The DiamondClean is Philips Sonicare’s highest model of electric toothbrush. It combines the effective clean you would expect from a Sonicare with a design so pretty you could hang it in an art museum.
But is it worth the premium price?
Our detailed review will answer this question and much more, allowing you to make the right choice when buying your new electric toothbrush.
DiamondClean Models
For an updated model review, please check out our detailed review of the Sonicare Diamondclean 9300 SmartBrush!
There are four current models of the Sonicare DiamondClean available for sale. The only difference between each model is the color.
- HX9332/05 – The White model
- HX9352/04 – The Black model – Limited Edition
- HX9372/04 – The Amethyst (Purple) Model – Limited Edition
- HX9362/68 – The Pastel Pink Model
Most electric toothbrushes are white and while you may be tempted to buy a fancy colored model there is a good reason why you shouldn’t. Toothpaste is white. And you would be amazed just how much of it actually ends up on the handle of your electric toothbrush.
Colored models look dirtier quicker and will require more effort on your part to keep them looking clean.
It is also worth mentioning that every other brush head comes in white, so choosing Pink or Purple will see you settling for a brush head that doesn’t match.
Philips Sonicare DiamondClean
Unboxing the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean
If you were to open the box on your brand new DiamondClean electric toothbrush, this is what you would find inside:
Let’s break it down:
- Sonicare DiamondClean handle
- Standard DiamondClean brush head
- Compact DiamondClean brush head
- Brush head bristle covers
- USB charging travel case
- USB cable
- USB adapter plug
- Wireless Charging stand
- Rinsing glass/display stand
I will be covering each piece in more detail throughout the review.
Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Handle
After testing the feature packed Flexcare Platinum with three different buttons, we were surprised by just how plain the DiamondClean is.
Now when I say plain, I don’t mean ugly. Because the DiamondClean definitely isn’t that. The design is sleek and minimalist and is perhaps the best looking electric toothbrush available (With perhaps the exception of the Foreo ISSA).
Then entire handle is coated in a seamless white non-slip material. And it works great. Despite not having any bumps or rubber strips, the smooth surface of the DiamondClean is incredibly easy to grasp, even with wet hands.
The only break in the white casing is a single button:
The button is identified by a lime green power symbol and can perform two different functions:
1. On/Off – It wouldn’t be an electric toothbrush if you couldn’t
turn it on.
2. Cleaning Mode Selection – Cycles through one of 5 different brushing modes.
I will be explaining the different brushing modes in detail further down the review.
The power button sits slightly recessed into the handle:
While it may not have been the intention behind recessing the power button, it does make a nice place to rest your thumb while you brush your teeth.
Covering the base of the DiamondClean handle is a polished piece of steel
Believe it or not, this base allows you to charge your DiamondCare wirelessly. No plugging in cables or messy wires. Just place the handle on charge and the battery will begin to fill as if by magic.
While it can be difficult to tell thanks to the highly reflective surface, there are specifications printed onto the polished metal base:
- Model – HX9340
- Battery – Lithium-ion
- Country of Manufacture – China
All Sonicare toothbrushes, even the higher model, are manufactured in China. This does not seem to have any effect on build quality with Sonicare models lasting as long or longer than the models of Oral-B electric toothbrushes made in Germany. If your quality controls are up to scratch you can manufacture a quality product in any country, and Sonicare proves just that.
If you flip the handle over you will see…
A whole lot of nothingness. The smooth white exterior continues around the handle from front to back without any breaks, adding to the premium feel of the toothbrush.
At the top of the handle you will find a metal Shaft:
The shafts hold the various Sonicare brush heads. The brush heads simply slide over the shaft and lock into place. A quick tug is all that is required to remove the brush head from the shaft. Pretty simple and the whole process takes less than 5 seconds.
