The Waterpik Cordless Freedom water flosser is portable device brought to you by the forerunners in water flossing.
For those who travel frequently for work, or even for the occasional vacationer, the Waterpik Freedom is the perfect companion to keep up your dental hygiene routine while you’re away from home (view on Amazon).
Using AA battery power, you’ll never have to worry about carrying extra cords or not being able to plug in or charge this device while travelling internationally.
Water flossers are becoming more and more popular in households across the States. But with the increase in products available, it can be difficult to know whether you’re investing in a great product or spending money on a gimmick.
In this Waterpik Cordless Freedom review, we’ll unpack all the things you need to know when deciding whether this is the flosser for you.
Waterpik Cordless Freedom Flosser performance
- Clinically proven to be 3x as effective as string floss for removing plaque and debris around braces
- Removes up to 99.9% of plaque from treated areas
- Clinically proven to be 50% more effective at improving gum health than string floss.
How does the Waterpik Cordless Freedom work?
The Waterpik Cordless Freedom flosser utilises award-winning patented Waterpik technology (view details).
Water shoots from the flossing tip to dislodge plaque and debris from in between teeth and hard to reach areas. This water is highly pressurized and also pulsates at a speed of 1200 pulses per minute.
While this is too fast to see, the pulsating water has enhanced cleaning abilities for the most thorough flossing.
What’s in the box?
The Waterpik Cordless Freedom is ready to use “out of the box” and comes with several bonus items:
- 3 AA batteries
- 3 flossing tips
- Travel bag
The Waterpik Cordless Freedom is available in whiten only – model number WF-03UK.
Key features of the Waterpik Cordless Freedom Water Flosser
| Feature | Waterpik Cordless Freedom Flosser |
| Pressure settings | 2 (45-75psi) |
| Pulses per minute | 1200 |
| Reservoir | 5oz / 30 seconds |
| Rotating tip | No |
| Tips included | 3 (2 Classic Jet tips and 1 Orthodontic tip) |
Waterpik Cordless Pros and Cons
Waterpik Cordless Freedom Pros
- Easy to use
- Comes with travel case for ease on the move
- Space saver
- Battery operated so can be used globally
- Available in Black or White
Waterpik Cordless Freedom Cons
- Small reservoir means refilling is required
- No timer
- Static tip means limited manoeuvrability
- Limited pressure settings
7 key features unpacked
1. Easy On/Off button to control pressure settings
With a flick of a switch near the top of the device, you’ll be able to easily control this flosser either in front of your bathroom mirror or while in the shower.
The control offers three settings:
- Off
- I – Low Pressure: equivalent to 45 PSI or setting 4 on a countertop model
- II – High Pressure: equivalent to 75 PSI or setting 7 on a countertop model
You’ll be able to choose the setting that’s best for getting your teeth and gums clean without unnecessary extra pressure. The speed is definitely provide a strong enough stream to loosen and extract food particles from between teeth.
2. Self-Contained Reservoir
The easy-to-fill, self-contained reservoir means that you’ll be able to fill up quickly while completing your daily dental routine. The reservoir holds enough water for 30 seconds of use, depending on the setting.
The reservoir is located on the back of the unit and can hold up to 5 ounces (150 ml) of water. Simply flip open the reservoir tab and fill with warm water from the tap or remove the reservoir from the device to fill, if easier (view details).
You’ll see a round, rubber washer attached to the inside of the tab, which prevents water from leaking out once the cover is closed – this is a nice feature.
Also, even though the tab is easy to open, it will not release once closed.
To keep the reservoir clean and fresh, simply run through the dishwasher. Please note that the only part of the Freedom that is dishwasher safe is the reservoir.
3. Flosser Tips
The flosser tips that come with the unit (or any Waterpik flosser tips) can be inserted into the holder at the top of the unit. The flosser tips are interchangeable and the unit comes with a total of 3.
> Classic Jet Tip (2x)
This is the standard water flossing tip with the hard plastic end that comes with every Waterpik device. Since two tips are included and color-coded, two members of your household can utilize the flosser right out of the box.
> Orthodontic Tip
This tip is composed of a tapered brush and helps to remove hard-to-reach plaque around braces and other metal dental work.
