The Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 has continued to be popular for several years now because of its reliability and excellence in cleaning teeth. This quick Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 review will show that most rank it right in the middle of best toothbrush picks.
It is a much better model than the Waterpik Complete Care system but ranks slightly lower than the Oral-B Pro 1000 electric toothbrush.
All reviews agree that Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 is a good toothbrush to own for reasons detailed below.
It scores well when you assess its overall performance. It great for cleaning teeth and in getting rid of dental plaque. Some users expressed the view that it is clunky and uncomfortable to use. The price is also slightly high when you compare with competing toothbrush models.
Pros
- Excellent battery life
- 3 types of brushing modes
- Pressure sensor
- BrushSync indicates when to replace brush heads
Cons
- a bit clunky and slightly uncomfortable to use
- pricier than competing models
What’s in The Box
- Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 electric toothbrush handle
- 2 replacement brush heads
- charging stand
- travel case
- warranty
- user manual
To know all about this toothbrush model keep reading this Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 review. If you are in a hurry though we have 3 brief queries to help you make up your mind on whether to buy this toothbrush.
1. Are there any serious issues with the Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 toothbrush?
No. There are no serious defects or issues that will knock this toothbrush out of your buying list.
On the other hand, you might find the choices in color and nice accessories a big advantage, even if the slightly higher price is a bit of let down.
2. Are they any other models that you may consider instead of ProtectiveClean 6100?
An alternate option to consider instead of this model is the Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100. It has been a popular and well-received model for a variety of reasons. It has features and options very similar to the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 toothbrush model while offering similar cleaning and performance.
If you want something that is truly exceptional, go for the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart electric toothbrush as it offers the best in electric toothbrushes but is also quite expensive.
If you should go for one of these alternate models of course depends on what your requirements are. You can take a look at the toothbrush buying guide for help in making this decision.
3. Where to buy the Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 electric toothbrush?
The ProtectiveClean 6100 like the other Philips Sonicare electric toothbrushes is available in any high street store that sells dental hygiene products. You’ll find it in most retail outlets like Walmart and Walgreens and online stores like Amazon.com.
You can also buy the toothbrush directly from the website of the Philips Sonicare company.
But retailers and e-commerce stores like Amazon very often have enticing discounts and special prices or deals. You can save money and avail of freebies and pick from a wide range of options.
It’s time for the detailed Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 review and to go in-depth into the features and other important aspects which will help you decide whether this Philips Sonicare electric toothbrush is the right fit for you.
So let’s begin with this more detailed ProtectiveClean 6100 review.
Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 Review
The Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 isn’t as great at cleaning as some other popular models like the Oral-B Pro 1000. But it is gentler on teeth and gums. This makes it a far better option for those with sensitive teeth and gingivitis or periodontal problems.
And while the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 is a bit more expensive than comparable models, it has a great battery life. There are also a range of other features to justify this price difference.
Any good Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 review should break down the analysis of the electric toothbrush by various facets of performance. We will address the functions and features of the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 under four heads.
But first, let’s get an important issue out of the way…
Why should you even listen to Best Electric Tooth Brush Reviews?
On Best Electric Toothbrush Reviews every product is considered from a buyer’s viewpoint.
The reviews of multiple brands and models of electric toothbrush models published here are detailed, comprehensive and based upon the outline of various factors laid out in Buyer’s Guide to the best electric toothbrush.
We are not dental professionals ourselves. And the reviews here are not to be taken as medical advice. Always follow your dentist’s recommendations while selecting products for your oral health and hygiene. If you have any dental issues and you need to buy products suitable for said issue do go by your dentist’s recommendation.
Buying electric toothbrush is not an easy decision to make as there are so many factors to take in to consideration and the amount of information is also immense. Our goal is to present the most relevant information and list them out in simple and easy to understand form, so that you can quickly grasp the important points and make an informed choice when buying the toothbrush.
We recommend electric toothbrushes on this website, that we believe are worth your money and not because anyone pays us to do so. If you buy any toothbrush by clicking on the links on this website, we earn a small affiliate referral fee (at no extra cost to you!), but that is NOT the reason why we recommend any product.
Now let’s get along with the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 review.
Why choose the Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 electric toothbrush over Oral-B Pro 1000?
The Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 is gentle on your teeth and gums.
It isn’t as good at cleaning your teeth as the Oral-B Pro 1000. But it is superior choice for those who have sensitive teeth or suffer from periodontal conditions or gingivitis. The Oral-B 1000 can be harsh and painful to use for such people.
The ProtectiveClean 6100 is also slightly costlier than similar models. But to compensate for this it has an excellent battery life. Apart from this the toothbrush also has many other features that justifies this higher price.
To make for a decent Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 review it should address all aspects of the toothbrush including features and functionalities and the different aspects of its performance.
We will make it easier for you to understand all this at a glance by breaking it down into 4 short sections.
