Philips Sonicare glass charger explained

How the glass charges a brush

Sonicare handles charge by induction. A coil in the charger base makes a changing magnetic field, and a matching coil in the handle picks it up. That field passes through glass and plastic, so the base can charge a handle stood in a glass on top of it, with no contacts or wires.

The glass itself is just a glass. The charging happens between the base underneath and the handle. Our how does a sonic toothbrush work? article shows where the coil sits in the handle.

Which models include it

The charging glass has come with many DiamondClean handles. The DiamondClean Smart 9400 listing in our guides includes a charging glass alongside a USB charging travel case. Bundles change, so check the box contents on the listing; the DiamondClean 9000 version in our guides comes with a charging stand and a USB charging travel case instead.

Will my Sonicare charge in the glass?

The glass is designed for DiamondClean handles. Other Sonicare handles may sit in it but not charge reliably, because handle shape and coil position differ. Check Philips' compatibility information for your HX model number; see which Sonicare model do I have?. Oral-B handles will not charge on it. See are electric toothbrush chargers interchangeable?.

Daily use

Stand the handle upright in the glass with the head up. The battery light on the handle shows it is charging. You can lift the handle out, use the glass to rinse and put the handle back. Philips quotes battery life in days or weeks for DiamondClean handles, so it does not need to live in the glass; our battery-days check converts quoted days to your routine.

Some people find the glass charges more slowly than a standard stand. If your handle seems slow to charge, leave it overnight or use the travel case. See how long to charge an electric toothbrush.

Cleaning and care

Remove the glass from the base and wash it as the manual describes. Dry it fully before putting it back, and wipe the base with a dry cloth. Do not put the base in water. Toothpaste and water in the bottom of the glass can leave marks, so rinse it regularly.

The glass can break, so keep it away from the edge of the basin. Philips sells replacement glasses for some models.

Note:The base is a mains appliance. Keep it dry, do not submerge it and unplug it before wiping. UK versions have a two-pin plug for a shaver socket.

Glass, stand or travel case?

The glass looks smart on a shelf and doubles as a cup. A standard stand is smaller and simpler. A USB charging travel case lets you charge away from the bathroom and on trips. Many premium Sonicare bundles include a travel case as well as a glass or stand, so you can keep one at home and one in your bag.

Our guide to toothbrushes with a charging travel case compares cases, and charging from a UK shaver socket covers the bathroom socket.

Choosing a DiamondClean

If the glass charger appeals, our Philips Sonicare models compared guide sets out which DiamondClean models are available and what comes in each box. The Sonicare DiamondClean 9000 vs Prestige 9900 comparison covers two popular choices.

Compare Sonicare models →

Frequently asked questions

How does the Sonicare charging glass work? The base charges the handle by induction through the glass.

Can I charge any Sonicare in the glass? It is designed for DiamondClean handles. Check compatibility for your model.

Can I wash the glass? Yes, remove it from the base first and follow the manual. Never wet the base.

Is the glass charger slower? Some people find it slower than a stand. Overnight charging solves it.