To insert a tip, simply slide it into the flosser holder until a click indicates that it’s locked into position. Once locked, the tip will remain stationary and will not change position or rotate. To remove or replace a tip, push the eject button on the top of the device and the tip will release.
4. Battery Operated
Using 3 AA or NiMH rechargeable batteries, the easy to access panel allows you to pop in batteries and go. No power cord or charging is necessary. The frequency of use will determine how often the batteries need to be changed, so keeping an extra set of batteries on hand is a good idea.
To insert or change batteries, remove the reservoir, turn the battery door counter-clockwise and pull to release. Remove the round battery door, insert the 3 AA batteries, replace the battery door and lock it in place.
5. Easy Grip Handle
6. Water Plug and Travel Bag
The Freedom comes with a water plug that can be inserted into the flosser holder to prevent leakage during transport. A microfiber travel bag is also included for added convenience when travelling.
7. Noise Level
Although quieter than the standard countertop models, the Waterpik Freedom still emits enough sound to matter. It will likely wake a sleeping household, especially if bedrooms are on the same floor as the bathroom!
Who is the Waterpik Cordless Freedom suitable for?
The Waterpik Cordless Freedom is a great choice for:
- Regular international travellers
- Anyone who wants to benefit from award-winning Waterpik technology while not breaking the bank
- Those with limited counter space
However, not every product is a perfect fit for everyone.
Those with limited dexterity may want to opt for a water flosser that has a 360 degree rotating tip.
Water flossers that have this feature include the Waterpik Cordless Advanced. It shares many similar features as the Freedom, but with upgrades such as more pressure settings and a larger reservoir.
Reliability and long term use
The Waterpik Cordless Freedom doesn’t have a rechargeable battery, so the reliability of power depends on the quality of batteries used and how frequently you change them.
We recommend the best-selling rechargeable batteries.
Be aware that while this water flosser is cheaper than others, unless you use rechargeable batteries, you will have to constantly pay to replace the batteries.
Waterpik have a mostly positive reputation for quality products but as always, the best way to prolong the life of your device is to use it properly.
How to use the Waterpik Cordless Freedom Flosser
First time set up with the Waterpik Flosser is easy.
Simply open the hatch and add water. A suggestion is to lean over the sink during use to prevent any residual water spray or you can use in the shower and avoid mess all together.
It’s suggested to brush and use mouthwash to rinse after using the Waterpik Freedom.
Once the water reservoir is filled, ensure that you keep the device in a vertical position so water does not leak out.
Some first time users had to refill the water reservoir for a longer cleaning, as Waterpik recommends a 1 minute floss period per use. As technique improved, those users found that a one-time fill (30 seconds of use) worked for the duration of the cleaning.
Here’s a quick “how to” on using the Waterpik Cordless Freedom:
Note: If you’re not a regular flosser, seeing blood after the first few uses is not uncommon. Gums will become healthier after about a week of regular use.
Conclusion
The Waterpik Cordless Freedom water flosser is a great choice for travel and as a space saver.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do the pressure settings compare to a countertop Waterpik water flosser?
The low setting is around a 2 and the high setting is around a 7 on a Waterpik countertop water flosser.
Will this make my gums bleed?
Bleeding gums are not uncommon when first transitioning to using a water flosser. After about a week of use, you should see significant improvement in gum health.
If bleeding persists, stop using the water flosser and consult your dentist.
Can I use rechargeable batteries with this?
Yes – rechargeable batteries are the most cost effective way to use the Waterpik Freedom Flosser. Just remember to charge them frequently for optimum results.
Why does it have a travel plug if it is battery powered?
The travel plug is not a travel charger. Instead it is a stopper to prevent water from leaking from the water flosser.
When do I need to replace the batteries?
When to replace batteries depends on the quality of batteries and the frequency of use. It is typically every 1-2 months, although some users find that they can get 3+ months of use from one set of batteries.
Replace the batteries when the pressure starts to be significantly affected.
Can this be used to clean ears and nose?
No. The nose and ears are very delicate and require specialist tips and very low pressure settings.
Size Guide
- Height (with tip): 11.75 Inches (30.00 Cm)
- Width (base): 2.50 Inches (6.35 Cm)
- Depth (base): 3.63 Inches (9.20 Cm)
- Weight: 0.75 Lbs (0.343 Kg)
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