Water flossers: the downsides, first

Amazon's review summary says durability gets negative feedback, with multiple customers saying the pump stops working after about a year. Wirecutter says there are more reports of it breaking down or getting caked with mold than it would like, though it found the unit reliable in long-term testing.

CNN Underscored found its flow powerful but much harsher than the ION's and its motor very noisy, so it didn't pick it. Electric Teeth found the noise pretty average, at up to 72 dB, despite Waterpik's ultra-quiet claim.

Wirecutter says it takes up more counter space than its other picks, partly because of the bulky power cord, and has to stay plugged in. CNET calls it the largest model on its list. Electric Teeth notes there's nowhere to stow the excess cable.

Amazon's review summary says battery life and reliability get mixed feedback: some owners say it stopped working after two weeks, and others say units break after 10 months. 12% of Amazon ratings are 1-star. On Electric Teeth, a reader who ran three units at high intensity reported lifespans of 4-12 months; the reviewer called that far worse than expected and suggested a warranty claim.

CNN Underscored calls it miniature-jackhammer loud, its only real gripe. Wirecutter says it sounds a little harsher than most flossers, at about electric-razor volume. Electric Teeth measured about 79-80 dB and calls it quite loud.

Electric Teeth found the nozzle harder to rotate than on rivals and the small handle slightly awkward, and says it is too bulky for travel. Wirecutter notes there is no onboard place to store the extra tips.

Amazon's review summary says many owners report it stops working within 6 months, and some say it stops charging after 6 months. 10% of Amazon ratings are 1-star.

Wirecutter weighed it at 1.3 pounds when full, much heavier than a countertop handle. CNN found its tapered neck and heavy base less maneuverable than the Waterpik Cordless Advanced 2.0.

CNN and CNET got only about 14 days of battery life, while Wirecutter says its testers beat the rated 40 days. It has only two modes and three intensities. Good Housekeeping's tester found it hard to clean and the buttons confusing at first.

Amazon's review summary says reliability is mixed and durability is a concern, with units breaking after 3 months or burning out after 6. It also says shoppers consider it not worth the cost. 13% of ratings are 1-star.

Electric Teeth notes the nozzle doesn't rotate and replacement nozzles cost about $7.50, roughly $2.50 more than Waterpik's. The warranty is 2 years, one less than Waterpik's.

Electric Teeth found the unit slipped on the counter when buttons were pressed and the smooth dial was hard to turn with wet hands. Water keeps spraying until the handle is docked, and the hose sometimes doesn't coil back.

CNN wished it delivered stronger pressure and found the Philips cordless did it better. Wirecutter says it did not perform as well as its cordless picks. Amazon's summary calls power mixed, with some owners finding it too weak, and Electric Teeth says it is less powerful than countertop models.

Amazon's review summary says some owners report it stops holding a charge and units break after a year. Electric Teeth notes user feedback on long-term battery reliability, which it couldn't confirm.

Good Housekeeping says you may have to stop and refill mid-session; Electric Teeth timed a tank at about 45-65 seconds. CNET says it didn't stand out for its $100 full price, and Electric Teeth lists the price, bulky magnetic charger and fairly loud 70 dB as cons.

Amazon's review summary says battery feedback is mixed, with some owners reporting it stopped charging after one month, and that units break after a year. Electric Teeth raises reliability concerns because it is a newer brand with a 1-year warranty.

Amazon's summary says power and water pressure get mixed reviews, with some owners finding the pressure low.

Electric Teeth says the barrel-pin charger is less convenient than USB-C, there's no travel case, and the nozzle is harder to hold and rotate one-handed than on the Waterpik Cordless Advanced.

Wirecutter found two separate openings and extra crevices where grime and mold can collect, and the tank isn't dishwasher-safe. A 2-star Walmart reviewer says water gets trapped behind the tank and grows mold, even on a replacement unit.

Wirecutter says it weighs about 1.7 pounds when full and has a wider neck, so people with smaller hands or dexterity concerns may struggle with it.

Walmart's lowest-rated reviews describe water spilling over the unit, a reservoir that doesn't seal, units that wouldn't charge, tips that came off, and a charging-port cover that's hard to open. One reviewer says only 3 of the 8 levels change the flow.

Amazon's review summary says battery life and durability are mixed, with owners saying it eats through batteries quickly and breaks after three months.

Good Housekeeping says its 5 oz reservoir holds about 30 seconds of use and needs refilling more often than other models it tested.

Amazon's summary says some owners find it surprisingly powerful while others call it too weak. It has two pressure settings (Good Housekeeping), and Wirecutter's testers preferred the AquaSonic Precision over it.