DiamondClean Brush Heads
The DiamondClean is the only Sonicare electric toothbrush to get a brush head named after it. Two brush heads are included in the box:
1. DiamondClean Standard brush head
The narrow bristle area of the standard brush head allows for incredibly precise control. Whether it’s steering the brush head around your back teeth (molars) or just working a troublesome area where plaque builds up, the DiamondClean Standard brush head provides an amazing all round clean.
The center green bristles are laid out to help polish and remove stubborn plaque from the center of your teeth. The longer bristles at the top and bottom of the brush help remove build up from between your teeth and along the gumline.
2. DiamondClean Compact brush head
The compact brush head has been designed for those of you with smaller mouths. While the Standard is quite narrow for a regular brush head, the compact takes it a step further.
The bristle layout of the compact is identical to the standard except adjusted slightly to help get the size down.
In addition to the two brush heads included in the pack you can also choose from any of the other 7 brush heads in the Sonicare range, although these will have to be purchased separately. You can see a comparison of all the Philips Sonicare brush heads here.
If you look closely at the brush heads you will be able to see clusters of dark blue bristles.
Just like Oral-B, Sonicare’s brush heads feature blue indicator bristles. Over time the bristles will begin to fade and turn see-through, alerting you that it is time to replace your brush head.
Yep, just like a regular toothbrush, it is recommended that you change the brush head of your Sonicare once every three months. By doing so you will be able to enjoy the same effective clean that older frayed brush heads just can’t provide.
Both brush heads come with a protective cap:
Have you ever brushed your teeth only to discover the faint taste of deodorant or hairspray? If you answered yes then you will absolutely love the brush head covers.
The plastic caps slide over the bristles on your brush head, protecting them from dust, sprays and whatever else may be floating through the air. A simple and effective way to keep your toothbrush bristles clean and hygienic.
Sonicare DiamondClean Travel Case
The Travel case that comes with the DiamondClean is the best case that has ever been included in the box of an electric toothbrush. Period.
Where do we begin? The case looks beautiful. The outside of the case has a cross stitched appearance that glimmers in the light. Despite my initial concern that the stitching would stain easily, cleaning the outside of the case is as simple as wiping it down with a damp cloth.
The case itself is solid and will almost certainly protect your DiamondClean toothbrush from bumps or fall. Incredibly, the case was strong enough to support my entire body weight when I stood on it.
But by far the most impressive feature you will find on the outside of the case is this little port on the side of the case:
That is a USB port. And with it you can charge your Sonicare DiamondClean while it sits inside the case. Yep, this travel case is also a battery charger and sure beats having to pack a separate charger when on Vacation.
Because the case uses a USB cable to charge you can either plug the charger into a power outlet or hook it up to your laptop and charge the DiamondClean through that.
Inside the case is a room for the DiamondClean handle and two brush heads
Unfortunately, due to the plastic being molded to provide as much protection as possible, there is only room for two Sonicare brush heads. If you share the handle and need to bring more brush heads you will need to pack them separately.
The case does not contain any air vents. You will need to make sure you dry your brush heads as thoroughly as possible if you plan on storing them in the travel case for an extended period of time. You don’t want mold or mildew to form.
Charging the Sonicare DiamondClean
Before we take the DiamondClean for a test drive we are going to have to charge the battery. Philips Sonicare claims that you can get a full 3 weeks of use brushing morning and night for two minutes off a single charge. I found this claim to be pretty accurate, averaging 40 uses before needing to recharge.
To charge the battery in the DiamondClean you can use the travel case and Mini-USB cord as we touched on above:
Now it is worth mentioning that the USB cord is quite short. Just over 25 inches in length.
If you mostly brush your teeth at home then chances are you will find yourself using the charging base. At a little over 4 foot in length, the much more generous cord will be long enough to reach from most bathroom power outlets to the countertop.
But first you are going to have to set it up:
There are two different ways you can set up your charger base. The first setup uses the left two pieces in the photo above to create a charging stand.
