The Sidekick WF-04 is the newest product from Waterpik. Arguably the most stylish water flosser on the market, it’s an ultra-compact, collapsible device that packs the punch of a full-sized flosser (view on Amazon).
Waterpik have been the forerunners in oral irrigation since they designed the first ever water flosser in 1962. The Sidekick has been clinically proven to remove 99.9% of plaque from treated areas and 50% more effective at improving gum health than string floss.
It looks and sounds great, but exactly how good is the latest Waterpik? We take a look in this Waterpik Sidekick review.
Waterpik Sidekick performance
- Removes up to 99.9% of plaque from treated areas
- Clinically proven to be 50% better at improving gum health than traditional dental floss
- Removes plaque and debris from deep between teeth and below gumline
How does the Waterpik Sidekick work?
The Waterpik Sidekick cleans your teeth using a combination of pressurized water and pulsations. This combination is delivered to those hard to reach areas, dislodging harmful food debris and plaque from in between your teeth.
Studies show that pulsating water is more effective at cleaning than a continuous stream of water, so the Sidekick delivers an incredible 1400 pulses per minute to achieve the most thorough clean.
What’s in the box?
The Waterpik Sidekick comes with:
- 1 Waterpik Sidekick flossing unit (including reservoir)
- 1 Waterpik Sidekick flossing stylus
- Power cord
- Premium travel case
Waterpik Sidekick options
Key features of the Waterpik Sidekick
| Feature | Waterpik Sidekick |
|---|---|
| Pressure Settings | 5 (10-100 Psi) |
| Pulses per Minute | 1400 |
| Tips | 1 x Classic Swivel Handle Flossing Stylus |
| Capacity | 13 oz / 60 Seconds |
| Timer | No |
| Massage Mode | No |
| Size (assembled) | 5.70 x 3.90 x 4.84 inches |
| Global Voltage | Yes |
Waterpik Sidekick Pros and Cons
Pros
- Portable without compromising on power and pressure settings
- Beautiful design
- Quiet
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- 60 seconds flossing time at full power
- Only one jet tip which is permanently attached to the hose*
*Note: when the Sidekick was first released, it was not possible to purchase additional Waterpik Sidekick replacement tips. This is no longer the case, and now you can purchase an extra Waterpik Sidekick handle for other family members.
4 key features unpacked
1. Pressure
The Sidekick is powered by the same patented Waterpik technology used in countertop water flossers (view details). 5 pressure settings are available – 2 more than other portable models but half as many as the rest of Waterpik’s countertop range.
Frequent water flosser users will typically only use a maximum of 3 pressure settings on a regular basis so this is no big deal, and still offers more options than any other portable flosser out there. The higher pressure settings also are higher than any cordless model can achieve.
Even at the lowest pressure setting, you can still get great results. This is because the Waterpik Sidekick doesn’t solely use pressure to clean, but also utilises pulsations to help shift plaque and debris.
At 1400 pulses per minute, these pulses are too fast to see, but significantly enhance the cleaning capabilities of the Waterpik Sidekick.
2. Integrated flossing tip
The integrated flossing tip makes the Sidekick more simple to pack on your travels. The flossing stylus uses new swivel action to make cleaning those hard to reach areas even easier than before.
Extra tips for Waterpik Sidekick
Early on, the recurring complaint about the Waterpik Sidekick was that replacement tips were not available for purchase. This meant that multiple family members could not use the same water flosser as with other Waterpik models.
This is no longer a problem as you can now purchase extra handles (including Sidekick tip) directly from Waterpik.
It is important to note that only the Sidekick flossing tip is compatible with the Sidekick. Waterpik’s other tips (like the Pik Pocket and Orthodontic tip) will not fit the Sidekick.
3. Capacity
The Sidekick allows for 60 seconds flossing time at full pressure, compared to 90 seconds with a full-sized Waterpik and 45 seconds with a cordless model. Waterpik recommend flossing for 60 seconds for best results so this isn’t necessarily a problem, but some people do take a little longer.
This means that if you floss at full pressure, you may need to stop to refill the reservoir before your flossing routine is completed. The reservoir is easy to fill though, so this really isn’t the end of the world.
4. Compact size and portability
The compactness of the Waterpik Sidekick is its winning feature. It can be hard to find the counter space for an additional product. Not a problem now, as this unit is tiny.
Its footprint is just 4×6 inches – around the size of a standard photograph – and the whole unit, including power supply, tucks away inside the reservoir to make a neat package only 1 inch high. Assembled, it’s the same height as a tall Starbucks coffee, measuring just 5 inches.
For those hoping to travel with the Sidekick, it comes with a premium water-resistant travel case to make flossing on the go simpler than ever. It is worth noting that whilst the Sidekick is designed for portability, it still is a counter top flosser and therefore a power outlet is required. However, global voltage compatibility ensures easy use across the globe (view details).
Additional features of the Waterpik Sidekick
Design
What you immediately notice about the Sidekick is that it looks great. In fact, it would probably look good anywhere in the home! Most water flossers tend to look slightly clinical, but this is a sleek, modern product that makes you want to floss. How many times have you been able to say that?! This is a serious benefit as consistent flossing is the key to great dental health.
Quiet
Water flossers are often loud, and pumping water at pressure will always generate some noise. However, the Sidekick is one of Waterpik’s quietest flossers yet, with users comparing noise levels to the sound of an electric toothbrush. This is perfect if you need to be flossing late at night when others might be sleeping or if you simply can’t stand the noise.
How does the Waterpik Sidekick compare?
Let’s take a look out the Waterpik Sidekick vs Waterpik Cordless Advanced and Waterpik Aquarius.
Read: Waterpik Sidekick vs Aquarius | Waterpik Sidekick vs Cordless Advanced
Who is the Waterpik Sidekick suitable for?
