Home > Consumer Reviews > Panasonic EW1270AC Portable Oral Irrigator

Prior to obtaining this product I had used a similar device made by Waterpik. That one paled in comparison to Panasonic's product. With the use of some rechargeable batteries this irrigator lasted me for many weeks before needing a recharge. My only complaint is that it has no speed modulation and it is almost too powerful. It certainly gets the job done though.

We bought this along with the plug in variety when my wife recently got braces on her teeth. Without this handy item, she would have a tough time keeping her braces clean when we are not at home (she is meticulous about these things!).
The unit is surprisingly powerful, and delivers a strong stream of water that gets out the most stubborn food hiding and clinging to braces and teeth. The resevoir is not huge, but enough to do the job considering this is a device for the 'field'.
The batteries are easily inserted.
It would be nice is a small travel case was provided to protect the cleaner (that is my only grouse).

Love this product as a portable with the proviso that it is just that, portable with limited power but in a pinch and for travel it is a great second to my HydroFloss which I would replace the minute it failed. The Panasonic allows me to travel abroad with something guaranteed to get the food out between my braces. Mind you, I am an adult with braces who does a lot of public speaking attending a lot of business meetings so I cannot afford to go with hairy teeth from a salad or spinach dish. You all know what I mean. My periodontist loves the combined effect of my travel Panasonic and my HydroFloss.

Had owned previous model, EW176WC, which performed well but collected mold from time to time. Left it somewhere while traveling, so ordered two of the new ones (EW1270AC). Much improved, runs longer on a tank, but water stream is slightly thinner. Better materials, better design. No mold.
Received intact on or about 1 July 2006. Opened one upon receipt, saved other for future use while traveling or at work. Opened second one yesterday, 9 August 2006. Nozzle was missing. Called Panasonic today. Got the runaround. We can't do that, call this number. They can do it. After several phone calls (seven with people) they finally said they would not send the part!
They insisted I contact the seller. So now I have contacted Amazon. I told them I don't want to return the item; I just want the nozzle. (Have not heard back yet.) How much does it cost, you ask. Five bucks. Fine. If I need to, I will order the part. But you can believe without doubt I will not buy a Panasonic product for the rest of my life.
P.S.: Had a similar experience with a Panasonic fax machine about two years ago; thought I had learned my lesson then. (I went through 4 or 5 of them before the warranty ran out.) But how hard is it to screw up such a simple product as an oral irrigator?
See the review by Charles Hine, dated 16 May 2006, below.

11 August 2006: Wow, Amazon is sending me a new irrigator along with a prepaid return label for the incomplete one.
Did I say I would never buy a Panasonic product? Well, I take that back. I might buy some more irrigators -- but only from Amazon. (I have no affiliation with Amazon.)

14 August 2006: Received replacement irrigator from Amazon, complete with nozzle. They sent me an email explaining that their only possible recourse was to send the complete item.
Works for me.

Reliable, I have used mine twice a day for one year with good results. Only negative is that I wished it held more water. I refill once during each use. Batteries last about 3 weeks.