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Ultrasonic /Jewelry Cleaners

P: 10/12/2005 5:36:53 PM
lawdog Rough Rock Total Posts: 11 Last Post: 11/18/2005 Member Since: 10/4/2005	Ok... I have read posts about all different kinds of cleaners and solutions to use. I have read about a Sharper Image Ultrasonic that seems to be popular and the Salton Spa Cleaner and then the home steam cleaners.... But then I have also read about the ottofrei ultrasonic cleaners that claim to be "true" ultrasonic cleaners not just a buzzing shaking machine. I guess they would be referring to ones like the Sharper Image and Haier... Point being I am confused. I am one who researches and researches a ton before any purchase, I check all sites known to man and all opinions. Has anyone compared the different models and types to determine just what is the best home jewelry cleaning system???? I really don''t care about cost, I don''t want to spend $500 bucks on a cleaner but I want the best cleaner I can find for a reasonable price if that is $50 or $200 dollars great, cause I only want to buy one once. OttoFrei seems to be a true jewelers store and seems to sell some highend equipment, I tend to think they may know a bit more then say SharperImage (IMHO, I may be wrong) about jewelry and cleaning it. At the same time I don''t want a machine to look like it belongs in the doctors office, the mini cleaner on ottofrei appears to be a happy medium, but can a regular consumer purchase from them, they seem to want a dealer agreement or business name and tax number to sell. I haven''t tried to buy anything yet but I wanted a true set of opinions of those that have tried many and failed only to find that one true great cleaner that exists. Anyone with any opinion on any of the cleaners and a true test of comparison please respond. Lets see if once and for all we can nail down exactly what is the best cleaner to buy for the money.... Thanks.
Posted: 10/12/2005 5:36:53 PM

There are 31 replies to this message. There are 30 replies on this page.

P: 10/12/2005 3:14:11 PM
Kaleigh Ideal Rock Total Posts: 25,896 Last Post: 11/22/2009 Member Since: 11/18/2004	Dave Atlas sells UC cleaners too. I love my SI UC. It does a great job and is the best one I've found yet, HTH. ____________________________ Piece of cake and a candle. ng gift
Posted: 10/12/2005 3:14:11 PM

P: 10/12/2005 3:31:25 PM
Angel7 Ideal Rock Total Posts: 1,997 Last Post: 8/7/2008 Member Since: 1/18/2005	Have you checked out this thread? There is lots of talk on the SI cleaner but I know others were metioned. http://www.pricescope.com/idealbb/view.asp?mode=viewtopic&topicID=34606&num=30&pageNo=11 ____________________________________________________________________________________ "Remember always that you not only have the right to be an individual, you have an obligation to be one"
Posted: 10/12/2005 3:31:25 PM