Simply slot the clear plastic ring over the metal charging base and you have a stand to display and charge your DiamondCare with.
The charging base is the best option when only a single person uses the DiamondClean or if you have a countertop with limited space.
The second setup uses the metal charging base and the glass. Thanks to the specially rounded base, the glass slots neatly into the charging base. The glass is designed to hold the Sonicare upright as well as having room for extra brush heads.
All three methods of charging are equally effective and it really all comes down to preference. I personally preferred the glass charger. The extra weight of the glass makes for a sturdier base than the plastic stand.
The DiamondClean really shows up the ugly plastic chargers that come with the Oral-B range of electric toothbrushes.
Because the DiamondClean charges wirelessly, it will begin to charge the moment you place it down on the stand or in the glass. Charging the Lithium-ion battery takes a full 24 hours.
While this may feel like a long time you can simply leave the power to the charger on. This way you will be topping up the battery everytime you place the toothbrush back down onto the charging base.
If you flip the charging base over you will find 5 rubber feet to prevent the base from slipping and sliding all over your bathroom counter top.
In the middle of the base are the words 100-240V. If you wanted to, you could charge your DiamondClean anywhere in the world using this base (some refer to this as dual voltage). While this is a nice addition, with the amazing USB charger built into the travel case, it is unlikely you would choose to pack this bulkier charger on your world travels.
Testing the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean
When the time Came to test the Sonicare DiamondClean I enlisted the help of 6 other testers. So including myself there was a team of 7 people that tested this toothbrush. The following contains summaries of our experience with the DiamondClean.
The Sonicare DiamondClean feels like a premium electric toothbrush from the moment you pick it up. The smooth yet easy to grip casing feels right at home in your hand.
The most surprising thing about the DiamondClean is it’s weight. The handle is almost feather light. Electric Toothbrushes, in general, have a bit of weight in the handle yet somehow Philips Sonicare has been able to eliminate this almost entirely.
While the power button has a lot of give, it is still responsive and with a single push the DiamondClean motor bursts into action. The sound is best described as a higher pitched humming sound. While it is fairly quiet compared to an electric shaver or hairdryer, it still has the potential to wake someone sleeping a single room over.
While the outside of the Sonicare DiamondClean may seem to be devoid of features, there are a whole bunch hidden away from view. These four hidden features wont become apparent until you start using the electric toothbrush.
If you are at all familiar with the Sonicare range of electric toothbrushes, then you’ll recognize that many of these features are found in some form on other models of Sonicare. Let’s check them out.
1. Brushing Modes
As I touched on earlier in the review, the power button also cycles through the various brushing modes.
As you cycle through each brushing mode, the name of the mode will shine through the handle of the Diamondclean as if by magic.
Here are the brushing modes presented in the order that you cycle through them.
1. Clean – The standard mode and is identical to the brushing mode found on all Sonicare models capable of brushing at 31,000 brush strokes/minute. Lasts two-minute duration.
2. White – Alternates between the standard and pulsing vibrations. 2 minutes and 30 seconds duration.
3. Polish – A higher powered clean designed to remove stubborn plaque build up on the front of teeth. 1-minute duration.
4. Gum Care – 2 minutes of standard cleaning then 1 minute of slightly weaker vibration to massage gums for a total of 3 minutes.
5. Sensitive – A gentle yet effective clean for those of you with sensitive teeth or gums. 2-minute duration.
Turning the DiamondClean on before you put the brush head in your mouth will see toothpaste splatter everywhere. This means that you have to cycle through the modes with looking at the light up display which can be a little awkward.
This problem is lessened by the fact that the DiamondClean remembers your preferred brushing mode each time you return to brush your teeth.
All our testers agreed that out of all the modes, only two were useful. Clean (standard) and Sensitive.
One of our testers who identified as having overly sensitive teeth stated that she could not brush on any other setting without feeling sharp spikes of pain.