The Waterpik Sidekick is suitable for:
- Those in need of a portable device who don’t want to compromise on power
- Anyone who wants a premium-looking water flosser
- Use in bathrooms with limited counter space
While the Waterpik Sidekick is a great product, no product is perfect for everyone.
If you don’t need the portability, you may wish to opt for a less expensive model, such as the Waterpik Aquarius. This doesn’t look as sleek, but has additional features available including massage mode for improving gum health and specialist tips to target problem areas.
For something that doesn’t require a power outlet to run, try the Waterpik Cordless Advanced which is Waterpik’s best cordless water flosser. This is especially useful if you don’t know whether you will have a power socket in your bathroom when you are travelling. (You will still need power to charge the Cordless Advanced.)
Reliability and long-term use
As a relatively new product (released in 2018), it’s difficult to comment on the reliability of the Waterpik Sidekick. However, Waterpik have a great reputation for being a reputable brand that manufactures quality products.
When investing in any Waterpik, you can rest assured that you are investing in a great product that will significantly improve your oral health.
As with all products, you can prolong the life of your Waterpik Sidekick by using and caring for it correctly.
How to use the Waterpik Sidekick
Prep the unit
- Connect power cord to unit base and power supply. Plug into electrical outlet.
- Attach hose at the base of the unit.
- Fill reservoir with warm water and place firmly on base of unit.
- Slide pressure to high and point tip at the base of the sink. Turn on the device and let run until water flows for a few seconds.
To water floss
- Slide to lowest pressure setting.
- Place tip in mouth and close lips enough to prevent splashing. Turn power on allowing water to flow from your mouth into the sink. Increase pressure to you liking,
- Aim water at the gumline at a 90-degree angle. Follow the gumline and pause briefly between teeth.
How to clean the Waterpik Sidekick
The exterior of the Sidekick should be periodically wiped down with a soft cloth and mild non-abrasive cleaner. You can put the reservoir straight into the top rack of the dishwasher for an extra thorough clean.
To prevent bacteria from building up in the hose, make sure that you let the water fully run out of the tip before packing away.
For a deeper clean, add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar to a full reservoir and let the mixture run through the device and the hose and tip. This will help to kill any lingering bacteria and also dissolve any hard water deposits that may form.
Waterpik warranty and customer support
Most water flossers come with a 2 year warranty, but Waterpik show their confidence in their products by providing them with a 3 year warranty.
While the Sidekick is not the cheapest water flosser out there, you can rest assured that you have invested in a quality product that will withstand the test of time.
If you do need to contact Waterpik for support, you can get in touch through a variety of platforms:
Phone: 800-525-2774 (USA) / 888-226-3042 (CND)
Mail: Water Pik, Inc. 1730 East Prospect RD, Fort Collins, CO 80553
Contact form : here
Conclusion
The Waterpik Sidekick is testament to Waterpik’s ongoing innovation and value of customer input. For years, there has been a difficult choice to make between cordless and countertop water flossers, but it is bridged perfectly with the Sidekick.
While the Sidekick is not quite as versatile as a fully-sized countertop, it is the most powerful portable water flosser available and it compromises very little in exchange for size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Sidekick be used with 220v?
Yes – the Sidekick has global voltage and can be used anywhere in the world.
Can I use the Waterpik whitening tablets with the Sidekick?
The Waterpik whitening tablets should only be used with the Waterpik Whitening Water Flossers (WF-05 and WF-06). These have specialist whitening handles for the whitening tablets to be inserted.
The whitening tablets should never be placed directly into the reservoir as this could damage your water flosser and void your warranty.
I have heard that replacement tips are not available for the Sidekick – is this true?
No. When the Sidekick was first released, replacement tips were not available for purchase. However, this is no longer the case and replacement tips can be purchased directly through the Waterpik website.
This means that, like all the other Waterpik products, the Sidekick is appropriate for family use.
Are the chrome and copper features metal?
These features are plastic and coated with a metallic finish.
Does it have a covered reservoir?
No the Sidekick does not have a covered reservoir.
What other replacement tips are available for use with the Sidekick?
There is currently only one tip compatible with the Sidekick and this is the classic Sidekick flossing stylus. Other Waterpiks use a different design that is not compatible.
Size guide
Height (With Tip/Brush): 4.84 Inches (12.30 Cm)
Max Width: 5.70 Inches (14.50 Cm)
Max Depth: 3.90 Inches (9.90 Cm)
Unit Weight: 1.05 Lbs (0.478 Kg)
- ULTRA COMPACT AND CONVENIENT: Full-sized performance in a portable design, ideal for travel and limited...
- FLOSS ANYTIME, ANYWHERE: As your personal and portable water flosser, Sidekick is easy to use and packs up...
- DENTIST RECOMMENDED: 9 in 10 dental professionals recommend the Waterpik brand. Waterpik is clinically proven...
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Thanks for this review, I had no idea Waterpik had a collapsible portable product. Going to put this on my birthday list!
I had the first version of this product. It came with a rechargeable base which housed a nickel cadmium battery. It’s obvious why this model was discontinued as the battery couldn’t sustain a strong enough charge to get the job done more than a. couple uses before petering out.
I thought long and hard and did extensive research before ordering my new Waterpik Sidekick in white/rose gold. I am thoroughly pleased with this product. It has ample power to blast any particles from between my teeth with ease and I don’t use the highest pressure available.
The only thing they didn’t get right is the placement of the power cord connection into the unit. It plugs into the back of the unit, causing the unit to remain at least 2” away from the backsplash of my very limited counter space on my vanity. For all the attaboys they give themselves on the compact design of this product, I see this as a huge blunder and expect future models will have the connection on the side of the base so the unit can sit flush against the back of. The countertop.