you to brush all the teeth in the mouth evenly and for the right amount of time.
The 3100 actually automatically powers off after 2 minutes, making it very clear you have brushed for
the required time. If you are turning the brush off yourself, you haven’t brushed for long enough.
The included pressure sensor helps prevent you from damaging your teeth and gums.
It does this by reducing the number of bristle movements, should you brush too hard. It’s really
easy to know when it has been triggered. You get a differing vibration pattern in the handle.
It would be nice if there was a large LED on the handle that was lit when activated as an
extra warning. The brush head replacement reminder light does flash, but it’s not very noticeable.
The brush head replacement reminder is ideal if you are not very good
at regularly replacing your brush head regularly.
For it to work, you have to be using what is known as a Brushsync enabled head.
We have a explainer video on available here, but to summarize…
Built into a compatible head is a microchip. This is tracked by the
handle as it is used and activates the reminder at the most appropriate time,
based on your personalized usage of that head.
When lit, you know it is time to replace the bristles. When you do, the system resets.
The 3100 comes with one C1 ProResults brush head.
This is one of a range of interchangeable brush heads that Philips offer. Each is in
theory designed for different purposes. To be honest, the ProResults does a good job.
Do be aware, that at the time of review and recording a BrushSync enabled head isn’t
provided in the box when you purchase the 3100 in the USA or Canada. But,
I am informed it will be in the near future. They can of course be purchased separately.
The consequence of these heads is that they are typically slightly more expensive.
And compared to the likes of Oral-B toothbrushes, about twice the price.
That said, the 3100 is not a bad value brush all things considered.
The retail price is 44.95 US dollars or 59.99 Canadian.
Sonicare toothbrushes are often discounted by around 20%,
so expect to pay in the region of 35-40 US or 45-50 Canadian.
If you are not brand conscious, the Oral-B Smart 1500 is worth consideration,
or the Smart 2000 for Canadians.
The 4100 Series from Sonicare is almost identical to the 3100,
but the brushing sensation is better. It feels more intense and like it delivers a deeper clean,
thanks to the configuration of the motor. You won’t pay much in the way of a premium for this.
For a more detailed written review, or to buy the 3100 or recommended alternatives,
click the links in the description.