P: 10/12/2005 4:27:31 PM
cflutist Ideal Rock Total Posts: 1,370 Last Post: 7/20/2006 Member Since: 7/12/2004	Date: 10/12/2005 3:08:54 PM Author:lawdog Point being I am confused. I am one who researches and researches a ton before any purchase, I check all sites known to man and all opinions. Has anyone compared the different models and types to determine just what is the best home jewelry cleaning system???? I really don't care about cost, I don't want to spend $500 bucks on a cleaner but I want the best cleaner I can find for a reasonable price if that is $50 or $200 dollars great, cause I only want to buy one once. OttoFrei seems to be a true jewelers store and seems to sell some highend equipment, I tend to think they may know a bit more then say SharperImage (IMHO, I may be wrong) about jewelry and cleaning it. At the same time I don't want a machine to look like it belongs in the doctors office, the mini cleaner on ottofrei appears to be a happy medium, but can a regular consumer purchase from them, they seem to want a dealer agreement or business name and tax number to sell. I haven't tried to buy anything yet but I wanted a true set of opinions of those that have tried many and failed only to find that one true great cleaner that exists. Anyone with any opinion on any of the cleaners and a true test of comparison please respond. Lets see if once and for all we can nail down exactly what is the best cleaner to buy for the money.... Thanks. Here is my two cents on this topic: I dont think there is any one best ultrasonic machine or brand, but rather what fills your needs the best (the same could be said about cars and diamonds). Ultrasonic cleaners fall into 3 major categories: 1 Professional quality units with stainless steel tubs, stainless steel housings and powerful transducers. These can be run 8 hours a day with no problems. Some brand names are L&R Quantrex, GemOro, Ultronics, OttoFrei, Elma, Stuller, Branson, Crest, etc. They range in size from a pint to over several gallons, and range in price from $200 to over $1500+. These are what you will find in the jewelry stores. Dancing Fire and Diamondlil have a 2qt heated GemOro, Noobie and Kaleigh have a Crest, and I have a 2 qt heated L&R Quantrex. They have larger stainless steel tanks which allow you to clean large batches of jewelry, eyeglasses, gun parts etc. in a very short time. 2 Consumer units manufactured by companies which mainly manufacture professional quality units. RockDoc sells the Pet Rock Hot Tub for home use which is manufactured by Ultronics. There is also a well written article explaining ultrasonic theory on his website. I found it to be very informative. Dave Atlas sells the GemOro Sparkle Spa the consumer version of what GemOro manufactures for the trade. Otto Frei (which sells jewelry findings and tools to the trade but will sell tools to the public) also sells a $69 true ultrasonic for home use. I have used the Otto Frei one for the last 20+ years with no problems and it still continues to work today. Branson is another company that makes home use ultrasonics. L&R makes the PC3 for home use. 3 Units sold to consumers by companies not in the jewelry supply business e.g. Sharper Image, Kmart, Circuit City, Radio Shack, etc. I have no experience with these but have read the many positive and a few negative reviews on them from the PS ladies. So the choice is really yours as to your cleaning application, the space you have on your counter at home, and how much you want to spend.
Posted: 10/12/2005 4:27:31 PM

P: 10/13/2005 1:17:32 AM
luckyhonu Ideal Rock Total Posts: 517 Last Post: 12/27/2007 Member Since: 10/3/2003	cflutist - I never got a chance to thank you but I have to say that the OttoFrei that you recommended ROCKS! It makes all my jewelry super clean and I actually use it on my metal watch bands (of course I hold the face above water). :)
Posted: 10/13/2005 1:17:32 AM

P: 10/13/2005 12:31:24 PM
lawdog Rough Rock Total Posts: 11 Last Post: 11/18/2005 Member Since: 10/4/2005	cflutist: Thanks for the information very informative. I am a lawyer so your breakdown on the information was very well received and very much like I would have wanted to provide had I had that knowledge myself. So thanks again. I understand your line about the right one for you. I have read so many threads on the topic I was just wondering if we could nail down the best of the best for the consumer in all of us. It seems from your reply that the ones manufactured by the professionals seem to work the best IYHO...and that the SI ones have gotten good reviews as well. I have read that some of the consumer versions are simply solutions that vibrate and shake a bit and are not a "true ultrasonic" cleaner... So you recommend the ottofrei home version for $70 dollars???? or one of the larger units... if the home version does the job and has for you for the last 20 years than it sounds like a winner to me... I will check out the other tweener units as well. Thanks for any input.... LawDog
Posted: 10/13/2005 12:31:24 PM

P: 10/13/2005 12:41:22 PM
rae Rough Rock Total Posts: 30 Last Post: 10/26/2005 Member Since: 3/10/2005	While there are indeed the "vibratey shakey only" non-ultrasonic cleaners, my understanding is that the SI is NOT one of those... it is a true ultrasonic, but a consumer grade one ie trays etc are plastic rather than metal.... If my understanding is wrong, somebody please jump in and correct me!! :)
Posted: 10/13/2005 12:41:22 PM

P: 10/15/2005 12:30:32 AM
Dancing Fire Ideal Rock Total Posts: 10,218 Last Post: 11/21/2009 Member Since: 4/3/2004	lawdog if you are willing to spend $200,get a heated ultrasonic cleaner.they do an EX job i bought a 2 qt heated GemOro on e-bay for $180. as for the brand, i think they're all about the same price for the size. i have no experience with the ShaperImage so i can't comment on it. it is always harder to find a "mind clean" stone than a eye clean stone.
Posted: 10/15/2005 12:30:32 AM

P: 2/2/2006 9:46:57 AM
ame Ideal Rock Total Posts: 3,452 Last Post: 2/7/2006 Member Since: 7/7/2004	If I bought that Otto Frei--how do I go about buying that...just put it in the cart? I saw on there a comment about needing a business license or something.
Posted: 2/2/2006 9:46:57 AM

