Men's Electric Shavers Buying Guide

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Top Product Alert

Braun 360 Complete 

  • A self-cleaning head system keeps your razor squeaky clean.
  • 3-minute quick charge or plug it in for an hour and get 50 minutes of power.
  • The 8995 model has an LCD indicator, rather than LED lights.

Philips Bodygroom 

  • Completely safe for shaving body hair from the neck down.
  • Waterproof, but it can be used wet or dry.
  • Hypoallergenic foil for less irritation.

Are you looking for the smoothest shave possible or just trying to keep your beard from getting overgrown? Perhaps you want to buy an electric shaver for someone as a gift? No matter what your need, there are scores of options available in a variety of price ranges for men seeking to keep their facial hair under control. So lather up that shaving cream  and warm those whiskers! It's time to find the perfect electric shaver. 

Choosing a Shaver

There are three main styles of electric shavers to choose from: single, double and triple-headed. Additionally, there are two kinds of heads: foil and rotating.

Styles

Single Foil 

  • The simplest kind of electric shaver.
  • Some have straight rows of blades, others rotate.
  • Best for medium hair growth and average sensitivity.

Double Foil 

  • Two moving heads = twice the shaving speed!
  • Two heads also ensures a closer shave than a single head.
  • Recommended for coarse growth and sensitive skin.

Triple Head (Rotary) 

  • Three heads are better than two!
  • Good for coarse beards, sensitive skin and longer hair (like on your neck).
  • Very close shave, but hard to clean.
  • Some models dispense lotion. 

Heads

Foil Blades 

  • They move side to side and a thin layer of metal (the foil) protects the face as holes in the foil allow hairs to poke through. This gives you a closer shave and less irritation.
  • Easier to clean than rotary blades.
  • Ideal for sensitive skin.
  • Perfect for someone who shaves everyday.
  • Not suitable for shaving long hair.

Rotary Blades 

  • They use three spinning discs. Some have floating heads to adjust to facial contours so that you can get around those hard to shave spots.
  • These are the best choice for longer hair.
  • The most durable type of shaver.
  • Can be difficult to clean.

Features

  • Accessories
    • Beard Trimmers  and Style Attachments: The more additions, the more costly the unit becomes. Only pay more for these features if they are something that you will really use.
    • Cleaning Base Kits : Saves time and keeps the shaver bacteria-free. This is very important if you have sensitive skin or if you tend to get nicks or cuts that could become infected. 
    • Travel Cases : Only necessary if you travel often with your shaver.
  • Ergonomics and Aesthetics
    • How does it feel in your hand? Will it be easy to use?
    • Do the heads flex so that they can curve over the contours of your face?
    • Will the unit look nice on your sink or will it stick out like a sore thumb?
    • Does the shaver appear to have a good weight and sturdy construction? If you drop it will it hold up?
  • Power Supply
    • Rechargeable  models are often of the cordless variety. Cordless  models are convenient when shaving because you have more mobility. Nonetheless, you'll have to make sure that the shaver stays fully charged to get the optimum power from it.
    • Keep in mind how long it will take to fully charge the unit.
    • Look for models with a quick charge feature. In five minutes, you can power up your shaver to get in a shave when you are pressed for time and the battery is dead.
    • Corded shavers are sometimes a nuisance because the cord gets in the way. However, you can always be assured that the unit will work at full-throttle.
    • Does the unit or the base station have a low battery/charging/fully charged indicator?
    • Does the package include a multi-plug set for use in other countries?
  • Wet/Dry Option
    • Can it be used in the shower? Most models claim to be wet/dry machines, but often the wet feature doesn't give any better results than the dry feature.
    • Can it be fully submerged for cleaning?
    • Does the unit provide a lotion dispenser? This can actually clog the apparatus and make it harder to clean.
  • Upkeep
    • Is the unit easy to clean?
    • How often will you have to replace the heads?
    • What will the heads and blades cost to replace?

Stellar Shavers

Below you'll find some of the top-rated models on ConsumerSearch.com and About.com, so check them out and see which one is best for you.

Panasonic Vortex HydraClean System 

This razor has a pivoting head and a solution with water inside it to keep the razor clean and the blades lubricated while shaving.

Norelco 8020X Nivea Conditioner Dispenser 

This model dispenses a conditioner before shaving that helps you achieve smoother results. Designed with a system that tracks the curves of your face for less nicks and cuts.

Panasonic ES4026C MB Pro-Curve Double Blade Men's Shaver Gift Set 

This set comes with a wet/dry men's shaver and nose hair trimmer. Also comes with a pop-up trimmer for grooming and can be fully submerged in water.

Norelco 1050 Arcitec Razor 

This razor is styled with three different heads that can flex in various directions for a closer shave. Also designed with a cutting system that will catch any hair no matter what the length.

Shaver vs. Razor Debate

Anyone who has compared an electric shaver  and a normal razor  knows that the type of shave you get from a blade is far closer than that of anything electronic. Despite advances in technology, the case remains that electric shavers simply won't get your face as smooth as a baby's bottom. Nonetheless, some people are not after that effect. Instead, those who normally get ingrown hairs, razor bumps, or cuts and nicks will enjoy that an electric razor doesn't shave down to the skin. Also keep in mind that an electric shaver is perfect for people on-the-go since they allow you to shave dry, something impossible to pull off with a razor.

Related Guides

Facial Cleansers for Men

Hair Care

Shaving Kits

Shaving Lubricant

Aftershave

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