Another tester reported that the standard clean worked just as well as the polish mode and questioned why that brushing mode even existed.
All testers (besides the one with sensitive teeth) preferred brushing on the standard clean mode.
2. Smartimer
The Smartimer is a feature that you will either love or hate. After each brushing mode has been used for the designated duration listed above, the toothbrush handle automatically turns off.
If you wanted to continue brushing for longer you will need to manually turn the toothbrush back on.
Testers were conflicted on the Smartimer. Most agreed that 2 minutes was more than enough to clean your teeth and were almost relieved when the Diamondclean turned off, allowing them to stop brushing.
But one tester who had dental work (a bridge) would have liked more time to focus on cleaning this troublesome area and found the process of turning the toothbrush on again to be an unnecessary step.
The Smartimer feature is found on all models of Sonicare and cannot be disabled.
3. Easy-Start
It is not uncommon for those brushing with a Sonicare toothbrush for the first time to find the feeling ticklish or mildly unpleasant. This sensation quickly passes as your teeth and gums get used to the rapid vibrations given off by the toothbrush.
To assist with the transition, the DiamondClean features an Easy-Start mode. Over the first 14 brushing sessions the motor will gradually increase in power until it reaches the regular 31,000 brush strokes/minute.
One of the testers who was new to sonic toothbrushes was greatly appreciative of this feature, stating:
Regular power just felt too jarring. The gradual increase in power from the first use allowed my gums slowly to get used to the feeling of using a sonic toothbrush. Without it I probably would have given up trying to use it.
However, If you have used sonic toothbrushes before then you may not be so appreciative of this feature. Fortunately it can be easily disabled following the instructions in the user manual.
The general consensus amongst the sonic toothbrush veterans was that if the vibrations do not bother you then you are better off simply turning Easy-Start off.
4. QuadPacer
Dentists recommend that you brush your teeth for a minimum of two minutes. But brushing your teeth is boring and while the time may feel like it drags on, a sad fact is that many of us do not come close to the recommended two minutes of brushing.
The DiamondClean has a handy feature to make sure that you spend the recommended 2 minutes brushing your teeth every single time. And that feature is the Quad Pacer
The QuadPacer is a built in timer that causes the DiamondClean to momentarily pause each time 30 seconds has past. It gets it’s name from the way Philips Sonicare recommends you brush your teeth.
If you split your mouth into quadrants (quarters) and spend 30 seconds brushing each then you will have effectively brushed your entire mouth for the recommended 2 minutes.
My brushing routine is as follows:
- Brush left half of the top teeth for 30 seconds
- Brush right half of top teeth for 30 seconds
- Brush left half of the bottom teeth for 30 seconds
- Brush right half of bottom teeth for 30 seconds
By focusing on a small section of your mouth for 30 seconds you can really give each section a really good clean before the QuadPacer alerts you to move on to the next.
But how does it clean?
Those of you who are new to sonic brushing will find the technique used a little unusual at first.
Simply load up the brush head with your regular toothpaste, wet as usual and place the bristles against a section of your teeth at a slight angle (roughly 45 degrees), pressing with slight pressure.
Press the power button and gently move the toothbrush back and forth the rapid vibrations will help remove the plaque not only from the center of the teeth but also along the gum line and between the teeth (remember to floss after for best results).
The trick is to let the toothbrush do most of the work. While this may take some time for you to get used to, especially if you are swapping over from a manual toothbrush, but before long you will be using the correct technique without thinking about it.
Now there is no doubt that the Diamondclean is the best looking and feeling (in the hand) electric toothbrush we have ever had the pleasure of testing. With proper brushing technique, the DiamondClean leaves your teeth with that smooth teeth feeling that will have will see your tongue constantly licking them.
But it does come at a price. The DiamondClean is Philips Sonicare’s most expensive electric toothbrush.