P: 2/2/2006 10:00:34 AM
cflutist Ideal Rock Total Posts: 1,370 Last Post: 7/20/2006 Member Since: 7/12/2004	I would call them on the phone, there is a toll free number 800-772-3456. That way you can ask them all the questions you want. They sell tools to the public. You would need a business license to buy wholesale findings (parts to make jewelry e.g. shanks, heads etc).
Posted: 2/2/2006 10:00:34 AM

P: 2/2/2006 10:15:48 AM
ame Ideal Rock Total Posts: 3,452 Last Post: 2/7/2006 Member Since: 7/7/2004	yea I don't need any of those :) I will look into that. I was looking at the mini one, I wish they had more photos of it. I assume its got a stainless interior but it doesn't look like they have any little baskets for it. Thank you!
Posted: 2/2/2006 10:15:48 AM

P: 2/2/2006 12:25:01 PM
Mara Ideal Rock Total Posts: 27,901 Last Post: 11/22/2009 Member Since: 10/30/2002	ame I wonder if you could find some sort of plastic basket that you could put inside of these larger cleaners so you wouldn't have to worry about it wacking around on the metal? Just a thought, not sure what is out there really! ________________________________ "Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." -Albert Einstein
Posted: 2/2/2006 12:25:01 PM

P: 2/2/2006 12:32:12 PM
ame Ideal Rock Total Posts: 3,452 Last Post: 2/7/2006 Member Since: 7/7/2004	Some appear to come with a plastic basket. I was also seeing those "ring tree" things on Otto Frei but I have no idea if that would fit in any other units besides theirs. Those are plastic coated.
Posted: 2/2/2006 12:32:12 PM

P: 2/2/2006 1:03:01 PM
DiamondLil Ideal Rock Total Posts: 2,405 Last Post: 6/1/2006 Member Since: 6/8/2003	I finally bit the bullet and ordered a new US for myself. Mine is on it's last leg. I got the GemOro 2 qt. with heat and a 16-ring rack including priority shipping for $215. I'm hoping that's the last US I'll ever buy. Here's the link (thanks to Cflutist): http://www.renterprises.net/catalog/i2.html DiamondLil ________________ "Diamonds are nothing more than chunks of coal that stuck to their jobs."
Posted: 2/2/2006 1:03:01 PM

P: 2/2/2006 1:18:28 PM
cflutist Ideal Rock Total Posts: 1,370 Last Post: 7/20/2006 Member Since: 7/12/2004	DL, Congrats on your purchase. Enjoy !!!!!!
Posted: 2/2/2006 1:18:28 PM

P: 2/2/2006 1:49:38 PM
ame Ideal Rock Total Posts: 3,452 Last Post: 2/7/2006 Member Since: 7/7/2004	I was looking at this AND the sparkle spa: http://www.renterprises.net/catalog/i1.html Would those ring racks fit in both or just the regular gemoro
Posted: 2/2/2006 1:49:38 PM

P: 2/2/2006 5:51:53 PM
noobie Ideal Rock Total Posts: 1,318 Last Post: 9/21/2007 Member Since: 3/3/2004	DL, You won't regret it! Post your thoughts when you get it.
Posted: 2/2/2006 5:51:53 PM

P: 3/20/2006 5:28:33 PM
stermag Cut Rock Total Posts: 433 Last Post: 4/27/2006 Member Since: 11/26/2005	After reading loads of reviews, I decided to pick up an ultrasonic cleaner myself. I've had my ring for only 2 weeks and already I'm starting to notice the gunk that the brush is simply not getting to. Anyway, I thought I'd let everyone know, I picked up a new, 2qt, heated Crest model on eBay for $179.00 incl. shipping. The seller is having a special right now. If you're interested, it's available here. It doesn't come with any racks or baskets, but it's at least 30 dollars cheaper than any place else. Needless to say, I will be sure to post my thoughts on this model.
Posted: 3/20/2006 5:28:33 PM