Is the ProtectiveClean 6100 easy to use?
The handle of the Philips Sonicare 6100 is thick and hence slightly uncomfortable to handle initially, especially if you are used to slimmer handles.
But within a short while you get used to the slightly thicker handle. About 6 out of 10 people polled reported that the Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 is really comfortable to use. The rest when polled later said they quickly adjusted to the slightly thicker feel of the toothbrush.
The ProtectiveClean 6100 is absolutely the best toothbrush for people with sensitive teeth and gums. There is no competition to this toothbrush when it comes to how gentle and sensitive it is for those with delicate and sore gums.
Users with gum problems like gingivitis or sensitive gums simply love this electric toothbrush as it lets them brush without discomfort or pain.
The gentler cleaning provided by ProtectiveClean 6100 means that it is not as efficient at dental plaque removal but the folks with sensitive teeth find that this is an acceptable trade-off. They can brush regularly and with no pain or discomfort with ProtectiveClean 6100.
There is an inbuilt pressure sensor which slows down if you press too hard. It is also less noisy compared to other electric toothbrushes. These two features make brushing with Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 more pleasurable and comfortable to use.
EasyStart
First time users of electric toothbrushes will find the EasyStart feature really useful, as the toothbrush helps new users to get used to the number and power of brush strokes.
It can be pretty jarring to be subject to 31,000 brush strokes a minute for the first-time user. But the EasyStart feature gradually increases the intensity to the full power over a 2-week period.
This feature ensures electric toothbrush adoption by first-time electric toothbrush buyers. Fewer users abandon an electric toothbrush when eased gently into the process.
Looks and Construction
The ProtectiveClean 6100 brush handle is sturdy but sleek. It offers a good grip to users and the handle is non-slippery. The placement of buttons on the handle can be slightly bothersome when brushing.
The brush head is at a slight angle to the handle to allow easier access to the surfaces at the back of even the last molars.
Now comes the fun part.
The Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 comes in an array of beautiful colors for you to choose from. No more of the clinical, bland white electrical toothbrushes.
Take your pick from:
- Pastel Pink
- Deep Purple
- White Silver
- Navy Blue
- Black
These brush handles may come with matching brush heads, travel cases, recharging stands and more. Other than their color there is no difference between the different Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 toothbrushes.
Operating The Electric Toothbrush
To switch the toothbrush on or off there is a power button.
There is also another button that controls the intensity of brushing.
Repeatedly pressing this button cycles through the various stages of intensity. You can leave it at a setting that you are comfortable with.
LEDs are arranged on the handle horizontally to indicate the intensity.
There is another set of LEDs that are arranged vertically and these tell you which cleaning mode the brush is currently in. Pick your mode before your brushing session.
The three modes available to you are
- Clean
- White
- Gum Care
There is also a light at the bottom of the handle that flashes when battery levels are low and indicates when brush handle needs a recharge.
A strategically designed ridge at the bottom of the handle helps prevent the toothbrush handle from rolling off either sink or counter when placed horizontally.
The brush heads slot neatly over the metal shaft that sticks out of the handle. Simply tug out the old brush head and snap on the replacement head when it is time to change heads. It is simple snap on, pull out design.
If you are a frequent traveller the nifty but sturdy travel case helps keep your toothbrush neatly and safely tucked into a compact plastic case. The Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 toothbrush travel case can hold 2 brush heads and one handle.
Cleaning & Performance : How Effective and Efficient Is The Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 ?
There are three cleaning modes in the Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100.
Use the mode selector button to choose from the following three modes – clean, white or gum care.
- Clean mode – Two-minute cycle for thorough cleaning
- White mode – 2 minutes and a 30 second cycle to polish front teeth
- Gum Care mode – 3-minute session, including one minute to massage gums
Switch the power on and you can select from the 3 levels of intensity using the same button.
The Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 has an inbuilt two-minute timer. This timer ensures that you brush for the recommended 2 minutes to ensure the best cleaning for your teeth.
An auto-off feature switches off the motor at the end of two minutes, thereby conserving battery life.
Another useful feature is the inbuilt timer with quad pacer. This feature of the Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 alerts you when it’s time to move to another quadrant of the mouth when brushing. This way you can clean all areas equally.
Pressure Sensor
The pressure sensor on the Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 keeps a check on the amount of pressure you are exerting while cleaning your teeth.
If you press too hard it detects this and turns off power to the motor but there is no visual feedback with flashing red light like in other Philips Sonicare models.
The pressure sensor prevents injury to your sensitive gums and teeth. Brushing too hard can damage enamel on teeth and injure sensitive gums.
How well does the Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 remove dental plaque?
It is great at removing dental plaque according to several tests. But some claim that in the more difficult to reach areas like back molars and interior surfaces of teeth.
Powered By BrushSync Technology
With the BrushSync technology you know when to replace your brush heads.
