But if you prefer a rotary-style shaver, we recommend the Philips Norelco Shaver , which includes a cleaning system. Like the Braun models, these shavers are marketed in series. It shaves the same as the does. The can be unwieldy. For starters, the trimmer is a separate attachment that requires removing the floating head. Because of their shape, Philips Norelco razors need to be held in the cleaning base by a kind of stalk-like support, which means an extra step of inserting the razor.
The requires annual cutter replacement. Dan has been using this razor near-daily since , and it still performs well. Its shave has remained close and comfortable and is still strong enough to mow through multiple days of growth when needed. An electric razor needs break-in time—not for the razor, but for your face. Is it your face? Your shaving style? The razor itself? We did a literature search and found no independent, non-industry-supported research on the topic, though judging from our experience, the break-in period is real.
Most electric shaver makers offer advice on how to get the optimal shave. Unfortunately, that advice sometimes conflicts. Braun, for example, suggests shaving first thing in the morning. Our testers used different techniques.
Dan has dabbled with electric razors most of his adult life, and his technique is based mostly on saving time. But with an electric shaver, he waits to shave during a calmer moment midmorning. No matter when you shave, be sure to follow some basic-technique tips. The magic ingredient in most pre-shaves is isopropyl myristate, a synthetic oil created by compounding alcohol and a fatty acid. Combined, the two provide lubrication the substance is also a key ingredient in Liquid Wrench without a greasy feeling, so claims that they help an electric razor to glide are probably credible.
His preferred pre-shave, Kyoku for Men Electric Pre-Shave Optimizer, contains that key ingredient, which he says does make his skin feel smoother and more taut for shaving. You can use shavers in the shower, but a dry face is generally recommended to get the smoothest electric shave.
We found that using shaving cream made for a foil-clogging, extra-gooey experience. Most shavers are rinsable, and you can easily clean them under water with a quick brush of the foils.
Some, like the Braun Series 7 models we recommend, come with cleaning stations. Most shavers come with some kind of case or shaving-head protector. We first tested the Panasonic Arc5 in , then tried it again against our top pick, the Braun Series 7 , in This top-of-the-line Panasonic shaver includes a total of five blades—a quartet of foils and a single oscillating lift-and-cut center trimmer.
The Arc5 is quieter than the Series 7, but the noise it does make is much higher pitched, which some may find annoying. But neither outperformed our budget pick. Braun offers a Series 8 shaver at select retailers, and that version sells for less than a Series 7 usually does. However, one member of our test panel has been using a series model for years, and they still love it, even after trying much more expensive models.
Unlike our picks, the lightweight Andis ProFoil Lithium Titanium Foil Shaver is not waterproof, and it is warrantied for only one year whereas all of our picks are covered for two. Both of these models dip significantly beneath that waterline, though the Kemei gets a few goofball style points because it 1 has a fake, stitched-leather finish; 2 looks like an oversize cigarette lighter; and 3 has a built-in mirror.
Is it an electric razor or an electric shaver? And manufacturers prefer the term shaver —every model we tested for this guide is described as such on its packaging. But some people seem to prefer calling them electric razors. Braun 60 days : Mail in a form PDF. Philips 45 days : Request a form from customer service by calling Remington 60 days : Mail in a form. Panasonic 30 days : Request authorization via phone, Dan Koeppel is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter.
He specializes in deep dives on topics ranging from treadmills to razors. James Austin is an updates writer who has worked on everything Wirecutter covers, from board games to umbrellas, and after being here for a few years he has gained approximate knowledge of many things.
In his free time he enjoys taking photos, listening to podcasts, and volunteering for a youth robotics competition. Our pick. Whether to wet shave or to dry shave is a question that men have struggled with since … well, the invention of the electric shaver.
In blade shaving, the hair of the beard is cut with a single stroke of the blade. With an electric shaver, the hair is cut between two blades like the motion of scissors. The Basics of Wet Shaving. Blade shaving and the Hysteresis Effect.
This means a close shave can be accomplished; when precisely engineered, this provides a comfortable shave. The Basics of Dry Electric Shaving. The shaver presses down on the skin and moves it, like a ship creating a bow wave.
Let's face it: The drawbacks of using an electric shaver far outweigh the benefits. First, let's examine the benefits of electric shaving.
Many men prefer the ease and convenience of electric shaving to any other kind, noting the minimal cleanup and considerably less amount of time needed to devote to the ritual.
There's also no requirement to purchase any sort of replacement blades or cartridges, and you don't have to fuss about with water. Unfortunately, the list of negatives is much longer. Electric shavers can be painful on longer hair, and they don't give anywhere near as close a shave. Often, you have to go over one patch of hair multiple times, and you'll still look like you have shadow. They also are more prone to making small nicks on your skin, leading to razor bumps and acne.
You may think that these are only problems of the cheaper electrics, but when Art of Manliness tried out some of the most expensive electric razors on the market in , they found many of the same exact same issues I outlined above. Save yourself the trouble and shave with a traditional straight-edge or cartridge razor — you'll be better off.
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