P: 3/20/2006 5:41:08 PM
Kaleigh Ideal Rock Total Posts: 25,896 Last Post: 11/22/2009 Member Since: 11/18/2004	Date: 3/20/2006 5:28:33 PM Author: stermag After reading loads of reviews, I decided to pick up an ultrasonic cleaner myself. I've had my ring for only 2 weeks and already I'm starting to notice the gunk that the brush is simply not getting to. Anyway, I thought I'd let everyone know, I picked up a new, 2qt, heated Crest model on eBay for $179.00 incl. shipping. The seller is having a special right now. If you're interested, it's available here. It doesn't come with any racks or baskets, but it's at least 30 dollars cheaper than any place else. Needless to say, I will be sure to post my thoughts on this model. I hope you love it as much as I love mine. You got your's for a great price!!! ____________________________ Piece of cake and a candle. ng gift
Posted: 3/20/2006 5:41:08 PM

P: 3/20/2006 6:34:15 PM
stermag Cut Rock Total Posts: 433 Last Post: 4/27/2006 Member Since: 11/26/2005	Kaleigh, I must admit, I read somewhere that you owned one of these (or at least another Crest model)... and I would be lying if I said it didn't factor into my decision. :)
Posted: 3/20/2006 6:34:15 PM

P: 3/20/2006 7:19:25 PM
Kaleigh Ideal Rock Total Posts: 25,896 Last Post: 11/22/2009 Member Since: 11/18/2004	Date: 3/20/2006 6:34:15 PM Author: stermag Kaleigh, I must admit, I read somewhere that you owned one of these (or at least another Crest model)... and I would be lying if I said it didn't factor into my decision. :) There are a lot of threads floating around here on this subject. noobie had the Crest and his opinion swayed me. He is very paticular like me so if he liked it I knew I would. You will love the heat function too. The sound it makes is kind of like a washing machine. Like a swooshing sound. It's not annoying at all. My doggies don't even mind it. ____________________________ Piece of cake and a candle. ng gift
Posted: 3/20/2006 7:19:25 PM

P: 3/20/2006 7:56:33 PM
Dancing Fire Ideal Rock Total Posts: 10,218 Last Post: 11/21/2009 Member Since: 4/3/2004	Date: 3/20/2006 5:28:33 PM Author: stermag After reading loads of reviews, I decided to pick up an ultrasonic cleaner myself. I've had my ring for only 2 weeks and already I'm starting to notice the gunk that the brush is simply not getting to. Anyway, I thought I'd let everyone know, I picked up a new, 2qt, heated Crest model on eBay for $179.00 incl. shipping. The seller is having a special right now. If you're interested, it's available here. It doesn't come with any racks or baskets, but it's at least 30 dollars cheaper than any place else. Needless to say, I will be sure to post my thoughts on this model. stermag congrats,you got a high quality US for an ex price. it is always harder to find a "mind clean" stone than a eye clean stone.
Posted: 3/20/2006 7:56:33 PM

P: 4/9/2006 9:21:57 PM
websailor Ideal Rock Total Posts: 931 Last Post: 4/23/2006 Member Since: 7/11/2004	Stermag, How do you like your new US? I'm sure you've used it a few times by now. ______________________ "Live Free Or Die Death Is Not The Worst of Evils." - General John Stark, a distinguished hero of the Revolutionary War
Posted: 4/9/2006 9:21:57 PM

P: 4/11/2006 6:05:56 PM
stermag Cut Rock Total Posts: 433 Last Post: 4/27/2006 Member Since: 11/26/2005	Websailor - ah, yes, I used it the moment it arrived.... I had been wearing my ring for a month without even attempting to clean it, so that first cycle was like night and day! I was quite impressed with the difference it made. At this point, I use it fairly regularly, usually daily or every other day, so I've come to take for granted how clean my ring is.... It almost begins to feel like the ultrasonic isn't doing anything, but of course if I went even a week without cleaning it, I'd remember very quickly just how good it is... So, in short: I'm very pleased. This is a quality model, and it really feels durable. The only thing I absolutely cannot stand is the noise it makes with the cover on. Somehow, the slight vibration causes the lid and the unit to grind against one another, making this high pitched screaching sound. Unbearable. Of course the solution is quite simple, I keep the cover off :)
Posted: 4/11/2006 6:05:56 PM