It is designed to let the user know when the brush heads need replacement. It can detect frayed bristles.
Another advantage of the Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 is its ‘mode pairing‘. It automatically detects brush head type and adjusts the cleaning mode to match it.
This feature ensures that you get the best cleaning results. You can always make your own selections overriding the auto selections.
For BrushSync to work, the brush heads need to be compatible. You can of course use other brush heads but you will miss out on the benefits this feature offers.
The brush heads compatible with BrushSync include:
- Gum Care Premium
- W2 Optimal White
- C3 Premium Plaque Control
- Premium White
- Optimal Plaque Defence
- Optimal Gum Health
The attractive range of features make the Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 a compelling model to buy.
There isn’t much that clearly sets this model apart from models in the range however, which is why so many buyers find the higher price hard to justify. Yet there is little argument that this delivers excellent value for money.
Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 – Battery Life
Another important factor that will determine whether to choose the Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 depends on its battery life.
On this point we can report that like other Philips Sonicare electric toothbrushes this one too uses the lithium-ion battery technology. Also, the battery life is excellent for this model.
Due to the range of cleaning options and the intensity level options available to user, on full charge the battery for this model lasts for a full 3 weeks of regular use.
If you compare with other Philips electric toothbrush models like the Sonicare Essence and Sonicare DiamondClean Smart, the battery life is much less but it is much better than the battery life of the Oral-B electric toothbrushes.
Even those who travel frequently will find the 3-week battery life good enough. You can of course carry the charging station along if the usage is heavy.
It takes 24 hours to charge fully. There is an LED indicator to show when the battery charge is low. When fully charged the battery glows green before turning off.
As charging is through induction it is safe to charge even in damp environments.
Where to Buy the Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 ?
You have buying options online and offline.
While many Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 reviews ask you to click and buy immediately from one of the e-commerce websites you can check out the offline retailers too.
But there are good reasons to buy online as you get a wider choice and attractive discounts. You’ll also enjoy the convenience of delivery at your doorstep at no extra cost.
It feels nice to get a deal or discount on anything we buy. And for an electric toothbrush that’s priced around $100, being able to get 20% off means a sizable saving.
Even though it may sound strange, online retail outlets seem to offers discounts and deals all through the year. This could typically mean you’ll buy a Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 at Amazon.com or another e-commerce website – and enjoy savings with a coupon or special offer.
How can e-commerce sites offer such huge discounts?
The reason is that they don’t have to pay huge rent to maintain showrooms or hire staff to run them. Inventory costs are also low they use complex algorithms to reduce their holding costs. They can easily pass on these cost savings as discounts to customers.
Another advantage of buying online is that you may get extra accessories. If you get 2 replacement brush heads thrown in with the purchase of your electric toothbrush, it’s like getting a $20 discount!
Durability and Warranty
Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 is a long-lasting durable product and the Philips Sonicare warranty that comes with your purchase will safeguard you against technical defects in the product.
In the rare case of malfunction, you can get a replacement as long you used the product according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 Specs
- 2.56 x 6.81 x 9.33 inches
- Weight: 15.87 ounces
Should You Buy the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 Electric Toothbrush?
Reading this Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 review hopefully was useful in giving you information about the good and bad of this popular toothbrush.
You may feel that such a feature-rich electric toothbrush might not be necessary since you’re not looking for so many functions and prefer cheaper alternatives.
On the other hand, you may be looking for an effective and efficient electric toothbrush that achieves high degree of cleaning with loads of useful features.
The Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 is priced just about right for what it offers.
Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 : a Quick FAQ
Q: Is the Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 an oscillating toothbrush?
A: No, it is a sonic toothbrush
Q: What are the operating modes for this brush?
A: You get 3 operating modes in the Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 – Gum Care, Clean and White
Q: What brush heads are included in the package?
A: 2 W2 Optimal White replacement brush heads are included in Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 package. Additional brush heads can be purchased separately.
Q: Is there a pressure sensor?
A: Yes, the Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 comes with a pressure sensor. This helps to protect your teeth and gums.
Q: Is there a timer with quad pacer?
A: Yes, a 2-minute timer with quad-pacer functionality helps ensure uniform and even brushing in all areas of your mouth.
Q: How long does the battery charge last?
A: Battery life is excellent. You get 2 weeks of brushing action from a single charge; many users report much longer life than that.
Q: Does it have Bluetooth and wireless connectivity?
A: No, there is no Bluetooth functionality
Q: Does it come with warranty?
A: Yes, the Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 comes with the manufacturer’s regular Philips Sonicare warranty valid for 2 years
Q: Is a charger provided?
A: Yes, the Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 comes with a charger.
Q: Is it safe to use this electric toothbrush in the shower?
A: No. It is water-resistant not water-proof.
Q: Does it come with a travel case?
A: Yes, the Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 electric toothbrush comes with one.