2 very good water flossers these are. The Power Flosser 3000 is a strong challenger
but it is the Waterpik Aquarius that is my choice.
This is because it has a rotating nozzle, a wider variety of tips and a larger water
tank. It is too available in different color options and represents the best value for money.
Philips has given the 3000 a slightly more modern look,
and it is definitely quieter in operation. But, it isn’t quite enough to beat the Waterpik.
Hey, it’s Jon from Electric Teeth here.
Let me run through the key differences between
the Waterpik Aquarius and the Philips Power Flosser 3000.
Although similar in overal size and shape there are marginal differences between the 2 models.
The dimensions are shown on screen now.
The controls for the Waterpik are set off to the far left side of the flosser
whereas they are a little more centrally placed on the Power Flosser. I can’t say
I have noticed any great difference or benefit in the way I used them.
Perhaps the pronounced buttons on the Waterpik are slightly easier to use.
Having no functional impact on the flossers are the unit colors. The Power Flosser is
only available in white whilst the Aquarius is available in 6 options,
black, blue, orchid, mint green, burgundy and white.
The Power Flosser has no ability to rotate the tip,
like the Waterpik, which can be turned a full 360 degrees.
The water tank on the Aquarius is a little larger with a capacity of
22oz or 651 ml compared to the 20.3oz or 600ml of the 3000.
What this means is that set to the highest mode, the Aquarius takes 90
seconds to drain the tank, whereas it takes just 75 seconds with the Power Flosser.
Both units have lids over the top of the reservoir to prevent dust
and debris from getting into the tank. The Waterpik is hinged on the left side,
whereas the lid is completely removable with the power flosser with no hinge.
2 cleaning modes are available on either unit. Philips offers a clean and deep clean
mode on the 3000 whilst Waterpik only really name their second mode, massage.
Although named differently, there is some similarity. The standard
clean mode provides a constant jet of water at the desired pressure setting.
With deep clean or massage mode the water pulsates
at different intensities for a different cleaning sensation.
The Power Flosser comes with just 2 nozzles, 1 x standard and 1 x quad
stream nozzle compared to the 7 with the Aquarius. You get 3 x standard jet
tips as well as 1 x orthodontic, 1 x plaque seeker, 1 Pik Pocket and 1 x toothbrush tip.
As the names imply, the standard nozzles are comparable, but all others are more
specialized and engineered to treat more specific personal circumstances.
The quad stream tip from Sonicare is also a bit more specialized in that it pushes
the water out in an X formation, rather than the standard jet. But,
it can be used by anyone, rather than being designed with a specific user in mind.
In operation, the Aquarius produces around 70 decibels of sound no matter the mode or
the pressure setting chosen. The power flosser on the other hand ranges from
about 52-70 decibels subject to the mode and pressure settings.
Hardwired into the Waterpik is a 2 pin US power adapter that supports
120V. This cable extends from the back of the water flosser.
With the Sonicare however it has a removable barrel pin connector power adapter. This plugs
into the very base of the unit and the 2 pin US power adapter on the other end supports 100-240v.
What this means is that the power supply is suited for international travel,
you need a plug adapter only, no voltage adapter. And the position of the cable
allows for the flosser to be pushed right back up against a wall or flat surface,
whereas the Aquarius needs an inch or so’s clearance for the cable.
The Waterpik comes with a 36 month warranty, rather than the 24 month oof the Philips Sonicare.
And last difference is the price. The Power Flosser 3000 has a recommended
retail price of $89.96 vs the $89.99 of the Aquarius.
Accounting for the typical discount you can achieve and you should be able to
buy the Aquarius for around $70 with the Power Flosser 3000 costing about $70-75.
Factor in the higher cost of the nozzles for the Philips Power Flosser and the
fact you get additional nozzles in the box with the Aquarius and over 3 years,
the Aquarius works out at about $85 compared t0 the $102.50 of the 3000.
Click here to watch our video on the best water flossers and linked
in the description is a detailed written comparison that accompanies this video.