P: 4/11/2006 7:04:34 PM
Dancing Fire Ideal Rock Total Posts: 10,218 Last Post: 11/21/2009 Member Since: 4/3/2004	stermag no need to cover when using the US. i only use the cover when heating up the solution. it is always harder to find a "mind clean" stone than a eye clean stone.
Posted: 4/11/2006 7:04:34 PM

P: 4/11/2006 7:09:13 PM
Kaleigh Ideal Rock Total Posts: 25,896 Last Post: 11/22/2009 Member Since: 11/18/2004	The cover just makes it more noisy. I just keep the cover on when I'm not using it so the solution doesn't evaporate. Glad you like it. I am loving mine!!! ____________________________ Piece of cake and a candle. ng gift
Posted: 4/11/2006 7:09:13 PM

P: 4/11/2006 8:46:32 PM
Tool Guy Rough Rock Total Posts: 53 Last Post: 6/18/2007 Member Since: 3/7/2006	Date: 4/9/2006 9:21:57 PM Author: websailor Stermag, How do you like your new US? I'm sure you've used it a few times by now. So many choices, so little time. Crest, Gemoro, Branson....Heat, No heat, Timer, No timer. Do I need a basket? What kind of solution should I buy? How long should I clean my rings? I can help you with any of these questions if you need me to break it all down. Supplier of Jewelers supplies, tools, and equipment. National Jewelers Supplies
Posted: 4/11/2006 8:46:32 PM

P: 4/11/2006 9:55:53 PM
Kaleigh Ideal Rock Total Posts: 25,896 Last Post: 11/22/2009 Member Since: 11/18/2004	Date: 4/11/2006 8:46:32 PM Author: Tool Guy Date: 4/9/2006 9:21:57 PM Author: websailor Stermag, How do you like your new US? I'm sure you've used it a few times by now. So many choices, so little time. Crest, Gemoro, Branson....Heat, No heat, Timer, No timer. Do I need a basket? What kind of solution should I buy? How long should I clean my rings? I can help you with any of these questions if you need me to break it all down. Please give me the best cleaning solution for my ultrasonic. I ordered Gemoro and wasn't thrilled with it. Thanks Tool Guy!! ____________________________ Piece of cake and a candle. ng gift
Posted: 4/11/2006 9:55:53 PM

P: 4/12/2006 10:37:28 AM
Tool Guy Rough Rock Total Posts: 53 Last Post: 6/18/2007 Member Since: 3/7/2006	Date: 4/11/2006 9:55:53 PM Author: kaleigh Date: 4/11/2006 8:46:32 PM Author: Tool Guy Date: 4/9/2006 9:21:57 PM Author: websailor Stermag, How do you like your new US? I'm sure you've used it a few times by now. So many choices, so little time. Crest, Gemoro, Branson....Heat, No heat, Timer, No timer. Do I need a basket? What kind of solution should I buy? How long should I clean my rings? I can help you with any of these questions if you need me to break it all down. Please give me the best cleaning solution for my ultrasonic. I ordered Gemoro and wasn't thrilled with it. Thanks Tool Guy!! Hi kaleigh, I have to be honest I sell a ton of Gemoro solution because it is the least expensive on the market. I have coming in a Jewelry Cleaner by Branson and it does cost a little more but It will will work great on jewelry and rings. They have a whole line of different cleaners for the trade. What ultrasonic are you using? Supplier of Jewelers supplies, tools, and equipment. National Jewelers Supplies
Posted: 4/12/2006 10:37:28 AM

P: 4/12/2006 12:31:48 PM
Kaleigh Ideal Rock Total Posts: 25,896 Last Post: 11/22/2009 Member Since: 11/18/2004	TG, I have the Crest 1 quart Ultrasonic. When is the Branson cleaner going to be available on your site?? The gemoro was cheap that's why I bought it. But doesn't do a whole lot IMHO. ____________________________ Piece of cake and a candle. ng gift
Posted: 4/12/2006 12:31:48 PM

P: 4/12/2006 12:45:41 PM
Tool Guy Rough Rock Total Posts: 53 Last Post: 6/18/2007 Member Since: 3/7/2006	I'm waiting for it as we speak. I should have it by next week. Supplier of Jewelers supplies, tools, and equipment. National Jewelers Supplies
Posted: 4/12/2006 12:45:41 PM

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