Philips Sonicare Essence Tootbhrush

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.