And some of you will simply not be able to justify the price. But I have good news for you. Brush to teeth, the DiamondClean performs the same as any other Sonicare model that is capable of 31,000 brush strokes/minute. You can even use the DiamondClean brushes on the majority of other Sonicare models to see what the fuss is all about.
Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Replacement Head Options
For as popular as the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean toothbrush is, you can guarantee there are plenty of replacement heads to consider. Fortunately, every Sonicare toothbrush works with its ecosystem of interchangeable heads, aside from the Philips One brushes.
Let’s explore some of the most popular options you can add to your Philips Sonicare DiamondClean for personalized teeth cleaning.
E-Series
If you’ve been browsing Sonicare toothbrush Costco options, one of the most popular replacement heads is the e-Series. These are often referred to as the entry-level brush heads that offer an all-around good clean. They feature advanced sonic technology, as expected with any Sonicare brush head.
With these replacement heads, you’ll experience pulsing water that helps access hard-to-reach areas between your teeth. Also, as you brush, the strokes help pick up and sweep away plaque closer to your gums. As a daily brush head, the e-Series is certainly one of your best options.
Sonicare S Sensitive Series
Another popular Costco Sonicare option is the S Sensitive Series. With these brush heads, you can clean closer to your gums with less discomfort. They’re optimal for seniors and children but can also be ideal for anyone suffering from sensitive gums.
These sensitive brush heads have some of the best electric toothbrush consumer reports. Also, they’ll be fully compatible with the DiamondClean toothbrush line. By using the S Sensitive Series brush heads, you’ll have innovative bristles to work away plaque.
The soft and gentle bristles effectively clean the entirety of your teeth, especially with their unique contouring. Moreover, the ultra-sensitive brushing experience offers precision cleaning to reduce bleeding and swelling. An added benefit of this Costco Sonicare toothbrush is that it’s designed to be used daily.
Premium White Series
There’s nothing better than feeling confident in the whiteness of your smile. With the help of this Sonicare toothbrush Costco, you can remove surface stains effortlessly. Using the Premium White brush head regularly, you’d be able to remove up to 100% of surface stains in three days.
These brush heads offer plenty of innovative features, including flexible sides, unique bristle contours, and more. You’ll unlock a more personalized cleaning experience with up to four times more surface contact per pass.
Plaque removal is another massive benefit that gives these brush heads the best electric toothbrush consumer reports. On average, after being connected to your Sonicare toothbrush charger, the Premium White heads remove up to 10 times more plaque.
Of course, you must ensure your DiamondClean is fully charged using the Sonicare toothbrush charger for the highest level of plaque removal.
AdaptiveClean Series
Another hugely popular option for the Phillip Sonic toothbrush is the AdaptiveClean brush head series. You’ll love having it on a Philip Sonicare brush because of its intuitive cleaning power for more effective cleansing. You’ll have four times more surface contact, reaching twice as many hard-to-reach spots.
Every day, you’ll be able to remove 10 times more plaque with any Philip Sonicare toothbrush. Also, these brush heads easily adapt to the shape of your teeth. Over time, you’ll promote the health of your gums two times faster than with manual brushing.
Whether you have more sensitive gums or teeth that require deep cleaning, we highly recommend the AdaptiveClean series. They work with a black Sonicare toothbrush, Sonicare DiamondClean Costco, and many other versions.
Final Thoughts
Philips has obviously put a lot of thought into the DiamondClean, and it shows. Not only does it look great but also excels at brushing your teeth. Form and function at a price.
The travel case is hands down the best toothbrush accessory I have come across. Providing great protection and allowing you to charge your toothbrush in the one package? If you wanted an electric toothbrush to travel with then you could do no better.
If you do not care about using a heavier and uglier handle or you can go without the USB travel case then you can achieve an equally great clean for a cheaper price from lower models of Sonicare toothbrushes.
But for those of you who want to brush with a touch of class or simply want an electric toothbrush that looks great on display, this is what you have been waiting for.
Highly recommended if you can justify the price.